Cdog
Member
"I do plan on acquiring Lee equipment... So is the Lee Turret system the best or most economical(in the long run) way to start?"
In my opinion, yes to all.
In my opinion, yes to all.
Lee Turret Presses - Which is Better?
- Thread starter BC38
- Start date
The lee classic looks like a decent press and I'm considering it.I'd like to try one before buying it.Ive had mixed results with their equipment.Their pistol dies are a good value,but I had a pair of load alls years ago that were just exasperating.They were replaced with a mec progressive and the load alls went to the land fill.
SgtLumpy
Member
Whichever press you choose, be sure it's capable of handling the length of your 222 cartridge. One of the Lee 4 hole turrets is capable of 2.313 inch max cartridge length. Your .222 is (I think?) about 2.13 inch total. That's getting close. The "other" 4 hole version is capable of 3 inch cartridge length or 4 inch if the auto advance function is disabled.
I think Lee's online videos are a great source of being able to see what happens. Short and to the point. Not a lot of rambling and heavy metal grunge music like the prepper guys on WhoToobe.
Turret Press Help Videos - Lee Precision
Sgt Lumpy
The Droid you seek is the CLASSIC 4 hole Press not the Delux.
The classic is cast ,not so with the other cheaper one.
Real Guns - Lee Classic Turret, It's Not Just For Kids
Wish I had $1 for every time I linked this
The classic is cast ,not so with the other cheaper one.
Real Guns - Lee Classic Turret, It's Not Just For Kids
Wish I had $1 for every time I linked this
OP
Well guys, the reason I started this thread is that my lovely wife got me the Deluxe kit as a Christmas present. I don't plan on loading anything more than an average of a couple of hundred rounds of handgun ammo per month.
So I'm torn between keeping the kit she bought me and upgrading it by exchanging it at Cabela's for the Classic kit.
So I'm torn between keeping the kit she bought me and upgrading it by exchanging it at Cabela's for the Classic kit.
The Classic is a much better made and heavier press. 4 holes are better than 3 if you plan on using a separate crimping die.
For the little difference in price you get a much better press.As to Kits, the LEE scale works but is a real PITA to use. I suggest getting a better quality beam balance scale.
For the little difference in price you get a much better press.As to Kits, the LEE scale works but is a real PITA to use. I suggest getting a better quality beam balance scale.
S&WProtected
Member
FWIW, I loaded on a Lee single stage for almost 20 years, but as my need to increase production grew I went with the Classic turret press. The Classic turret press kit was less than $200 shipped and came with the powder measure and priming tools for both large and small primers. Between the two Lee turret press models the Classic is better hands down, not only is the construction better but the spent primer disposal is better. I usually load 200-300 rds per week and classic meets my needs with no problem.
The three hole progresive has been in use in my gunroom for the last
15+ years, loading, .38, .357. .41, .44, 9mm. 10mm, 40S&W with no problems, each has it's own disc and auto "powder thrower", nothing better...............Fleet1
15+ years, loading, .38, .357. .41, .44, 9mm. 10mm, 40S&W with no problems, each has it's own disc and auto "powder thrower", nothing better...............Fleet1
Wow...........
Quite a difference in price between it and a RCBS.....
I did not know the spread was so much.
"Built like a Tank"....is good.
There will be thousands of "Reps" done on that unit.
Good loading.
Quite a difference in price between it and a RCBS.....
I did not know the spread was so much.
"Built like a Tank"....is good.
There will be thousands of "Reps" done on that unit.
Good loading.
OP
Great article, Rule3. Thanks for the link!
HorizontalMike
US Veteran
Best Powder Scales/Balances?
If a new reloader such as I wants to upgrade a "Lee" kit, what would you, or others, say are the BEST TWO of each type with regards to accuracy, ease of use, and value?
If a new reloader such as I wants to upgrade a "Lee" kit, what would you, or others, say are the BEST TWO of each type with regards to accuracy, ease of use, and value?
- #1 and #2 Beam Balances?
- #1 and #2 Digital scales?
I got a kit. First upgrade was a new scale. Made the mistake of buying an electronic P.O.J. Replaced it with a RCBS 505. Been happy with it.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
No reason to change the whole kit. You can sell off the press especially since it's brand new and buy the Classic press as a $88 stand alone purchase. You can sell the Deluxe press on a local Paper Shopper, one of the gun auction sites or even Ebay. (although I will not do business with the anti-gun Ebay)
jfp357
Member
I started with the Lee 4 hole (after much research). The problems I ran into were inexperience on my part. I was helped a lot on this forum.
powwowell
Member
There is NO advantage in buying the Deluxe model vs. the Classic model. The advantages of the Classic vs. the Deluxe have been stated in the above posts. The Classic is the most efficient and economical of all brands and models of turret presses. Remember to get the "Riser" to use with the Pro Auto Powder Dispenser.
Talk to your wife about why you want to trade up for the Classic, offer to pay the difference, and she will probably go along with you, joyfully.
Talk to your wife about why you want to trade up for the Classic, offer to pay the difference, and she will probably go along with you, joyfully.
RichardDBeck
Member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2013
- Messages
- 31
- Reaction score
- 13
Neither... If you want a Lee go with the Load-Master. I just got one and it works like a dream. 
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Classic Turret 4 holer for the win.
It also has a hollow ram & spent primers (usually) drop right through into a catch tube. Nice touch.
It also has a hollow ram & spent primers (usually) drop right through into a catch tube. Nice touch.
+1 . . . the spent primer collection beats my Lee "Precision" four hole press, the one with a tall base like a progressive, all hollow. Pun intended.Classic Turret 4 holer for the win.
It also has a hollow ram & spent primers (usually) drop right through into a catch tube. Nice touch.
If I were not so cheap, I would dump mine and get a Classic. But, I only reload for the Garand and only a few hundred rounds a year, so I will live with it.
Don't you make the same mistake I did by buying the "Precision" press during the most recent weirdness when Lee anything was almost impossible to find. Get the Classic.
OP
OK, well, you guys convinced me. I talked to the wife and when I explained all the stuff that was in the Classic kit that I would have to buy separately if I kept the Deluxe kit (reloading manual, primer feeer, better powder measure, etc.), she was all for me making the upgrade.
So I took the Deluxe kit back to Cabelas and had them order me the Classic. Their price was $229 with a $25 discount and $12 tax for a total cost of $216. Titan is selling it for $185 but adding $24 shipping brings it up to $209.
So I went with Cabelas, even though it is backordered and I have to wait a couple of weeks to get it. Its worth it to be able to go to the store if there are problems - instead of having to ship stuff back & forth to an e-tailer.
So I took the Deluxe kit back to Cabelas and had them order me the Classic. Their price was $229 with a $25 discount and $12 tax for a total cost of $216. Titan is selling it for $185 but adding $24 shipping brings it up to $209.
So I went with Cabelas, even though it is backordered and I have to wait a couple of weeks to get it. Its worth it to be able to go to the store if there are problems - instead of having to ship stuff back & forth to an e-tailer.
I wish the Lee Classic Turret had been made when I started reloading.
I started with an RCBS Partner press kit.
I still use it some.
I upgraded to the Lee Classic Cast press a few years ago.
I recently got a Lee Classic Turret.
I like it.
As far as scales go, I like my RCBS 505 and 502.
I hear the RCBS 1010 is a good scale, too.
I can't really justify buying another powder scale right now.
I'm saving for the primer feeder and powder measure for my Classic Turret.
I started with an RCBS Partner press kit.
I still use it some.
I upgraded to the Lee Classic Cast press a few years ago.
I recently got a Lee Classic Turret.
I like it.
As far as scales go, I like my RCBS 505 and 502.
I hear the RCBS 1010 is a good scale, too.
I can't really justify buying another powder scale right now.
I'm saving for the primer feeder and powder measure for my Classic Turret.
