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Which turret press ??

2K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  RandyP 
#1 ·
I've been reloading for about 6 months maybe 5000 rounds total of 3 pistol caliber. I'm starting to shoot much and will be needing considerably more ammo. I'm thinking about moving up to a turret. A full progressive would be overkill and I'm not sure I want to deal with the complexity of one. Any advice would be appreciated
 
#7 ·
If you get the Lee Turret, I like the classic cast version. Others that have the aluminum version can speak to that one. If you get the Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure, get the micrometer adjustable charge bar for pistols. It gives you the variable option that the disc do not. You will need the auto disk riser to get the powder measure up over the other die for pistol (and the rifle charging die for rifles). There is a part that I ordered because I heard it will break if the press is jammed to prevent other press damage. I bought a couple spares but have never used them as I don't force the press and so far have not came to a point where it would need that force. It is the square ratchet (part number: TF3567) which rides in the auto index clamp. If it breaks and you do not have that part, you can move the press by hand so it's not a show stopper. I lightly lube the 4 hole turret so it rides around and when the seater tilts the 4 holed turret , it will tilt to the same place and not stop at some friction point causing my seating to vary (effecting the oal). You will probably need to put a washer under each screw on the primer holding bar so the primer feeder works correctly. May be not, but I did and that eliminated my priming issues. You probably already know all this but if not, might save you some hassle.
 
#9 ·
If you have had good experiences with Lee products, and if that's the most affordable for you, go for it. Like the eternal Ford/Chevy debate, there doesn't seem to be anyone holding a middle position - they either swear by them or at them. Personally, I wouldn't own one, but that's my peculiar bias.

I have the RCBS Turret press, which I bought because it was on sale and in stock the day I decided to start this hobby. It came as a kit with all the accessories necessary to start loading immediately, and I've added bits and pieces to make it more convenient and efficient. I've had no cause for complaint, nor any regrets for this choice. Yes, there are things I wish they'd done differently, but nothing that's overly bothersome. Besides, as an engineer, I love the challenge of improving what I have. One of these days I'm going to build a pneumatic actuator for the ram, and get rid of the handle, as I'm starting to develop a bit of arthritis, and slamming home the primers is beginning to hurt. I can foresee a day when I won't be able or willing to do it at all, so before then I plan to have a painless solution.

What I really like about it is that I can set up a turret for one or two cartridges and leave it set. With a six position turret, I can accommodate two rifle die sets (with the Lee Factory Crimp Die) on one turret, and swap turrets without having to readjust the dies. For now I have only one pistol set per turret, as I use the Lee FCDs for those, too. I know they're no better than the built in crimp already provided by the seating die, but I hate having to readjust the die for crimping after each run of cartridges. I haven't had good experiences trying to seat and crimp in one step, so I'm sticking to this setup for now. I don't know what the Lee turrets cost, but the RCBS units are about $50. The 4-position design of the Lee model would preclude getting two die sets on a single turret, but if you can buy turrets for < $25, you're ahead.

A downside to the RCBS Turret is that, like any cantilevered design, it flexes. That requires some compensation when resizing, as following the supplied instructions for mounting and adjusting the resizing dies will often result in an incompletely sized case. I had a lot of trouble with that in loading .243 and .30-06 until I figured out what was wrong. The resizing die is designed to seat flush on the shell holder face, but when set to the right depth according to the instructions, there is a gap of many thousandths inch when a real case is inserted. Adding another 1/4 to 1/2 turn to the die seating depth resolves the problem. Every turret design will share this problem, and will any C-frame press. The only design I know will not have this problem is the O-frame press, like Herters used to make.

Anyway, that's my three cents worth - I usually give a little extra. Go upgrade, and have fun.
 
#10 ·
There is another "Turret" press not mentioned yet: The Dillion BL550. What it offers is replaceable tool heads. That means you can set up individual tool heads with the appropriate die set (Any manufacturer's 7/8 x 14 die set) for your required cartridges (one tool head for each cartridge). You can switch calibers with no die adjustments. It is a completely manual simple four station turret style press of the "O" design (Not cantilever).

Why this press? If your volume requirements get too big for it as a turret press then it can easily be upgraded to progressive press to end up with a RL550B. It is the manual advance feature of the table in either configuration which greatly reduces complexity of the press.

But you are money ahead if you just buy the RL550B now and only use it as a turret press for now and graduate to progress when you are ready. The versatility of the 550 platform allows the RL550B to be used as a single stage, a turret, or a progressive press. If you go this way my money says you'll do the turret thing for a bit, move to progressive , and then never look back. But the good thing is you do have the option of using it as a single stage, turret, or progressive press. The RL or BL 550 presses can load both pistol and rifle ammo. Mine loads over 30 different calibers from 9mm to 45-70 and everything in-between.

Just food for thought.

LDBennett
 
#11 ·
I will throw out 2 opinions. One being the Lee Classic Cast Turret, not the Deluxe. As LD often states, Lee has a tendency to use inferior materials in their designs but this press is different. The only weak spot I have found is the little plastic ratcheting piece mentioned above. They are cheap and easy to replace. The press is tough and extra turrets are available locally for the most part and the price is reasonable.
The other option would be, as LD suggested, would be the Dillon BL550. It to is a strong press with a no BS warranty. It isuupgradeable at a small cost. The only real set back of the Dillon is waiting for the pony express to deliver new tool heads or replacement parts.
Those are my choices and that's my .02 worth.
 
#12 ·
I'll add a penny's worth. IF you do decide to go full progressive and want to go on the cheap. Do not, and I will repeat that, DO NOT buy a Lee progressive! I use a lot of Lee stuff and I have no problem with them - but their progressive presses are true crap.
 
#14 ·
I have a Lee 3 hole setup for 1 caliber and I bought a used D550 stripped for $100 that I use as a turret press.Ask at garage sales if they have any firearms/reloading stuff and you'll be surprised what people have that they want to get rid of but are "afraid" (PC-BS)to display.
 
#15 ·
GD Moody is right on with his assessment of the Lee progressive press. I do have a classic turret and an RockChucker (2 of them actually) and they fit nicely on the back bench (New RL 550B is my main press) I use the Lee turret with a RCBS Uniflo powder flask for .380 and .223 mainly because I don't load those two very often and they use the same shell holder. I made a stand alone setup for my RockChucker, it is made of steel pipe with a big steel plow disc for a base. Very sturdy and it can be shoved out of the way when not in use. Saves bench space.
 
#17 ·
Just another satisfied Lee CLASSIC 4-hole turret owner checking in. I am now reloading 5 different handgun calibers and thanks to the economical parts pricing I have a separate turret assigned to each die set. Makes switching calibers a very quick and painless affair.

I have a riser on each powder feed and only switch over the Pro dispenser for caliber changes.

To each their own - I don't brand bash anyone's choices. I think all the major players make good quality gear that will turn out safe, accurate finished rounds that are near identical to each other.
 
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