best for value multi-turret press?

Mr. Friendly

Mr. Friendly

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I'm the absent minded easily distracted sort, so I'd like a solution that lets me bang off the majority of stages one after the other, like a multi-turret would. right now I have 30.06 and soon to have a 6.5x55, with plans to get a .243, probably a .223 and something bigger even, like a 338WM or an -08 or -06 variant.

what would you experienced folks recommend I consider? why do you recommend that one over others?
 
For strictly rifle I'd recommend a single stage. Especially the longer cartridges. When loading rifle rounds the purpose of a turret press is negated by the case prep. You have to lube cases then deprime and prep them. Then go back and charge them. then seat bullets and crimp.(if you are crimping) I have a turret press and use it like a single stage when loading rifle rounds. I bought a powder measure and do not mount it on the press. Once I get into it I will be weighing every charge and using a trickler to make then perfect. Then seating the bullets. In essence you really only need 2 dies for reloading rifle rounds. A sizing die, and a seating die. Just no need for a turret.
 
I'd agree a SS press is probably your best bet. Get yourself one that accepts the Hornady L&L bushing conversion kit. You'll appreciate the 1x die setup and 5 second die change.
 
I use the Lee turret press for 303 and 308, works great and faster than a single stage. I do the case prep first and then when I have a bunch of cases deprimed and trimmed I run them through the press with the necksizer, double autodisk setup, bulletseater and crimp die.
 
The Lee will not work on any rifle cases longer than .308 I dont think. Not with the auto indexer. You have to remove it and turn the turret manually.
Heres what Lee says:
Rifle loading on Turret Press
The Turret Press is a great press for loading rifle cartridges. If you choose to load cases that are over 2 5/16" in length, the Auto Indexing feature of the Press must be disabled. This can be done in mere seconds by simply taking the actuator rod out of it's clamp from the top of the press. It can be re-assembled in the same time.
 
mlehtovaara said:
The Lee will not work on any rifle cases longer than .308 I dont think. Not with the auto indexer. You have to remove it and turn the turret manually.
Heres what Lee says:
Rifle loading on Turret Press
The Turret Press is a great press for loading rifle cartridges. If you choose to load cases that are over 2 5/16" in length, the Auto Indexing feature of the Press must be disabled. This can be done in mere seconds by simply taking the actuator rod out of it's clamp from the top of the press. It can be re-assembled in the same time.
Click to expand...

Yes you have to take the indexing rod out for 308 or 303, but it does work with .223. Taking rod out or putting it in is about a 10 second job.
 
While having to trim cases does slow production compared to pistol rounds, you can still load the prepped cases faster with a turret press with the powder measure mounted on it than a single stage. Furthermore, some people might prefer the "housekeeping" aspect of throwing a charge and then seating a bullet into the same case rather than doing one operation in batches. This is one thing I like about my Dillon 550 progressive besides the production rate.
 
I use the Lee 4 hole turret press and have rigged it up so that I can load rifle rounds pretty fast. Here's how it works.

1. (using Lee collet dies so no lube required) Resize case and deprime on the upstroke. At top of stroke primer is seated on seating arm using Lee autoprimer (I think). Prime case at bottom of stroke.

2. Next bring ram to top. In the 2nd turret hold I have installed an RCBS drop tube and funnel. I had to wrap the tube with electrical tape to thread it into the turret hole. Measure powder on a scale and drop into funnel/case. Note: I had to use the RCBS funnel because the Lee charging die won't fit a 20 caliber. For your larger loads you can use that die plus the Lee powder funnel for a neater setup.

3. Ram down. Place bullet. Ram up to seat.

4. Ram up/down to skip 4th empty turret hole (or turn turret by hand). You can also crimp in this station.

So far I am very pleased with this setup. Since I am mostly loading .204 Ruger accurate powder measurement is very important. Otherwise, say for a deer round, you may be able to use something like the Lee Autodisk powder measure or other powder thrower in one of the turret holes.

I really like the Lee press because I can have a turret with all the dies installed for each caliber. This way I can change calibers on the press in about 10 seconds and not have to do any setup.

I paid about $100 for the press and $10 for extra turrets. Some may Say that Lee is not the best quality but I have had zero problems with mine and my ammo is loaded very consistent for COL and accuracy. My .204 and .223 both shoot .5" groups or better.

If my setup interests you let me know and I'll see if I can't make a video to show how it works.
 
I used a Lee turret for 223 through 300WM. I don't use it as a progressive, but I enjoy the fact I can leave my dies adjusted and remove and re-install.
 
recce said:
Isn't the newer Lee classic press a cast iron base with steel parts? I was thinking of getting one due to budget issues, but don't want alum or white metal parts.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The Lee Classic Cast Turret either has cast iron or steel base and linkages. I read somewhere that Lee uses scrap railroad rails to cast their Classic frames/linkages. If this is true, then that is even better as rails are made from high manganese steel which high strength and abrasion (wear) resistant. Unless of course Lee modified the alloy for casting their frames.
 
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