Which Press? - The Firearms Forum

Maddmaxx · 10-19-2012, 04:55 AM

I am looking at a lyman turret or RCBS but I have seen good reviews on the new Lee 4 hole turret. Will the Lee hold up ok? I am new to brass reloading but I used to load shotgun years ago with a Mec loader. I think for pistol loading a turret would be my best bet. Will the Lee get me started and work ok to learn on or should I get the Lyman or RCBS as a first press. I am reading the lyman manual now from from front to back.

dbach · 10-19-2012, 06:46 AM

Most brands of reloading equipment are well built. Each brand has its quirks. I use a RCBS Turret and it works well for me. I have never owned a Lee or a Lyman, so I don't know anything about them. I do know that RCBS is top notch equipment and their customer service is one of the best in the business.

RCBS equipment is a little more expensive than Lee. Lyman? I have no idea.

woolleyworm · 10-19-2012, 07:13 AM

Welcome to TFF Maxx. what kind of volume and calibers are we talking about?

LDBennett · 10-19-2012, 07:30 AM

LEE reloading equipment is the "Harbor Freight" of reloading equipment. Good tools cost more as do the Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, Forester, and virtually anyone else's reloading equipment. I have owned a lot of LEE stuff and most all of it suffers the same problems: Innovative design features made of material not up to the job or wrong for the job and only adequate quality. Now if your budget is tight then the road to reloading cartridges may be had by LEE equipment. But if you expect durability, quality, and long term good performance then LEE is the road to frustration, in my experience.

But we all get to choose and have our own opinions. Take mine however you wish.

LDBennett

76Highboy · 10-19-2012, 07:42 AM

IMO it comes down to functionality and service. I have never used Lyman equipment but in a LGS where I frequent they have an area where you can try and buy used equipment that reloaders have sold back or traded in. I always see a lot of Lee and Lyman equipment and the RCBS seems to be a little more stout then the Lyman. The RCBS stuff seems to be built like tanks and YOU WILL NOT EVER WEAR THEIR PRESSES OUT. My father has reloaded more ammo then the majority of reloaders that I know and all of his RCBS equipment still operates just like new.

The other fact about RCBS is their customer service is paramount for the life of your press and in repairing your dies. That is important to me.

howlnmad · 10-19-2012, 08:35 AM

The advantage to the Lyman and RCBS would be the extra station. The Lee will do everything you need to do just as well as any of the others. I'd stay away from ythe Deluxe Turret press though. The biggest complaint with the Lee is the ratchet for the auto advance so if you go that route, buy extras they're inexpensive. The other plus to the Lee is that you can switch from auto progressive to singal stage buy removing the center rod. For the money it's a great press but I'm sure this will turn into another rainbow war. It would be best if you could actually put your hands on each one and see for yourself.

aa1911 · 10-19-2012, 10:55 AM

I sense a worm can is opening....

I like Lee's stuff but have to agree with LDB. I prefer RCBS for single stage presses but most are just fine. Lyman, Redding are two other very trusted names in reloading equipment.

If you get into progressive later on, go Dillon!

RandyP · 10-19-2012, 11:40 AM

there is a LOT of brand loyalty and unfortunately the usual brand bashing anytime this daily topic is raised.

As a rough guideline I would suggest that at a relaxed pace :

A single stage press will make 50-75 rounds per hour
An auto-advancing turret (Like the Lee) 150-175 rounds per hour
Progressives - 300+ rounds per hour

I do not think any of the players makes 'junk' and IMHO if you used the same components NOBODY could tell the difference in a finished round vs what machine made it from the $30 Lee Loader to the $30,000 Camdex or any machine in between.

Choose something that fits your budget and realistic amo needs and you will be a happy reloader -and once you buy something STOP READING about other presses - LOL

76Highboy · 10-19-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDBennett

LEE reloading equipment is the "Harbor Freight" of reloading equipment. Good tools cost more as do the Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, Forester, and virtually anyone else's reloading equipment. I have owned a lot of LEE stuff and most all of it suffers the same problems: Innovative design features made of material not up to the job or wrong for the job and only adequate quality. Now if your budget is tight then the road to reloading cartridges may be had by LEE equipment. But if you expect durability, quality, and long term good performance then LEE is the road to frustration, in my experience.

But we all get to choose and have our own opinions. Take mine however you wish.

LDBennett

That kind of sums it up pretty good.

Kevin Rohrer · 10-19-2012, 01:48 PM

Would you prefer to own a Ford, Chevy, or Yugo? You get what you pay for. Caveat Emptor is very true when dealing with Lee products.

If you prefer to balance cost and quality, don't overlook (non-Lee) used presses. Seven of the nine presses on my bench were bought used, and are of high or higher quality than the two new ones.

blackhawk44 · 10-20-2012, 02:07 AM

Look to the Lee Classic Cast Turret. I think you will be very pleased. It is a far more versatile press than the Lyman and RCBS. I have used all three. I only kept the Lee.

Kestral · 10-20-2012, 04:23 AM

Have at present all turret, Lyman AA.exc ( no longer made) Lyman T11 not keen on.Lee Turret , very useful, RCBS ok.& just purchased Redding T7 which is absolutly perfect especially when seating the primers.ordered it at Sinclair Int,but was delivered by Brownells.wished I`d bought it long before I did.

X Ring · 10-20-2012, 06:23 AM

One thing I have to say about the Lyman T-Mag II, the press is fine, no trouble, but the darn priming system is a pain in the A$$. I had to file on it just to get it to work at all, it still usually drops the last primer or two on the floor, the tube doesn’t even hold a hundred primers Maybe I got a bad one but it’s something you should consider before buying, if you plan on priming on the press.

RustyFN · 10-20-2012, 11:39 AM

The Lee classic turret press is as good or better than any other turret press out there. I definitely got what I paid for. My Lee classic turret has worked flawless for over six years now.

cpttango30 · 10-20-2012, 09:35 PM

I prefer RCBS and Hornady. Every thing lee I have ever had the misfortune of owning was worthless and broke in short order.

Many people get many good years of service out of lee equipment.

soundguy · 10-20-2012, 09:57 PM

i happen to have a lee classic C and a rcbs rockchucker supreme. I've used both to deprime, size and seat .. they both, as someone else said.. turn out a finished cartridge that is indistinguishable from another.

the rcbs was a 200$spendy press.. the lee was 20$ you can't really compair them. if I used them both coninoulsy.. the lee would probably have issues long before the rcbs.

I like having both.. I can deprime on the lee as a single operation.. then do other steps as needed..

the point it.. it's rare that you will only have 1 press forever...

budman46 · 11-05-2012, 11:39 AM

lee aluminum presses work, but aren't my cup of tea. lee's classic cast turret, however, is excellent; i have 3 dillons and a rockchucker...idle most of the time, but my classic turret is always in use; it'd be the last i would let go.

carver · 11-05-2012, 11:58 AM

Lee presses are as good as anything else out there. I've been using them for around 40 years, and have yet to have a problem.

Twicepop · 11-05-2012, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddmaxx

I am looking at a lyman turret or RCBS but I have seen good reviews on the new Lee 4 hole turret. Will the Lee hold up ok? I am new to brass reloading but I used to load shotgun years ago with a Mec loader. I think for pistol loading a turret would be my best bet. Will the Lee get me started and work ok to learn on or should I get the Lyman or RCBS as a first press. I am reading the lyman manual now from from front to back.

Consider a Redding turret press if this is the style you really want. They're a bit pricey, but according to the good folks at Sinclair's this is the only one of it's type capable of turning out benchrest match quality ammo. For a lifetimes worth of reloading, cry once about the price and never look back.

zant · 11-05-2012, 02:50 PM

I like the Lee turret,but would NEVER purchase a Lee progressive-my Dillon 550 spoiled me for anything else...

Fast Forward · 11-05-2012, 08:42 PM

I bought a RCBS single Stage used,,from a 20 year plus reloader who also owns a Lee Multi stage,,,does that make the RCBS junk and the lee Better No,,he can make a 200.00 lee do the same Job as a 600.00 RCBS ,,for me a single stage is more idiot proof I load 2-300 rounds a week,, as far as Customer service is concerned you can,t beat RCBS

10-19-2012, 04:55 AM	#1
Maddmaxx Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 46	Which Press? I am looking at a lyman turret or RCBS but I have seen good reviews on the new Lee 4 hole turret. Will the Lee hold up ok? I am new to brass reloading but I used to load shotgun years ago with a Mec loader. I think for pistol loading a turret would be my best bet. Will the Lee get me started and work ok to learn on or should I get the Lyman or RCBS as a first press. I am reading the lyman manual now from from front to back. -->

10-19-2012, 06:46 AM	#2
dbach V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Trinity, TX Posts: 169	Re: Which Press? Most brands of reloading equipment are well built. Each brand has its quirks. I use a RCBS Turret and it works well for me. I have never owned a Lee or a Lyman, so I don't know anything about them. I do know that RCBS is top notch equipment and their customer service is one of the best in the business. RCBS equipment is a little more expensive than Lee. Lyman? I have no idea. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, TX Rookie Reloader but learning fast 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 38 Special, .357 Magnum, 38 S&W, .243, & 30-06 CHL ~ Texas

10-19-2012, 07:13 AM	#3
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,883	Re: Which Press? Welcome to TFF Maxx. what kind of volume and calibers are we talking about? __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

10-19-2012, 07:30 AM	#4
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,714	Re: Which Press? LEE reloading equipment is the "Harbor Freight" of reloading equipment. Good tools cost more as do the Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, Forester, and virtually anyone else's reloading equipment. I have owned a lot of LEE stuff and most all of it suffers the same problems: Innovative design features made of material not up to the job or wrong for the job and only adequate quality. Now if your budget is tight then the road to reloading cartridges may be had by LEE equipment. But if you expect durability, quality, and long term good performance then LEE is the road to frustration, in my experience. But we all get to choose and have our own opinions. Take mine however you wish. LDBennett

10-19-2012, 07:42 AM	#5
76Highboy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Meridian, Idaho Contributor Posts: 6,959	Re: Which Press? IMO it comes down to functionality and service. I have never used Lyman equipment but in a LGS where I frequent they have an area where you can try and buy used equipment that reloaders have sold back or traded in. I always see a lot of Lee and Lyman equipment and the RCBS seems to be a little more stout then the Lyman. The RCBS stuff seems to be built like tanks and YOU WILL NOT EVER WEAR THEIR PRESSES OUT. My father has reloaded more ammo then the majority of reloaders that I know and all of his RCBS equipment still operates just like new. The other fact about RCBS is their customer service is paramount for the life of your press and in repairing your dies. That is important to me.

10-19-2012, 08:35 AM	#6
howlnmad Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Harriman, Tn Contributor Posts: 2,566	Re: Which Press? The advantage to the Lyman and RCBS would be the extra station. The Lee will do everything you need to do just as well as any of the others. I'd stay away from ythe Deluxe Turret press though. The biggest complaint with the Lee is the ratchet for the auto advance so if you go that route, buy extras they're inexpensive. The other plus to the Lee is that you can switch from auto progressive to singal stage buy removing the center rod. For the money it's a great press but I'm sure this will turn into another rainbow war. It would be best if you could actually put your hands on each one and see for yourself. __________________

10-19-2012, 10:55 AM	#7
aa1911 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 3,113	Re: Which Press? I sense a worm can is opening.... I like Lee's stuff but have to agree with LDB. I prefer RCBS for single stage presses but most are just fine. Lyman, Redding are two other very trusted names in reloading equipment. If you get into progressive later on, go Dillon! __________________ "Loud noises don't end gunfights.... well placed shots do."

10-19-2012, 11:40 AM	#8
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: Which Press? there is a LOT of brand loyalty and unfortunately the usual brand bashing anytime this daily topic is raised. As a rough guideline I would suggest that at a relaxed pace : A single stage press will make 50-75 rounds per hour An auto-advancing turret (Like the Lee) 150-175 rounds per hour Progressives - 300+ rounds per hour I do not think any of the players makes 'junk' and IMHO if you used the same components NOBODY could tell the difference in a finished round vs what machine made it from the $30 Lee Loader to the $30,000 Camdex or any machine in between. Choose something that fits your budget and realistic amo needs and you will be a happy reloader -and once you buy something STOP READING about other presses - LOL __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP Last edited by RandyP; 10-19-2012 at 11:41 AM..

10-19-2012, 01:48 PM	#10
Kevin Rohrer V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 281	Re: Which Press? Would you prefer to own a Ford, Chevy, or Yugo? You get what you pay for. Caveat Emptor is very true when dealing with Lee products. If you prefer to balance cost and quality, don't overlook (non-Lee) used presses. Seven of the nine presses on my bench were bought used, and are of high or higher quality than the two new ones. __________________ An armed society is a polite society--Robert Heinlein via Jeff Cooper Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA--Life, Varmint Hunters Assn, American Legion, ARCTA, & South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assn.

10-20-2012, 02:07 AM	#11
blackhawk44 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 14	Re: Which Press? Look to the Lee Classic Cast Turret. I think you will be very pleased. It is a far more versatile press than the Lyman and RCBS. I have used all three. I only kept the Lee.

10-20-2012, 04:23 AM	#12
Kestral V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Guernsey Channel Islands Posts: 355	Re: Which Press? Have at present all turret, Lyman AA.exc ( no longer made) Lyman T11 not keen on.Lee Turret , very useful, RCBS ok.& just purchased Redding T7 which is absolutly perfect especially when seating the primers.ordered it at Sinclair Int,but was delivered by Brownells.wished I`d bought it long before I did.

10-20-2012, 06:23 AM	#13
X Ring V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 188	Re: Which Press? One thing I have to say about the Lyman T-Mag II, the press is fine, no trouble, but the darn priming system is a pain in the A$$. I had to file on it just to get it to work at all, it still usually drops the last primer or two on the floor, the tube doesn’t even hold a hundred primers Maybe I got a bad one but it’s something you should consider before buying, if you plan on priming on the press. __________________ Load More = Shoot More http://s1096.photobucket.com/albums/g327/Wynn3/

10-20-2012, 11:39 AM	#14
RustyFN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 592	Re: Which Press? The Lee classic turret press is as good or better than any other turret press out there. I definitely got what I paid for. My Lee classic turret has worked flawless for over six years now.

10-20-2012, 09:35 PM	#15
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: Which Press? I prefer RCBS and Hornady. Every thing lee I have ever had the misfortune of owning was worthless and broke in short order. Many people get many good years of service out of lee equipment.

10-20-2012, 09:57 PM	#16
soundguy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: florida Contributor Posts: 4,441	Re: Which Press? i happen to have a lee classic C and a rcbs rockchucker supreme. I've used both to deprime, size and seat .. they both, as someone else said.. turn out a finished cartridge that is indistinguishable from another. the rcbs was a 200$spendy press.. the lee was 20$ you can't really compair them. if I used them both coninoulsy.. the lee would probably have issues long before the rcbs. I like having both.. I can deprime on the lee as a single operation.. then do other steps as needed.. the point it.. it's rare that you will only have 1 press forever...

11-05-2012, 11:39 AM	#17
budman46 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 29	Re: Which Press? lee aluminum presses work, but aren't my cup of tea. lee's classic cast turret, however, is excellent; i have 3 dillons and a rockchucker...idle most of the time, but my classic turret is always in use; it'd be the last i would let go. __________________ budman ignorance is fixable...

11-05-2012, 11:58 AM	#18
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,266	Re: Which Press? Lee presses are as good as anything else out there. I've been using them for around 40 years, and have yet to have a problem. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

11-05-2012, 02:50 PM	#20
zant V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: S.Al Posts: 248	Re: Which Press? I like the Lee turret,but would NEVER purchase a Lee progressive-my Dillon 550 spoiled me for anything else...

11-05-2012, 08:42 PM	#21
Fast Forward Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chaska Minn Posts: 529	Re: Which Press? I bought a RCBS single Stage used,,from a 20 year plus reloader who also owns a Lee Multi stage,,,does that make the RCBS junk and the lee Better No,,he can make a 200.00 lee do the same Job as a 600.00 RCBS ,,for me a single stage is more idiot proof I load 2-300 rounds a week,, as far as Customer service is concerned you can,t beat RCBS