Lee Classic Turret Press

[Chappy]

Has anyone used this new Lee press?  What are your opinions on its function, durability, etc.?

[Haywire Haywood]

Seeing that it's based on the Classic Cast single stage press, it must be better than their old aluminum turret press.  The reviewers at Midway have a lot of good things to say about it.  It's less than half the price of the Redding T-7, altho I dunno how it would compare in strength and durability.  I have the Classic Cast single stage press tho and love it.

Ian

[JD11]

Go to Realguns.com and you'll find a HUGE review and opinions on it and it's different features.   I think you'll find it in the archive section.    Even after getting badly stung on my last two Lee products I purchased, I have to admit, every time I read the review I'm tempted to spring for one to replace my old style Lee turret.

I sure agree with the review on one major point, the others have an "umbrella" type center stem supporting the die plate which would have more of a tendency to flex, whereas the Lee's plate gets it's support from around the outer edge of of the die holder (plate), much better idea IMO.   The author explains it better than I.

[sgtt]

I had a Redding 6 hole and did not care much for it.  I now have the classic and like it.  I do not use the auto rotating feature. It does have some drawbacks.  What I don't like about it most is that it does not have the bump over that I am accustomed to on the old Rockcrusher.  I can live with it though.  I am not sure about the whole bolt together set up.   I am thinking about some red locktite to give me a little peace of mind.  The spent primer set up is Mickey Mouse.  I do like the cost of the press and in particular the cost of extra turrets.  It is compact and does not take up much space on the bench.

[BigJakeJ1s]

sgtt,

What didn't you like about the spent primer system?  Did it work ok? I haven't used it, but that was one of the features I thought they did a good job on...? 

Andy

[jack19512]

I really like mine.  I don't have any problems with the  spent primer system. 

[VTDW]

I really love mine for the price.  I have cut down a plastic containerwith a ban saw, drilled a 3/8" hole in the upper left hand corner and just attach it to the press when depriming and it catches all of my spent primers.

Dave

[tominboise]

I like mine, too.  The biggest advantage, for me, is being able to set up a die set and leave it.  Just have to change turrets to change die sets.   Which takes all of 5 seconds.  The second is that it seems to load pretty straight ammo.  I have a couple of Dillon SDB's for pistol ammo, but all my rifle ammo, and some pistol ammo, goes thru this press.....

Tom

[pascalp]

I've one, got-it as soon i could, costed me a lot for shipment (iron is much heavier than alum!).
I'm totally satisfied, except:
- got a Classic cast one month before, now quite completly retired !.
- something annoying-me, is the primer lever which is activated at each stroke.

I began reloading with a 4 holes turret and soon i was dreaming of the same but Hornady/Dillon/... made.
Now my dream is on my bench.
I reload 50~100 cartridges/week, handguns and rifles. Really sastified by quality of ammo.

[sgtt]

For me - the primers do not drop into the tube about 50% of the time.  They bounce out the front unto the floor to be stepped on when I am barefoot.

[Chappy]

Thanks for the replies.  I read the reviews at Midway, Realguns, and a couple of others - most were very positive.  Midway has this press on sale through the end of this month for $74.99.  I bought one along with the safety prime and auto disk powder measure systems for about $145 shipped to my door.  I have been using a RCBS Rockchucker II for years.  This works well but is slow to load pistol ammo.  I looked at the Dillon 650 (I wanted auto indexing) but could not justify the high cost.  This Lee press seems to meet my needs - it's faster than my RCII and it did not empty my bank account.  I have just set it up and reloaded fifty 357 Mag rounds.  I already had a set of Lee dies for this caliber - it's nice to set up the dies and not have to mess with them again.  The Lee Factory Crimp/post sizing die ensures that all rounds will function in the gun - this will be especial useful when I reload for my 45 ACP.  Midway just put extra turrets on sale for a little over $7 - I just ordered three more.
The powder measure works great.  The safety prime system obviously has a learning curve and I may need to do some more adjusting of the mounting bracket.  The auto indexing works great and is easy to disconnect if you desire.  The spent primer system works great, but the plastic tube fell off the bottom of the ram after about thirty rounds, so I'll have to clamp that in place.
Overall, I am very impressed with this press.  It seems to be a great piece of equipment for the price.

[JD11]

Chappy, thanks for your opinion and the sale price information.  I think you've just about talked me into ordering one.

[jd45]

FWIW, I have a LEE Turret press, (4-hole), & it has served me well over the years, JD45