Which press to go with

[DougE]

I've narrowed down my options to two ........ either the lee 4 hole turret press available in kit form which includes scale, powder measure, etc. My other choice is the lee classic cast turret press which is not available as a kit and I will have to purchase the scales and all that stuff separately. It would be cheaper to buy the one that comes as a kit but I read some bad reviews on that particular press ( I think on midway ) where users said that the turret tends to cock when seating a bullet which results in the bullet not being seated square with the case. If this is the case than I'd rather spend a little more and buy the classic cast. Anyone have any experience with both of these presses?

 

[DougE]

I've narrowed down my options to two ........ either the lee 4 hole turret press available in kit form which includes scale, powder measure, etc. My other choice is the lee classic cast turret press which is not available as a kit and I will have to purchase the scales and all that stuff separately. It would be cheaper to buy the one that comes as a kit but I read some bad reviews on that particular press ( I think on midway ) where users said that the turret tends to cock when seating a bullet which results in the bullet not being seated square with the case. If this is the case than I'd rather spend a little more and buy the classic cast. Anyone have any experience with both of these presses?

 

[mstuhr]

Hi Doug,
If you are going to load mostly pistol ammo I would go with the turret press. It is a real time saver.
Good luck
Mike

 

[DougE]

both are turret presses ........ lee makes 2 versions. I'm trying to decide between the two. I actually already know the answer ........ buy the more expensive of the two ( the classic cast press ) and buy the scales and all the other stuff extra. The kit and the press that come with it are likely inferior in quality. I really don't need a progressive press and one of these turret presses will suit my needs.

 

[RidgwayCO]

I suggest purchasing the Lee Classic Cast Turret press, and the other items you need separately.

While there's nothing wrong with the Lee Safety Scale, most people prefer a scale that can weigh heavier items as well as powder. The Lee Pro Auto Disk powder measure also works well with the LCCT, and is much easier to use than the regular auto disk.

Spend a little more now, and you might be able to avoid the need to "upgrade" later...

 

[mstuhr]

Hi Doug,
Sorry,the older I get the dumber I get. All I saw was Classic Cast. I don't know if Lee makes a Classic CAST Turret. I have never used their Classic turret but I expect it might be more sturdy
I can vouch for the turret press and tell you they will handle all of you handgun ammo needs for years to come and the powder measure and scale are good servicable items.
Good luck
Mike

 

[Cary]

Originally posted by DougE:
I've narrowed down my options to two ........ either the lee 4 hole turret press available in kit form which includes scale, powder measure, etc. My other choice is the lee classic cast turret press which is not available as a kit and I will have to purchase the scales and all that stuff separately. It would be cheaper to buy the one that comes as a kit but I read some bad reviews on that particular press ( I think on midway ) where users said that the turret tends to cock when seating a bullet which results in the bullet not being seated square with the case. If this is the case than I'd rather spend a little more and buy the classic cast. Anyone have any experience with both of these presses?

You can get the Classic Cast Turret Press in a Kit. Cabela's is the only company that has it as far as I know. Here is a link to it.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/sta...cat601233&hasJS=true
I have read a lot of good reports on this press from people who own and use them. The kit at Cabela's doesn't look as complete as the original Turret Press Kit. You will need a few more items. As to the idea of the Lee Turret Presses seating bullets non-concentric I have personally not been aware of that. I have had one of the Lee Three Hole Turret Press Kits for years and really like it. The design of the turret is the same on all the Lee turret presses. One advantage of the Classic Turret Press is that you can load rifle cartridges and still use the auto index function. On the original three and four hole turret presses there is not enough clearance between the press base and turrets to allow rotation of the turret using the auto index. This can be overcome by removing the auto index rod and turning the turret by hand each time. That is what I do when loading rifle cartridges. The Lee scale does work but I actually wore mine out and had to replace it. It is also not much good for weighing bullets as the top limit on it is around 100 grains.
Cary

 

[DougE]

Thanks for all the info. I think I'm going to go with the deluxe turret press kit which includes most everything except dies. I have an order worked up which includes the deluxe turret press kit, dies for 40 S&W and 9mm, 1 extra turret, auto-prime tool + shell holder. I can get all for under $200.00 shipped from Lee Factory Sales ......... sound like a good deal ? Has anyone ordered from them ?

 

[Cary]

I started with the same kit except mine came with the original 3-hole Turret press. I think that is a great kit to start with. I checked their prices with others and they are as good or better than the companies I checked. Are you getting the Deluxe Pistol Die sets? If you are you may want to order a couple of the round die boxes (#90535) to store your dies in once you have them mounted on the turrets. The round dies boxes work good for storing the turrets when not being used. I haven't personally ordered from them.
Cary

 

[DougE]

I have the 3 die sets on my order ........ read somewhere or other that the factory crimp dies work the brass harder. I'm a woodworker so I'm sure I can fabricate boxes to keep my turrets in when I'm not using them.

 

[Cary]

The three die sets should come in the round boxes.

 

[DougE]

Thanks for all the help Cary, I think I'm on the right path to suit my needs.

 

[Arkieron]

I have also decided on a Lee classic turret press and 4 die sets to load .38/.357 and 9mm. On these loads do I need the small or large primmer feeds? Sorry to ask you guys such a dumb question, but this way I seem more intelligent when I order.

Ron

 

[Cary]

Originally posted by Arkieron:
I have also decided on a Lee classic turret press and 4 die sets to load .38/.357 and 9mm. On these loads do I need the small or large primmer feeds? Sorry to ask you guys such a dumb question, but this way I seem more intelligent when I order.
For reloading the pistol cartridges you will need the small primer feed.
Cary

Ron

 

[Cary]

Originally posted by DougE:
Thanks for all the help Cary, I think I'm on the right path to suit my needs.

You are welcome and I wish you success. If you run into some issues after you get your kit Lee has a FAQ section on their web site with some good information. I have used it several times myself. Here is a link if you need it.
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/faq/index.cgi
Others and myself are willing to help guys get started in reloading. If I can help you with something else ask away.
Cary

 

[Arkieron]

A google inquiry said small pistol primers on both. thanks

 

[Arkieron]

Thanks Cary

 

[Careby]

I vote for buying the cast turret press AND a one hole press with kit. It's always handy to have a second press for depriming or what not. I bought the breech lock challenger press with the kit that comes with the off-press hand primer, followed by the four hole cast turret press. Then turned around and bought the on-press primer anyway.

 

[Arkieron]

Which powder measure do you use?

 

[Cary]

Originally posted by Arkieron:
Which powder measure do you use?

My Lee Turret Kit came with one of the Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measures. I have installed the Pro Auto-Disk Update Kit on it. With the Pro Auto-Disk Update Kit you get the improved powder hopper, swivel adapter, and the adjustable charge bar. With the correct powder that measure did a good job for me. Since that time I have also purchased the Lee Perfect Powder measure and an RCBS Quick Change Powder Measure to use with other reloading projects I do.
Cary