Why a turret press?
- Thread starter flyrobb
- Start date
Your quote implies I was suggesting using a a powder check, which I wasn't, Again I was trying to tell him about setting one up if he wanted.
I stated he was wise for not going on with the LEE FCD, that's why.
Magload
US Veteran
With my turret LED lighting and the loads I load I can see the powder in the case. Can I tell if there is a few grains less or more well no. I can tell a no charge or a double charge. The way i sit at my press I am looking right in the case when it is in the seating station. I got to set a bullet on the case anyway so I am looking at it. I am a slow reloader so I have the time. Don
MasterTech1960
Member
Every body does what they are comfortable with doing.
I load 30 carbine , 223 and 308 on my Lee Classic Turret press, as well as several different hand gun calipers. As most know you can not see into a 223 or 308 easily and as you have stated can not detect a few grains one way or the other by eye. I am not comfortable with that , but I am anal and a little controlling as my son tells me. 
IMHO There is no reason not to use a powder check die on a turret press and if I was using a full progressive , I would opt. for a powder lock out die.Clovishound
Member
I have my powder check die set up between my expander/powder throw and bullet seat/crimp die. I prime on press. I currently just manually load a primer into the cup and then prime on the downstroke. I don't like the looks of the Safety Primer Feed. Looks awkward and clunky. At the price, I may try one sometime.
I made a small nearly flat, thin wooden bowl on my lathe that makes dumping primers and then picking them up one at a time very easy. This operation is quicker than removing the cases and going through the hand priming operation. Not for everyone, but it works for me.
OP
powder measures on the turret
Well, I have been out for a few days for the 4th and WOW there have been a lot of great posts on this thread. One caught my eye and raised a question about powder measuring on the turret. I noticed several pic's with them mounted on the press then this comment has me wondering why it would be a good or bad idea. Again, keeping in mind I'm loading .45 and 9mm.
One more vote for the Lee CTP. I bought mine as a "kit" with the scale, auto disk powder measure & all. I only load 380, 9mm, 38, 357, & 44 spl/mag right now and I seat/crimp in separate steps with a FCD for each caliber.
Using a separate 4-hole turret plate for each caliber with an auto disk powder measure and the riser for it, swapping calibers is a 2-3 minute operation.
Swap in the plate with the right set of dies, screw the auto disk measure & riser into the powder-through expanding die, and swap in the disk with the powder cavity you want/need, and you're all set. 3 simple operations.
At $10-$12 per plate buying extra plates and only having to set up the dies one time for each caliber is a no-brainer. Since it came with one plate, I only had to buy 4 more for less than $50 to be able to quick-change between 5 different calibers.
Using a separate 4-hole turret plate for each caliber with an auto disk powder measure and the riser for it, swapping calibers is a 2-3 minute operation.
Swap in the plate with the right set of dies, screw the auto disk measure & riser into the powder-through expanding die, and swap in the disk with the powder cavity you want/need, and you're all set. 3 simple operations.
At $10-$12 per plate buying extra plates and only having to set up the dies one time for each caliber is a no-brainer. Since it came with one plate, I only had to buy 4 more for less than $50 to be able to quick-change between 5 different calibers.
Boogsawaste
Member
No problem with mine on a turret. I don't go crazy on the handle and get the same variences wether the uniflow is on or off the press. I also use a powder check die.
Hasn't been a problem for me either. I too, am easy on the handle and take my time, but it seems like a non-issue to me. I've been pleasantly surprised at how much I like the Pro auto disk, it throws consistently time after time and I don't have any leakage either. I don't see a reason why it shouldn't be there....its all good.
Clovishound
Member
IME the powder measure mounted on the press is fine. The name of the game is consistency. You may notice a slight difference with some powders between a throw without the measure being disturbed at all, and a throw when the measure has made the rounds. If I am reasonably consistent with the process, I get consistent throws.
If I am processing ammo for plinking at the range, a tenth of a grain variation is fine. If I am loading precision ammo, I will weigh every charge anyway.
If I am processing ammo for plinking at the range, a tenth of a grain variation is fine. If I am loading precision ammo, I will weigh every charge anyway.
fredj338
Member
"Rarely" in this case could be Deadlyit only takes one mistake to wreck your day.
Which IMO, relying on the powder check die only, is just such a mistake. Batteries die, parts break or stick. Visually verify the powder charge, best way IMO. Powder checks are a nice backup though. Resist becoming a handle puller, pay attention to every facet of your reloading.
OP
Final List
After careful analysis of all the above posts I believe the Lee Classic Turret will be the best fit for me and my wallet at this time. There are compelling arguments for the progressive and some day if my shooting habits change I'll look in that direction.
Now to wrap this thread up here's the list of what I believe I need for loading 45 and 9. I have a 3 die set of RCBS dies for each caliber so I only listed a powder thru expander die to accomodate the powder measure. I guess I would have and extra spot for either a powder check die or seperate the seat and crimp operation. I'll list the check die for now.
LCT press $112, pro auto disk powder measure $42, powder thru expander dies for .45 & 9 $24, powder check die $30, extra turret $13, for a TOTAL of $221.
What did I miss? Thanks all for great input.
After careful analysis of all the above posts I believe the Lee Classic Turret will be the best fit for me and my wallet at this time. There are compelling arguments for the progressive and some day if my shooting habits change I'll look in that direction.
Now to wrap this thread up here's the list of what I believe I need for loading 45 and 9. I have a 3 die set of RCBS dies for each caliber so I only listed a powder thru expander die to accomodate the powder measure. I guess I would have and extra spot for either a powder check die or seperate the seat and crimp operation. I'll list the check die for now.
LCT press $112, pro auto disk powder measure $42, powder thru expander dies for .45 & 9 $24, powder check die $30, extra turret $13, for a TOTAL of $221.
What did I miss? Thanks all for great input.
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Gotta have a scale...
Consider the LCTP kit. It includes the press, pro disk, large & small safety prime, scale, case trimmer, and Lee's reloading manual.
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OP
I do have an RCBS 5-0-5 already. Just looked at the kit for $207, that may be the way to go. I forgot about the safety primer feed. I have seen a couple comments that they don't work very well.
swamprabbit
Member
I agree with BC38. Go with the kit. I paid $180.00 for mine. IMO it is the best deal to be had. To add: In my experience the safety prime works fine if it is adjusted correctly.
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X2 on the safety prime - and it isn't hard to get it adjusted correctly, since it really can only be mounted in one place!
ozo
Member
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do......
It ain't easy shelling out the bucks these days.......
But sometimes longevity comes into play, among other things.
Other important things that are hard to see through the wallet.
Old folks are set in opinions, but usually from experience, and
most old folks [today] come from a place where they understand
not only value, but what it requires to achieve it.
I grew up being taught to save for what I really wanted, and not compromise for having lesser faster......but we live in a different time now, a world of microwaves and fast food, and we want it NOW.
No slam meant, it just is what it is. The worst part, today, is you don't even get what you pay for in many instances.
It ain't easy shelling out the bucks these days.......
But sometimes longevity comes into play, among other things.
Other important things that are hard to see through the wallet.
Old folks are set in opinions, but usually from experience, and
most old folks [today] come from a place where they understand
not only value, but what it requires to achieve it.
I grew up being taught to save for what I really wanted, and not compromise for having lesser faster......but we live in a different time now, a world of microwaves and fast food, and we want it NOW.
No slam meant, it just is what it is. The worst part, today, is you don't even get what you pay for in many instances.
Just a question on powder checks. Aren't they mainly for a gross overcharge or a no charge situation?? T truly don't see them being so discriminating that they can tell a tenth..or even 2 tenths difference in charge weights. Not a statement of fact...just questioning
Boogsawaste
Member
I can tell a 2/10th very easily and 1/10th is not hard to distinguish either. Especially with a bulky powder. Ymmv.
OK..What kind of powder check are you using?? 2 tenths is acceptable to me in most of my mid range ammo. The right up at the top loads I weigh individually anyway... Full blown magnum loads are right next to baby bombs anyway. I also load them on a single stage. I have a couple of the Dillon powder checks but have never really used one. On my super 1050s I load powders that throw very consistently ...meaning no Unique Blue dot 800X. I also keep an eye on powder charges as much as possible. Just picked up a Dillon 650 and am going to try it on 9mm and 38 Sp. It came with a powder check...
