Turret Press

[Porterhouse]

Hi all,
Is turret press better than single press? If so, in what way? I found a used Redding T-7( I think) with good price but it requires total re-arrangement of my loading bench and may need to replace with a single press which, I've been using the past 15 years. Any input will be appreciated.

[Ziptar]

I have a Lyman T-Mag Turret Press and love it. I don't want to go full progressive and the turret makes life easier than a straight single stage not having to swap dies out.

The T-7 is the best turret out there IMHO, I'll probably buy one eventually.

Redding made two turret presses the earlier T-25 had 6 holes and the newer (and current production) T-7 with 7 holes.

[BoolitSchuuter]

A turret press will allow you to set up any number of dies (up to it's limit) for more efficient reloading.
I have an old Spartan "T" that I used for 308 for years. It was a time saver when I needed to reload for a service rifle match. Worked best for me when batch loading. :target_smiley: If you are intending to load "Bench rest grade" ammo, keep in mind that the turret head will have some inherent flex.

[largom]

IS A TURRET PRESS BETTER THAN A SINGLE STAGE? Depends upon your objective for loading ammo. If you want to load a little faster, the turret will help achieve this. If you want to load the most precise boolits, the single stage would be best. The single stage would most likely be the strongest, if you needed the strength.

I handload on two single stage presses. I have one turret press with the indexing removed. I have installed a universal decapping die and my Lee hardness tester in the turret press where they stay permanently. Make your choice of presses based on what you like. Many on this forum use progressive presses because they like them. I use single stage presses because thats what I like.

Larry

[Reg]

From my experience, if you are just after blasting ammo, the turret press is handy and quick but for precision ammo, best to stay with a good solid single stage. Because of the vary nature it needs to function, that little bit of looseness allows a certain amount of "spring" to enter. Not much for sure but if you are into such things as sizing primer pocket depths and flash hole sizes that small amount of tilt is a factor.
I keep one turret press set up for one pistol caliber that I shoot a lot and the total fussiness is not needed and it lets me make up a bunch of ammo quick but when I am loading 22-250 for grass rats out there at 400 to 500 yards I only use the single stage press.

:drinks:

[44Vaquero]

Lifted from an article on Brownells web site about turret presses:


Redding

COL - Comparator 2.182 2.180 2.180 2.181 2.180
Neck Run Out <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Bullet Run Out <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
RCBS

COL - Comparator 2.190 2.190 2.190 2.190 2.189
Neck Run Out <0.001 <0.001 <0.002 <0.001 <0.002
Bullet Run Out <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Lee Precision

COL - Comparator 2.181 2.182 2.182 2.182 2.183
Neck Run Out <0.002 <0.001 <0.002 <0.001 <0.002
Bullet Run Out <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

Here is the link:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11843/guntechdetail/Handloading___The_Wandering_Narrative_Part_II

[kd185]

If you cant tell im a huge fan of turret presses
when set up right they can make reloading a breeze
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gzop27JINYw/TnHf-8VpTXI/AAAAAAAAAeU/dYaCeMLrwxI/s512/2011-09-15%252007.12.13.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f5znZlIz0aI/TDwxHsOot5I/AAAAAAAAAFk/3zU5-XlFLXE/s512/photo%25283%2529.jpg

[wallenba]

I have a T-7, go for it, you won't regret it. With Hornady die lock rings on each die, just put 'em in and go. The only flaw I found is the long drop the decapped primer makes to the catch tube. This is only a problem if you prime off the press and leave the primer arm off. In that case I just wedged a piece of 1/4" dowel rod in the ram slot to keep them from hitting the floor.

[wallenba]

IS A TURRET PRESS BETTER THAN A SINGLE STAGE? Depends upon your objective for loading ammo. If you want to load a little faster, the turret will help achieve this. If you want to load the most precise boolits, the single stage would be best. The single stage would most likely be the strongest, if you needed the strength.

I handload on two single stage presses. I have one turret press with the indexing removed. I have installed a universal decapping die and my Lee hardness tester in the turret press where they stay permanently. Make your choice of presses based on what you like. Many on this forum use progressive presses because they like them. I use single stage presses because thats what I like.

Larry

Larry, I do the same now. I have a Patmarlins Checkmaker and an RCBS APS primer as well. It makes for my quick 'go to' utility press. I only resorted to that after the arthritis in my left shoulder was getting aggravated by the back and forth of turning the turret. I bothered me not to be able use it as intended in the past, but now has a good place on the bench.

[Wayne Smith]

A turret press will allow you to set up any number of dies (up to it's limit) for more efficient reloading.
I have an old Spartan "T" that I used for 308 for years. It was a time saver when I needed to reload for a service rifle match. Worked best for me when batch loading. :target_smiley: If you are intending to load "Bench rest grade" ammo, keep in mind that the turret head will have some inherent flex.

Wow! And I thought I was old!

[375RUGER]

If I was going to add another non-progressive press to my bench it would be a T-7. I would like to have one to set up for stuff that I don't need to load with a progressive.

[handyman25]

I normally use a rcbs single stage press. However, I picked up a lyman t mag press very cheap at a garage sale with a extra turret head. I really like it. I have my 45lc in one (for cowboy action shooting)with the lee factory size die, the lee .454 bullet sizer and my powder charger. In the other turren I have my 45acp setup. It has a small adjustable rod in the back to take care of any flex. It is only a little faster than a single stage press but way more convenent.

[wallenba]

Just found this excellant video for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3R7PkPklUM&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL1592424423CB577C

[paul h]

I had a turret press, then I got a Forster co-ax. The turret was sold and I've yet to miss it.

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/evefiles/photo_albums/3/4/4/344100033/6961075121_71D7F411ACBEB4B82105B26C996534A1.JPG

One of these days I'll be adding a dillon 550, but to me the co-ax offers the speed of die changing, and the advantages of the co-ax alignmnment that a turret doesn't offer. The auto opening shell holder is kinda neat too.

[LUBEDUDE]

Being a more of a progressive guy for over 25 years, I feel I have taken a step backwards - in some ways.

Do I like Turrets over SS?

Here ya go -


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_75704fb57c88b1df8.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5275)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_75704fb57db19b54f.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5276)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_75704fb57de408c79.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5277)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_75704fb57e00f232e.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5278)

[troyboy]

I got a lyman AA to give it a go but was not happy with the whole concept. I have a progressive for production and a SS for precision. I guess if you had lots of space you could have a few and just leave then set up..... for my situation I see no advantage

[thehouseproduct]

I had a turret press, then I got a Forster co-ax. The turret was sold and I've yet to miss it.

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/evefiles/photo_albums/3/4/4/344100033/6961075121_71D7F411ACBEB4B82105B26C996534A1.JPG

One of these days I'll be adding a dillon 550, but to me the co-ax offers the speed of die changing, and the advantages of the co-ax alignmnment that a turret doesn't offer. The auto opening shell holder is kinda neat too.
Interesting, I just traded my Lyman turret for a Co-ax. I'm happy so far.

[1bluehorse]

A turret press is probably the most versatile press you can buy. Brand doesn't matter, whichever you prefer. But I also wouldn't be without a single stage press on my bench. I could get along nicely the rest of my reloading "life" with my Lee Classic turret and my old Pacific single stage press. Rarely do I use a progressive press. The turret press is certainly capable but I still prefer to reload bottleneck cartridges on the SS. YMMV..[smilie=p:

[Porterhouse]

Thanks everyone!
I'll go back and check it again. Now I have to figure out, where to put...

[joec]

I just sold one of my 2 Lee Pro 1000 (bought used) and ordered a new Lee Classic Turret. I think I would prefer it to the progressive when loading my black powder rounds though I did it for a while on it. I love the Lee Pro 1000 though for loading pistol ammo other than the black powder stuff. I also have a Lee Hand Press and Lee Reloader press.

[deepskyridge]

A major factor that influences press selection is what you want to do with it.

I use a Dillon 550 for handgun loads.

I use a Redding T7 for rifle reloading.

I find the T7 very accurate for loading everything including precision rifle rounds.

I have extra turret heads which is really great for quick caliber changes.

Gary

[Char-Gar]

I have a Redding turret and three single stage presses on my bench. I use the turret mostly for handgun ammo, although it will load rifle ammo as well as a single stage.

[geargnasher]

I bought and sold an RCBS turret and a Lyman turret. I now do the majority of my rifle reloading (6 calibers) on the Lee Classic turret. Lee is the only turret press out there that I know of that has engineered the support for the turret head on outside, rather than having a center pivot and counter-support. The Lee setup won't flex or wobble once the slack is out. I I could only have one press out of any out there, past or present, I'd take the Lee Classic Turret with auto-index.

Gear

[flashhole]

I had a Redding turret press, now I have 2 Lee Classic Turrets. What a great design!

[rromeo]

I am a hands on guy, but I don't have a ton of time, so a turret seems like the proper in between of single stage and progressive. I have the Lee Classic, and I have the auto index removed.
I come home from work, and spend 25 minutes in my basement unwinding by loading 50 rounds of .38.

[1bluehorse]

I bought and sold an RCBS turret and a Lyman turret. I now do the majority of my rifle reloading (6 calibers) on the Lee Classic turret. Lee is the only turret press out there that I know of that has engineered the support for the turret head on outside, rather than having a center pivot and counter-support. The Lee setup won't flex or wobble once the slack is out. I I could only have one press out of any out there, past or present, I'd take the Lee Classic Turret with auto-index.

Gear

My sentiments exactly Gear...I originally bought the 3hole Lee turret (95 or so), converted it to a 4 when that became available. After a couple years "upgraded" (?) to a Lyman T-Mag turret believing all the "opinions" about the quailty of the Lee vs the Lyman. The Lyman was an okay press but as soon as Lee came out with the Classic series the Lyman was gone and the LCTP took it's place. The T-Mag will hold more paper down but for design and usability there's no comparison in my book, the Lee wins hands down.

[Dframe]

I've been using an old Lyman Spar-T for over 40 years now. they might be a litttle less strong than a O framed single stage press but the convenience of having six or more dies mounted is incalculable. A turret would be my hands down first choice of ALL the presses available.

[budman46]

my dillon's are dusted off when i plan on runs of 100 or more, but like other posters, i prefer lee's classic cast turret, who's removable turret design lets me to keep die set-ups in small coffee cans, allowing caliber conversions less than 30 seconds.

[Moondawg]

I have been using a Redding T-7 for several years, It replaced two rockchuckers. The T-7 is real quality and strong. I would never trade it and go back to a single stage press. I keep the six dies for my 38-55 and 45-70 permanently set up and have one open station for loading anything else. For volumn pistol loads I use my Dillion 550. Of all the turrent presses, the T-7 the best. The others may be cheaper, but they are not better, and don't offer as many stations.

[Moondawg]

IS A TURRET PRESS BETTER THAN A SINGLE STAGE? Depends upon your objective for loading ammo. If you want to load a little faster, the turret will help achieve this. If you want to load the most precise boolits, the single stage would be best. The single stage would most likely be the strongest, if you needed the strength.
Larry

Ya know, I shoot benchrest, which is just about the most precision shooting and reloading going, and I don't see many people at a match reloading with a rockchucker or any of the bigger single stage presses. Most of us use either the small RCBS partner press, or one of the small presses like a Harrell, or Sinclair, or even a Wilson hand press. Not to be argumentive, but I have about 30 years experience with Rockchuckers and five with a T-7. The T-7 will load just as precision a round as will most single stage presses. Actually, loading a precision round is more a matter of techinque and dies, than it is what kind of press you use.

[MT Chambers]

The Co-ax is just as fast to change over, prolly faster and more adaptable, more precise, I like the Co-ax so much that i wouldn't want a turret type press, a progressive like dillon, maybe.

[geargnasher]

my dillon's are dusted off when i plan on runs of 100 or more, but like other posters, i prefer lee's classic cast turret, who's removable turret design lets me to keep die set-ups in small coffee cans, allowing caliber conversions less than 30 seconds.

Like these?

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_89094f14e936a7dbf.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=3483)

For the guys still loving their Lyman and RCBS turret presses, you use what makes you happy, but I have to wonder how many of you own a Lee Classic Turret press as well. One nice thing about the LCTP is that it loads very concentric ammo even with cheap dies (i.e. not Redding precision seating dies and others that fully support the entire case and boolit). If you use good dies, the turret head flex is pretty much negligable.

Gear

[leadman]

I have an old Spar-T, a Lee 3 hole turret, RCBS Rockchucker, and a new Lee Classic Turret. The Spar-T will probably go down the road soon.
I will keep the Lee 3 holer for pistol rounds as the stroke is much shorter and more ammo can be loaded on it.
I am changing over most of my rifle loading to the LCTP. Probably the only rifle I won't load on it is jacketed loads with large amounts of stick powders.