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Old March 10, 2013, 07:43 PM   #1
flintlock.50
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Join Date: July 1, 2009
Posts: 233
Redding turret press question

I used my Redding turret press for the first time today for .38 spl. I can actually use it as a progressive, with dies, etc in this order:

Carbide sizing de-capper
Expander (then prime)
Powder thrower
Seating/crimper

By rotating the turret after each operation I can load a shell from start to finish without removing it from the press. This way I only have to put the shell in the press and remove it once. Handling shells is the most time consuming operation. This DOES, however require me to rotate the press four times for each shell, many times more than if I did each operation for all the shells then switched to the next operation.

My question is whether a turret press is made for this kind of operation. Will I wear out the indexing mechanism with all the rotating?

Thanks
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Old March 10, 2013, 09:57 PM   #2
Lost Sheep
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Join Date: January 24, 2009
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You are unlikely to wear out the Redding. Unless I miss my guess, the turret rotates on a bushing and there is a steel ball bearing spring-loaded at the back of the turret. Both of these parts (you can look when you have your turret pulled off) are likely to be replaceable. However, they are likely to last millions of cycles if kept clean of grit and properly lubricated. The underside of the turret where the ball bearing bears is obviously not replaceable, but is extremely durable, too.

Some people differentiate your process from the typical single-stage "Batch Processing" with the name "Continuous Processing", "Straight-Through Processing", "Sequential Processing" (which I think is not specific enough) or "Semi-Progressive Processing", (which I think does not correctly apply to a turret with only a single case in process).

Note that the Excellent Lee Classic Turret and the lesser Lee Deluxe Turret are the only two turret presses that offer automatic indexing. While the turrets are held in a ring instead of a center post, I think your Redding's wear points will probably last longer. But I don't expect any will be shorter than a million rounds, given minimal cleaning, lubrication and operating care.

Turret disks for the Lee are cheaper, too and caliber swaps if you use dies mounted in spare disks take no tools and about 5-10 seconds.

The last two paragraphs are mostly if you ever decide to trade in or supplement your excellent Redding Turret with another turret press, and to provide food for thought for anyone reading this thread.

In short, you are fine with your Redding press. Keep the wearing/bearing surfaces clean and lubricated any don't worry about a thing.

Lost Sheep
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Old March 10, 2013, 11:03 PM   #3
Hammerhead
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Join Date: May 31, 2004
Location: Minnesota
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Quote:
This DOES, however require me to rotate the press four times for each shell, many times more than if I did each operation for all the shells then switched to the next operation.
That is balanced out by the fact that you only have to place and remove each case only once, instead of moving each case in and out for each die.

I also like having spots for my Ram Prime die, universal decapper and universal flaring tool without disturbing my main dies.

There's no way you're going to wear it out. I've had mine for about 8 years now. I've loaded .22 Hornet, 9mm, .38 spl, .38 Super, .357 mag, .40, 10mm, .44 spl, .45 acp, .45 Colt and 30-30 on mine. It gets a workout and is still tight and smooth.

I do keep it lubricated.
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Old March 11, 2013, 01:39 AM   #4
GTOne
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Quote:
My question is whether a turret press is made for this kind of operation.
It is exactly what it was made to do. Economy of motion, it adds up over time.
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Old March 11, 2013, 09:18 AM   #5
Old 454
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Its a redding press, it will out live you, just keep it clean and maintained.
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Old March 13, 2013, 04:59 PM   #6
codefour
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Over the last two years, thousands of rounds have been loaded on my T-7 in a semi-progressive fashion no have not noticed and extra play or defects developing. It just got smoother over time. So, do not worry.
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