Single stage vs turret for my first press
- Thread starter Ocraknife
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Hammerhead
New member
Really no down side to a good turret press, unless you need to do heavy operations like swaging.
After 10 years I'm still happy with my Redding T-7.
After 10 years I'm still happy with my Redding T-7.
My only "concern" with an auto-indexing press is that it takes away the "one step at a time" learning process. I disabled the auto-index on my Lee turret about 14 years ago and still prefer hand indexing. I have not had the pleasure of reloading on a Redding turret, but surely wouldn't mind. One other item that I find necessary for a new reloader to learn is die adjustments. Learning usually takes repetition and "set-it-and-ferget-it" die installations may not provide any "practice" for learning an integral part set up, and an essential step in troubleshooting. Swapping dies and adjsting them normally only takes seconds once it has been learned and practiced...
454 Super Redhawk
New member
get the turret changing cal. is easyer
Not all of 'em are auto-indexing presses. And you can still do your "one step at a time" learning process with a turret.
"...volume is important..." A turret is about speeding things up a bit by not having to change dies. Speed with a single stage press is a matter of technique. Otherwise, buy what you can afford. And read all the literature that comes with the kit.
Only real downside to a turret is that you have to pay attention to how much powder and how many primers are still there. Isn't difficult to lose track and finish a round or 50 without powder and primer.
"...volume is important..." A turret is about speeding things up a bit by not having to change dies. Speed with a single stage press is a matter of technique. Otherwise, buy what you can afford. And read all the literature that comes with the kit.
Only real downside to a turret is that you have to pay attention to how much powder and how many primers are still there. Isn't difficult to lose track and finish a round or 50 without powder and primer.
If you shoot a lot then you should consider a progressive press. I've never used a turret press, but I wouldn't think it is as fast as a progressive for handgun reloading. You still have to buy the same dies, so that doesn't affect the price. The Hornady LnL press has die bushings that facilitate changing calibers. You only adjust the die once and when you want to change calibers you twist and pull the die with attached busing out. To reuse you slide it in and turn to lock.
If you only shoot 100 rounds a month, then maybe you don't need the speed, but if you shoot 500 rounds a month, you will want the speed.
If you only shoot 100 rounds a month, then maybe you don't need the speed, but if you shoot 500 rounds a month, you will want the speed.
turtlehead
New member
You can use the turret press as a single stage but you can't use the single stage as a turret press.
And that's about the extent of my newbie reloader knowledge.
And that's about the extent of my newbie reloader knowledge.
If I had my time again, I would buy a Lee classic four-hole turret press (NOT a progressive) from the start and disable the auto indexing. Then I could set up the dies for all my calibres once and not have to do it again (apart from the bullet seating stem height/crimp if I needed to change projectiles, but that's trivial).
I would recommend that you get a kit. That has all the basics you need to start, apart from the bullets, powder and primers, of course. If you try to get all the individual bits separately, you are bound to forget something. I think most Lee kits come with his reloading manual, which while it's full of his own pet theories and philosophy will not actually steer you wrong in any dangerous way.
Regardless of which manual you get, the opening chapters dealing with the process are essential how-to material, while even if you don't go with that particular manufacturer's bullets, the hints and tips they list under each calibre can be eye openers for the newbie.
I cut my teeth on an RCBS Partner Press kit because I'd played with a Lee basic press in the shop and it was sloppy all over the place, but thinking back I suspect the owner either wasn't keeping an eye on the state of his demo stock or had loosened things up to turn people off Lee. I do not think I would buy the C-frame press - the lowest-level O frame seems a more secure bet - but I have lost any distrust I once had of Lee. Seriously, unless you're doing precision pistol or rifle benchrest or other precision/long (>200yd) range shooting, I'm not sure it matters.
I would recommend that you get a kit. That has all the basics you need to start, apart from the bullets, powder and primers, of course. If you try to get all the individual bits separately, you are bound to forget something. I think most Lee kits come with his reloading manual, which while it's full of his own pet theories and philosophy will not actually steer you wrong in any dangerous way.
Regardless of which manual you get, the opening chapters dealing with the process are essential how-to material, while even if you don't go with that particular manufacturer's bullets, the hints and tips they list under each calibre can be eye openers for the newbie.
I cut my teeth on an RCBS Partner Press kit because I'd played with a Lee basic press in the shop and it was sloppy all over the place, but thinking back I suspect the owner either wasn't keeping an eye on the state of his demo stock or had loosened things up to turn people off Lee. I do not think I would buy the C-frame press - the lowest-level O frame seems a more secure bet - but I have lost any distrust I once had of Lee. Seriously, unless you're doing precision pistol or rifle benchrest or other precision/long (>200yd) range shooting, I'm not sure it matters.
Pond James Pond
New member
I'd say turret. You have the option of the swifter auto index process, but with the rotation device removed, such as the centre rod on the Lee Classic Turret, you can run it like a single stage.
Mine has been in single stage mode for ages but I think I'll be going back to the auto-indexing when I get my new reloading centre built in the country side.
In the case of the Lee, with the actually die mount turrets, it means you can buy one for each calibre and by just a twist and remove you can change to another calibre with all your dies exactly as they are set up the previous time you'd loaded that calibre.
Can I say the word calibre any more?!
Calibre, calibre, calibre....
Mine has been in single stage mode for ages but I think I'll be going back to the auto-indexing when I get my new reloading centre built in the country side.
In the case of the Lee, with the actually die mount turrets, it means you can buy one for each calibre and by just a twist and remove you can change to another calibre with all your dies exactly as they are set up the previous time you'd loaded that calibre.
Can I say the word calibre any more?!
Calibre, calibre, calibre....
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mikejonestkd
New member
The Lee classic turret is a great press - you only have to set up dies once, caliber changes are as simple as swapping turret heads, you can run it with or without auto indexing, and its built like a tank.
I've had mine for about 6 years and its the best press for a person that loads a few hundred rounds of multiple calibers on a regular basis.
I've had mine for about 6 years and its the best press for a person that loads a few hundred rounds of multiple calibers on a regular basis.
I had one of the posters in here tell me he could turn out loaded rounds as fast as a progressive with his turret. I didn't throw the b.s. flag, but b.s. I started out in '68 with a Lee Loader and given a choice I would go with a progressive from the start (not available in 68). The Dillon 550 does it all....mostly, and is backed up with a real life time doohickee. I don't assume new reloaders are simpletons.
Went from a single stage to a Lee Classic Turret 8 years ago. Keep telling myself I'll get a progressive when I wear out the turret press. Problem is I now have over 100k rounds loaded with it and its still going strong. Oh well maybe one of these years Santa will be nice to me.
I asked this question over a year ago. I got some of the best advice and I followed it!
I went with the LEE 4-hole Classic Turret and no regrets!
I can load rifle rounds single stage concentrating on accuracy or I can run 100-120 9mm rounds an hour for plinking, it just about does it all!
What I like about a turret press is how fast I can safely switch between one caliber to another. I use a separate powder measure(prevents the chance of the wrong powder being left in a measure) on each turret and I have a separate safety primer for each type of primer I use.
I load 9 calibers now and I do not regret my decision!
I went with the LEE 4-hole Classic Turret and no regrets!
I can load rifle rounds single stage concentrating on accuracy or I can run 100-120 9mm rounds an hour for plinking, it just about does it all!
What I like about a turret press is how fast I can safely switch between one caliber to another. I use a separate powder measure(prevents the chance of the wrong powder being left in a measure) on each turret and I have a separate safety primer for each type of primer I use.
I load 9 calibers now and I do not regret my decision!
Definitely a turret press. I've used a Lee 4 hole turret press for more than 10 years now and never saw the need to upgrade. The most time consuming thing in reloading is setting up the dies. With a turret press, you have one turret for each cartridge and only need to set the dies up once. Just swap turrets to reload a different cartridge.
The Lee is perfectly fine to use, can't comment on other equipment.
The Lee is perfectly fine to use, can't comment on other equipment.
springer99
New member
If you're primarily loading for pistol cartridges, then definitely go with the Lee LCT turret and get extra turrets for each caliber you'll load. I think it's about the best bang for the buck out there now. That will save you a lot of time when switching dies. The Lee Pro Powder Measure works well for the pistol charge weights you'll want to use. You can take out the indexing rod if you want to, when starting to load, until you get your rhythm down.
Welcome to this very addicting hobby.
Welcome to this very addicting hobby.
Lost Sheep
New member
Never have to adjust dies?
There is one advantage of turret presses touted by many that, to my mind, is a non-issue. "You never have to re-adjust dies when swapping calibers." or some such concept.
1) Several manufacturers make single-stage presses with bushings into which each die may be installed. Swapping bushings is simpler than swapping turrets of most makers' turret presses.
2) Knowing (and practicing) die adjustment is a part of reloading and will make you a marginally better handloader. Not unlike being able to tune your guitar will make you a better player. Or, if not better, at least more independent.
I started out loading on a single stage in the seventies and had to install and adjust my dies every loading session, which was also every shooting session, so I did this a lot. I got to where I could almost adjust my dies in my sleep. Adjusting dies holds no anxiety for me whatsoever. Not even an inconvenience.
3) Many shooting problems (early case-head separation is one) can be caused by dies that are out of adjustment ever-so-slightly and which produce no early symptoms. If the loader/shooter is not intimately familiar with proper die adjustment one may be wasting a lot of shooting and missing a lot of accuracy unbeknownst.
My advice: Do not shy away from adjusting your dies every chance you get. Think of it as an opportunity to get closer to your gun. I have long contended that being an observant reloader encourages one to learn interior ballistics, and that this is a good thing.
Respectfully submitted
Lost Sheep
There is one advantage of turret presses touted by many that, to my mind, is a non-issue. "You never have to re-adjust dies when swapping calibers." or some such concept.
1) Several manufacturers make single-stage presses with bushings into which each die may be installed. Swapping bushings is simpler than swapping turrets of most makers' turret presses.
2) Knowing (and practicing) die adjustment is a part of reloading and will make you a marginally better handloader. Not unlike being able to tune your guitar will make you a better player. Or, if not better, at least more independent.
I started out loading on a single stage in the seventies and had to install and adjust my dies every loading session, which was also every shooting session, so I did this a lot. I got to where I could almost adjust my dies in my sleep. Adjusting dies holds no anxiety for me whatsoever. Not even an inconvenience.
3) Many shooting problems (early case-head separation is one) can be caused by dies that are out of adjustment ever-so-slightly and which produce no early symptoms. If the loader/shooter is not intimately familiar with proper die adjustment one may be wasting a lot of shooting and missing a lot of accuracy unbeknownst.
My advice: Do not shy away from adjusting your dies every chance you get. Think of it as an opportunity to get closer to your gun. I have long contended that being an observant reloader encourages one to learn interior ballistics, and that this is a good thing.
Respectfully submitted
Lost Sheep
Kevin Rohrer
New member
As others have stated, there is no downside to a turret, which is different from a progressive.
If you can afford it, don't buy pot metal. Try a decent press like the Lyman, a Hollywood, or this Ponsness-Warren:
Hollywoods on the right:
If you can afford it, don't buy pot metal. Try a decent press like the Lyman, a Hollywood, or this Ponsness-Warren:
Hollywoods on the right:
Lost Sheep
New member
I know of no press-maker who uses pot metal for any structural part. Lee Precision is often erroneously accused of this.
Lee makes cheap presses, true. That is how they can offer an ultra-affordable press. They also make excellent presses which are inexpensive.
There are many, many reloaders who could (would) never have afforded to get into reloading (many who have moved on to even better equipment, incidentally).
Lee has also produced some of the most innovative improvements to the loading canon.
On the top of it all, the Lee's Turret is the best 4-station auto-indexing turret on the market today, bar none, at any price. (I can say this without fear of contradiction because there are only two such presses, the Lee Deluxe Turret and the, superior, Lee Classic Turret.)
I didn't start out as a Lee fanboy, but my RCBS RockChucker is semi-retired ever since I repopulated by loading bench in 2012 with the best gear that money could buy (that fit my needs). I researched considerably and chose Lee for most of the stuff, but kept my RCBS 10-10 scale and my single stage RCBS Rockchucker. But If I had to buy another single stage, it would be the Lee Classic Single Stage. Both the Classic presses are cast iron and steel.
Lost Sheep
Lee makes cheap presses, true. That is how they can offer an ultra-affordable press. They also make excellent presses which are inexpensive.
There are many, many reloaders who could (would) never have afforded to get into reloading (many who have moved on to even better equipment, incidentally).
Lee has also produced some of the most innovative improvements to the loading canon.
On the top of it all, the Lee's Turret is the best 4-station auto-indexing turret on the market today, bar none, at any price. (I can say this without fear of contradiction because there are only two such presses, the Lee Deluxe Turret and the, superior, Lee Classic Turret.)
I didn't start out as a Lee fanboy, but my RCBS RockChucker is semi-retired ever since I repopulated by loading bench in 2012 with the best gear that money could buy (that fit my needs). I researched considerably and chose Lee for most of the stuff, but kept my RCBS 10-10 scale and my single stage RCBS Rockchucker. But If I had to buy another single stage, it would be the Lee Classic Single Stage. Both the Classic presses are cast iron and steel.
Lost Sheep
Ole Joe Clark
New member
I sent this thread link to a buddy of mine this morning, and it convinced him the Lee Classic Turret is the way to go. He has already ordered one from MidSouth, along with several accessories. I had showed him mine last night and tried to answer his questions.
I'm sure he would like to thank you for helping him spend his money, I know I enjoyed my part in it.
Have a blessed evening,
Leon
I'm sure he would like to thank you for helping him spend his money, I know I enjoyed my part in it.
Have a blessed evening,
Leon