Lee Turrent Press Consideration

[Recluse]

those like the Lee with automatic powder dumping give me goose bumps. I think if I bought one I'd have to use it with a funnel for awhile until I built up my confidence that the powder measuring system was indeed going to work as designed and not give me 9.8 gr of a certain powder when I thought I was getting 7.2 gr. That's my only qualm or hang up about this type press. I use to read here and there about guys talking about a "disc" for their press and had no idea what they were talking about. It didn't seem too safe to me.

Think of the disc system like the chargebar you use on a MEC when reloading shotgun shells--it's the same technique.

And actually, the powder measures use a cavity in which you, the operator, set the exact volume of powder to dispense with each pull of the handle. The disc system works the same way except that the disc openings are fixed--meaning that you can't "tweak" each charge, but instead may have to accept a tenth of a grain more (or less) than what you're after with smaller loads, and maybe two or sometimes three tenths of a grain with the larger volume openings.

On one hand, it's not a precise system in that you, the operator, can manipulate to the exact tenth of a grain the charge you're desiring to load. On the other hand, when you get compatible powders and charge ratios figured out, those loads never vary--because they work exactly the same as any other powder measure.

I don't use the disc measure for all of my reloading--in fact, I probably use it only for about half or so. The rest I use with a powder measure and then augment, when necessary, with a powder trickler.

If you have the chance to see a disc system work firsthand (not on an internet video), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the simplicity and reliability of it. Until then, as both you and I know, our OWN confidence in our equipment and techniques reign supreme. The Lee powder-through expander dies allow a funnel to sit perfectly in them, so it makes precision charging a case fast and easy.

[jameslovesjammie]

Here's a pic of how I operate my Classic Cast press. Sorry about the clutter in the background.

I Resize and deprime, then prime the case and flare. Then I take the case off the shellholder and flip the case over to give a quick inspection to the primer. Then I drop the powder charge from my Redding 3BR, visually inspect the powder drop, and put the case back in the press and seat the bullet and crimp in two separate operations.

It honestly doesn't take that much extra time to do these steps, and I don't really like Lee's powder measurer.

[ColColt]

This looks like the best setup for me...at least until I could(if ever) trust or get use to another system of filling the cases. I'd love to see first hand the entire operation other than a YouTube video but I doubt that's going to happen. I know of no one around here who's a reloader much less have a Lee Turret press. Most I know that shoot buy factory or are too lazy to cast/reload. I've probably used 70% reloads over the decades as I found long ago you can get more accurate ammo that way. This is especially true with rifles more so than pistol ammo.

I'd love to try the Lee but not sure about the difference between the 4 hole jobbie and the Classic. Guess I need to look into that a bit more. The one VHoward recommended is shown as a 4 Hole Classic. I thought they were two different ones initially? I probably don't need more than the 4 Hole press. I can see the need for the powder through expander die but I think I'd rather use RCBS dies for most of the operation and I've found the Lyman M-die superior for case expansion.

[birch]

I started on a single stage, and constantly checked and double checked my charges. I bet I didnt make it 10 cases without throwning a charge and measuring it. I also had two scales set up for double checking! I had a good buddy talk me into buying his Lee Turret as he was going to a progressive, and my reloading woes are over.
There is really no chance of double charging a case. The autodisk measuring system is truly brilliant. If you havent seen one in action, I would highly suggest going to a good sporting goods store and have them set one up on a die and see for yourself that there is basically no way for the thing to do you wrong. Like someone said, you can load em up without turning on the hopper and that is a bummer, but if you don't leave the press to chase the kids or calm down the wife, then everything is good and you never have to turn the thing off in the first place.

Another thing I like is the consistancy of throws. I used an old redding powder thrower that required a nice tempo with the same type of stroke to load consistantly. The Lee autodisk system throws the same charge every time. I guess humidy might change things a bit since it is a volume measurement, but it is nice.

I could try to explain how it works, but you just have to see it for yourself to really appreciate the simplicity of function and design. It is awesome and one of the greatest inventions of our craft that I have ever personally seen.

[ColColt]

Like someone said, you can load em up without turning on the hopper and that is a bummer,

Turning on the hopper? Not sure what you mean there. I can't seem to find one of these anywhere but found half a dozen on ebaby. They offer them as a kit to include the press, powder measure, large and small primer trays, mounting hardware, Lee manual and a Lee scale. they run from about $250-375.

[Buzz64]

Ford, Chevy or Dodge - everyone has an opinion. I used a rock chucker and junior for years (since 1968) and switched to the Lee Classic Turret last year for volume pistol loading. Haven't looked back! It is a great machine and paired with a quality scale I have not had one concern with it or the powder measuring or dropping setup. Just set it up check the first 10 drops on the scale and off you go. I have NEVER had a charge vary by more than a tenth of a grain from what the disk said it would. Some times you have to use a different hole depending on the powder (flake vs ball) but since you Always Weigh the charge to get it set up it isn't a big deal. Select the size hole for your powder based on the weight it actually drops and all is good. Now rifles may be a little different but haven't used my classic for rifles so have no input for that.

[ColColt]

Some times you have to use a different hole depending on the powder (flake vs ball) but since you Always Weigh the charge to get it set up it isn't a big deal.

So, setting up a charge of say, 9 gr of Unique may not yield the same weight as 9 gr of HS-6 you may want from that same hole. Makes sense since they're different powders...flake vs ball. I' beginning to see one of these in the immediate future. It would be a treat to be able to knock out 150-200 rounds per hour. I can't approximate that with my single stage setup now for sure.

[Buzz64]

So, setting up a charge of say, 9 gr of Unique may not yield the same weight as 9 gr of HS-6 you may want from that same hole. Makes sense since they're different powders...flake vs ball. I' beginning to see one of these in the immediate future. It would be a treat to be able to knock out 150-200 rounds per hour. I can't approximate that with my single stage setup now for sure.

NEVER believe a volume type power measure will drop what it says in the book for a given bushing (or disk as in the classic)! Always start with what they suggest then weigh several (I do at least 10) drops to make sure it is what you want given the specific powder you are using. Also, check the weights occasionally, about every 25th round to make sure 'settling of the powder in the hopper isn't giving you heavier drops. I've never experienced anything more than about a tenth of a grain increase. Do 25 rounds then check and if all ok, drop the 25 finished rounds in your storage can (box em up) and do another 25 keeping them separate then if you do happen to find a problem you only have to check the last 25. Can do less and have less to check until you get comfortable that the system really is reliable.

[ColColt]

Does anyone use the charge bar over the discs? I don't know that it would be more accurate or more time consuming.

Well, I decided to go with everyone's advice and bought one with both small and large primer feeder, scale comes with it along with the Auto Disc powder measure, riser and a few other goodies. Love them toys!

[lars1367]

That's not going to tell you much. In 45 ACP cases you can have a variation in case weight of up to 2-2.5 gr. I've weighed them and most go at about 87.5 while others will go 89.8 gr. That's with just the primer in. If you're loading lead bullets there can be that same amount of deviation. Now you've got a total of a possible 5 gr variation. You won't know if you have to much powder or if something else is amuck.

It's worked well enough for me. Cartridges that far out of variation get pulled. Bullets are weighed ahead time, and cases are weighed ahead of time. I load similar sizes and weights so that the only variable is the powder. Again, this is in addition, not replacing what you should be doing.

[Chilmonty]

Here's a pic of how I operate my Classic Cast press. Sorry about the clutter in the background.

I Resize and deprime, then prime the case and flare. Then I take the case off the shellholder and flip the case over to give a quick inspection to the primer. Then I drop the powder charge from my Redding 3BR, visually inspect the powder drop, and put the case back in the press and seat the bullet and crimp in two separate operations.

It honestly doesn't take that much extra time to do these steps, and I don't really like Lee's powder measurer.

Thats a good method James! Like you I am not that crazy about the lee powder measure, so I use an older Dillon powder measure that is case activated and works great. You do have to change the internal powder funnel when you change calibers but that is very simple.
Otherwise, it is just 4 handle pulls and you have a completed round!

[trixter]

I have been using my Lee Classic Turret press for a little over 2 years. I use a single disc for my 45ACP with 4.0gr of Bullseye, then switch over to 26gr of Ram TAC for my .223. I use a disc and the adjustable charge bar and fine tune it for what I want, I also use a disk and adjustable charge bar for my 300 Savage (Remington Bolt), and my 30-06 for 12 gr of Unique, all boolits are lead. I have been very pleased with ease of use, and reliability of the LCT press I dearly love this hobby, with a bang.

[Riverpigusmc]

I use my Lee 4 hole as a combo single stage/turret. Took the indexing rod out...decap and size 100 cases, then expand them, prime on a hand primer, charge them with a Little Dandy, then seat and crimp them. I find that being somewhat new to reloading, it's easier to do it this way so I can concentrate on each stage of the operation. YMMV

[Poygan]

Riverpigusmc, Pretty much what I do. Size on station one and expand on station two. Take out of shell holder and hand prime with the Lee unit. Charge with powder and then seat the boolit on station three and then crimp (revolver loads) on station four. Took out the indexing rod right away. Faster than my Rockchucker but still loads at a pace I'm comfortable with.

[gunoil]

What 44vaquera said.



Just do it. read the directions and go. Check powder when you place the boolit.

[Recluse]

Well, I decided to go with everyone's advice and bought one with both small and large primer feeder, scale comes with it along with the Auto Disc powder measure, riser and a few other goodies. Love them toys!

I'm not a fan of Lee's adjustable charge bar as it has given me way too many problems. However, others have found a way to address the problem and are in love with the thing. I may hunt mine down and give it another try.

As far as the discs go, they're absolutely bullet-proof. When you get your set-up in, should you have any questions or concerns, you're in the right place. Lots of hands-on experience setting that press and system up.

You're gonna enjoy it.



P.S. Gunoil, that is SLICK how you have your press set up with the lights and ramp. Big thumbs up!

[44Vaquero]

Gunoil, What is the purpose of the rings attached to the back support column in your pic?

[gunoil]

oh, i need to cut those off, they held a flex lite for a minute. Then i found the ebay lite from china and put a D cell kit on it from radio shack.