Fourbits
Member
A common question on any forum that covers reloading is “What do I do now – I want to start reloading”. The following is a pitch for starting with the Lee Turret Press if you are interested in bullets for pistols and/or revolvers. It includes comments on using other Lee equipment – The Lee Auto Prime and Auto Disk Measure. I’d love to see comments by people reloading rifle ammo. What’s the best starting equipment for rifle ammo?
Equipment:
Lee Turret Auto Index Press w/dies
Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure
Lee Auto Prime w/set of shell holders
Four hole Turret (One for each caliber)
Why?
The Lee reloading equipment works and is reasonably priced.
If combined with the auto prime and the auto disk I think it’s the safest for a new reloader. Priming as a separate operation, with the Lee Auto Prime, allows you to inspect the case and “feel” the primer seat. The Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure is a safe a way to load powder and should prevent the dreaded “double charge”. The turret rotates with each step. Many experienced reloaders recommend a single stage press for the beginner. I think the turret press is a better bet as it almost eliminates the possibility of a double charge or a case without powder. In addition it produces many more rounds/hour.
For background, here’s my process for reloading.
1. Size and de-prime in press. (Remove shaft to prevent rotation)
2. Clean cases in a vibratory cleaner.
3. Prime with auto prime.
4. With Lee Auto Index Turret Press:
a. Expand case and load powder with auto disk.
b. Seat bullet. (Adjust die so it doesn’t crimp.)
c. Taper crimp for pistols and roll crimp for revolvers. (I highly recommend a taper crimp for 45ACP)
Using this process I can reload approximately 150 to 200 rounds per hour. For the sport shooter this is reasonably fast. The rotating turret allows the beginner to make ammunition quickly and see the results of their investment.
To me the major advantage of reloading is adjusting the charge, and thus recoil, to your liking. For example, I shoot a lot of 44 magnum with loads just a little over 44 special loads. (7.0 grains of Winchester 231 with a 200 grain LRNFP bullet.) This provides a great shooting revolver without the pain! In addition it’s a great hobby and shooting bullets you made increases your shooting enjoyment.
Hints & Tips
1. Every 500 rounds or so clean the press and lube the ram.
2. Lubricate the turret with a dry film lubricant. (I use “White Lightning” sold in bicycle stores for bicycle chains.) I think this lube prevents the most common problem with the Lee Turret Press – failure of the rotating mechanism.
3. Use a four hole turret. This allows a separate die to taper or roll crimp.
4. During the reloading process, with a four hole turret, you need a extra stroke to skip the size/de-prime die. This gives you time to pick up the next case for reloading.
5. Develop a rhythm. This assures that each die stops where it should!
6. I do not recommend the Lee Pro Auto-Disk powder measure for the beginner. One of its features is the ability to shut off powder flow, introducing the possibility of cases without powder.
7. Buy a turret for each caliber loaded. The turrets for the Lee are cheap and having one for each caliber makes change over from caliber to caliber easy and quick.
Note: I have no affiliation with Lee. I have been using a turret press for many years to reload 9mm, 38 special, 357 magnum, 44 special, 44 magnum, and 45 ACP. As a once a week sport shooter it provides plenty of ammunition for my needs. A competition shooter, with a need for a thousand or more rounds a month, will need a Dillon or some other faster press.
Equipment:
Lee Turret Auto Index Press w/dies
Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure
Lee Auto Prime w/set of shell holders
Four hole Turret (One for each caliber)
Why?
The Lee reloading equipment works and is reasonably priced.
If combined with the auto prime and the auto disk I think it’s the safest for a new reloader. Priming as a separate operation, with the Lee Auto Prime, allows you to inspect the case and “feel” the primer seat. The Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure is a safe a way to load powder and should prevent the dreaded “double charge”. The turret rotates with each step. Many experienced reloaders recommend a single stage press for the beginner. I think the turret press is a better bet as it almost eliminates the possibility of a double charge or a case without powder. In addition it produces many more rounds/hour.
For background, here’s my process for reloading.
1. Size and de-prime in press. (Remove shaft to prevent rotation)
2. Clean cases in a vibratory cleaner.
3. Prime with auto prime.
4. With Lee Auto Index Turret Press:
a. Expand case and load powder with auto disk.
b. Seat bullet. (Adjust die so it doesn’t crimp.)
c. Taper crimp for pistols and roll crimp for revolvers. (I highly recommend a taper crimp for 45ACP)
Using this process I can reload approximately 150 to 200 rounds per hour. For the sport shooter this is reasonably fast. The rotating turret allows the beginner to make ammunition quickly and see the results of their investment.
To me the major advantage of reloading is adjusting the charge, and thus recoil, to your liking. For example, I shoot a lot of 44 magnum with loads just a little over 44 special loads. (7.0 grains of Winchester 231 with a 200 grain LRNFP bullet.) This provides a great shooting revolver without the pain! In addition it’s a great hobby and shooting bullets you made increases your shooting enjoyment.
Hints & Tips
1. Every 500 rounds or so clean the press and lube the ram.
2. Lubricate the turret with a dry film lubricant. (I use “White Lightning” sold in bicycle stores for bicycle chains.) I think this lube prevents the most common problem with the Lee Turret Press – failure of the rotating mechanism.
3. Use a four hole turret. This allows a separate die to taper or roll crimp.
4. During the reloading process, with a four hole turret, you need a extra stroke to skip the size/de-prime die. This gives you time to pick up the next case for reloading.
5. Develop a rhythm. This assures that each die stops where it should!
6. I do not recommend the Lee Pro Auto-Disk powder measure for the beginner. One of its features is the ability to shut off powder flow, introducing the possibility of cases without powder.
7. Buy a turret for each caliber loaded. The turrets for the Lee are cheap and having one for each caliber makes change over from caliber to caliber easy and quick.
Note: I have no affiliation with Lee. I have been using a turret press for many years to reload 9mm, 38 special, 357 magnum, 44 special, 44 magnum, and 45 ACP. As a once a week sport shooter it provides plenty of ammunition for my needs. A competition shooter, with a need for a thousand or more rounds a month, will need a Dillon or some other faster press.
