Lee Turret Press Users - Help Me Out Here

[Foto Joe]

I currently use a Lee Single Stage for both smokeless and Black Powder cartridges. I'm getting tired of this thing for stuff like 9mm and would like to add a Classic Turret to the bench to speed up loading for the auto.

I'm leaning towards the Lee Classic Turret kit from MidwayUSA simply because it includes the Auto-Disk powder measure and it's on sale for $109.99 plus shipping. I don't need all the "stuff" it comes with other than the Auto-Disk powder measure but the cost of that alone justifies the kit in my mind. I'd like the Pro Auto-Disk but I figure that for now the standard one that comes with the kit will do.

I plan on ordering an extra turret so I can use it for 9mm & 38 Special. I'll continue to use the single stage for Black Powder.

I want to make sure that I don't forget something important here so additional suggestions would be appreciated. I already have all the dies I need and a Lee Safety Prime system from the single stage.

 

[1KPerDay]

You say "classic turret press" in your link but the link goes to the "Deluxe turret press", which is NOT the one you want, IMO.

The "Classic" turret press has a hollow ram and a primer collection tube. That's the one you want.

I would get this one
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=814175

and the PRO auto-disk powder measure+riser.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=348753

 

[Naear88]

I agree go with the Classic Turret check out Kempf gun shop Sue will get you fixed up. They have a "Kit" great people to deal with!
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

 

[Claude Clay]

gonna guess you ment the classic turret--and that you have small tools and dodads that come in handy for the gremlins. most are trouble free out of the box. some need a bit of fine tuning for the primer swing arm to align proper ( usually a washer or 2 to raise it up) and a popsical stick (on the base)to assist the primer anvil in its return to vertical.

good luck & some nice pics your posted from your trips.

 

[dsv424]

Here is the link to the Kempf kit that would be ideal for your needs. Comes with everything you need except a scale. Really nice people to deal with. Got mine from them 3 years ago and I still go back for dies and turrets when I get new toys to reload for. https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

 

[1KPerDay]

I was going to recommend the kempf kit (which is what I got) but the OP said he didn't want the other stuff that comes with it.

It's a great deal if you're starting out, IMO.

The kempf kit would make sense if you got a new caliber, like .45 ACP or something, with large primers. That way you'd only have one extra small primer safety prime that you could sell or give away... but the die set, turret press, auto disc (get the PRO upgrade) and ammo boxes would come in handy.

 

[griff383]

Make sure you have one of these on hand:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=178889

Youll be glad you do when the one thats in the turret wears out halfway into a session.

Great press for the money, I have since upgraded from mine but still have it because I learned so much from it and loaded alot of rounds.

 

[ljnowell]

You should definately keep a few ratchets on hand. Once you get used to the press and making full even strokes the ratchets seem to last forever though. I would recomend buying them from factory sales though, I bought ten of them from them for the price of two from midway.

 

[rondog]

What ruins the ratchets is turning the turret by hand when it's all the way down. If you need to turn the turret by hand (I do frequently), raise the ram about halfway first and it won't hurt the ratchet.

 

[Jake in TX]

I believe this is what you will want:

Classic Turret 94.99

Pro Auto Disk 37.99

Auto Disk Powder Measure Riser 7.49

Auto-Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar 9.99

Auto-Disk Powder Measure Swivel Adapter 5.59

These are Midway's prices as of 05/18/2011. The riser will get the Auto Disk up above the other dies and the safety prime, and the swivel adapter will allow you to easily move the Auto Disk as desired. The adjustable charge bar works great for amounts of powder less than about 7cc. I use it to great benefit for 5.0 grains of Bullseye for .45 ACP. I think you would find it does very well for your 9mm.

Jake in TX

 

[ljnowell]

What ruins the ratchets is turning the turret by hand when it's all the way down. If you need to turn the turret by hand (I do frequently), raise the ram about halfway first and it won't hurt the ratchet.

Yep, you hit the nail on the head. When I first got mine I ruined the first ratchet in about an hour. the second one took a few weeks. The third one a year or so until a friend used it. I dont anticipate needing a new one for a long time now, but I keep them on hand, just in case.

 

[sellersm]

+1 for the Kempf kit!

You definitely don't want the aluminum-based regular turret model...

 

[wild willy]

What wrong with the aluminum based one for loading handgun rounds? I have one thats loaded thousands of rounds and other than an alignment problem when it was a three hole I have had no problems.Check over a MO you will find a member who has loaded over 700,000 rounds on his

 

[giggitygiggity]

Make sure that you have the powder die so that you can screw the Auto Disc Powder Measurer into the turrett. I generally use Lee Deluxe Carbide Pistol Die sets that come with a powder die. If you are reloading rifle ammo, you will want to buy the Lee Rifle Charging Die. I also suggest buying a turrett for every caliber that you plan on reloading on that press. Just screw the dies into the turretts and you can quickly change from one caliber to the next. Other than that, you should be all set.

 

[1KPerDay]

Make sure that you have the powder die so that you can screw the Auto Disc Powder Measurer into the turrett.

Excellent point. You need the Lee 'powder through expander die" for your pistol caliber/s if you don't have it already.

 

[mdemetz]

Pro Auto Disk 37.99
Auto-Disk Powder Measure Swivel Adapter 5.59

I believe the latter is included in the Pro model.

 

[dickttx]

With the Pro Auto Disk you do not need the swivel adapter. From all I have read about the Auto Disk, and from having the Pro Auto Disk myself, there is a world of difference. Same with the Classic Turret as compared to the Deluxe Turret. Both of the older items were good in their time but the new products are superior upgrades for very little more money.

 

[Garage Dog]

Another vote for Kempf. I bought one and I love it. Make sure you opt for the pro powder measurer. Great folks to deal with.

 

[Foto Joe]

You say "classic turret press" in your link but the link goes to the "Deluxe turret press"

CRAP!! I looked at that thing a dozen times and missed the "Deluxe" versus "Classic" difference, thanks for pointing it out. I definitely want the Classic.

Auto Disk Powder Measure Riser 7.49

Correct me if I'm wrong please. The description on this one states that it's for folks who use dies other than Lee. Since all my dies are Lee may I make the assumption that I can skip this particular accessory?

Kempf vs. MidwayUSA

Don't get me wrong, I've heard nothing but praise for Kempf in general and Sue in particular but...Kempf has a price of $199 versus MidwayUSA for all the items listed by Jake in TX with the exception of the Powder Measure Riser of $156.52, quite a difference. Kempf includes a die set which I don't need so that might effect the price a bit. Of course, if I buy a 45acp die set then I'd be more motivated to sell a shotgun and buy the new Ruger SR1911 wouldn't I. Anybody interested in a Citori?

I will call Kempf in the morning though and give them a try. I'm willing to pay 10% - 15% more just for the customer service.

 

[dickttx]

I have a riser on every set of dies I have. You do need them for the Lee to get over the primer system and they are generally still not tall enough to work with other brands of dies.

 

[Hondo 60]

make sure the kit has the Primer Feed Bracket for Turret Presses

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=467641

I didn't know it needed it & sat for a weekend with everything else ready to go.
Drove me NUTS! :banghead:

 

[Lost Sheep]

Deluxe vs Classic

What wrong with the aluminum based one for loading handgun rounds? I have one thats loaded thousands of rounds and other than an alignment problem when it was a three hole I have had no problems.Check over a MO you will find a member who has loaded over 700,000 rounds on his

Nothing wrong with it. Just the Classic Turret is better.

Deluxe v Classic

The Deluxe is the earlier design, and the Classic is the newer design.

The Deluxe Turret operates the same way the Classic does.

The exit path for spent primers is not as certain with the Deluxe. They are supposed to drop into the cavity under the press. Emptying the cavity under the press every few hundred loadings is inconvenient, but not taxing. However, you will have a few hit the floor instead.

The exit path for spent primers in the Classic is through the center of the ram and into a clear plastic tube which can be capped (requiring emptying of the tube every few hundred cartridges) or pointed into a bucket on the floor. If you fill a five gallon bucket with primers you did a LOT of loading.

The Classic will accommodate a longer cartridge than the Deluxe.

The Deluxe is cast aluminum and the operating lever linkage is not as robust as the Classic, so you will have to be more assiduous in keeping the press clean and lubricated and the operating handle will take some monitoring. With care, both presses will last a lifetime. Jut the Deluxe takes a little more.

The Deluxe linkage can be beefed up by replacing some parts, but the Classic is stronger from the get-go.

The new Deluxe Turrets do take the Lee Safety Prime. (The priming arm, the little metal piece that has the primer cup and installs in the ram) The earlier Deluxe Turrets have a double-ended priming arm. I don't know if the Lee Safety prime (the little Pez-dispenser-like device that pops out primers one at a time) will work with it.

Having said all that, I will acknowledge that I personally much prefer the Classic. I have never used (or seen in real life) a Deluxe, but I do have two Pro-1000 presses which use the exact same base as the Deluxe. I did buy a Classic Turret in July, 2010 and regard it as the best turret press built today at any price and as close as you can come to a progressive press without actually HAVING a progressive press.

Drawbacks of both Lee Turret Presses is that they only hold 4 (or 3, in the case of the previous model of the Deluxe turret) dies and the die stations are very close together. But the close spacing allows the presses to be very compact.

Good Luck.

Lost Sheep

 

[Lost Sheep]

I have a riser on every set of dies I have. You do need them for the Lee to get over the primer system and they are generally still not tall enough to work with other brands of dies.

You CAN stack two risers atop one another for twice the lift.

You can do three, but I don't believe there is any reason why.

 

[1KPerDay]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iHPmGXyB6g

Just shot this quick video demonstrating how much quicker this is than a single stage... once you get into a rhythm you can really crank them out (relatively speaking). I love this thing. :Cool:

 

[RandyP]

Very nice video - I started on the Anniversary single stage and quickly switched to their great Classic Turret to get more output. I would not hesitate to recommend the Classic turret even to a total beginner.You can pull the center advancing rod in seconds and operate the turret just like a single stage if you wish while you get comfortable with the process, then put the rod back in and crank 'em out.

At a relaxed pace - the ONLY way I engage in most any hobby - I load 50-75 per hour single stage and 150-175 per hour on the turret.

Lee makes very good, affordable products as do ALL the other manufacturers. If Lee is a nice reiliable safe Chevy then Dillon is a fine Mercedes. They both go the exact same 55 mph down the highway but one gives more luxury features along the way..