A look at the Lee Classic Turret press

[ohland]

Lee Classic Turret Press Part I - Lee Equipment - It's not just for Kids
http://www.realguns.com/archives/122.htm

Lee Classic Turret Press Part II - Form Follows Function - A closer Look
http://www.realguns.com/archives/123.htm

Lee Classic Turret Press Part III - It's Pretty, But Does it Make Good Ammo?
http://www.realguns.com/archives/124.htm

[mdi]

Thanks for the links, a lot of info on a popular press!

Interesting, but the writer assumes the Lee turret presses are going to be used as a "semi-progressive" press. I purchased a Deluxe turret (old style) 13 years ago and disabled the auto index feature a day or two after I set it up. I like to batch load and know there are many other reloaders that "hand index" their Lee turret and are quite successful. If I wanted 1,000 rounds of ammo "right now!" I would go with an entry level Dillon real progressive press like a Square Deal...

[Poygan]

I also disabled the auto index feature immediately. I don't load large quantities, perhaps 50 - 100 at time. I full length size on the first station and bell the case on the second. I removed and hand prime the cases. The station three seats the boolit and number four for the crimp.

[str8wal]

The thing that appeals to me about the Lee turret presses are the quick changeovers. I've never used a Lee as a "progressive" press, but they do save time when decapping and expanding straightwall cases.

[tazman]

I use the Classic cast with the auto index installed for pistol ammo but removed for rifle ammo. Nothing wrong with doing it either way. That's just how I load with it.

[jabo52521]

Have had my 3 holer for well over 20 years. Have always indexed by hand. Great piece of equipment.

[RogerDat]

What is not to love? A pretty nice single stage with the index rod out. Switch to auto indexed turret for stuff you need to load in quantity for some auto loader that tends to have a big appetite. With the disks providing an easy way to store dies pre-set.

Sometimes you want to batch load a box or two, other times you want to crank out a few hundred for the next time you go out to burn through some ammo with the kids and grandkids.

[Riverpigusmc]

Love my 4 holer. I load in batches, seat and crimp in seperate steps. Keep one head loaded for .45 acp and one for .38 Spl

[Rhou45]

Got my Lee 3 hole in the early 1990's, have always loaded batches up to 50 one station at a time, then hand index to the next station for the next step in the process for that batch. That helps me maintain consistency. It has more than paid for itself over the years with some odd thousands of rounds. I am sure it and the seven turret heads with dies pre-set with 45c, 38/357, 30/30, 7mm-08, 44mag, 270, 7mm Rem Mag will outlast me.

[gunoil]

Had one, like dillon 550 better.

[warf73]

I got the classic also and removed the plastic ratchet thing. Main reason like others I load in batches and don't want/need the rachet. It's very nice setting up rifle dies ONCE and not having to jack with it again. Remove tool head and shell holder and your ready to install the next caliber.

[cajun shooter]

It is the best press made today for a reloader that is getting into the use of a turret machine. It's very well made and works well. It does have a little slop in the turret moving upward with the upstroke of the press but that may be worked out through die adjustment. I think it's one of the best buys today.
Lee makes a lot of what is known as beginner equipment but this press has a place in all persons who load homes. As has been posted, it may be turned into a manual press by just removing one piece from the press.
One member posted that the Dillon 550 was a better buy. That is the most laughable statement I think I've ever read on this forum. Comparing a press that cost about $115 to a machine that cost about $700 loaded out is like saying a BMW 700 is better than a $1800 used Chevrolet. Take Care David

PS I've owned three Dillon 550's and still had a Lee Classic on my bench.

[MaryB]

I run mine in manual mode too. I prefer to load in batches of 100. Made a turret storage rack for mine from red oak. Top is laser cut and the turrets are a snug fit!

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/maryalanab/Gun%20engraving/2013-07-16_02-44-53_379_zpsfe49d98a.jpg

[r1kk1]

One member posted that the Dillon 550 was a better buy. That is the most laughable statement I think I've ever read on this forum. Comparing a press that cost about $115 to a machine that cost about $700 loaded out is like saying a BMW 700 is better than a $1800 used Chevrolet. Take Care David

PS I've owned three Dillon 550's and still had a Lee Classic on my bench.

David

I look through this thread and there were two Dillon comments, neither talking about value but quantity or what someone liked better. Kinda lost with the used Chevy and BMW thing. I've had one 450/550. I've never needed more since the 80s. Every pull of the handle, one round. That can't be done on a turret press. The 550 and Lee CC turret do not allow me to use a full compliment of my favorite lock ring - Forster. I can only use two on the 550. A turret press is not a progressive so the two are apples and oranges comparisons. I wish Hornady would release a LNL turret. I love those bushings and there reside in two single stages I own. The original quick change die press I own doesn't use them. I do own one turret press - a P/W P-200. I'm looking for a Hollywood turret and a member on this forum can make a custom head to use LNL bushings. That would be sweet. I would use my case forming dies in it to go from 405 Winchester to 25 caliber! That would be faster than swapping out bushings in the single stage or maybe using the COAX.

I looked at the CC turret and I passed. It's not what I'm looking for. My needs are different from others. I have nothing against the CC series, it's about time and very late to the reloading game.

Going back to the auto thing, you would flinch at what my truck cost new. They knocked 20k off since they are fleet dealer. It handles a commercial Anderson gooseneck tandem wheel, tandem axle, electric over hydraulic 30' gooseneck just fine as well as the 40 ft fifth wheel. Trucks in this class don't come cheap.

Not picking on you. Gunoil has both Lee and Dillon stuff. He uses a lot of aftermarket stuff on his presses. They must be beautiful to see and use. I wish I could see them in person. I'm not a fan of Lee presses, but Mike's reloading bench makes some beautiful stuff for them.

take care,

r1kk1

[brtelec]

I have a 4 hole and I use the auto index. I only load 357 and 44 Mag on it. I remove the decapping pin because I decap before tumbling and I prime on my forster co-axial. This makes for quick and accurate reloading of these two calibers. I am loading at max pressure and hand weigh my powder so for the limited number of rounds I am loading at a time it is perfect. I have a loadmaster for 9, 40, 45, 30-30 and 308. All other rifle I load on my co-ax. Reloading presses are like firearms, you can probably get by with only one but some are just better suited than others for a given task.

[NC_JEFF]

I enjoy loading on my Lee turret. It performs very well and speeds up my overall loading process. I don't use anything but a hand primer for seating primers regardless of what caliber I'm putting together. I like to use the turret for dropping powder, seating and crimping so I use the auto index to make that process faster. I use my Loadmaster the same way because again, I trust my hand priming tool more than the others for consistent priming. Both presses make good ammo but I think I like my Lee turret the best.

[milprileb]

I own a 450, 550 and 650 Dillons. I was given a Lee classic turret press.

By the time I adjust any Dillons priming system to small primer size, I can
have 150 rounds of 9mm loaded. Then add re-installing large primer
system back onto any Dillon and I got another 150 rounds loaded.

I just leave the Lee turret set up for 9mm hand loading and for 9mm shooting
purposes, the Lee makes great ammo at a steady pace.

For me its not cost effective to change out primer systems on the Dillons and I can
afford to load 3 hrs weekly on the Lee press to keep me stocked in 9mm ammo.

For the mission, the Lee classic turret is perfect for 9mm hand loads. If it did not work well, it would not be on my bench !

[RogerDat]

Best press no. Best press that fits the budget of many reloaders? I think the answer is yes. There are some other single stage O presses that are much stouter and taller for those that need that feature set. And then there are people that are reloading on a modest little C press or two because that meets their needs and suits their space or budget.

Oh wait. Lee makes those other presses at a very competitive price too. ;-)

Totally get some folks don't mind or figure it is worth buying a Land Rover or BMW and some folks get there just fine in a Ford or Chevy at a much lower price. But even a car review does not compare a Ford Focus to a BMW it compares the Ford to an equivalent vehicle.

Oddly enough I would probably spend $$$ on a great lead deal. But would find little reason to spend 1/2 that on a press. Not saying folks that buy high end presses are wrong just that it is not really relevant to a $115 turret press. Ok if you buy a $500 press and only make a couple of boxes of ammo for fall hunting with THEN we get to laugh at you, but only behind your back where it won't hurt your feelings.

[r1kk1]

I own a 450, 550 and 650 Dillons. I was given a Lee classic turret press.

By the time I adjust any Dillons priming system to small primer size, I can
have 150 rounds of 9mm loaded. Then add re-installing large primer
system back onto any Dillon and I got another 150 rounds loaded.

I just leave the Lee turret set up for 9mm hand loading and for 9mm shooting
purposes, the Lee makes great ammo at a steady pace.

For me its not cost effective to change out primer systems on the Dillons and I can
afford to load 3 hrs weekly on the Lee press to keep me stocked in 9mm ammo.

For the mission, the Lee classic turret is perfect for 9mm hand loads. If it did not work well, it would not be on my bench !

This fellow claims to do swaps in 20 seconds using complete assemblies for the 550 or 650:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/338019_Cheap_Tips_and_Tricks_For_Dillon_550B_and_X L650s___Updated_3_18_2015.html

It takes me two or three minutes to do one a 550. Pretty simple and straight forward. I could not load 150 rounds on the 550 by the time I changed primer sizes, if I could then it would be capable of producing way more than the theoretical 500 rounds per hour. I guess I can see the advantage of having complete assemblies, it justs not a big deal to switch sizes for me.

Take care

r1kk1

[rondog]

Yep, LCT owner/user here too. Currently loading approx. 15 calibers, all dies are in their own turret rings ready to use, plus a couple others with decapping die, collet bullet puller, powder dispenser, etc.

I also bounce back and forth between auto-indexing and single-stage, as needed. Great press, I love it! Perfect for my needs.

[Tackleberry41]

I bought a Lee turret not long ago, got by with several single stages for a long long time. Now I wonder why I didnt get one before. I dont think I have ever used the index part of it. I like being able to switch between the flaring die, powder charge, seating and crimping on my cast rifle loads. I would have already done any sizing, priming by then. Works really well making pistol ammo with the Lee factory crimp die. No more switching from press to press like I used to. I have never sat down and made large quantities of one type of ammo where I saw a need for a full progressive. I might make 100 9mm today and not make any for a couple weeks, and even then use a different bullet where things would have to be adjusted.

Its funny I was over in another forum and a beginner asked whats a good set up to start with. There are some who feel that anything Lee makes is pure junk. How dare someone recommend a Lee to anyone, it will break, as it only comes with a 2 yr warranty. Yea I have broken the little open c clamp style press, exceeding its capacity and after using it for 20 yrs. A new one is $25 so $1.25 a yr, seems a good investment.

[ukrifleman]

I have a Lee Classic turret and load 16 calibres from .357 to 8mm.

I use the indexing option for pistol loads and can crank out around 200 rounds an hour with a Lee auto disk measure mounted on the turret.

I remove the indexing rod for rifle rounds.

I like the option of swapping calibres in seconds by just changing the 4 hole turrets.
I think the LCT press offers great value for money.
ukrifleman

[Case Stuffer]

I purchased a Lee Classic four holer a few weeks a go to load AR15(.223) ammo as both of my progressive presses are handgun ammo only. Now that I have loaded .223 on it I have ordered a Lee Powder Thru Expander for 9mm and also a 38 S &W ( #SE1699) expander to be used with cast Boolits for the 9 mm. IT is very likely that I will end up also getting a 45CP Tru Power Expander and just load everything on this one. My C&H Auto Master Mk.V is old, worn and often cantankerous much like its' owner.

LIke a few other I prefer to hand prime not so much that the Safety Prime is not useable but as I FL size and deprime then tumble I can hand prime faster off the press anyway and I do get a better feel seating the primers by hand.

[CITYREPO61]

I recently was given a lee turret press. I haven't tried it yet but I'm pretty happy with my 2 1000's and the turret looks like it will fit in very well.

[Case Stuffer]

I received my Lee Powder Thru Expander for 9mm and also a 38 S &W ( #SE1699) expander which works great with my cast Boolits power coated (shake and bake) and sized to
.357. First time ever my Springfield XD9 SC has not leaded with cast.

[cajun shooter]

David

I look through this thread and there were two Dillon comments, neither talking about value but quantity or what someone liked better. Kinda lost with the used Chevy and BMW thing. I've had one 450/550. I've never needed more since the 80s. Every pull of the handle, one round. That can't be done on a turret press. The 550 and Lee CC turret do not allow me to use a full compliment of my favorite lock ring - Forster. I can only use two on the 550. A turret press is not a progressive so the two are apples and oranges comparisons. I wish Hornady would release a LNL turret. I love those bushings and there reside in two single stages I own. The original quick change die press I own doesn't use them. I do own one turret press - a P/W P-200. I'm looking for a Hollywood turret and a member on this forum can make a custom head to use LNL bushings. That would be sweet. I would use my case forming dies in it to go from 405 Winchester to 25 caliber! That would be faster than swapping out bushings in the single stage or maybe using the COAX.

I looked at the CC turret and I passed. It's not what I'm looking for. My needs are different from others. I have nothing against the CC series, it's about time and very late to the reloading game.

Going back to the auto thing, you would flinch at what my truck cost new. They knocked 20k off since they are fleet dealer. It handles a commercial Anderson gooseneck tandem wheel, tandem axle, electric over hydraulic 30' gooseneck just fine as well as the 40 ft fifth wheel. Trucks in this class don't come cheap.

Not picking on you. Gunoil has both Lee and Dillon stuff. He uses a lot of aftermarket stuff on his presses. They must be beautiful to see and use. I wish I could see them in person. I'm not a fan of Lee presses, but Mike's reloading bench makes some beautiful stuff for them.

take care,

r1kk1

My point was that this thread was about the Lee Turret Press and not about which is the better press all the way around. My comparison of the two vehicles is that you should not compare any two products regardless of what they do when they are from two different price ranges. I also have owned and had at least two Dillon presses on my bench along with my Lee Turret.
My GMC 3/4 ton with Allison tranny and Diesel engine along with full leather and heated mirrors may also make other persons flinch. ( I figured I would include that also since you saw some reason to do so as it has absolutely nothing to do with the subject being discussed) My comparison of the cars had to do with cost and class.

The Lee turret has a lot of flaws but for the money will give most shooters one of the best deals in loading.
You may purchase a Lee turret for a few dollars over a Ben Franklin, not so with the Dillon. If you wish to start a thread about the best of the turret presses then the Dillon would be the first name on the list. Have a nice day Sir, David

[1hole]

What's the "better" press is quite subjective. Few of us have any practical need for a progressive, that's why single stage presses vastly out sell progressives - or even turrets.

These "my press is better than your press" threads do get comical. Choose the tools needed for your purposes and buy what you need. Buying a turret press when you need a progressive is a mistake but paying for a Dillon anything when you don't need it is ego feeding foolishness.

[Jal5]

Looked real close at the LCT press in the store today. I think it's my next investment.

[justingrosche]

I load all of my pistol cases on a LCT. I use it as it apprears most do, without the auto indexing feature. I size and expand, then SS pin tumble. Then I prime with a Lee hand primer in 50 count blocks, usually several hundred, powder drop with one of the uniflo's then seat and crimp in the last two stations. Not as quick as a full progressive, but good enough for me.
I do not like it for rifle cartridges, I have found the flex between the turret and the frame to give horrible run out. The longer the case and bullet combination, the worse it seemed to be. All rifle is on the Chucker.

[r1kk1]

My point was that this thread was about the Lee Turret Press and not about which is the better press all the way around. My comparison of the two vehicles is that you should not compare any two products regardless of what they do when they are from two different price ranges. I also have owned and had at least two Dillon presses on my bench along with my Lee Turret.
My GMC 3/4 ton with Allison tranny and Diesel engine along with full leather and heated mirrors may also make other persons flinch. ( I figured I would include that also since you saw some reason to do so as it has absolutely nothing to do with the subject being discussed) My comparison of the cars had to do with cost and class.

The Lee turret has a lot of flaws but for the money will give most shooters one of the best deals in loading.
You may purchase a Lee turret for a few dollars over a Ben Franklin, not so with the Dillon. If you wish to start a thread about the best of the turret presses then the Dillon would be the first name on the list. Have a nice day Sir, David

David,

Dillon doesn't make a turret press. I agree you won't buy one cheap, nor will a used one sell for cheap. I have one turret press, a P200. My wife uses it, I really don't. A turret press doesn't save me time pulling a handle four times for one cartridge. I really despise loading on a single stage or the P200.

I don't know about the flaws on the CC turret. I noticed I could not use my favorite lock rings on all the die stations. Bummer.
I'm glad Lee brought out the CC series. It was long overdue. It is a very popular press. It's just not for me. I misunderstood the comparison you were trying to make with cars. All I can say is I have a 2012 King Ranch dually. At times depending on the application, it is not enough truck for one particular trailer I own. If I don't max the weight of the trailer out, roll across a Cat scale, keep weights reasonable, it keeps me from buying a bigger truck that doesn't see much action. It works for all the other trailers I pull.

I have seen one comparison test of the current production turrets. There wasn't enough runout between the four compared. It came down to personal taste and how many stations you wanted. Oddly enough, the Lee appeared to have the greatest leverage of all of them.

A turret is not a better press for me. I have limited time at home and we have a list of cartridges to load in bulk. The rest of the time I have a single stage in the RV that loads in batches of 100. It is a very compact press and does case forming chores as we don't shoot a lot of common cartridges. A turret press could work in this application, but I choose a single stage with LNL bushings and my favorite die lock ring.

take care,

r1kk1

[r1kk1]

What's the "better" press is quite subjective. Few of us have any practical need for a progressive, that's why single stage presses vastly out sell progressives - or even turrets.

I agree about the subjective aspect. A tool has to feel good to the user. As far as a practical need for a progressive is going to be up to the individual. The round counter broke in the 90s when my press was close to turning 100k rounds out. If my wife and I start shooting clay sports again, we will buy another progressive shotshell loader. It will be a cold day if I have to load them one at a time with several pulls on the handle. I don't want to pull a handle four times for one loaded pistol shell. I bought mine in the 80s and still going strong.

I will never be without a single stage. I do too much case forming duties and other operations to be without one or more single stage presses.

take care,

r1kk1

[1bluehorse]

Bought a LCT several years ago to replace a Lyman T-Mag, looked like a better set-up to me....and it was...used it for quite a few years, never had a problem or issue with it. A great value IMO....but I sold it and all the stuff I had accumulated for it to purchase a press that gave ME better versatility for what I was looking to do....maybe a surprise to some but that press is/was a Dillon 450....it's not for everyone (obviously, hence the 550 :grin:) but for the uses that the LCT was performing the 450 suits ME better.....I do however also have and use two older RCBS progressive presses and a Classic single stage....but I would say the old 450 is my most used press....it pretty much will cover all aspects of reloading....one other thing about ALL my presses is that none of them have a "removable" die head.....just a personal preference but I want a "solid" head for my dies....I have no problem spending the 10 minutes or so changing out dies for a caliber change....a non-issue for me..........I will re-state though, that, IMO, the LCT is a fine press and will suit many.....