oldreloader
New member
If I could only have one press it would be the Lee Classic Turret. But since I can have all I want , I have the Classic Turret AND the Classic cast.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Reloading Press Questions
- Thread starter rfxcasey
- Start date
If I could have only one press, it would be this one.
www.dillonprecision.com
But you often need a single stage, and this one can't be beat.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/27...le-stage-reloading-press?cm_vc=ProductFinding
www.dillonprecision.com
But you often need a single stage, and this one can't be beat.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/27...le-stage-reloading-press?cm_vc=ProductFinding
Buy a Hornady LNL and take the bullet rebate
I often use my LNL AP as a single stage.
I can't speak for other manuf's ease of use in this context as I have no direct experience.
What I can say, is that it would be impossible for it to be any easier than it is on the LNL press.
Shells are held in the shellplate by a simple spring- you simply take a case out, put it back in just as easily.
When doing load workup, or precision loads where I need to make sure I'm spot on with the powder, I just load a single case into the shellplate. Decap/size at the first station, seat the primer at the second.
Pop the case out, weigh it- then back into the shellholder.
Drop the charge, take out the case, weigh it to verify the charge.
If it's right, back into that station and advance to the bullet seater.
If not, empty the case back into the powder dispenser, and drop the charge again.
The LNL dispenser is almost always within a tenth even with extruded powders.
If you really intend on using a progessive press as a single stage a lot- the LNL definitely deserves to be considered as part of your due diligence.
I have the Lee Classic Turret and have been very happy with it. I can load all the ammo I need to shoot my 200, maybe 300 rounds a week w/o problem. I had a LeePro 1000, but it became pretty "loose" after a few years and it was always very touchy as to operation. I've done a good bit of considering and reading and were I to get another progressive, it would be the Hornady. The bullet rebate really drops the cost, but even aside from that, I like what I've learned about it.
I've had my LCT for almost 10 years now and probably have loaded 50-60k rounds with it to date. I keep telling myself I need a progressive press but somehow when I sit at the bench I always think to myslf why. I guess its because I load for over a dozen different calibers and there isn't another press out there that allows you to change over to a different caliber in a matter of seconds.
Bucksnort1
New member
rfxCasey,
I don't have the definitive answer to your question but I would like to make a comment or two about the Lee Classic. I have the next Lee model down from the Classic, which is also a turret press; however, the Classic has a feature which mine does not and that is, when you de-prime, spent primers fall into a clear tube which protrudes below the press. You place a small bucket/trash can to catch them. With my press, primers are everywhere.
I mostly use my press as a single stage but occasionally use it with two dies for handgun loads. I install the de-prime/sizing die and the belling die. It takes two extra strokes, if using the auto indexer, or an extra second or two to rotate the turret by hand but, overall, it saves time.
I have two friends who have the Classic. They remove the auto indexing rod and either use it as a single stage or index by turning the turret by hand. I think the reason is because sometimes, this happened to me a couple of days ago, auto indexing doesn't always line up the die with the case. It may be a simple case of operator error.
One last comment about the Classic and my press. My press comes with a handle, of about 15", that has a bend in it for clearance and a grip that is perpendicular to the handle shaft. I find this awkward regardless of which position I install the handle so I made a straight handle from a wrought iron baluster. The Classic also has a slight bend in it and comes with a round ball of about 2.5" for a grip. The round ball is way more comfortable than the bicycle handle bar grip that came with my press.
I don't have the definitive answer to your question but I would like to make a comment or two about the Lee Classic. I have the next Lee model down from the Classic, which is also a turret press; however, the Classic has a feature which mine does not and that is, when you de-prime, spent primers fall into a clear tube which protrudes below the press. You place a small bucket/trash can to catch them. With my press, primers are everywhere.
I mostly use my press as a single stage but occasionally use it with two dies for handgun loads. I install the de-prime/sizing die and the belling die. It takes two extra strokes, if using the auto indexer, or an extra second or two to rotate the turret by hand but, overall, it saves time.
I have two friends who have the Classic. They remove the auto indexing rod and either use it as a single stage or index by turning the turret by hand. I think the reason is because sometimes, this happened to me a couple of days ago, auto indexing doesn't always line up the die with the case. It may be a simple case of operator error.
One last comment about the Classic and my press. My press comes with a handle, of about 15", that has a bend in it for clearance and a grip that is perpendicular to the handle shaft. I find this awkward regardless of which position I install the handle so I made a straight handle from a wrought iron baluster. The Classic also has a slight bend in it and comes with a round ball of about 2.5" for a grip. The round ball is way more comfortable than the bicycle handle bar grip that came with my press.
I had a Lee Deluxe Turret press for almost 40 years. One thing I've not seen in this thread is that Lee offered a 3 to 4 hole conversion. It came with a new top plate and all of the other parts to bring it up to date with the current version. For a press that's been around not letting it drop by the wayside speaks volumes for the maker and the design. My son now has that press and is using it weekly. Its not making as may rounds per week now as it once did but it still works fine.
As for the plastic indexer I think they were 10 cents a piece. I think I ordered one or two dollars worth some time back and my son has most of the leftovers now. I may still have one or two in the loading bench.
I believe, I made well over 100k rounds on that press before upgrading to a LNL press. So for someone just starting I don't see how you can go wrong with a basic Lee turret press, they just work. A very simple design easy to figure out and little to go wrong. Faster than a rock chucker, lots of accessories, good support.
As for the plastic indexer I think they were 10 cents a piece. I think I ordered one or two dollars worth some time back and my son has most of the leftovers now. I may still have one or two in the loading bench.
I believe, I made well over 100k rounds on that press before upgrading to a LNL press. So for someone just starting I don't see how you can go wrong with a basic Lee turret press, they just work. A very simple design easy to figure out and little to go wrong. Faster than a rock chucker, lots of accessories, good support.
I highly recommend the LCT, I started with one and still use it after adding a few presses to the bench. It is an excellent press and if you don't need to load any more than 100-150 rounds an hour, it may be all you will ever need. I really do think it is one of the best options for a new loader.
I cannot say the same thing for the load master! If you want a progressive press, save up for a Hornady or Dillon.
I cannot say the same thing for the load master! If you want a progressive press, save up for a Hornady or Dillon.