Turret press?

[Jeff423]

I've been reloading for about 10 yrs now and have a progressive press and a single stage. I don't plan on buying a turret press, but I have read a lot about them. I must be missing something. Following scenario:

Loading 100 rds on a single stage you would run each round through the press 3-4 times. Changing dies after each run. If you have lock rings on your dies you don't have to make any adjustments.

If you have a press Like the Forster Co-Ax you don't even have to do that, you just snap the dies in or out.

Turret press: It seems that the process would be the same except you would only have to rotate the turret after each run instead of unscrewing/screwing in the die. Or do you process each round completely and then go to the next? Meaning multiple rotations per round.

Are there more advantages to a turret press than that?

Jeff

 

[OKFC05]

Are there more advantages to a turret press than that?

Sure. I still use my old Lee turret for small batches and test runs.
Since the whole plate comes right out, caliber changes are nearly instant.
If you choose the powder through die, you can use the press to produce a cartridge with each rotation, and never rotate by hand.
Pull out the center rod, and it is a single stage.
Take a spare plate and put in specialty dies, like a punch through case sizer, or a bullet sizer.
The reason I have the Dillons is for long production runs of identical cartridges. I can runs tests with the Lee, transfer the selected dimensions to the Dillon, and load a thousand or two.

 

[silentflyer]

Have used a Lyman All American for years works great I can turn out about 100 rounds on 38/357 an hour, with brass cleaned preped and ready. Works for me.

 

[Peak53]

Yes, the advantage to the turret over the single stage press is that rather than batch processing all your cases through a die and then changing dies, you can complete a cartridge from start to finish only handling it to place in the shell holder and take it off when done. I prime and powder charge on the press. So, all you have to do manually is place the bullet on the prepared case at the appropriate station. The dies in the turret index (advance) mechanically with each pull of the lever.

 

[tlay]

What I like most about my Lee classic turret press is the quick changeover. In apx. 20 seconds I can change the plate that holds all of the dies that are already set up and then add the powder measure. And it is MUCH cheaper than a progressive.

 

[H Richard]

I have an old 1950's Texan 7 hole turret. I use it like a single stage loader, but keep my 9mm, 22-250, & 243 dies in it all the time. The 38 & 45 are in the Dillon.

 

[bedbugbilly]

My only experience has been on a single stage and my Lee Classic 4 place turret. I de-cap all of my brass on the single stage (and size my cast lead bullets as well) - I hand prime. After that, it's all on the turret. I'm loading 9mm and 38 spl - have a separate turret plate for each caliber. I just take the primed casing and quickly process each casing in the four stages - I use a Lee Perfect Measure attached to the powder through mouth expander die. Four pulls and the cartridge is done. It's quicker than the single stage and the turret works well for the batches I load up - usually around 150 - 200 rounds at a time in an evening. I love the turret and have no complaints at all.

 

[chief38]

While I do not have a Turret Press, I would think that the main advantage over a Single Stage Press would be that you could make single rounds for set up or test purposes a bit quicker by just turning the turret instead of unscrewing and re-screwing all the dies. It is also convenient to have TWO different calibers in the turret at the same time if you switch back & forth often.

If you regularly load hundreds of rounds at a time, I see no real advantage over running through one die and then changing and running them through the next one on a single stage press.

I like my Dillon 650 progressive and think it's the nuts!

 

[Jeff423]

I appreciate all the replies and the last one seems to sum up my opinion. My personal feeling is that processing one round completely with four pulls is no better/worse/faster than batch processing all the rounds four times. Personally I would rather batch process - but I haven't tried the other way.

Jeff

 

[arjay]

There are some good videos on YouTube showing it in use with auto indexing.At my best,with a single stage and a hand primer,I might turn out 80 an hour.With the classic,I'm thinking 200+.

 

[OKFC05]

Personally I would rather batch process - but I haven't tried the other way.

In that case we forgive you for not knowing any better. But the turret is over twice as fast as batch processing, and I have done it both ways many times. The Dillon is over twice as fast as the turret--or about 5 times as fast as batch processing, and the ammo is just as good.

 

[jwc0542]

A turret makes sense to me for certain applications. I've got an old Lyman that I keep 3 sets of rifle dies in (17/223, 22 Hornet and 6x45). I shoot these guns regularly, but in relatively low volume (approx 300 rds each per yr) during varmint expeditions while the main varmint guns cool. The turret is perfect for such regular use, doing away with the need to change the dies all around each time.

For high volume rifle and handgun rounds I have enough space to use a Dillon 550 and an RCBS Piggyback. I use a Lee hand press for very low volume big game rifle calibers.

 

[dickttx]

What no one has actually stated is that ONLY the Lee Classic Turret has the auto index feature. All the others are simply places to store your dies until you need them.
I don't think anyone would actually turn the turret by hand to perform each operation. Except for the LCT you would use them like a single stage.

 

[dla]

I appreciate all the replies and the last one seems to sum up my opinion. My personal feeling is that processing one round completely with four pulls is no better/worse/faster than batch processing all the rounds four times. Personally I would rather batch process - but I haven't tried the other way.

Jeff

Batch is a great way to blow up a gun

 

[tlay]

Actually there are some of us who do take the rotating mechanism off and turn it by hand.
The way to do it is I do 100 cases at a time. First I deprime/resize and reprime each case. I do all 100 cases and turn them upside down in the case holder to inspect for a primer.
Next I turn the turret and now charge and flare each case. I put them all in the case holder for powder inspection.
I turn the turret and install a bullet and seat it. I do all 100 cases.
I turn the turret and finish by crimping with the Lee factory crimp die. I do all 100 cases.
I have timed myself and I can do it this way in 40 mins. I did not hurry. And I am 100% sure each case has a primer and 100% sure each case has its powder charge.

 

[papajohn428]

Batch is a great way to blow up a gun

Okay, I'll bite. Why?

Either you have no idea what you're talking about or you're just looking to start a flame war. I say that because I've loaded several hundred thousand rounds of pistol ammo in batches of 300-500 at a time, and I haven't blown up anything yet.

So let's hear it. Personal experience or Internet rumor?

 

[SgtLumpy]

Everybody that handloads has a little different style. Some deal with a progressive and juggle 5 different cartridges at one time, checking all the little necessary things in a big multi-task effort.

Some build one cartridge at a time focusing on each step in serial fashion from start to finish with each round.

I heard a guy just recently (here?) say he set up a bench full of several single stage presses. Each one did the equivalent of what one stage of a turret or progressive would do. He walks his cartridge from press to press from start to finish.

No style is better or worse than any other. No style is more prone to disaster than any other except to someone who isn't comfortable with that other style. ie if I can't wrap my head around YOUR style, then YOUR style, whatever that might be, is prone to disaster for ME. But it's because of MY approach to hand loading. It's not because YOUR equipment or your style is inherently problematic or dangerous.

Are ya' makin' rounds?
Do they go bang when you want them to?
Are you happy with the speed/consistancy/whatever other factors you might think up with your system?

If yes x3, continue to do that.

Don't tell some other hand loader his style is a disaster or that his equipment is inferior to yours. Tell us, instead, why YOUR method works well for YOU.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[krallstar]

I set my turret press with expander dies 9 .40 .45 and the other 3 get the crimp dies. I use a rockchucker for sizing and seating. Size all brass, 1 session. prime by hand 2nd session. Then when ready to load, i expand all brass, seat all bullets. Then remove bell with crimp die.

 

[snowman]

I started my loading experience on a single stage, then went to the Lee Classic Turret, so I'm familiar with the differences between the two approaches. Here are my observations:

-I found that having to change dies on the single stage each time I proceeded to the next operation became very old. I was very grateful that that was eliminated with the turret.

-I found no disadvantage, when I went to the turret, in not being able to check the powder level in all the cases at one time. I simply check the powder level in each case immediately after the charge is dropped and I advance the turret to the seating operation.

-But perhaps the biggest advantage of the turret, mentioned briefly by Peak53, is that I don't have to HANDLE AND MOVE the cases repeatedly. This, to me, is very significant. Dropping a case and dumping the powder on the floor, accidently hitting the case loading block with the typical consequences(when your hand/fingers don't quite move to the place they should), transferring a case to/from the press and accidently banging it against the side of the loading block or the other cases, reaching for a case in the loading block and getting your fingers tangled up in two or three, etc., etc. -the chances of this kind of thing happening are greatly mitigated with a turret. I didn't experience this often when using my single stage, but it was a pain when it happened, especially when a charge of powder ended up on the floor. With the turret you just take an empty case from the box, place it on the shell holder, then remove it and place it in the ammo box after the bullet is seated and crimped.

No, I don't have tremors or anything making normal dexterity difficult. It's just human to occasionally fail to manipulate objects properly with one's fingers and hands. A turret press restricts the possibility of this happening.

Regards,
Andy

 

[arjay]

I've used a single stage for pistol/rifle for 30 years or so and a progressive for shot shells,the difference in production is huge.An hour or two is my max for reloading any more before tedium and back spasms set in.The Lee Classic looks like an inexpensive solution to the slow pace of the ss without investing in a progressive .

 

[SgtLumpy]

The Lee progressive is not much more expensive than the Lee Turret. Apples to Apples...

I started making rounds today, at 1330 juliet. I made a total of 300 rounds. 50 each of 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 and 4.0 gr of the powder I'm using. I'm experimenting with a new COAL.

I started with clean, deprimed brass.

I finished at 1640 juliet. That's 3:10 to make 300 rounds. That includes initial primer seating checks, a couple dozen powder checks at each new weight, initial setting of the seat/crimp die for the new COAL etc. It also includes storing the rounds in plastic ammo boxes, labeling the boxes, making notes in my notebook to take to the range, and adding notes to the spreadsheet on my laptop. It also includes opening the USPS priority box of bullets from Xtreme and transferring a bunch of those to the plastic container I use when reloading.

In other words, except for starting with clean brass, I started from zero. Uncovered the press, set it up, made rounds, cleaned the press and put it to bed, boxed up the ammo and put it in my range bag. I'm ready to walk out the door with the ammo and go to the range

All at a net throughput of about 40 seconds per round.

Only one bloop. A crushed case. My fault, I didn't seat it in the first position shell holder far enough.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[TheTinMan]

The advantage of a turret press over a single stage is the ability to do two or more operations on the same case without picking it up, sticking it in the shelholder, and taking it out again.

I use my turret press when doing test loads or small batches for pistol cartridges. First step is to size, rotate turret, bell, reset.
Then I hand prime the entire batch and put in loading tray.
Throw powder charges with RCBS ChargeMaster, seating and crimping one cartridge on the turret press while the next load is being measured by the CM.

I've cut the number of times I handle each case in half. Faster than a single stage, but much slower than a progressive. The advantage of the turret press is my ability to accurately throw increasing charge weights for a test ladder. That's harder to do on a progressive.

Bottom line is that I use all 3 types of press for different purposes. Quality rifle cartridges always come off the single stage.

 

[novalty]

I only run 100 or 200 at a time on my T7, and like being able to have my dies set up for each caliber. The only thing I need to adjust between caliber changes is my case activated powder dump. Not typical of everyone on here as some might be fortunate enough to be able to shoot all year, but I have at least 3 more months to put my ammo together for when the snow recedes and the temps go back up.

I don't discount the positive of a turret being an "added place to store my dies." I have 9mm, 38 special, and 45acp all set up and ready to go when I need them. I prime the batch of cases on my RCBS Automatic Bench primer, and then complete the reloading process with just 2 press strokes on the T7.


Takes up less space than say 3 of these...

 

[Clovishound]

I have had a classic turret for about a year now. I have tried using it in single stage mode, but quickly came back to leaving the case in the press and moving it through to completion. The only exception is I often decap/size a batch, and then clean them. When they are dry, I will finish the reloading process in sequential mode. Sometimes I just take fired cases and run them through without cleaning. Never noticed any difference except looks. I really like not having to insert and remove the case for every operation.

I often go out to the shop and run just 20 or 30 rounds of .38 or 9mm. The turret is perfect for that. The only thing I have to do is fill the powder measure before, then empty it when I am finished. If I had a single stage, I would probably only reload a minimum of 50, unless I was making evaluation rounds.

 

[sunnyd]

Once you use the







Once you use the Redding turret like Novalty's pic, you will understand. A very high quality piece of equipment.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Okay, I'll bite. Why?

Either you have no idea what you're talking about or you're just looking to start a flame war. I say that because I've loaded several hundred thousand rounds of pistol ammo in batches of 300-500 at a time, and I haven't blown up anything yet.

So let's hear it. Personal experience or Internet rumor?

My only thought is maybe if you are using a low volume fast burning powder that's hard to see in the case if you have a double charge or not.

 

[papajohn428]

My only thought is maybe if you are using a low volume fast burning powder that's hard to see in the case if you have a double charge or not.

Hence the need for good light, and careful inspection of every case. It's not that difficult, nor terribly time-consuming. I prefer powders in the range of Longshot/AA-7, so there's no chance of a double charge, and the powder level is easy to see with a cursory glance.

 

[MyDads38]

First off, I have never used a progressive press. I started out with a Lee Handloading Kit, then bought a used RCBS Reloader Special press with standard STEEL 38 Special die set (I still have both of these) and then Lee came out with the 3 hole turret press, which I added the auto index to. With the Lee press, I could load 300 rounds/hour with auto disk powder measure in use.

I no longer compete, so I no longer need to load 300 rounds/hour. I just purchased new Lee Handloading Kits for the few calibers I load for and use them, because I can/want to-it's how I started. I still use my 1978 vintage RCBS RS press. And I bought a used Lee 3 hole Turret Press w/auto index off E-bay, since I sold my original many years ago.

I ENJOY reloading ammo. I take my time with every step. I check things constantly to make sure everything is right. I've never had a "squib" load, never double-charged a cartridge or never had an issue of any kind. Best of all I enjoy shooting My ammunition and seeing the results down range.

Everyone has different needs and there are so many ways to re-load; it's up to each individual to choose his own way. Just be careful, be cautious, and above all, enjoy yourself!