Lee Classic Turret Press owners?

[lckdnldd]

A fellow handloader and forum member and I were disusing our Lee Classic Turret Presses the other night and the question arose about how it seemed from reading the forums that most hanloaders that use the LCTP have disabled the indexing function and turn the press by hand. We thought it wouldmight make an interesting question for a poll and so here it is.

Comments are welcome.

 

[lckdnldd]

I work each station separately so I removed the indexing rod and turn it by hand one operation at a time for a chosen amount of cartridges. I am in no hurry and for me it is safer as I can inspect all powder charges and all primers for comparison.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I voted I use the auto-index feature but actually I use it most times. When I load rifle ammo on that press I remove the auto-index rod and treat it as a single stage but with all the dies already set up. I voted Yes because I mainly load handgun ammo on that press. I also have a RCBS Rockchucker and a Forsters Co-Ax.

 

[ljnowell]

I've always used mine with the auto index feature. It makes for a much faster process.

 

[fiftybmg]

I use the press for rifle reloading, with the index removed.

The press is extremely well built, IMO the best press Lee has ever produced.

I find it very convenient to have the rifle dies pre-set in the turret, and the stroke is plenty long enough.

 

[GBExpat]

Both ways, depending upon the task.

I do not remove the index rod, I simply change the position of the handle since I think that is potentially less problematic.

EDIT:

½" wrench ... loosen bolt, align marks & splines, tighten bolt, done.

 

[drband]

I use the "reverse" index rod and load for handgun cartridges only. Fast and trouble free.

 

[lckdnldd]

Thanks for the responses. Very interesting.

 

[Dudedog]

Have the delux turret. Diabled indexing when I broke the little plastic index piece. Ordered more but got used to just flipping it with my left hand while i was waiting for them to show up.

 

[Oldman1151]

I loaded my first rounds as a single stage to learn the process which was good for learning. I did not care for all of the handling and tried loading using the auto indexing and like that much better. I can still easily see the powder in each case and find it a lot more efficient. I am loading pistol rounds only.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Yep, auto-indexing is one of the best features.

Lost Sheep

 

[fatal wound]

It is disabled at this time but will enable when the time comes.

 

[IlikeSA]

I have a deluxe and sometimes use it, sometimes don't, but I never disable it.

I size and knock primers out as a batch, pulling the handle all the way and lowering it mostly, but not all the way, to keep it from turning.

 

[kwg020]

The plastic piece broke on mine as well. It's been gone for several years. I may replace it but not anytime soon.
kwg

 

[smovlov]

Other... If everything is dialed in then I index. If I'm batch loading like a single stage then I don't.

Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't.

 

[rskent]

Mine is disabled. I use it for batch loading calibers that I don't load as often.

I use a lock n load AP for the pistol calibers that I shoot a lot.

 

[berettaprofessor]

For those who broke the plastic piece, I recently ordered spares direct from Lee for 50 cents apiece and got them in 3days. Other venues asked as much as $4 each.

Drband, what is "the reverse rod"?

 

[JohnMc]

Like others have said, either, depending on the task.
Though mine's been OK, I have a couple spare little plastic indexing squares twist-tied to the press.
I misplaced the rod, bought a new one and then found the old one when we moved a few months ago... Lee didn't have any of the square nuts in stock, as it turns out, they're a standard size that can be found in Lowes, so now I have 5 of them for less than the online price of one.

 

[RealGun]

If you reverse or move the turret in general while in midstroke, the turret is free, and you won't break the indexing thingy. Without that trick, I am sure I might remove the indexing too, rather than full strokes enough to bring the turret back around to where I need it.

 

[RandyP]

I upgraded from the Lee Breechlock single stage to their Classic turret to gain the increased output, so I auto-index always. I still use the SS for rifle sizing/depriming and trimming.

 

[greyling22]

Like others have said, either, depending on the task.
Though mine's been OK, I have a couple spare little plastic indexing squares twist-tied to the press.
I misplaced the rod, bought a new one and then found the old one when we moved a few months ago... Lee didn't have any of the square nuts in stock, as it turns out, they're a standard size that can be found in Lowes, so now I have 5 of them for less than the online price of one.

wait what?!?! expand upon this please.

 

[sfed]

I use the auto indexing for everything but longer rifle cases such as 30-06, 308. For the rest of my reloading I use the auto index provision. The longer rifle cases will not allow the use of the auto index, as the turret spins, the case interferes with the rotation of the turret.

 

[Bigdog57]

Early on I had problems getting the indexing to work properly, so I took it off. Lost it long ago, and never missed it. I do ONE operation at a time for the entire batch/box of ammo, then go to the next operation. Being an old Mainframe Batch Programmer, this is just natural for me.
I also prefer to prime by hand tool, not on the press, so the loading will get interrupted. I am never in a hurry, and usually do not load huge batches.
Just the way I roll...... Has worked for fifteen years.
My primary reason for using the turret press is to have a complete separate turret for each caliber I load, 19 at last count. It becomes a quick "Plug&Play" process.

 

[splattergun]

auto indexing is the heart of the press and it's speed. And it is so bloody simple! I use it most of the time, only removing it when I want to make minor adjustment to a die or when working up a load.

 

[double bogey]

I both, depending on what I'm doing. Still load a couple of calibers on the classic turret. High volume calibers go on the 650XL. Use the turret to work up loads. I will always have a classic turret press on my bench. Also will always have a single stage on my bench.