Lee Classic Turret Press

Reloader2 · July 31, 2013, 05:13 PM

I ordered a Lee Classic turret press for making up pistol plinking ammo. From what I've seen on you tube it looks to be plenty easy to set up and operate. I'm not looking to set any speed records but would like to eliminate all the die changes needed on my single stage press.

chiefr · July 31, 2013, 05:37 PM

IMHO, the Lee classic turret press is a bargain for the price.

Brian Pfleuger · July 31, 2013, 05:42 PM

Good choice. Even going slow, you'll be able to put out at least 100 rounds an hour using the on-press dispenser or other drop dispenser and 50 an hour if you measure every charge.

Tennessee Jed · July 31, 2013, 06:24 PM

I certainly love my classic turret press. I think you'll love yours.

flashhole · July 31, 2013, 07:25 PM

Just be aware that when you pull the handle do it like you mean to. The indexing action requires some momentum to get it to fully cycle to the next station. Great press. Great value. I bought two.

Brian Pfleuger · July 31, 2013, 07:53 PM

Flashhole, your indexing rod is slightly out of alignment.

mikejonestkd · July 31, 2013, 08:15 PM

I've run over 20K through my LCT in 3 years and its been the best money I ever spent on reloading.

Still on the original indexing ratchet too.....

Vance · July 31, 2013, 08:52 PM

Just make sure when you pull the handle, you go the full distance both ways. If you change directions halfway through, that is when the plastic ratchet nut in the indexing mechanism breaks. All the way down with the handle, then all the way up.

lee n. field · August 1, 2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

I ordered a Lee Classic turret press for making up pistol plinking ammo. From what I've seen on you tube it looks to be plenty easy to set up and operate. I'm not looking to set any speed records but would like to eliminate all the die changes needed on my single stage press.

Sound decision.

Faster than a single stage, not a fiddly as a progressive.

mwells72774 · August 1, 2013, 12:55 PM

They're great presses but keep an eye on those piddly plastic gears. I cant get mine to work just right

mikld · August 1, 2013, 01:00 PM

I disconnected the auto-index on my Lee turret several years ago and just index by hand. This works much better for me than trying to use it as a "semi-progressive". I reload in batches (deprime/size a few hundred, later do the next step, and so on). I don't think of my press as capable for only "plinking pistol ammo" as I can keep close tolerances with it as well as my C-H single stage (an excellent, precise press). I have about 10 turrets with dies and one turret with Lee sizing dies for sizing cast bullets (but I learned to correctly adjust my dies and how to troubleshoot die adjustment problems years before I got my turret).

Get a Lee turret, ignore the "Lee Haters" and you won't be sorry...

PawPaw · August 1, 2013, 01:58 PM

I knew that I forgot something when I made my last Midway order. I wanted to get a couple of those little ratchet gears, but I keep forgetting to order them. Those things are like a shear pin on an outboard motor. If something gets in a bind and has to break, it might as well be that little ratchet. I need to go put some of those on my wish list and pick them up next order.

fshfindr · August 1, 2013, 03:39 PM

My plastic gears lasted more than 15 years. When one lost a tooth, I sent the press back to Lee and they did a great job on it. I think it cost me 5$ plus postage to mail it back to them. No charge for them to mail it back to me.

(Flashole, there is a philips adjustment screw under the turret).

Lemmon · August 1, 2013, 04:39 PM

I enjoy my Classic Turret. Solid and can also be used as a single stage. I removed the indexer on my unit and hand turn it.....

PawPaw.... Just add the little plastic thingies in your Midway shopping cart and they will be there when you make your next order.

Lemmon from Rural SC.

CADILLAC HOOSIER · August 2, 2013, 07:09 PM

I have been totally satisfied with my CTP. More than worth the money. If mine goes kerplunk, I'll buy another. Load safe, shoot safe...Hoosier

L2R · August 2, 2013, 08:21 PM

I started reloading last year and love it.

You are right, it isn't spewing out ammo but I am comfortable with it and it has been dependable and repeatable.

I figured I would move up to a blue machine but I can't justify it. No knock on them, no doubt they are great but since I can reload a month's worth of ammo in less than 8 hours so it's seems like a good trade off for the investment.

Airman Basic · August 2, 2013, 08:23 PM

Got mine the other day. Fine except make sure you order several Lee die rings. The knurled ones that come with most dies are too big. If you already have Lee dies, you're golden.

oldreloader · August 3, 2013, 01:40 AM

I kept hearing Flashole, CrustyFN and more talk about them so I bought one. I love it so well I sold my old RCII and bought the Classic Cast to go with it. IMO the LCT is the best press for the money available! The Classic series suits my style best.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · August 3, 2013, 04:22 AM

I bought a Lee Progressive 1000 the first year they came out. What a remarkable press it has been for me. It does require allot of synchronizing of its shell holder/s. But once that is taken care of. Boy can that machine bang out the shells. I originally bought a half dozen of those lower plastic shell holder gears. But in all the years of ownership I've only had 2 go bad on me by {stripped its threading over time adjusting for advancement of its shell holder.} Thanks to Lee for their double disk powder measuring kit. I was able to load 44 Mag 357 Mag 38 Special 9MM 45 acp and 30 Carbine on mine. Was considering 223 but decided to scale hand load those instead because of stick powder being used (IMR 4198) Your going to like that new press of yours Reloader2 once you get the hang of things in how it works.

Tip: Keep it's Ram clean and lightly oiled. As left un-oiled and dirty. It can over time gall its aluminum base bore.

S/S

flashhole · August 3, 2013, 08:43 AM

oldreloader is the type of person that can be told peeing on an electric fence is a bad thing. Don't do it. Others aren't so inclined. Lee has some of the most innovative designs/products on the market and they are all good value.

Real Gun · August 3, 2013, 09:01 AM

While it lacks the snob appeal of the LCT, not to mention the great primer catching, the less expensive aluminum turret works perfectly too. I have both and am not about to scrap or sell the cheaper one.

CrustyFN · August 3, 2013, 09:53 AM

Congrats on buying the classic turret press, I am sure you will be very happy with it. Load each set of dies in their own turret. If the ram is in the down position you will need to raise it a little to unlock the plastic ratchet before you turn the turret by hand to remove it. This will keep you from stripping out the plastic ratchet. I have been loading on mine seven years and am still on the original ratchet. I load 9mm, 38/357, 45 auto and 223. I load around 175 per hour at a relaxed pace. Don't worry about how many you load per hour just learn the press and the speed will come as you get comfortable with the process and the press. Let us know if you have any problems. There are enough of us here that we should have a quick easy fix for any problem you run into. Again congrats and I hope you enjoy your CT as much as I have enjoyed mine.

oldreloader · August 5, 2013, 01:16 AM

flashhole, Don't give me too much credit. Somtimes I hit that fence hard.LOL.That's one time though I'm glad I listened! CrustyFN, I heard about the plastic square being a problem so anytime I ordered and needed to add more I'd get a couple of them. I've been using mine over 2 years and I'm still on the original. But I still have my spares JIC!

Kittum · August 5, 2013, 08:36 AM

One nice thing I can say about the Lee primer device is that it is easier and faster to load than trying to poke every one of those little buggers up a tube.

Real Gun · August 5, 2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

One nice thing I can say about the Lee primer device is that it is easier and faster to load than trying to poke every one of those little buggers up a tube.

Hand priming can bring on epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Older loaders are likely to pass on the squeezum priming method. Ever try loading primers into a tube? With a reasonably steady hand and a clear head, how hard can it be?

July 31, 2013, 05:13 PM	#1
Reloader2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2013 Posts: 263	Lee Classic Turret Press I ordered a Lee Classic turret press for making up pistol plinking ammo. From what I've seen on you tube it looks to be plenty easy to set up and operate. I'm not looking to set any speed records but would like to eliminate all the die changes needed on my single stage press.

July 31, 2013, 05:42 PM	#3
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,694	Good choice. Even going slow, you'll be able to put out at least 100 rounds an hour using the on-press dispenser or other drop dispenser and 50 an hour if you measure every charge. __________________ https://ecommercearms.com I am the owner/operator! Ask me for custom prices! No sales tax outside CO!

July 31, 2013, 07:25 PM	#5
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	Just be aware that when you pull the handle do it like you mean to. The indexing action requires some momentum to get it to fully cycle to the next station. Great press. Great value. I bought two. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

July 31, 2013, 07:53 PM	#6
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,694	Flashhole, your indexing rod is slightly out of alignment. __________________ https://ecommercearms.com I am the owner/operator! Ask me for custom prices! No sales tax outside CO!

July 31, 2013, 08:15 PM	#7
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,760	I've run over 20K through my LCT in 3 years and its been the best money I ever spent on reloading. Still on the original indexing ratchet too..... __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

July 31, 2013, 05:37 PM	#2
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	IMHO, the Lee classic turret press is a bargain for the price.

July 31, 2013, 06:24 PM	#4
Tennessee Jed Member Join Date: July 14, 2010 Posts: 92	I certainly love my classic turret press. I think you'll love yours.

July 31, 2013, 08:52 PM	#8
Vance Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2011 Location: North Bend, OR Posts: 743	Just make sure when you pull the handle, you go the full distance both ways. If you change directions halfway through, that is when the plastic ratchet nut in the indexing mechanism breaks. All the way down with the handle, then all the way up.

August 1, 2013, 12:55 PM	#10
mwells72774 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2011 Posts: 325	Re: Lee Classic Turret Press They're great presses but keep an eye on those piddly plastic gears. I cant get mine to work just right

August 1, 2013, 01:00 PM	#11
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	I disconnected the auto-index on my Lee turret several years ago and just index by hand. This works much better for me than trying to use it as a "semi-progressive". I reload in batches (deprime/size a few hundred, later do the next step, and so on). I don't think of my press as capable for only "plinking pistol ammo" as I can keep close tolerances with it as well as my C-H single stage (an excellent, precise press). I have about 10 turrets with dies and one turret with Lee sizing dies for sizing cast bullets (but I learned to correctly adjust my dies and how to troubleshoot die adjustment problems years before I got my turret). Get a Lee turret, ignore the "Lee Haters" and you won't be sorry...

August 1, 2013, 01:58 PM	#12
PawPaw Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Central Louisiana Posts: 3,137	I knew that I forgot something when I made my last Midway order. I wanted to get a couple of those little ratchet gears, but I keep forgetting to order them. Those things are like a shear pin on an outboard motor. If something gets in a bind and has to break, it might as well be that little ratchet. I need to go put some of those on my wish list and pick them up next order.

August 1, 2013, 03:39 PM	#13
fshfindr Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 188	My plastic gears lasted more than 15 years. When one lost a tooth, I sent the press back to Lee and they did a great job on it. I think it cost me 5$ plus postage to mail it back to them. No charge for them to mail it back to me. (Flashole, there is a philips adjustment screw under the turret).

August 1, 2013, 04:39 PM	#14
Lemmon Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 2009 Location: Rural South Carolina Posts: 445	Great Buy for the Money I enjoy my Classic Turret. Solid and can also be used as a single stage. I removed the indexer on my unit and hand turn it..... PawPaw.... Just add the little plastic thingies in your Midway shopping cart and they will be there when you make your next order. Lemmon from Rural SC.

August 2, 2013, 07:09 PM	#15
CADILLAC HOOSIER Member Join Date: August 28, 2010 Location: INDIANA Posts: 62	I have been totally satisfied with my CTP. More than worth the money. If mine goes kerplunk, I'll buy another. Load safe, shoot safe...Hoosier

August 2, 2013, 08:21 PM	#16
L2R Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 358	+1 I started reloading last year and love it. You are right, it isn't spewing out ammo but I am comfortable with it and it has been dependable and repeatable. I figured I would move up to a blue machine but I can't justify it. No knock on them, no doubt they are great but since I can reload a month's worth of ammo in less than 8 hours so it's seems like a good trade off for the investment. __________________ L2R

August 2, 2013, 08:23 PM	#17
Airman Basic Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2013 Location: South of Interstate 20 Posts: 219	Got mine the other day. Fine except make sure you order several Lee die rings. The knurled ones that come with most dies are too big. If you already have Lee dies, you're golden.

August 3, 2013, 01:40 AM	#18
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	I kept hearing Flashole, CrustyFN and more talk about them so I bought one. I love it so well I sold my old RCII and bought the Classic Cast to go with it. IMO the LCT is the best press for the money available! The Classic series suits my style best.

August 3, 2013, 04:22 AM	#19
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	I bought a Lee Progressive 1000 the first year they came out. What a remarkable press it has been for me. It does require allot of synchronizing of its shell holder/s. But once that is taken care of. Boy can that machine bang out the shells. I originally bought a half dozen of those lower plastic shell holder gears. But in all the years of ownership I've only had 2 go bad on me by {stripped its threading over time adjusting for advancement of its shell holder.} Thanks to Lee for their double disk powder measuring kit. I was able to load 44 Mag 357 Mag 38 Special 9MM 45 acp and 30 Carbine on mine. Was considering 223 but decided to scale hand load those instead because of stick powder being used (IMR 4198) Your going to like that new press of yours Reloader2 once you get the hang of things in how it works. Tip: Keep it's Ram clean and lightly oiled. As left un-oiled and dirty. It can over time gall its aluminum base bore. S/S

August 3, 2013, 08:43 AM	#20
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	oldreloader is the type of person that can be told peeing on an electric fence is a bad thing. Don't do it. Others aren't so inclined. Lee has some of the most innovative designs/products on the market and they are all good value. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

August 3, 2013, 09:01 AM	#21
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	While it lacks the snob appeal of the LCT, not to mention the great primer catching, the less expensive aluminum turret works perfectly too. I have both and am not about to scrap or sell the cheaper one.

August 3, 2013, 09:53 AM	#22
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	Congrats on buying the classic turret press, I am sure you will be very happy with it. Load each set of dies in their own turret. If the ram is in the down position you will need to raise it a little to unlock the plastic ratchet before you turn the turret by hand to remove it. This will keep you from stripping out the plastic ratchet. I have been loading on mine seven years and am still on the original ratchet. I load 9mm, 38/357, 45 auto and 223. I load around 175 per hour at a relaxed pace. Don't worry about how many you load per hour just learn the press and the speed will come as you get comfortable with the process and the press. Let us know if you have any problems. There are enough of us here that we should have a quick easy fix for any problem you run into. Again congrats and I hope you enjoy your CT as much as I have enjoyed mine.

August 5, 2013, 01:16 AM	#23
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	flashhole, Don't give me too much credit. Somtimes I hit that fence hard.LOL.That's one time though I'm glad I listened! CrustyFN, I heard about the plastic square being a problem so anytime I ordered and needed to add more I'd get a couple of them. I've been using mine over 2 years and I'm still on the original. But I still have my spares JIC!

August 5, 2013, 08:36 AM	#24
Kittum Member Join Date: July 11, 2013 Posts: 27	One nice thing I can say about the Lee primer device is that it is easier and faster to load than trying to poke every one of those little buggers up a tube.