Turret press options

[Tilos]

Starting to find it pointless and fruitless to give an opinion or recommendation, only because each reloader is an individual with their own personal likes, wants and needs. We all do it differently, I can hardly think of two people I know that do it the exact same way. All any of us can do is relay what we have, how we use it, for what we use it and then the things we'd like to change or inherent short comings.

But to tell someone that they need exactly what I have or they are doing it wrong or wasting time and money, that seems a little narcissistic. Even if we were all shooting the same guns with the same loads and components I still don't think we could come to a consensus.

So as I did here from now on I will just relay what I have and how I use it. What I wish I could add and what I have found doesn't work very well. Let the End User make the decision.

I can understand your frustration here.
I don't view any posts in this thread as narcissistic though.

Keep in mind many among us have been reloading before the internet and had to rely on our own prior experience/education and the experience of a few local reloading friends to solve any and all problems.

-Today, we see many more solutions via forums and yootube (mis-spelled to avoid bots) vids from many people with diverse backgrounds.
-The electronic/computer types add switches to everything and a computer programmed to monitor every operation.
-Then there's the 3D printer crowd that redesigns every part and prints it or adds printed parts for "better" operation.

There are mechanical wizards like jmorris who can design/build just about everything, automate anything and build a control system to run/monitor it!
Or people who are stumped by a case slide that binds-up mid-stroke when moved by hand, as the other extreme...

Let's not forget the common problems that are posted as a new problem just about every week.

All that said, I get great satisfaction out of receiving "likes" for some fix or operating variation I have posted.
I'm sure there are others that have considered what I have posted as a fix, but just never acknowledge it.

I try not to bloviate about how long I've been reloading/shooting/etc.
If a post starts out that way, I rarely read beyond it.

So, don't give up on us just yet, as newbs are joining here every day that can benefit from your posts/knowledge.
jmo,
.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Starting to find it pointless and fruitless to give an opinion or recommendation, only because each reloader is an individual with their own personal likes, wants and needs.

So as I did here from now on I will just relay what I have and how I use it. What I wish I could add and what I have found doesn't work very well. Let the End User make the decision.

Isn't that what we did.....??

IMHO

jmo,

Choice is a good thing.

That's why I like a turret.

Just my two cents.

JMO…

 

[tightgroup tiger]

If you already had an ABLP press, you had one of the best little, inexpensive progressive presses on the market. You already said you don't prime on the presses so it would have been the ideal press if you would have taken the index rod out of the center of the press. Then it works like a Dillon 550 by manually indexing the shell plate by hand. Put the index rod back in it and it is true progressive again except it is 1/4 of the cost. I use one for .357 Mag and it's pretty well mindless once you get it set up and get used to it.
Good luck with what you're looking for.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

We all shared our experiences with different press's and how we like to run them. Everyone can benefit from these threads and use what they can from them.

 

[CraigC]

One thing that always happens in these discussions is that the folks who do not enjoy handloading and are always looking for ways to save time will inadvertently run afoul of those who do enjoy reloading. I don't. So something that saves me 10 mins here or 30mins there is worthy of my attention.

I've got three turrets and two Dillon 650's. I think turrets are a significant time saver over a single stage. As another posted, reducing the number of times you handle each case is really affects your production rate. I always turned my nose up at Lee gear and then a friend talked me into an LCT. I love the damned thing. They're a significant time saver over the RCBS turrets.

Yes, the Dillons are fast, once they're setup and humming along. Not something to use for load development or small batches. Changing the priming system sucks, which is why I have two of them. Yes, it is worth the expense for me to have a 2nd machine so I never again have to change between large and small primers. Same for the RCBS turrets. Those who enjoy reloading will not understand this.

A turret still does only 1 function at a time so you will be doing the same number of strokes on the handle. So the only time you save is changing of the dies. Move to AP if you want to increase speed. 1 stroke = 1 round after the stations are full.

A little spray case will make the sizing easier even on carbide dies.

This is just not true, at all. Not having to change dies is significant enough. Handling the case only one time is significant.

 

[kmw1954]

I can understand your frustration here.
I don't view any posts in this thread as narcissistic though.

Keep in mind many among us have been reloading before the internet and had to rely on our own prior experience/education and the experience of a few local reloading friends to solve any and all problems.

So, don't give up on us just yet, as newbs are joining here every day that can benefit from your posts/knowledge.
jmo,
.

No frustration just a point of view, so far this topic has remained friendly and on topic which is rare when the subject becomes "Which ??".. Again I can relate my experience yet not give an opinion on which equipment to buy. I believe I have enough variety of makes to remain objective. Loading and learning before the internet, since 1980. If I was giving up that would be easy, just wouldn't post comments of any kind. Anyways I figure there are plenty here already that will speak up and give brand loyalty or displeasure. I have no skin in anyone's game that I need to direct them as to what they should be using. For instance, over the years I have heard more negative comments directed at the Pro1000 press that it had become nauseating. I happen to be one that has an old model and enjoy using it just as it was designed to be used including priming on it. For me, it just works and works very well. So well that I haven't followed any of the recent Pro6000 Model press. I just don't need that level of productivity.

 

[badkarmamib]

Thanks for all of the info and opinions, will keep them in mind when I decide to "pull the trigger".

 

[Rule3]

Thanks for all of the info and opinions, will keep them in mind when I decide to "pull the trigger".

Guess I am late to the party. I don't understand why all these threads go off track and get a progressive?

The OP asked simply about the two Lee Turret Press. For a few dollars more get the Classic, It is a better heavier press
OP stated he wants about 1K per year 2 calibers and no plans to expand. So he doesn't need a progressive and the expense.

 

[Frulk]

I run T7 Turrets as my primary presses. I deprime/size on a Lee APP and then prime on a Lee single stage.

Flare/powder drop/seating and crimping are done on the T7.

If I focus on max production I can run 220-240 an hour on the T7s. I rarely do this as I like the process of reloading and enjoy the time at the bench.

OP: Some of the best reviews Ive found are on MidwayUSA. Look up the Lee Turret reviews to include the Classic model. You should be able to find some valuable info there to help your decision making process.

Personally I think for 1K rounds a year the Lee would be an ideal investment at its price point.

 

[Bill M.]

"...and then prime on a Lee single stage."

How do you prime on the Lee single stage? Do you use the Lee primer arm or a Ram prime or something else?

I always read the turret press posts but have not seen a real advantage of the turret press over my single stage with the quick change die bushings. Unless it is easier to mover the turret than it is to handle the cartridge another time.

 

[12Bravo20]

I've been using my Lee Value Turret press for all of my handgun reloading and 5.56 reloading for 28 years now. I think I have replaced the plastic auto index clamp twice since owning the press. I can reload 100 handgun rounds in about 45-50 minutes which is perfectly fine with me. And that includes taking the time to weigh charges periodically. I am also using the Lee Autodisk powder dispenser that came with the press. It works fine with Hodgdon Universal (for handgun calibers) and Hodgdon H335 for my 5.56 reloads.

I think that the Lee turret presses would meet the OP's needs just fine.

 

[refuse2bafool]

"...and then prime on a Lee single stage."

How do you prime on the Lee single stage? Do you use the Lee primer arm or a Ram prime or something else?

I always read the turret press posts but have not seen a real advantage of the turret press over my single stage with the quick change die bushings. Unless it is easier to mover the turret than it is to handle the cartridge another time.

A LEE LCT with autoindex is 2-3x faster. If you offered to trade me a T-7 for my LCT I would do so, then sell the T-7 at 75% of retail, buy another LCT, and pocket the rest of the money

I won't say it's a "better" (or worse) press. I will say it suits my needs better and that I would not be able to tell the difference between ammo loaded on either one.

 

[CraigC]

Guess I am late to the party. I don't understand why all these threads go off track and get a progressive?

The OP asked simply about the two Lee Turret Press. For a few dollars more get the Classic, It is a better heavier press
OP stated he wants about 1K per year 2 calibers and no plans to expand. So he doesn't need a progressive and the expense.

Seems to happen whenever someone mentions a speed advantage with a turret over a single stage. I've got three turrets and two Dillon 650's and that logic makes no sense to me.

I always read the turret press posts but have not seen a real advantage of the turret press over my single stage with the quick change die bushings. Unless it is easier to mover the turret than it is to handle the cartridge another time.

They're definitely faster, particularly the Lee with auto indexing. Once the dies are set, you're four pulls of the handle from a loaded cartridge. You handle the case only once. You can have as many preset turret heads as you want and swap them in seconds, even the primer size.

 

[peeplwtchr]

I own all three (Single, Turret, Progressive) and I think you will regret buying a turret press. In my experience it's not a bit faster than a single stage, but offers more opportunity to lose track of the process. If you want speed, swallow hard and get a progressive, and be prepared for a learning curve.

9mm is tapered, that's why it's harder to size.

He is about to do the same thing I did, which is buy a turret to speed things up. It did, but the first month which I pulled the lever 4k times, I bought a progressive. Got the Lee Classic for sale (Every aftermarket option btw).

Badkarmamib - If you forsee ever shooting alot of rounds per month, save your time/elbow and get a progressive.

 

[Tilos]

Once the dies are set, you're four pulls of the handle from a loaded cartridge.

There's way more to it than four pulls of the handle though....
Your left hand is doing quite a few more operations during those four pulls:

Turret press options

I am considering a turret press to speed up loading for pistols. I currently have 9mm and .40S&W, with no plans of growing. I have noticed that 9mm is considerably harder to size than .40S&W. I will continue to load my rifles on a single stage, since I trim and chamfer every time. Now that all...

www.thehighroad.org

With a Lee Six Pack Pro and a Lee inline Bullet Feeder it is truly four pulls of the handle, ideal for anyone who likes or dislikes reloading.
You can either enjoy the journey or hustle thru it to get it done, your choice.

So, are you a shooter that reloads or a reloader that shoots? .

.

 

[CraigC]

There's way more to it than four pulls of the handle though....
Your left hand is doing quite a few more operations during those four pulls:

Turret press options

I am considering a turret press to speed up loading for pistols. I currently have 9mm and .40S&W, with no plans of growing. I have noticed that 9mm is considerably harder to size than .40S&W. I will continue to load my rifles on a single stage, since I trim and chamfer every time. Now that all...

www.thehighroad.org

With a Lee Six Pack Pro and a Lee inline Bullet Feeder it is truly four pulls of the handle, ideal for anyone who likes or dislikes reloading.
You can either enjoy the journey or hustle thru it to get it done, your choice.

So, are you a shooter that reloads or a reloader that shoots .

.

So??? That ain't the point.

I also run two Dillon 650's, one with a casefeeder, so I know exactly how fast a progressive is.

I'm a shooter who reloads.

 

[badkarmamib]

Okay, finally made a decision, for better or worse. About a year and a half ago, I picked up the Lee Auto Breech Lock from a member here. Couldn't get it to work for me, mostly because I was doing things wrong, like trying to throw HP-38 with an Auto Drum, and insisting on pulling the handle with my left hand, like I do with my single stage. Sold it to another member. Now, I have an Auto Disk, and more experience (and patience). Midway had a good deal on the Auto Breech Lock. Shipped today. Spent today rearranging my bench to accommodate it. Looking forward to enjoying reloading pistol again, instead of dreading the chore. Even if I still get overwhelmed, I can just run one piece of brass at a time, like a turret. Thank you to everyone for their opinions!

 

[kmw1954]

My opinion on this is Good Choice.
The Auto Breech Lock Pro press in my view id a hybrid of the 4 hole turret press and the 3hole Pro1000. For me both presses work very well. Though for loading pistols I still use my Pro1000. mostly because I also use just three dies.

One of the main differences between the ABLP and the 4 hole press id that the whole setup is rotated off center to the right. So the loading position is not front center but this also makes it easier to see into the cases to verify powder drops and to reach around back to place the raw bullet.

Next as I mentioned in a previous post I do not use the Safety Prime system. On the old 3 hole turret presses there is no way of attaching one so the primers must all be placed by hand. After years of doing this I am actually quicker and more precise doing it this way than by trying to use the Safety Prime. This way I do not drop any and they do not get upside down. So that is just a suggestion as you may have better luck with the Safety Prime.

So my opinion again is that the ABLP is a fine press, works very reliably, is simple to use, setup and maintain and is fast enough for most moderate level shooters. It can kick out a lot of rounds in little time. Just be patient, go slow in the beginning to get acquainted and build a routine. Speed will quickly and easily come naturally. OH, lastly start without using the case feeder! That will just add a level of frustration in the beginning.

Enjoy and good luck!

 

[berettaprofessor]

In the spirit of Lord of the Rings, "there can be only one"; Lee Classic Turret.

 

[jmorris]

Now that all of that is out of the way, would I notice a difference between the Lee Classic Cast turret press and the $40-cheaper aluminum version for 9mm and .40S&W lead plinking ammo?

I doubt it, unless you pick them up.

 

[Barmcd]

"...and then prime on a Lee single stage."

How do you prime on the Lee single stage? Do you use the Lee primer arm or a Ram prime or something else?

I always read the turret press posts but have not seen a real advantage of the turret press over my single stage with the quick change die bushings. Unless it is easier to mover the turret than it is to handle the cartridge another time.

I load rifle calibers on a Lee Cast Iron Single Stage Press and can prime on the press with the Lee primer feeder. I don't, because I hand prime with a Lyman hand primer which seems to giveme better control of the seating depth.

With the Lee Value or Classic press, you put the case in the shell holder, then size, prime, bell, charge, seat and crimp by just pulling the lever and without touching the case again. The only manual processes, besides pulling the lever, are pushing the primer feeder and placing the bullet into the case mouth. Its much faster than a single stage press.

 

[Barmcd]

I doubt it, unless you pick them up.

I have the value press and I think the classic press would be more durable. The access to the shell holder is also different because of the location of the turret supports are different on the presses. I think there is a youtube video showing the difference.

on edit: Here's a link to that video. One thing he talks about is the handle hitting the primer feeder on the value press and I had to reverse the handle to stop that from happening. I've loaded 6.5 CM, .308, .223 Remington, 9MM, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 44 Special/Magnum, and 38 Special with no issues. I use an In-line fabrication stand which alleviates some of the mounting issues he mentions in the video.

https://youtu.be/OKNDpzzoE0s?si=FK-m3GHjnrBu9Vk0

 

[DustyRusty]

Sorry I'm late on this one.
I have the Redding T7 turret with two uppers.
One for straight wall and one for bottlenecks, although you can mix it up to your liking.
I do most work in batches like a hundred sizings, then go trim, then a hundred something else.
Or I can do all functions on one case, so easily.
The dies STAY adjusted, and the uppers are not hard to swap.
I have the primer update on it now, so I don't have to squeeze the squeezy primer gizmo anymore.
I have the progressive but seldom use it AS a prgressive. I use the rock chucker for testing and deprime.
I recommend this turret, and support is great.
My 2 cents.

 

[Click_Here]

I started with the LCT and it has spit out thousands of .223 and 9mm. The use of the benchplate system allows me to process anywhere I can clamp my makeshift base to. My only gripe is the stupid plastic auto-index clamp. It "clamps" to a smoothed polished surface. Even with a bigger bolt and nut clamped down so tight it begins to deform. I tried putting a piece of "tape" to give the two mating surfaces a little friction and it lasted a dozen or so rounds before the clamp moved again. Anyways, I digress, 1000 rounds a year. Best bang for your buck. You could do it cheaper for that volume if you take the "turret" out of the equation...

 

[Barmcd]

I started with the LCT and it has spit out thousands of .223 and 9mm. The use of the benchplate system allows me to process anywhere I can clamp my makeshift base to. My only gripe is the stupid plastic auto-index clamp. It "clamps" to a smoothed polished surface. Even with a bigger bolt and nut clamped down so tight it begins to deform. I tried putting a piece of "tape" to give the two mating surfaces a little friction and it lasted a dozen or so rounds before the clamp moved again. Anyways, I digress, 1000 rounds a year. Best bang for your buck. You could do it cheaper for that volume if you take the "turret" out of the equation...

I don't think the Value Press has that issue, at least don't think it does. One end of the indexing rod fits into a square recess in the turret the other is rounded and just spins on the base of the press. It indexes off a plastic fitting attached to the ram.