I've been loading on a single stage of my brother's, but I really like the idea of a turret, I know I want the classic not the value press. What I don't fully understand is this: I see the double disk kit and the autodisk rifle riser add ons.....what do I need to load rifle shells from .223 up to .338 wm and .300 rum? I have the dies etc, I'm looking for specific modifications required to load more than handgun cartridges and there are other presses out there but I can't find a reason not to use Lee and it's in my budget range.
Lee turret press question
- Thread starter horsey300
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I load rifle rounds on that Lee turret but gave up on the disk powder measure many years ago. I installed a drum measure (Redding BR) and it is far superior. It doesn't dispense powder automatically like the case-activated units but that's not a problem on a turret. I don't remember where I got the adapter but you can find it on a search OR you might try the new improved Lee drum measure. I bet Lee has adapter available already.
I have a riser to lift the powder measure above the other dies. I bet you'll make use of that with any powder measure.
Also l quit using the primer feed. The primer seater works great, I just put primers on the priming pin one by one rather than the primer feed Lee makes for the turret.
Also l quit using the primer feed. The primer seater works great, I just put primers on the priming pin one by one rather than the primer feed Lee makes for the turret.
Lee now has a drum dispenser. It allows for complete adjustability, as opposed to the stepped approach of the disks... I don't know whether it has the volume to handle the powder loads you'd be talking about in some of those big whompers, though.
thank you much!
quick clarification.... up till now i've been using dippers and dribblers.....does the drum have a setting (from either manufacturer) or do you manually measure charges??? *edit* obviously i'd measure a few for consistency etc, but do i measure each charge? (as i do in a single stage operation)**
quick clarification.... up till now i've been using dippers and dribblers.....does the drum have a setting (from either manufacturer) or do you manually measure charges??? *edit* obviously i'd measure a few for consistency etc, but do i measure each charge? (as i do in a single stage operation)**
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alexcue
Member
The Lee Auto-Drum has drums that you can setup for pistol or rifle charges. I'm afraid I don't know the highest capacity of the rifle setup, but they are very consistent. The consistency really depends on the type of powder you are using. I've used BE-86 and W231 with very good success. Even Unique doesn't seem to vary more than +/- .1 grain. (sometimes you have to play with the tension of the drum.)
PS, the manual says up to 80grains, but I'm pretty sure it's going to vary by the the powder density. You measure the drop on a scale, if that's what you mean. Once you have it set to your desired amount, it shouldn't vary by that much.
PS, the manual says up to 80grains, but I'm pretty sure it's going to vary by the the powder density. You measure the drop on a scale, if that's what you mean. Once you have it set to your desired amount, it shouldn't vary by that much.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I have been using a Pro Auto-Disk for 11 years now and I use it for handgun and .223 ammo. I use the double-disk for loading the .223. Anything larger doesn't work well. When loading rifle cartridges like the 30-06 I use a Lyman #55 off press. Even when using the turret press I batch load rifle cartridges. (other than the .223) When loading the .223 I still don't go from start to end because I need to process primer pockets and lube the cases for sizing. It's just nice to have all the dies setup on a turret ready to use as I need them.
that's precisely what i mean thank you that is really cool for a guy with dippers and tricklers as far as production rates, i don't need progressive rates but between my varmint/predator usage and other target/scope/green shooter learning sessions, single stage is much too demanding, and i don't want to give up performance in the tradeoff.....around 300 rds of dominantly .223/.243 every week and a half (give or take) while still working up new loads and/or helping dad or brother with their jumbo loads (my .300 wm gets better every time i help them hahahahaha)
I have been reloading with the "Deluxe" Lee turret for mebbe 14 years. I reload everything from 9mm through 7.62x54 and 30-06. I don't use my press like a "semi-progressive" and charge separately so I have no problems adapting a powder measure to my press. I like K.I.S.S.!
Get the Lee auto drum measure and the Lee powder charging dies extensions.
You will be able to reloading anything from tiny handgun calibers to big rifle.
The also sell extra rotors/drums if you want to keep some set to specific powder charges.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/803372/lee-auto-drum-powder-measure
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/318047/lee-powder-charging-die-kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/261897/lee-quick-change-powder-measure-drum-set
You will be able to reloading anything from tiny handgun calibers to big rifle.
The also sell extra rotors/drums if you want to keep some set to specific powder charges.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/803372/lee-auto-drum-powder-measure
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/318047/lee-powder-charging-die-kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/261897/lee-quick-change-powder-measure-drum-set
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I would love to change over to the Lee Auto-Drum system but I have so much invested in the Pro Auto-Disk I just want see doing it.
I have a Pro-Auto-Disk with two hopper assemblises.
I have the Double-Disk set.
Three sets of disks.
The Micro-Disk.
Two Adjustable Charge Bars.
Maybe something else but I don't remember. I invested a lot to go in another direction.
I have a Pro-Auto-Disk with two hopper assemblises.
I have the Double-Disk set.
Three sets of disks.
The Micro-Disk.
Two Adjustable Charge Bars.
Maybe something else but I don't remember. I invested a lot to go in another direction.
This was six months ago maybe, I have added more die sets/Auto-Drums, Inline Fabrication turret holders, and more primer feeders.
Not to mention a case prep center etc.
I'm not bragging at all I just want to show the OP what can be done with the LEE system and how the turrets can be changed out quickly for doing short runs. I usually load the night before I go to the range.
Not to mention a case prep center etc.
I'm not bragging at all I just want to show the OP what can be done with the LEE system and how the turrets can be changed out quickly for doing short runs. I usually load the night before I go to the range.
The drums are infinitely adjustable. So you will prime your case so the powder doesn't run out of it, then run some test dumps to set powder charge. If you are asking HOW the powder dumps, there is a riser inside of the "powder through expander" die that when the case is rammed into the die it raises a bushing that rotates the drum and dumps the charge!
Dudedog
Contributing Member
The autodrum (disk) drops powder thru the Lee Rifle powder thru die, you need to get one (for rifle), then the case drops the powder.
Lee pistol die sets come with the powder thru/expander die for that pistol caliber.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...owder-charging-die-long-22-caliber-and-larger
Good idea to pick up one of these as well
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/114080/lee-auto-disk-powder-measure-riser
I use the double disk kit for loading .223 with my Lee Pro disk and still do, I also use my Lee autodrum.
I would buy the autodrum, excellent value for the money IMO.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/803372/lee-auto-drum-powder-measure
Nice setup SARuger,
Is the TV/Monitor to check powder charges with a camera?
Lee pistol die sets come with the powder thru/expander die for that pistol caliber.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...owder-charging-die-long-22-caliber-and-larger
Good idea to pick up one of these as well
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/114080/lee-auto-disk-powder-measure-riser
I use the double disk kit for loading .223 with my Lee Pro disk and still do, I also use my Lee autodrum.
I would buy the autodrum, excellent value for the money IMO.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/803372/lee-auto-drum-powder-measure
Nice setup SARuger,
Is the TV/Monitor to check powder charges with a camera?
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1KPerDay
Member
Lee universal rifle charging die.
Yes the Lee pistol dies come with powder through die BUT if you use the Lee safety prime and prime on the press you will need a long or long and short riser to get the powder measure up above the the priming unit. Which is why I suggested the powder die kit, I have one for pistol cases and one for rifle 223 and 308
As Arch mentioned I also have all the other disc measures, double disc, charge bar etc but the new powder measure was $35 so to me it was well worth it, much less hassle than double discs or settling for what the disc threw.
As Arch mentioned I also have all the other disc measures, double disc, charge bar etc but the new powder measure was $35 so to me it was well worth it, much less hassle than double discs or settling for what the disc threw.
Nope, nothing that fancy, just something to watch while I case prep. I have found case prep (for rifle) takes way more of my time than the actual reloading does.
Handgun, or any straight wall cartridge is simple.
I do have a cheap "dollar store" LED book lamp clamped to the press to keep an eye on my magnum loads (.44mag/.357mag).
Reefinmike
Member
Using fine ball powders, i get +/- .3gr with the autodisk in the 25gr range. In the 45gr range i would see +/- .6gr. I didnt like that so i bought the new autodrum measure and saw no improvement. I trickle weigh all my 500 mag charges but everything else i load using 16gr or less powder meters very consistently .1gr max variation with the autodisk. I personally dont like the autodrum measure.
1KPerDay
Member
things you need if you want to load rifle on LCT:
rifle charging die
riser
powder measure compatible with system... so either Lee pro auto disc (with double disc kit) or another measure that is activated by the charging die/riser.
OR you can run another brand and just throw the charge manually while the brass is in that stage. OR you can remove the brass from the press and charge it on a separate bench mounted powder measure. Sometimes I do this, and sometimes I use the double disc kit. You have much more flexibility in charges with the Lee drum or charging off the press with a redding or rcbs or another powder measure that allows infinite variability. The PAD is great for handguns (if your chosen charges fall in the steps provided by the discs) but for rifle the combinations of discs may get you close but often not the exact charge you want. My vote is for the drum though I have never tried it.
LED or other light is now an essential for me. I got the one from http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/lighting
and I like it a lot.
As noted above, the vast majority of time spent loading rifle is in case prep. Lubing, sizing, primer pocket reaming/uniforming/cleaning, tumbling again, trimming, case gauging (if shooting autos), etc.
If you have the brass already prepped you CAN prime, charge/flare, seat and crimp on the LCT and the actual loading process goes quick like a bunny. It's all the prep that takes all the time.
rifle charging die
riser
powder measure compatible with system... so either Lee pro auto disc (with double disc kit) or another measure that is activated by the charging die/riser.
OR you can run another brand and just throw the charge manually while the brass is in that stage. OR you can remove the brass from the press and charge it on a separate bench mounted powder measure. Sometimes I do this, and sometimes I use the double disc kit. You have much more flexibility in charges with the Lee drum or charging off the press with a redding or rcbs or another powder measure that allows infinite variability. The PAD is great for handguns (if your chosen charges fall in the steps provided by the discs) but for rifle the combinations of discs may get you close but often not the exact charge you want. My vote is for the drum though I have never tried it.
LED or other light is now an essential for me. I got the one from http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/lighting
and I like it a lot.
As noted above, the vast majority of time spent loading rifle is in case prep. Lubing, sizing, primer pocket reaming/uniforming/cleaning, tumbling again, trimming, case gauging (if shooting autos), etc.
If you have the brass already prepped you CAN prime, charge/flare, seat and crimp on the LCT and the actual loading process goes quick like a bunny. It's all the prep that takes all the time.
@SARuger.... Very nicely done. You've definitely taken the CTP to it's full potential.. dang.
@horsey300
I recently purchased a Lee Classic Turret Press ("recently", as in it's getting delivered today) so that I can retire my Rockchucker from loading rounds that I don't load in volume. I've found some very good YouTube videos along the way, giving great information about the Lee Classic Turret Press. They should help a lot with understanding how the press works, and how the different powder measures (auto disk, auto drum, etc) work with the press. There's also one on caliber changing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwYwAEHc4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GwIS1pZpwo
The following video is part 1 of 4. I'll only link the first one. If you get a chance, check out all four of them, as well as the other Lee Classic Turret Press videos done by TreeTopFlier. They are all top notch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Blrss9lRU&index=5&list=FLN27kUXXgJbCRQw3vcZzaZw
This one is specific to the Lee Auto Drum powder measure. The author is a great guy, but a little long winded. It is worth watching it all the way through, though, as he thoroughly explains the Auto Drum measure. I couldn't decide between getting one of the Auto Disk measures, or the Auto Drum. This video helped me make the decision; I got the Auto Drum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOWbfGFb3dw
After watching those videos, it'll make more sense as to why you need a riser underneath your powder measure on the LCT... As the turret head moves around, if you don't have a riser under it, it'll hit the Safety Prime system. Watching the press in action makes it clear.
Edit: for those thinking "I thought Phlier got a Dillon 1050??" Yup, I did. I got the LCT so I could retire the rock chucker for the calibers I won't be doing on the 1050.
@horsey300
I recently purchased a Lee Classic Turret Press ("recently", as in it's getting delivered today) so that I can retire my Rockchucker from loading rounds that I don't load in volume. I've found some very good YouTube videos along the way, giving great information about the Lee Classic Turret Press. They should help a lot with understanding how the press works, and how the different powder measures (auto disk, auto drum, etc) work with the press. There's also one on caliber changing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwYwAEHc4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GwIS1pZpwo
The following video is part 1 of 4. I'll only link the first one. If you get a chance, check out all four of them, as well as the other Lee Classic Turret Press videos done by TreeTopFlier. They are all top notch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Blrss9lRU&index=5&list=FLN27kUXXgJbCRQw3vcZzaZw
This one is specific to the Lee Auto Drum powder measure. The author is a great guy, but a little long winded. It is worth watching it all the way through, though, as he thoroughly explains the Auto Drum measure. I couldn't decide between getting one of the Auto Disk measures, or the Auto Drum. This video helped me make the decision; I got the Auto Drum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOWbfGFb3dw
After watching those videos, it'll make more sense as to why you need a riser underneath your powder measure on the LCT... As the turret head moves around, if you don't have a riser under it, it'll hit the Safety Prime system. Watching the press in action makes it clear.
Edit: for those thinking "I thought Phlier got a Dillon 1050??" Yup, I did. I got the LCT so I could retire the rock chucker for the calibers I won't be doing on the 1050.
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Doh.. that's not good to hear. Mine arrives today. I watched a few videos about the Auto-Drum, and after hearing good things about it, decided to go with it instead of one of the Auto-Disks.
What is it you don't like about it?
I realize that it's made out of pot metal and plastic, but even so, the price just can't be beat, and guys are saying that with fine powders it delivers very consistent charging, with no powder seeping out of it like with the auto-disks.
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