Thoughts on Lee Classic Turret Press?

[GBExpat]

@SUBJ: Thoughts on Lee Classic Turret Press?

I purchased an LCT last December after using a 1974 RCBS JR3 that I acquired a couple of years after its mfr.

I quickly became an LCT fan. I currently have 13 of the turret plates (purchased for ~$10/ea), 9 are already populated with dies, 5 of which have reloaded many 100s of rounds/ea (.223, .32-20, 9x19, .45acp, .44spl).

When reloading 9x19 or .45acp, once I get "in the zone", I have found that I can produce them at a rate of 200+ per hour, carbide-resize to crimp.

I never remove the auto-index bar. When turning the turret by hand, I use a light touch ... and by doing so have avoided breaking the little plastic ring.

If I am going to be performing a single-stage-type operation, like using a universal decapping die to decap a bunch of brass prior to cleaning them, I loosen the handle bolt and change its position so that I am "short-stroking" with it and, thereby, not even engaging the auto-index. I have made index marks in the area so that I can quickly change the configuration.



Enjoy!

 

[ROAshooter]

TT.....I gather you lost interest in the hand press?

 

[Toprudder]

My first press was a Dillon 550 which I still use for all my semi-auto pistol rounds. I bought a Lee Challenger to get started with rifle, but did not like the spent primer handling on that press.

In looking for something better, I decided on the LCT, and I have not been disappointed. I do all my decapping on that press, sometimes 1000 at a time. With the straw trick (short drinking straw under the shell holder) all the primer residue drops straight through and doesn't gum up anything the way it did on the Challenger.

The auto-index position can be adjusted, there are instructions for doing that in the manual. I had to adjust mine slightly since it was moving a little too far. I also believe that if you use a light touch when manually rotating the turret, you should not break anything. I agree with Horseman, I think the small plastic piece is designed to break instead of the ratchet mechanism. Simple and inexpensive.

So far I have not done much rifle reloading yet, but I use the LCT to do all my revolver rounds. I have a RCBS Chargemaster that I use for dispensing charges, and using it in conjunction with the LCT and the powder-through expander die, I can drop the powder in and create ladder loads very quickly using the auto-indexer.

I recommend that anyone starting out reloading should start with the LCT.

 

[GBExpat]

I gather you lost interest in the hand press?

I will assume that this question is directed to me regarding my JR3 Single Stage press.

I removed the JR3 from my bench last December figuring that there would be some tasks that it would handle better. When I IDed those tasks I planned to remount the JR3 as necessary (its mounting holes are still open on the bench).

The interesting thing is that I have yet to ID something that the JR3 will do better than the LCT. Keep on mind, though that the only rifle cartridge that I have reloaded during time is the .223. I won't be surprised if I find the JR3 to be better at resizing the big rifle cartridges (.30'06, .308, .303Brit, etc.).

 

[TruthTellers]

I will assume that this question is directed to me regarding my JR3 Single Stage press.

I removed the JR3 from my bench last December figuring that there would be some tasks that it would handle better. When I IDed those tasks I planned to remount the JR3 as necessary (its mounting holes are still open on the bench).

The interesting thing is that I have yet to ID something that the JR3 will do better than the LCT. Keep on mind, though that the only rifle cartridge that I have reloaded during time is the .223. I won't be surprised if I find the JR3 to be better at resizing the big rifle cartridges (.30'06, .308, .303Brit, etc.).

No, this was directed to me, and the answer is no. I still plan on getting it.

 

[GBExpat]

Aaaahhh ... the value of directing a question.

 

[evtSmtx]

I have one that I use for 44 mag and rifle stuff I shoot in small volumes.
Bucketloads of 9mm & 45 get done on the dillon 650.
I also use the Lee for working up loads where I want a series where I go up by a 10th of a grain and confirm every charge on the scale.

I use the micrometer bar for handgun - the LCT is a pain but the new Lee autodrum may be a good option - haven't tried it personally.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=788169

 

[double bogey]

I went in the progression of: single stage press, Lee classic turret, Dillon 650.
the LCT is still mounted, as is the single stage. each one has a job occasionally. I started shooting a higher volume than I was willing to run on the LCT, hence the 650. Still use the LCT for ladder testing, and lower volume loading for bolt action rifles. The single stage mostly does bullet sizing now.

If this is your first press, get the LCT. You may go to something faster later on, depending on volume, but it is absolutely the best first press, and will do everything any single stage will do.

 

[tcoz]

I never remove the auto-index bar. When turning the turret by hand, I use a light touch ... and by doing so have avoided breaking the little plastic ring.

If I am going to be performing a single-stage-type operation, like using a universal decapping die to decap a bunch of brass prior to cleaning them, I loosen the handle bolt and change its position so that I am "short-stroking" with it and, thereby, not even engaging the auto-index. I have made index marks in the area so that I can quickly change the configuration.

Why would you go through all of this trouble rather than the much easier procedure of just removing the index rod?

 

[gspn]

I've had used one for perhaps the last 7 years. I reload 15 calibers on it, both rifle and pistol. I love it. It will be on my bench until I die. I have a progressive for the stuff I started loading in larger volumes, but the Lee still does most of my reloading.

The auto-index on mine has been great. There's a small plastic square piece that can wear out over time, but it couldn't cost a dime to replace it...and I've only had to do it once when it was new and I put some gorilla strength on it when I shouldn't have.

When I load pistol I use the auto index. When I load rifle I just remove the rod...it doesn't even take 5 seconds. Then I just turn it by hand when I'm ready for the next station.

I buy the disks when they are on sale, keep my dies loaded in them, then change overs take about 10 seconds.

The Lee press has done everything I've asked it to do with wonderful efficiency and great quality.

 

[GBExpat]

Why would you go through all of this trouble rather than the much easier procedure of just removing the index rod?

What "trouble"?

I pick up the ½" open-end wrench from the bench, turn the bolt that is visible on the pic ~180° anti-CW, change the position of the handle to align with the other index mark, turn the bolt ~180° CW, put down the wrench, done. Elapsed time, ~5 seconds.

Quick & easy.

 

[TruthTellers]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will definitely work on getting the LCT press.

 

[tcoz]

What "trouble"?

I pick up the ½" open-end wrench from the bench, turn the bolt that is visible on the pic ~180° anti-CW, change the position of the handle to align with the other index mark, turn the bolt ~180° CW, put down the wrench, done. Elapsed time, ~5 seconds.

Quick & easy.

I guess a better way to word the question is what caused you to use a rather unorthodox way of converting the press to single stage compared to the usual way. No disrespect intended. I'm just curious what prompted you to do it this way and whether there's some advantage in doing it since I load rifle (single stage) about 10 to 1 over pistol (indexed).

 

[Ghost In The Fog]

I have had my LCT for a just under 2 weeks and have already loaded 350 9MM rounds on it. I bought it as a kit and the turret, auto prime, and pro auto disk all come with their own instructions and none of them jived. Thank goodness for youtube and some patience I got it all figured out.
I am brand new to reloading so their has been a lot of trial and error. I have received a lot of great help here.
The only problem I am having is the pro auto disk is throwing anywhere from 5.2 to 5.5 and occasionally 5.6 grains per pull. I can't seem to get it dialed in just yet and I still weigh every powder charge.
I also have big fingers and a few times I have ejected primers on the floor from the auto prime, but I think that is more of a user error than anything else.
I am very happy with my choice. Its a great way to get into reloading.

Here is the thread I started and there is a ton of goon info in there.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=790337

Happy reloading!

 

[splattergun]

I was not that satisfied with mine. In addition to the insert breaking, they would also just wallow out with use making the indexing system inaccurate. I finally gave up and manually indexed mine.

- You also had to be careful with your stroke. The turret was jerky and would splash powder.
- Even with the Micro Adjust, I could never get mine to meter powder accurately enough.
- No matter how I adjusted and fiddled with it, I could not get the primer system to load primers without scattering them all over the floor.

the LCT. Near flawless perfection in every stage of the reloading process
Regards,
Woolly

The inserts will not break or wallow out then the index rod is adjusted properly.

A smooth, consistent stroke is what I have on my LCT. A jerky stroke is again an out-of-adjustment index rod.

All the other complaints listed are not problems with the LCT press, but with accessories.

I have had zero issues loading on m LCT . I recommend it highly.

 

[GBExpat]

I guess a better way to word the question is what caused you to use a rather unorthodox way of converting the press to single stage compared to the usual way. No disrespect intended. I'm just curious what prompted you to do it this way and whether there's some advantage in doing it since I load rifle (single stage) about 10 to 1 over pistol (indexed).

The driver behind my somewhat ungewöhnlich (apparently) approach was the potentially/possibly fragile little square plastic ring ("Square Ratchet" per the Lee Manual). I figured that if there was a way to easily accomplish non-indexing without "messing with" what appears to be a minor Achilles Heel for the LCT, I should use it.

Currently my process that requires no indexing is the depriming of handgun cartridges and/or resizing .32-20 (steel dies so lube is required, dontchaknow).

For this process, the ram extension required is ~½ to full which translates to ~90° movement of the press handle/arm.

I found that with the quick & easy change that I have described, the upper end of the movement is too close to the press to even engage the indexer. It has the added benefit of the lower end of the movement being about horizontal, so it is more comfortable for me to accomplish while sitting on my stool.

This also works well for .223, btw ... but ... once I start reloading any of my longer rifle cartridges it may not, and if that is the case I will just either remove the rod or use my JR3 so as not to stress the LCT too much with the big-cartridge resizing forces.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

No issues with mine so far. I probably only load about 150 rounds per hour, but that's plenty for my needs. I've read that even if the autoindex part does wear out the replacement is very cheap.

 

[kcofohio]

Funny thing about the square ratchet. I read several places where people said to get spare ratchets. Even though the LCT comes with a spare, I found somebody on ebay selling packs of six ratchets and I ordered them (I think 50 cents each). They, plus the original spare, are tucked in a box with other spare reloading stuff.

 

[dragon813gt]

I'm a bit biased.


There are a couple more turrets in the cabinet now. The LCT is the best value for the money. Any problems are completely operator error. Especially the Safety Prime. I went through the phase where I wanted to smash it. But once I figured out it required a light touch in the correct spot it's been perfect. It won't feed the last two to three primers because there is no weight on the column. But this is really minor when you consider the cost.

I use three presses at the moment. A LCC for case forming, most rifle reloading and other odds ends like seating gas checks. The LCT is used for run of the mill reloading in small batches numbering in the hundreds. A turret that doesn't auto advance makes zero sense to me and it's what really speeds everything up. Last one is a Dillon 550B that's used for high volume handgun loading. I use the LCT a lot more than the other two because it flat out does everything well and is a lot faster than a single stage.

 

[9mmepiphany]

A turret that doesn't auto advance makes zero sense to me...Last one is a Dillon 550B that's used for high volume handgun loading.

I have to ask, if the Bolded above is your feeling, why would you get a non-auto advancing progressive press?

 

[AV8TOR]

Why would you go through all of this trouble rather than the much easier procedure of just removing the index rod?

With the indexing rod removed are there stops that index the turret location accurately over the shell holder?

 

[rondog]

Excellent info here. I have an LCT, been using it for 10 years and still love it, it'll do/handle all I need/want to do. Up to 16 calibers at the moment.

 

[rondog]

With the indexing rod removed are there stops that index the turret location accurately over the shell holder?

Yes. There's a spring loaded detent ball in the frame that indexes the die turret into place. Works very well. I use my LCT as a single stage as much as auto-indexing. Many times just use two dies and click back and forth between them. It's a very versatile press/system.

 

[GT1]

The only thing that is beginner or starter level about the LCT is the price. The design and durability outclasses everything out there at twice the price.
Those other turret presses like Redding and RCBS are mere shadows of this press. They are rudimentary in comparison.

 

[tcoz]

I'd have to agree with the above comment by GT1. I'm certainly not disparaging any of the other brands. There's room in the marketplace for all of them but if you're loading five, six or more different calibers you'll have so much less money tied up in it and it does a good job with every one of them.
Also, the comment from dragon813gt about all of the problems being operator error is spot on. There are nuances that have to be learned but once you've learned them you can fly. As he mentioned, the Safety Prime is probably the most aggravating but it's all in the technique, not in the system.

It's good to see so many positive comments about the LCT.