lee turret tips?

[Axis II]

well I'm the proud new owner of a lee classic turret press. I wasn't going to buy one and just use my lee C press but figure I could make better ammo with the classic turret. part of me says I should have just stuck with the C press to save some $

anyone have any tips on using the lee classic turret for 223rem and 9mm luger?

I will be buying another disk for dies and a lee powder thrower for the top here soon. I also took the rod out for now once I get some rounds under my belt.

 

[drband]

Get the Lee AutoDrum powder measure for sure. It's much better than the ProAuto Disc. I don't load .223 but if you run into issues on 9mm, post up and I'll try to help. Or PM.

 

[splattergun]

Get the Lee AutoDrum powder measure for sure. It's much better than the ProAuto Disc. I don't load .223 but if you run into issues on 9mm, post up and I'll try to help. Or PM.

This is about the best advise you'll get. THe LCT is a simple, reliable press, and the auto-drum is Lee's best introduction since the LCT. IMO, they go together like bread and butter.

I think it won't take very long before you want to try putting the rod back in the press, then that's where the LCT shines.

 

[Axis II]

is set up the same with dies, turn to touch shell holder and back off a bit?

 

[AnselHazen]

I added the Lee Safety Prime because it fits my level of need for safety while priming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsXPFiesd3M

 

[ihasacookie]

http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/lee

I got the case ejector, best money I've spent on the lee

 

[egd]

Yes the safety prime is fantastic. I bought the LCT kit and it came with it. It may take a little "fiddlin" to get it set just right and a little practice, but once you get used to it you'll love it.
And the beauty of the LCT is that it is a turret. Why load single stage when you can load a completed round at a time. Much better IMO.

 

[kcofohio]

is set up the same with dies, turn to touch shell holder and back off a bit?

You can set the dies up like you would with your single stage, except to remember that the turret has slight give. As long as you don't jam the shell holder into the die, you will be okay on the sizing die.

There are some good video helps on the Lee website.

http://leeprecision.com/turret-press-help-videos.html

 

[SARuger]

I really like mine.........I loaded 200 9mm and 50 38spcl tonight in about an hour and a half. Hand indexing.

Add the LEE Auto Drum, you will not regret it!

 

[Jimster]

Nice set up, SARuger.

 

[Fire_Moose]

I size and prime an masse on a single stage, so while loading 9mm I have my turret set up as flare/powder > flashlight pointing down > bullet seat/remove flare

The flashlight, coupled with an adjustable dental like mirror let's me look into each case. Works wonderfully.

 

[SARuger]

I also have a cheap "dollar store" LED book-light or reading light mounted on one of the legs pointing into the case mouth. Look at every single one!

I do a lot of short runs so I decided to go with separate measures for each turret. I will sometimes load 5 calibers, 20 rounds each, in a couple of hours to prepare for a range trip. The largest lot that I have run in one sitting is 200 9mm.

One powder measure is all you really need if you are doing bulk runs.

 

[Jeff H]

I also have a cheap "dollar store" LED book-light or reading light mounted on one of the legs pointing into the case mouth. Look at every single one!

I do a lot of short runs so I decided to go with separate measures for each turret. I will sometimes load 5 calibers, 20 rounds each, in a couple of hours to prepare for a range trip. The largest lot that I have run in one sitting is 200 9mm.

One powder measure is all you really need if you are doing bulk runs.

Just as a contrast to SARuger, I do mostly large batches for pistol and 223 of 500 -1000 rounds since I buy bullets in 500 round boxes. I'll fill an ammo can then shoot it empty before reloading that caliber again. Works for me.

I have both the pro Autodisk and the AutoDrum. I like them both but I don't keep them set up for a specific caliber.

 

[Axis II]

Is there a way to put too much pressure or too less pressure when priming on the press or does it have a stop?

 

[kcofohio]

Is there a way to put too much pressure or too less pressure when priming on the press or does it have a stop?

The stop is in the linkage. And the priming flip out cup, along with the pin in the ram is set to where you should get enough seating depth without crushing the primer.

Keep the primer cup clean and you should be okay.

 

[kcofohio]

And note on the priming system. Because of the dust/crud from spent primers. A build up will happen. I usually take a file or something flat and thin. With a rag wrapped around it, I wipe out the slot that the primer flip-out cup sits in. Also, the cup itself can be off center of the slot. Turn the cup until it flips freely in and out of the slot.

 

[skimbell]

And note on the priming system. Because of the dust/crud from spent primers. A build up will happen. I usually take a file or something flat and thin. With a rag wrapped around it, I wipe out the slot that the primer flip-out cup sits in. Also, the cup itself can be off center of the slot. Turn the cup until it flips freely in and out of the slot.

The crud finally won.
I bought the Frankford Arsenal hand deplrimer and once you figure a system, you can really motor through some brass.
The collection cup should be threaded but I'm aware of that and I check that it's snug about every ten or so cases
I just got 1000 LC 308 and got them all deprived Saturday and Sunday while watching the tube at the kitchen table.
Eliminating the mess is huge to me.
It's something "extra" to do, but the time saved not having to clean that mess up is more than made up doing it this way.