First Reloader?

[PASlugger]

Thinking of starting to load my own ammo.

Getting into handgun shooting and will be purchasing a .44 Mag in a while.  Also will do rifle loads for myself, brother, father, and nephews.

I'll probably shoot around 100-200 handgun loads a month, sometimes more.  I'll be using a single action revolver, so won't burn through them too fast.  May add a .45 or 9mm auto later (do have a 380 auto currently)

I'm not going to be a fanatic about it, but when I sit down to load handgun rounds, would like to produce faster than a single stage press.

To get started, I was thinking about the Lee Turret press.  I don't want to spend tons of ca$h either to get going.

Those who have this press, and/or my needs, would this press fit the bill?

I don't want to start on a progressive, nor pay dillon/RCBS prices.

Would starting with a Lee Turret be a big mistake, or not?  I figured if I purchased and did not like, there is always someone paying near new prices for these on E-Bay.

Any input would help ...

PASlugger

[PASlugger]

One other item - those that have the Lee Turret and load handgun loads with it ... how many rounds can you produce in an hour while still maintaining good quality control?

Thanks ... PASlugger

[jgalar]

I have had the 3 hole manual turret press and just got the 4 hole autoindexing press. I gave the 3 hole to my brother.

It depends on if you have the autoindexing as to how fast you can reload. You have to disable the autoindexing for long rifle cases. The 4 hole is easier to disable than the 3 hole.

I like the press - the priming tool isn't the best - but for the price the press is awesome. I have been reloading for about 15 years.

When just starting out you should be able to load 100 rounds or so an hour.

[Badnews Bob]

I realy like mine, I have the three hole model but I bought the four hole autoindex ugrade kit and switch back and forth. I shoot cowboy action and use alot of .357/.38s so I plan to step up later to a dillion but just for more speed on pistol rounds. I am very happy with the Lee and when I really want to I can crank out 200 or more an hour with it. Others are certainly better but the Lee works well.

[Flash]

One thing to stop and think about is what your needs will be when you take serious interest in reloading. When reloading becomes much easier, the guns start to reproduce magically. Oh, and when you realize how easy it is to take an 06' case and make several different calibers from it, this might take you to another level that eats into your time and budget. Sure, the Lee turret is fine but will it be 10 years from now? The lee has a little plastic indexing bushing that can strip out very easy so make sure you have a few on hand if you buy a Lee. What ever you do, don't rule out the Dillon Square Deal B just because it cost more. Quality has a price regardless of what you buy and with the service and warranty that Dillon provides, quality is the only thing they have left to charge you for. A Dillon progressive(square deal) can crank out 300-500 rounds per hour once you get set up.

[New Hampshire]

I agree, Get the 4 hole auto indexing.  Its what I have and it is great.  Quality is really more in the components you use rather than the press.  Keep the ram oiled profusely (the steel ram inside an aluminum body will cause some eventual wear if not cared for.)  If you do so the press will last FOREVER!!!!  The auto indexing makes things nice and quick.  I can load 100 rounds of .45 ACP in about 45 minutes at a reasonable pace (faster depending on how much caffine Ive had   .)  The suggestion was also made to keep a few spare washers for the indexer on hand....good idea.  Its the one part your likely to see go the most.  But even still, Ive got over 5000 rounds on the one in my press right now, so they will last.  Ive lately turned to a Lee Loadmaster for .223 volume loading as well as .40 S&W.  Eventually I may get the press also set for my other pistol rounds which means 100 rounds in about 15 minutes!
Brian M.