July 9, 2012, 02:53 PM | #1 |
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Lee Classic Turret ?
I would like to hear from guys that own one as to how well it functions, the primer feed, etc. Right now I am using a RCBS single stage Jr. from years ago, what would I gain from the Lee Turret Press ?
I do not load enough to warrant the cost of a progressive press. |
July 9, 2012, 03:17 PM | #2 |
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I went with a Lee Classic Turret after a few months of using their single-stage press. I like the LCT enough that the single-stage is now a dedicated de-priming press.
I recommend getting enough extra turrets so that you have one for each caliber. That way, swapping calibers is just a matter of swapping out the shell holder and turret head (and switching from large primer feed to small or vice-versa if needed). If you're going to use the Lee Autodisk powder measure and the Lever Prime system with the LCT, I would also recommend getting a powder measure riser for each turret. The riser makes it easier to position the measure so that it doesn't interfere with the priming system as the turret rotates around. Going at a steady but relaxed pace, I can load about 200 rounds per hour. Everything feels very solid and the operation is smooth. Once you adjust the Lever Prime system properly, it will transfer a primer from the tray to the primer arm flawlessly, at least until you get down to the last one or two primers. I refill the tray before I get down that low, so how well it feeds the last few primers is really a non-issue. The only "repairs" I've had to do are adjusting the indexing and replacing the little black plastic indexing ratchet once. If the torrent doesn't "click" positively into place as it rotates from station to station, you can adjust the indexing by holding the index rod in place with a 1/4" wrench and turning the turret in the direction it needs to go in order to make it firmly into the next indent. The plastic ratchet index can be damaged if you try to turn the turret manually without first raising the ram to disengage the ratchet. The press comes with one extra ratchet, but it wouldn't hurt to have another spare. All in all, I think an auto-indexing turret does a nice job of filling the gap between a single-stage press and a progressive model. |
July 9, 2012, 03:35 PM | #3 |
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The Lee Precision Classic Turret is fantastic. I use it in single stage mode and charge with dippers and hand-prime off the press. Most reports I've seen are positive for the primer feed. Check out owner reviews on Midway USA or Cabelas. I have a single stage press as well for dedicated uses, but the turret press, even in single stage mode is nice as the dies are all pre-set and drop in ready to use and then change caliber in seconds and so on.
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July 9, 2012, 04:38 PM | #4 |
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One really big thing you would gain is compound leverage. Another big plus would be very quick die swaps. Then there's the primer disposal, it's great too.
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July 9, 2012, 04:43 PM | #5 |
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+ 1 for the Lee Classic Turret
I started with a single stage to learn the process steps. It wasn't long before I wanted to increase output so began looking at progressives. I found that the progressive presses are great but most are expensive, all are faily complex and more prone to malfunction especially in the primer feed areas.
When I looked at the complexity and cost of changing calibers and primer sizes I ended up with the Lee Classic 4 hole Turret press with Pro-Disc Powder measure and am very happy with it. Prices for additional turrets etc are very resaonable so I now have turrets with dies and powder die risers for .40 S&W, 9mm, .45ACP, 45LC, .380 ACP. Once set-up caliber changes are a snap. If interested FS Reloading has about the best prices. Lee Classic 4 hole Turret: https://fsreloading.com/lee-4-hole-t...dex-90932.html Pro Disc Powder measure: https://fsreloading.com/lee-pro-auto-disk-90429.html Lee Auto Riser https://fsreloading.com/lee-auto-disk-riser-90041.html I also use (& like) the Lee Adjustable Charge bar: https://fsreloading.com/lee-adj-charge-bar-90792.html I got the Micro Disk kit for my wifes .380 ACP (Small charges) https://fsreloading.com/lee-micro-disk-kit-90302.html Lee 4 Die Carbide sets https://fsreloading.com/category/rel...ol/4-die-sets/ I may end up buying a full progressive someday but I'm sure I will keep and continuing to use my turret to develop new loads and run small batches. By the way I don't work for Lee I just really appreciate the LCT. Hope this helps Bob |
July 9, 2012, 05:02 PM | #6 | |
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July 9, 2012, 05:39 PM | #7 |
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Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it. Looks like I will be buying this press.
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July 9, 2012, 05:54 PM | #8 |
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I just started reloading about 2 months ago, and after doing some research and prowling on here, I bought the LCT, primer, extra turrets, etc. Love it. The riser is not completely necessary, but does make it easier, especially since its not very expensive. good luck!
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July 9, 2012, 07:06 PM | #9 |
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I have had my LCT for about 6 months and 3500 rounds. Love it. I recommend giving it a good cleaning and lube when you first get it (CLP works great) and then after the first 500 or so rounds. I found that mine really seemed to smooth out after this second cleaning. I will say though that from the very first cartridge I loaded the results have been flawless. Good product.
Production-wise, I get about 125/hr making mixed loads. Because the LCT is so easy to swap from caliber to caliber I find I rarely make more than 2 boxes of anything before switching up to another caliber or load. In general though, it takes me 20 for the first box and then 15 minutes for subsequent boxes, so I can see how others get 200-225/hr. My attention wanders about the time I get to the 2nd box of anything though. Fortunately, using a 4 die setup and keeping the same FCD crimp for all of my various bullet types, changing a load is as easy as changing the auto disk and powder, backing out the seating stem, adjusting for the new seating depth per the load recipe. I am completely comfortable that my cartridges made a box here and a box there are as consistent as if I made 1000 of them at a sitting. |
July 9, 2012, 07:30 PM | #10 |
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I've had mine for a year and a half now. I load 9MM, 45 ACP, .223, 30-30, 30-06. Like CrustyFN, I've never broke anything or worn anything out. I'm still on the original plastic square. The Safety Prime works great, the Pro Auto Disc measure is VERY accurate, and there are no missed spent primers. I've used a single stage RCBS for years but now it seldom sees much use at all. It suits my needs better than anything else on the market.
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July 9, 2012, 07:58 PM | #11 |
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Over 15K rounds in a dozen calibers in a few years and I have not one single complaint. Get extra turrets, the pro auto disk powder measure, and extra risers, and you'll be set for life.
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July 9, 2012, 08:31 PM | #12 | |
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I started in 1975 with an RCBS Jr and quickly (because I got the chance, not because I didn't like the press) traded it for a RockChucker. I acquired a couple of Lee Pro-1000 presses, but the less said about my experience with them the better. I never got used to watching multiple simultaneous operations, which is not the fault of the Pro-1000s. But continuous processing on the Lee Classic Turret is to my liking. Caliber swaps are almost instantaneous (how many calibers to your load for?) and the primer mechanism is very clean. Spent primers drop down a tube instead of bouncing wherever they want and new primers are deposited in the priming arm up out of the way of the debris from the spent primers and you can see clearly if a primer is in the cup wrongways. Now, on the RCBS, you can see the primer and the primer feed is more positive than with the Lee Safety Prime on the press, but you don't have to fill the tube, which saves me time and you don't have nearly as much worry about a chain detonation of primers in a stacked-up tube, either. Sorry to be late to the party. Today is the first time I noticed your thread. Lost Sheep |
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July 9, 2012, 08:54 PM | #13 |
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what are the risers that were mentioned ? what do they do ? Do you guys start with a case and just move the turret station to station ?
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July 9, 2012, 09:02 PM | #14 |
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The riser elevates the Pro auto-disk power measure so that it doesn't hit the primer tray as the turret rotates.
The turret rotates automatically to the next die station each time you pull the handle. |
July 9, 2012, 09:19 PM | #15 | |
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July 9, 2012, 09:23 PM | #16 | |
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July 9, 2012, 09:25 PM | #17 | ||
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A second riser CAN be used, but is unnecessary. Quote:
edit: ScottRiqui posted while I was writing. Let me add that he describes the "Continuous Process" of loading very well. The other way to load is by "Batch Process" where you size/deprime/reprime 50 cases (in single-stage mode), rotate the turret, then bell and charge those 50 cases, rotate the turret and seat/crimp bullets in the 50 cases. It is slower, but easier to keep track of the steps, especially when it comes time to verify that all cases have the same amount of powder. When you have all 50 cases in a row (or in a loading block) shine a light into them and look at the powder levels in the whole batch. A BIG safety feature of batch processing. Lost Sheep Last edited by Lost Sheep; July 9, 2012 at 09:32 PM. |
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July 9, 2012, 09:46 PM | #18 | |
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July 10, 2012, 06:09 AM | #19 |
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Is this everything I need, the classic turret press, primer feed large and small, power measure, a couple risers, a turret for each caliber ?
Is there anything else I should have ? I have everything for reloading with my RCBS single stage press and just want to change to the Lee Classic Turret. How accurate is the powder dump ? Last edited by rebs; July 10, 2012 at 06:17 AM. |
July 10, 2012, 09:46 AM | #20 | |
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Note that you will most likely NOT see these results immediately. When you get the measure home you will need to throw plenty of charges to build up a nice layer of graphite on the wiper and "break-in" the measure. You may find charges that vary .2-.3grains right off the bat. By jiggling the ram handle at the top of the stroke and again at the point where Lee has designed the case mouth to "shake free" of the expander die you will have much better results. I believe I learned that trick on this site (thanks to whoever passed that along). |
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July 10, 2012, 11:59 AM | #21 | |
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July 10, 2012, 12:20 PM | #22 | |
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the double disk kit is key if your doing rifle rounds or want to really try and dial in a particular loadhttp://leeprecision.com/double-disk-kit.html and although it's not a huge pain in the ass to change the powder measure from caliber to caliber an extra powder measure for each caliber that you can leave attached to the turret is the bee's knees Last edited by the led farmer; July 10, 2012 at 01:42 PM. Reason: clarity |
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July 10, 2012, 08:26 PM | #23 |
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This thread is a freak amongst reloading forums. All these good comments about Lee. Not one Lee basher, did I die and go to reloading heaven?
I like the LCT so well I bought a second one and outfitted it as a portable reloading station I haul back and forth to the range for load development. All I have to do is swap turrets from one press to the other (second one mounted to bench). I also have a Lee Classic Cast single stage. Both models are excellent quality and value.
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July 10, 2012, 08:55 PM | #24 |
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Great point flashhole. There is a ton of Lee hate out there. As a new reloader I only know the "good Lee" era that includes the Lee Cast Turret, but it is obvious that there are a lot of reloaders who had bad experiences back in the day. I find it hard to believe anyone who has a chance to use one would turn their nose up a an LCT nowadays. A good is good tool.
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July 10, 2012, 09:01 PM | #25 |
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I loaded on a Rockchucker for years. A year or so ago I bought a Hornady LNL-AP progressive, which I like.
A friend wanted to start handloading and based on recommendations (mostly from people who had never owned one) he bought a Lee Classic Turret. I went over to try it myself and I was very impressed with it. I would not hesitate to recommend one for the type of reloading we do (primarily pistol ammo). |
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