Author Topic: Lee Turret press (Read 688 times)

jack19512 · « **on:** December 13, 2005, 08:48:35 PM »

I would like to hear others opinions on the Lee Turret press and what the difference is pro and con between auto and manual index. Thanks

bobg · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2005, 09:30:43 PM »

I have had a Lee turret for years. I sure have loaded a lot of ammo on it. I have never had a problem with it. Mine is the manual. Never tried the auto so can't comment on it.
bobg

jgalar · « **Reply #2 on:** December 14, 2005, 01:35:45 AM »

It depends on how many holes you are getting. What are you planning to load? I had a 3 hole manual for a number of years, but wanted the 4th hole. The 4 hole is only available in auto. I sent the 3 hole to my brother and its still being used.
For loading handgun ammo with 3 dies the 3 hole auto would work great. You will need to disable the auto feature to load rifle ammo. From reading the FAQ on the Lee sight this takes some time with the 3 hole. To disable the 4 hole all you do is take out the actuating rod and reinsert it to activate again.

I would rather have a 3 hole auto to load pistols only (I don't use the factory crimp die) and a 4 hole for rifle (I use and expander and like a seperate die for seating and crimping.)

jack19512 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 14, 2005, 04:12:38 AM »

I would be using it mainly for rifle ammo. I meant to ask also about the 3 and 4 hole reloader. So for mainly rifle ammo I would probably be served best with the 4 hole auto index? Thanks :grin:

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #4 on:** December 14, 2005, 01:34:47 PM »

Quote from: jack19512

I would be using it mainly for rifle ammo. I meant to ask also about the 3 and 4 hole reloader. So for mainly rifle ammo I would probably be served best with the 4 hole auto index? Thanks :grin:

Nix.

It ain't enough press for rifle ammo with a few exceptions. Works great for straightwall cases. If you are loading mostly bottleneck normal size rifle cartridges, get the Classic Cast for about the same money. You'll lose a little time changing dies, but it should handle anything you'll ever load.

jack19512 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2005, 02:34:41 PM »

I would be loading 223, 30-06, 7.5X55 swiss and 7.62x54. The main reason I was looking at the turret press is because I would be able to keep my dies set up and not have to keep changing them out. So you don't think the turret press will handle the calibers I mentioned?

jgalar · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2005, 03:16:41 PM »

I load 303 British, 8mm Mauser, 7.5 Swiss, 30-30, 7.62x39, 7.62x54R, and 6.5 Carcano with my 4 hole turret press. It is plenty strong enough. If you are only using the 2 die rifle set you can set up your turrets for 2 calibers. I load mostly cast bullets so use an expander die plus I use seperate bullet seater and crimp dies. So I use all 4 holes. You could also use the 3 hole non autoindexing press.
The priming system on the Lee turret press sucks, get the hand held primer.

Slamfire · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2005, 03:30:16 PM »

I've loaded everything from .32 S&W Long, to .45.70 on my 3 holer. Just pull the rod to go to manual indexing. Going back there is a bit a adjustment required, but it ain't difficult. I prefer auto indexing for pistol cartridges and manual for rifles. I keep an old single stating press for priming with the Auto Prime equipment. I had one issue, after 20 years of hard use I had to replace the index ball, it cost me $1. :wink:
I might pick up a 4 hole plate to try for loading BP cartridges with cast bullets, it is nice to have space for the Lyman "M" die.

jgalar · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2005, 04:01:44 PM »

Also the 223 may be small enough that you can use the auto indexing...

MnMike · « **Reply #9 on:** December 15, 2005, 04:31:48 PM »

I bought the 4 hole press for rifle reloading mostly. I like the idea of not having to screw in dis. I removed the auto indexing feature immediatly. For most rifle calibers, I can get two in a single turret, although some I have both the collet die and the full length resizing die in them (wasting a space). Even for pistol, I like to do all operations in a batch mode. Size all cases, bell all cases, then add powder and bullets. I have not noticed any change in accuracy from switching to the turret.

JMHO,
mike

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2005, 03:53:24 AM »

Jack

I've had my 3 hole since 1978 and have loaded more rounds than i care to count , I have extra heads for all of my commonly used dies so no re-ajusting .

Every thing from 9mm to 7mm Rem. Mag. to 450 Marlin , NEVER a problem .

Never could get the auto index to work , So i just batch load , First size then powder then bullet .

I use the hand held auto-prime and just love it . :roll:

Catfish · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2005, 11:51:14 AM »

I started loading in 1965 and have loaded abt. all of the ammo I shot. I also load some for my friends. I don`t know what loading alot of ammo is, but in 2004 I loaded around 20,000 rounds. This year I was down I was down to around 10,000. Over the years I owned several pieces of Lee equipment. Some of it I thought was the greatest thing since sliced bread when I got them, but ever piece of it crapped out on me in a very short time. Their presses are way to weak to do serious sizeing with, their die bodies are to short for my press, I just don`t like the way their collet die leaves the brass. My mom told me " If you can say something good don`t say anything." So I don`t talk abt. Lee junk.

jgalar · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2005, 01:21:04 PM »

Maybe your mother should have taught you how to take better care of your things. I have only been reloading/loading for around 15 years, but I have never broken or wore out a Lee tool.