Lee Turret press 3 vs 4 hole?

IM_Lugger

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If I'm just using 3 dies is there a disadvantage using 4 hole turret? I've never used the turret press so not quite sure how that work...

btw what's the auto index?
 
Auto index on a turret press: When you pull the handle the turret rotates and moves the next die over your brass.

If you're only using a 3 die set-up then a 4 hole turret is no advantage. On a 4 hole turret you'll have to stroke the handle 1 extra time to move the turret past the last empty station over to the first de-cap/sizing die station.
 
If you get a 4 hole turret press, do yourself a favour and get the factory crimp die for the 4th hole. It's worth it.
 
If you get a 4 hole turret press, do yourself a favour and get the factory crimp die for the 4th hole. It's worth it.

Ok, I just set up my turret press a few days ago, I do have a delux die set for .44 mag that includes the factory crimp die and I have the normal 3 die sets for .45 ACP and GAP. Is the 4th die an extra step if you want?
 
I have a 4 hole turret. I have separate turrets for 9MM, 45 and 223. I keep the smaller lee auto-disk dropper that came with it on my 9 and 45 and use the larger Lee Pro powder measure with the double disk kit to get heavier powder charges for rifle.

The 4th hole is necessary if you want to use a factory crimp die, which I use on most if not all handgun casings. Why not? I crimp both my 9MM and 45ACP and while I have not had any major issues with non crimped brass its only an extra two hand strokes more. It gives it that "factory fresh" smell :D

As for the press, not a bad press but this is the forged version I have. Go for the new 4 hole classic turret now as it is of much better construction that the previous.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/cat...l/catalog/turretpress.html#ClassicTurretPress

The primer system is better than the first version where it spits them everywhere. The classic they go down a tube. That being said I have since adjusted to the primer disposal and now it as doable, but still I have to vacuum or pick them up.

Its been a good press, but I am looking at getting a progressive as I think its time to move up. Looking at a Hornady LNL or a Dillion 550/650. That will happen someday.

I can load about 200 rounds and hour of handgun ammo and hour in the zone or 150 at a slower pace. Rifle I load for quantity but rifle is best done on a single stage IMO, albeit slower.
 
I'm thinking of getting the Classic Turret Press... If I have the LEE hand priming tool would I want to use the priming tool on the Turret press? which one is faster?

btw I have a Challenger press right now...
 
from what i understand there's a primer feed available for the turret press now- so no need to interrupt the sequence- that used to be the BIG time waster- having to prime one at a time-
 
I'm thinking of getting the Classic Turret Press... If I have the LEE hand priming tool would I want to use the priming tool on the Turret press? which one is faster?

btw I have a Challenger press right now...

Check out these videos.

leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html
 
I just bought a Lee Classic Turret press with the Safety Prime and Pro Auto-Disk powder measure. I also got the 44SP Deluxe Pistol 4 Die set. This comes with a carbide decapping/resizing die, a powder expansion die, a seating die and a carbide factory crimp die. On and off, over a 2 day period I cranked out 500 44Mag rounds of 22.6 to 22.8 grains of H-110 with CCI350 Magnum LP primers and 240 grain JSP bullets. Once you have the dies tweaked to the best possible point, and the operator is used to running the equipment without screwing up, the press can really work well. The one non-operator fault I have been having is problems on and off with the safety prime button inserter and it was getting much worse over the last 100 rounds or so. That is my only real complaint. The rest is pretty much solid as a rock.

My recommendation for what it is worth is get the 4 hole Lee classic press. I think that is all that they sell now unless you specifically ask for the 3 hole, but ask to be sure, and definitely get the Pro auto-disk powder measure and the auto-disk riser as well! It is definitely required. I'd go for the safety prime too. Maybe mine is a lemon. I am calling to ask for another one tomorrow since they say they have a 2 year warranty. Get the deluxe 4 die sets and an extra turret for each additional caliber you want to re-load. Once you have them set up it is nice to leave them that way. The design of the press lets the turret pop out so easily and makes caliber changes simple and quick. Changing out the primer handling is just as easy and fast. A wonderfully designed device!

Oh, almost forgot, if you are getting the pro auto-disk powder measure, be sure to get the double disk kit if you plan on loading larger volumes/weights of powder!
 
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