Comparing Lee 4 Hole Presses

[DougGuy]

I am thinking about getting a cheap Lee 4 hole press, the classic red base is cast iron, $148 and the value turret press is $106 at Titan.

Any appreciable differences in cast iron base vs. cast aluminum other than $40? I know the iron is stronger and will last longer but for loading stuff like 300BO and 45 Colt/45Schofield where I typically pull the charged case and weigh each charge, I don't need anything progressive, what's your thoughts on the value line press?

[deces]

I don't have either, but I'll throw out some personal observations based on other Lee presses that use the same parts as the ones you mentioned above. One thing I noticed between the Lee pro 4k & the Pro 6k was the difference in rigidity of the pro 6k, it was much more noticeable than the pro 4k, the pro 4k's linkages have a observable flex during the operation of the ram, that is absent of the pro 6k.
I know they are different presses, just that the part I mentioned are analogous for comparison.

[DougGuy]

I think I overlooked the position of the vertical stanchions that hold the upper frame, the cast iron press has them in the typical arrangement that leaves the left side of the press accessible for access to the ram, and the cast aluminum base has the 3 stanchions in a triangular fashion that blocks access from both sides except from the front. I would not be happy with that arrangement.

[hc18flyer]

I have the Classic Cast 4-hole turret. I use it as a single stage. I started with this press and still use it for 9mm and .223. There is some movement in the 4-hole disc but, it is manageable. I like to use my case activated Lee disc powder measure with that Press. I also have a Forster Co-ax press that gets most of my rifle loading. I recently purchased a used Dillion SDB for my pistol reloading. Right now I am deciding if I really need the Classic Cast Turret? hc18flyer

[Sig556r]

Broke my aluminum 4-hole (might’ve been too much torque on anchor bolts based on crack propagation) but Lee replaced it (shipping on my dime though).
Still got it but seldom use it.

[Sam Sackett]

Go for the Classic Cast model. It sure feels a lot more solid than my old three hole aluminum model. If I had to go back to having only one press, I probably would keep the Classic. There is slight play in the tool head, but it’s very repeatable.

Just my nickel….…

Sam Sackett

[wildwilly501]

The new value press base is steel not aluminum.There’s plenty of room to get at the shell holder. I only load handgun cases on mine. I used the Deluxe for forty years the Value is a better built press If I loaded rifle on it I might have bought the Classic Cast but for handgun the Value works fine.

[mdatlanta]

The Classic Cast Turret press has served me well for a lot of years and many thousands of rifle and pistol rounds. It is very durable and is very versatile. Highly recommended, IMHO.

[powwowell]

The Lee Classic Cast was my first press. I then got a Hornady LnL and believed I didn't need the Turret press any longer. One of the biggest mistakes I've ever made in reloading!

I was gifted a Dillon Square Deal B. Absolutely loved it. I then sold the Hornady. After several years, I got out of reloading. Sold everything.

The reloading bug came back last year. I was going to load only .38 Special and .357. i bought a Lee Challenger press and a set of .38 Special dies. After several months on the Challenger, I ran across a terrific deal on a Lee Six Pack Pro, with 9mm set-up. Then I bought a .45 ACP shell plate and a set of Lee dies. Then a set of .357 dies, so I didn't have to re-adjust the .38 Special dies. Of course primers and powder. I still had some brass. Stating all this to say I still miss the Lee Classic Turret. It was so versatile. And reliable. It could do everything the Challenger it does. And easier and faster.

I don't have any experience with the value turret, so I have no comment concerning it.

[Markopolo]

I been using my classic cast turret forever… love it… and manage to shortcomings… I am used to it.

[mjac]

Lee classic here. I took it as part of trade, my good fortune I guess. I haven't it long but after setting up 38, 357, 44, 45 acp and 45 colt shell plates, I wondered why it took me so long the get one in spite of liking to manually turning this one.
Sorry, I have no experience on the other being considered.

[Pereira]

I like the classic 4-hole, it was my first, no telling at the ammo that's been loaded on that thing.
I do have a single stage Lee also, but the majority of my loading is done on the turret.
I have like 17 or 18 turrets with dies setup, so changing from one cal. to another is quick.

RP

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I think the main difference, is the value press has a smaller Ram, and the steel base of the value press has considerable less contact with the ram, so there is less support. I imagine it's not really an issue, until Bubba starts abusing the press, LOL.
.
I was so happy with my first Classic cast Turret press in 2006, when I've needed a replacement or whatever, it was an easy decision to buy the same one again for the extra $40.
Fun Fact, I did recently buy one and a fist full of turret disks, after the current shortages subsided in the last year, just as a backup or for spare parts, since Lee has a habit of retiring good products and no longer supporting them. I'll just keep it un-used, in the box, for now.

[deces]

I still think Lee should offer a 4-hole turret head that is compatible with their breech lock heads. If nothing else that would alone sell them more presses.

[BMW Rider]

Direct comparison video.

https://rumble.com/v1n1nkq-comparing-lees-value-turret-press-to-their-classic-turret-press.html

[ukrifleman]

The Lee Classic turret is a great piece of kit for the money, IMHO the best value press on the market

ukrifleman

[nekshot]

I got my son a 4 hole classic, if I need another it will be the same.

[kungfustyle]

I had the Classic cast and it worked fine. I got tired of pulling the lever 4 times for a loaded round and bought the Lee progressive. I didn't like the priming set up, so I kinda used it like a turret and would do two steps at once. All and all it's not a bad press.

[sparkyv]

I have the older Value 4-hole turret model, and it took alot of tweaking and modding to get it to perform satisfactorily. The biggest hassel is the way the Value model handles spent primers. It works well enough, but if I were to do it over again, I'd get the Classic model and skip all the shortcomings.

[Dancing Bear]

I recently started using the Lee Classic and really like it. Not everyone can afford ( or needs ) a $2000 progressive press setup.

[txbirdman]

I recently started using the Lee Classic and really like it. Not everyone can afford ( or needs ) a $2000 progressive press setup.

I agree. I like it for the ability to set up your dies in separate tool heads and switch from caliber to caliber in seconds. I keep my dies mounted on their individual tool heads in plastic coffee containers w labeled. Once set up you almost never have to change them again except for seating depth on varying bullets. Also with the auto index you can achieve about half the speed of a full blown progressive,which ain’t too bad, without the caliber change over time.

[GT1]

I have had the classic turret for well over a decade now. It is built plenty strong and any case you can get in the throat doesn't stress it in the least. Big 30 cal rifle is a piece of cake. It sits right in the middle between a SS and full progressive as far as speed if that is a thing for a person. I almost never use my 650 because the Lee is more than enough unless you really do a lot of shooting like pistol comps.