Lee Classic Turret ?

rebs · July 9, 2012, 03:53 PM

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.

ScottRiqui · July 9, 2012, 04:17 PM

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.

jmortimer · July 9, 2012, 04:35 PM

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.

jimkim · July 9, 2012, 05:38 PM

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.

Oldgoat03 · July 9, 2012, 05:43 PM

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

CrustyFN · July 9, 2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

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 have owned my classic turret for six years. The safety prime has worked near flasless. I have never had problems with the rotation of the turret. Nothing has ever broke. Nothing has wore out including the plastic ratchet, I'm still on the original. In the last six years I have loaded thousands of rounds of 9mm, 38,357, 45 auto and 223. At a relaxed pace I can load around 175 rounds per hour. If I wanted to step it up I could load 200 per hour safely. Lee gets a bad rap for their equipment but their calssic turret and classic cast SS are hard to beat.

rebs · July 9, 2012, 06:39 PM

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it. Looks like I will be buying this press.

badblu97 · July 9, 2012, 06:54 PM

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!

tkglazie · July 9, 2012, 08:06 PM

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.

oldreloader · July 9, 2012, 08:30 PM

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.

mikejonestkd · July 9, 2012, 08:58 PM

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.

Lost Sheep · July 9, 2012, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebs

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.

And later:

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it. Looks like I will be buying this press.

I recommend contacting Sue Kempf at Kempf's gun shop. They have a nice kit (which, of course, you don't need because you already have the dies, but she might be able to cut you a deal). If you wanted to add a caliber, I would highly recommend the kit. It doesn't make you take any of the stuff you already have and includes a set of dies, primer dispenser, Auto-Disk powder dispenser (which is a natural on the Turret)

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

rebs · July 9, 2012, 09:54 PM

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 ?

Striker1 · July 9, 2012, 10:02 PM

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.

tkglazie · July 9, 2012, 10:19 PM

Quote:

and extra risers

just curious mikejonestkd, what are the extra risers for? Do you have more than one powder measure to cut down on powder changes? I just keep my one riser attached to my powder measure at all times.

ScottRiqui · July 9, 2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

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 ?

Striker1 has covered the purpose of the risers. The Lee Classic Turret auto-indexes, so all you do is insert the case, pull the handle to size/deprime it, transfer a primer from the tray to the primer arm, and raise the handle back up to seat the primer. This automatically rotates the turret to the charging station. Pulling the handle again charges the case. After raising the handle and placing a bullet on the case mouth, pulling the handle seats the bullet. The fourth cycle crimps the bullet (if you seat and crimp in separate steps). Then you removed the finished round and start over. You can temporarily disable the auto-index feature by lifting off the turret and then removing the indexing rod before replacing the turret.

Lost Sheep · July 9, 2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Striker1

The riser elevates the Pro auto-disk power measure so that it doesn't hit the primer tray as the turret rotates.

Exactly right. And the swivel adapter allows you to position the powder measure to position its center of gravity over the center of rotation of the turret. Not necessary, but makes operation smoother when using the auto-indexing feature.

A second riser CAN be used, but is unnecessary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Striker1

The turret rotates automatically to the next die station each time you pull the handle.

The turret does not NECESSARILY rotate. If you take the indexing rod out, the Turret remains stationary and the press becomes a single-stage (or manually indexing turret). Removing and replacing the indexing rod is a 5 to 10 second operation.

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

Striker1 · July 9, 2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

The turret does not NECESSARILY rotate. If you take the indexing rod out, the Turret remains stationary and the press becomes a single-stage (or manually indexing turret). Removing and replacing the indexing rod is a 5 to 10 second operation.

I am aware of that, just trying to keep it simple. I remove the index rod when I load my rifle rounds. Very versatile press IMO.

rebs · July 10, 2012, 07:09 AM

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 ?

tkglazie · July 10, 2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

How accurate is the powder dump ?

If you get the pro model auto disk measure, and give the ram handle a "doubletap" at the top of the stroke and again when the case exits the case-through-expander die to clear any powder that may be resting on a ledge or held by static, you will easily keep a powder that meters well (like W231/HP38) to within a .1grain to .12grain window. I have a very accurate digital scale that measures to .02grains and consider any charge that I settle on to be accurate to +/-.05grains, or +/-.06 at the worst. For example, if I write down a load recipe for a 4.1-4.2grain charge, I expect to hold that charge to no less than 4.1 and no more than 4.2 99% of the time. Occasionally I will see a 4.08-4.2grain spread but that's it.

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).

CrustyFN · July 10, 2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Is this everything I need,

I would add in a few of the plastic ratchets. They are cheap to get when ordering other items. If you order the alone then the shipping will cost more than the ratchet.

the led farmer · July 10, 2012, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Is this everything I need

a die holder for each extra turret is nice http://leeprecision.com/die-box-round-red.html

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

flashhole · July 10, 2012, 09:26 PM

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.

tkglazie · July 10, 2012, 09:55 PM

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.

Crunchy Frog · July 10, 2012, 10:01 PM

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).

July 9, 2012, 03:53 PM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	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, 05:38 PM	#4
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2008 Location: middle GA Posts: 326	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. __________________ Jan. 4, 2007 gasoline $2.10 gal....HMMM?

July 9, 2012, 05:43 PM	#5
Oldgoat03 Member Join Date: March 8, 2012 Location: Western Wa. Posts: 20	+ 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, 08:58 PM	#11
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,759	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. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

July 10, 2012, 07:09 AM	#19
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	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 07:17 AM.

July 9, 2012, 04:17 PM	#2
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	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, 04:35 PM	#3
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	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.

July 9, 2012, 06:39 PM	#7
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it. Looks like I will be buying this press.

July 9, 2012, 06:54 PM	#8
badblu97 Junior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Posts: 7	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!

July 9, 2012, 08:06 PM	#9
tkglazie Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Posts: 558	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, 08:30 PM	#10
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	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.

July 9, 2012, 09:54 PM	#13
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	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 ?

July 9, 2012, 10:02 PM	#14
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 714	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 10, 2012, 09:26 PM	#23
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	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. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

July 10, 2012, 09:55 PM	#24
tkglazie Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Posts: 558	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.

July 10, 2012, 10:01 PM	#25
Crunchy Frog Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 592	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).