Need help:lee press choice

WAYNE109 · January 7, 2012, 03:56 PM

I am new to the forum and reloading , will be reloading 9mm , .357 ,.45acp and 30-30. Want to go with LEE , but which one ??? LEE CLASSIC TURRET OR LEE 50TH ANNIVERSARY?? PLEASE HELP ME CHOOSE !!!

jimkim · January 7, 2012, 04:03 PM

I'd get the Lee Classic Turret.
Three part review. http://www.realguns.com/archives/122.htm

Lost Sheep · January 7, 2012, 04:07 PM

How much will you be loading per session?

How much will you be loading per year?

How many different calibers will you want to reload during each session?

How much room do you have to work?

Will you leave the equipment set up even when not in use or will you be putting it away after each session?

What's your budget?

Welcome to reloading and thanks for asking our advice.

Lost Sheep

p.s.
Another thread that just started asks virtually the same question as you pose. You may want to follow it as it grows.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=1#post4895972

WAYNE109 · January 7, 2012, 04:07 PM

Where would be a good place to shop ?? also what would I need to purchase extra , dies of course 3 die sets or 4 die sets ??

any other tips would be appreciatted

jimkim · January 7, 2012, 04:13 PM

Here's a sticky on the subject. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171 Get a good manual(Lyman 49) and study it, before you order anything else.

WAYNE109 · January 7, 2012, 04:14 PM

9.mm -.357, .45acp ,30-30 winchester dedicated space , spare room !!!
200-400 rounds a month...........we all have a budget , mine is really crappy our rand is 8.20 to the $$$$

Gitsum · January 7, 2012, 05:21 PM

I am just getting into handloading myself and got the Lee Classic Turret for Christmas. It came as a kit from Kempfs Gun Shop for $200 and includes pretty much everything I need except a scale. I have just gotten it set up and running. The only things so far that I dont like is the powder that I use (unique) is tough to get accurate loads with and the priming system takes some getting used to. The guys here say to stick with it and I will. Hope this helps and good loading!

Heres a link to Kempfs. check it out!
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...mart&Itemid=41
__________________

dacaur · January 7, 2012, 10:00 PM

definitely go with the turret, you can always use a turret press as a single stage, but you cant use a single stage as a turret...
For the pistol rounds get the 4 die carbide set, for the 30-30 I would get a 2 die set and a lee factory crimp die... I believe lee has a 3 die set that includes the crimp die, its the one in the red case. the set in the yellow case comes with a neck sizing die, which I have head you cant/dont want to use on a lever action, it also doesn't come with the Factory crimp die. FOr my .308 I went with the 3 die set with the neck sizer and bought a FCD separate since I only have one .308, but for my 30-30 I got the 3 die set that came with the FCD....

Other tips... make sure you pick up extra turrets, the press only comes with one, and you will need one for each caliber you load.

Get a bullet puller, you will need it. I just got one of the kinetic pullers, works great if slow, just more incentive not to mess up, lol

If your kit doesn't come with one, get a lee perfect powder measure.

A digital scale makes things a lot easier when working up a load, but the lee balance beam scale works fine too, its just slower...

When I start loading another pistol caliber (only load 9mm now) I plan to also pick up another autodisk powder measure, so I dont have to swap just one between calibers...

Orochimaru · January 7, 2012, 10:04 PM

+1 on the Lee Classic Turret Press...

I started on one and still use it all the time. It is solidly made -- nice cast iron base -- and if cared for will last for a VERY long time. The turrets make changing calibers very easy -- get one for each caliber you're going to load.

oldreloader · January 7, 2012, 11:20 PM

The LCT is a great choice. I bought one last year and have had excellent luck with it. My old Rockchucker doesn't see much use at all.

hk33ka1 · January 7, 2012, 11:43 PM

Lee is now offering the Classic Turret in a kit. This kit plus dies (and case length gauge for bottleneck rifle cals) is all you have to have. I would add a calipre and manual to that as well.

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger that's in the 50th kit and the Classic Cast are also highly recommended presses.

Brian Pfleuger · January 7, 2012, 11:49 PM

Absolutely the Classic turret.

200+ handgun rounds an hour and switch to precision rifle ammo in 15 seconds flat.

Amazing machine.

Check Lee Factory Sales for pricing. When I bought mine they were lowest after all costs considered. Make a list and post it here so you can make sure you have everything before you order. No sense paying 3 shipping charges to add more stuff you over look... Ask me how I know.

mumbo719 · January 8, 2012, 06:28 AM

Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret.

WAYNE109 · January 8, 2012, 02:23 PM

Busy with Kempf now , ...........going with LEE CLASSIC TURRET..........

which scale should I go with ??? does the classic not come with a powder measure ??

Thanks for all the replies and info , you will see alot of me here .

mumbo719 · January 8, 2012, 03:58 PM

Get a Dillon Eliminator or an RCBS 505 for the scale.

It's a $30.00 or so difference in the price of the scales but you will be much happier and safer with the Dillon or RCBS scale.

jimkim · January 8, 2012, 05:01 PM

You can get the RCBS 502 from Cabelas for $59.88. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Barga...3Bcat105670980

The Classic Kit comes with a powder measure, but which measure will depend on the kit.

January 7, 2012, 03:56 PM	#1
WAYNE109 Junior Member Join Date: December 29, 2011 Posts: 12	Need help:lee press choice I am new to the forum and reloading , will be reloading 9mm , .357 ,.45acp and 30-30. Want to go with LEE , but which one ??? LEE CLASSIC TURRET OR LEE 50TH ANNIVERSARY?? PLEASE HELP ME CHOOSE !!!

January 7, 2012, 04:03 PM	#2
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2008 Location: middle GA Posts: 326	I'd get the Lee Classic Turret. Three part review. http://www.realguns.com/archives/122.htm __________________ Jan. 4, 2007 gasoline $2.10 gal....HMMM?

January 7, 2012, 04:07 PM	#3
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Help us help you How much will you be loading per session? How much will you be loading per year? How many different calibers will you want to reload during each session? How much room do you have to work? Will you leave the equipment set up even when not in use or will you be putting it away after each session? What's your budget? Welcome to reloading and thanks for asking our advice. Lost Sheep p.s. Another thread that just started asks virtually the same question as you pose. You may want to follow it as it grows. http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=1#post4895972 Last edited by Lost Sheep; January 7, 2012 at 04:15 PM.

January 7, 2012, 04:13 PM	#5
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2008 Location: middle GA Posts: 326	Here's a sticky on the subject. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171 Get a good manual(Lyman 49) and study it, before you order anything else. __________________ Jan. 4, 2007 gasoline $2.10 gal....HMMM?

January 7, 2012, 05:21 PM	#7
Gitsum Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2011 Location: Delawhere? Posts: 146	I am just getting into handloading myself and got the Lee Classic Turret for Christmas. It came as a kit from Kempfs Gun Shop for $200 and includes pretty much everything I need except a scale. I have just gotten it set up and running. The only things so far that I dont like is the powder that I use (unique) is tough to get accurate loads with and the priming system takes some getting used to. The guys here say to stick with it and I will. Hope this helps and good loading! Heres a link to Kempfs. check it out! https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...mart&Itemid=41 __________________ __________________ Want Some?... GITSUM!

January 7, 2012, 04:14 PM	#6
WAYNE109 Junior Member Join Date: December 29, 2011 Posts: 12	9.mm -.357, .45acp ,30-30 winchester dedicated space , spare room !!! 200-400 rounds a month...........we all have a budget , mine is really crappy our rand is 8.20 to the $$$$

January 7, 2012, 10:00 PM	#8
dacaur Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2010 Posts: 733	definitely go with the turret, you can always use a turret press as a single stage, but you cant use a single stage as a turret... For the pistol rounds get the 4 die carbide set, for the 30-30 I would get a 2 die set and a lee factory crimp die... I believe lee has a 3 die set that includes the crimp die, its the one in the red case. the set in the yellow case comes with a neck sizing die, which I have head you cant/dont want to use on a lever action, it also doesn't come with the Factory crimp die. FOr my .308 I went with the 3 die set with the neck sizer and bought a FCD separate since I only have one .308, but for my 30-30 I got the 3 die set that came with the FCD.... Other tips... make sure you pick up extra turrets, the press only comes with one, and you will need one for each caliber you load. Get a bullet puller, you will need it. I just got one of the kinetic pullers, works great if slow, just more incentive not to mess up, lol If your kit doesn't come with one, get a lee perfect powder measure. A digital scale makes things a lot easier when working up a load, but the lee balance beam scale works fine too, its just slower... When I start loading another pistol caliber (only load 9mm now) I plan to also pick up another autodisk powder measure, so I dont have to swap just one between calibers...

January 7, 2012, 10:04 PM	#9
Orochimaru Member Join Date: September 11, 2011 Posts: 47	+1 on the Lee Classic Turret Press... I started on one and still use it all the time. It is solidly made -- nice cast iron base -- and if cared for will last for a VERY long time. The turrets make changing calibers very easy -- get one for each caliber you're going to load.

January 7, 2012, 11:20 PM	#10
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	The LCT is a great choice. I bought one last year and have had excellent luck with it. My old Rockchucker doesn't see much use at all.

January 7, 2012, 11:43 PM	#11
hk33ka1 Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2010 Posts: 275	Lee is now offering the Classic Turret in a kit. This kit plus dies (and case length gauge for bottleneck rifle cals) is all you have to have. I would add a calipre and manual to that as well. The Lee Breech Lock Challenger that's in the 50th kit and the Classic Cast are also highly recommended presses.

January 7, 2012, 11:49 PM	#12
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Absolutely the Classic turret. 200+ handgun rounds an hour and switch to precision rifle ammo in 15 seconds flat. Amazing machine. Check Lee Factory Sales for pricing. When I bought mine they were lowest after all costs considered. Make a list and post it here so you can make sure you have everything before you order. No sense paying 3 shipping charges to add more stuff you over look... Ask me how I know. Last edited by Brian Pfleuger; January 7, 2012 at 11:58 PM.

January 8, 2012, 06:28 AM	#13
mumbo719 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2008 Location: Tampa Bay, FL. Posts: 346	Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret.

January 8, 2012, 02:23 PM	#14
WAYNE109 Junior Member Join Date: December 29, 2011 Posts: 12	Busy with Kempf now , ...........going with LEE CLASSIC TURRET.......... which scale should I go with ??? does the classic not come with a powder measure ?? Thanks for all the replies and info , you will see alot of me here .

January 8, 2012, 03:58 PM	#15
mumbo719 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2008 Location: Tampa Bay, FL. Posts: 346	Get a Dillon Eliminator or an RCBS 505 for the scale. It's a $30.00 or so difference in the price of the scales but you will be much happier and safer with the Dillon or RCBS scale.

January 8, 2012, 05:01 PM	#16
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2008 Location: middle GA Posts: 326	You can get the RCBS 502 from Cabelas for $59.88. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Barga...3Bcat105670980 The Classic Kit comes with a powder measure, but which measure will depend on the kit. __________________ Jan. 4, 2007 gasoline $2.10 gal....HMMM?