What do I need?

[Eb1]

I think I am going to pull the trigger on the Lee Classic Turret Press. I mainly want it to load my .44 Magnum, and I will probably use it to load my rifle rounds also without the auto index.

What parts do I need to have for the press?

I know I need the press.
I think I need the primer feeder, pro disk measure (I need 22 grains IMR 4227), the riser for the expanding die.

What else? And thanks for the help.


I really want to go all in and get a RCBS Pro 2000. I just don't think I can justify the extra $450.00 at this point. I have thought about the Dillion 550b, but then again. Your looking at a higher price.

 

[soloban]

I think you've got everything you need listed. I've got the deluxe and the only other things I can think of:

1. Make sure you have the Lee expander die (I'm assuming you already have a set of Lee dies)
2. Make sure to get a rifle charging die if you plan on loading rifle rounds with it later
3. Might want to get the double disk kit as well.

 

[Eb1]

I have rcbs dies for my .44 Mag, 9mmm and 30-30. Lee dies for .223, .303.

 

[mdi]

Just a hint; get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading. This text will show you how to, and what you need to start reloading. Personally, I don't use a automatic primer or powder measure on my turret press. Sometimes I hand prime, sometimes I use a ram prime (with my single stage press), and sometimes I use the priming arm on the press. I have 2 very good powder measures (Lee and a Hornady) and don't need/use a press mounted measure. I would suggest the KISS principle when starting reloading; easier and less frustrating to learn using manual tools. Keep it simple, go slow, double check everything, and enjoy...

 

[Eb1]

Thanks for the advice. Bought it years ago. I was asking more about the complete lee turret setup, and not about loading in general.

 

[Josh45]

Primer feeder or hand held unit.
Scale, Assuming you do not have one.
A couple of extra turret plates so you don't have to change the dies out. It's nice to have really.

Another loading manual or 2, Again assuming you don't have any others. But as for the press goes, It seems you have what you need other than consumables and the few things mentioned.

Oh, You have a caliper? Need one. And some loading trays/blocks. Very handy stuff.

 

[Eb1]

I am not a begging hand loader, folks.

I have been loading on a Lee Loader/Single Stage/Hand Press for years and years. I am not looking for reloading advice. All that is given is good, but I was looking for the parts needed to complete the press setup before purchase.


Thanks.

 

[flashhole]

I load for 40 S&W on my Lee Classic Turret. I bought the Lee Deluxe Die set, The set comes with the Powder Through Expander Die and a Taper Crimp Die. For a revolver the Deluxe Die Set would most likely come with the Factory Crimp Die. In any event, what I did was buy the Lee Funnel and Lee Dipper Cups. The funnel is a snug fit in the powder through expander die and it's not a big deal to me to charge with the dipper cup. I don't need high volume production and this setup works great with the auto indexing rod.

 

[mdi]

I am not a begging hand loader, folks.

I have been loading on a Lee Loader/Single Stage/Hand Press for years and years. I am not looking for reloading advice. All that is given is good, but I was looking for the parts needed to complete the press setup before purchase.


Thanks.

If you already handload, the only thing you need is press and dies. You prolly have everything else...

 

[Eb1]

Umm......?

 

[Hondo 60]

Eb1 - nice choice. That turret will be handed down several generations.

You'll need the shell holder for what ever caliber you reload.
Not knowing what you already have, it's hard to say what you'll need.

 

[GT1]

There isn't much to add to deck out the press, the pro disk measure, riser, and safety prime kit(comes with large and small primer set-ups).

The only thing you might do is chew up a square ratchet piece for the auto-index, so order a couple extras, they are 50 cents each so no big deal.

 

[dmazur]

What I've read is there is a night and day difference between the Classic Turret and Classic Cast Turret.

So, maybe read a few threads on this difference before you make your decision?

 

[mdi]

You don't "need" an auto primer feed or an attached powder measure for a turret press as you would with a progressive press. I prime on the press or hand prime and drop powder through the mouth expanding die. I've used a dipper and dropped powder from my powder measure into my scale pan and dump into expander die to charge...

 

[flashhole]

The Lee Turret type presses are the Deluxe Turret (old design) and the Classic Turret (new design). I recimmend the Classic Turret, new design. The Classic Turret uses a similar base as the Classic Cast. I own both and like both. In fact, I own two Classic Turrets. I set one us as a portable station I take to the range.

 

[BMUP]

If you go with an Auto Disk Powder Measure you will need to buy the riser for it or it won't 'Rise Above' your other dies & won't work. The 'Pro' model works slightly better & holds a wee bit more powder.

The Lee Safety Prime works great but make sure it ships with the mounting bracket for the Turret Press. If not, it's only another $3.50 but without it you're waiting for the Brown Truck of Happiness before you can even start.

Another thing - if you go with the Lee Auto Prime (hand-held primer) none of your Lee Press shell holders will fit it & you'll have to order them seperately, or in a handy full set in a plastic box for about $13. Lee just came out with a new version on that so maybe its fixed or maybe its not but its something to look into when ordering.

One last thing, I got a good deal on my press last year & most of the 'extra' parts above from here: http://fsreloading.com/catalogs/lee-precision/priming-tools.html. They may be better priced or may not be - check 'em out.

Hope this helps.

 

[kingmt]

You probably already know that the powder measure won't work with the RCBS dies. You ether need each caliber Lee expander or the universal. I have never used the universal because I didn't see it until after I had already replaced all my expander dies.

 

[RandyP]

I think you have the list - IMHO the Lee Classic turret is the best bang for the buck for a large percentage of recreational reloaders. I started with their Anniv single stage and got 50-75 rounds per hour and now enjoy at a very relaxed pace churning out 150-175 rounds per hour.

You get one spare black plastic ratchet with the press - put it where you won't forget it - Three years later I'm still using the original one - they only break if the operator tries to hand rotate the turret with the ram in the wrong position. It is designed to fail before harming a metal component of the auto-advance mechanism.