Turret press reloading speed

[Onagoth]

Ok, so I have posted an inquiry about this before and thought I would post my results.

I will start by qualifying this right off the bat, I was loading cases which were already sized, primed and inspected (which I do at my leisure when watching TV).

I am using a Lee classic turret press, weigh charges about 20-30 rounds or so and do a final inspection of every round at the end. The press is setup for four stations, although for me, the sizer is not needed.

I managed to load up 175 cartridges in 45 minutes. I was quite impressed. I have really worked out a great rhythm and I find its best to always keep the ram moving.

Just an FYI to those who are thinking about picking up a turret press.

 

[novega]

Great heads up. I was considering buying a single stage but I think turret is where it's at right now. The price is right and I probably won't be loading enough to justify a progressive press anyhow.

I'm actually thinking about heading back to Epps this weekend to see if they have a Lee Turret Kit in stock. Any negatives to that particular press? or has it all been smooth sailing?

 

[Cerdan]

Mine hasn't disappointed me yet.

233 cph, eh Onagoth? Faster than I've ever cranked'em out, but I size and prime at the press...

 

[saskgunowner101]

It seems to me IIRC I've banged out rounds @195/hour sizing and priming on the press. This isn't trucking for the whole hour, just ran a box in about 15 minutes. I'll have to snoop back in my previous posts where it's been mentioned already.

I'm sure 150/hour is much more relaxing though....

05-20-2009, 09:03 PM #4
saskgunowner101
Big Mouth




Trader Rating: (5)


I started off with a turret press and seems to me 125-150 an hour is very doable weighing every fifth or tenth round and breaking out the caliper to confirm c.o.l., giving the bullet a press on a hard surface to make sure crimp is good.

I'm sure a managed something like 185-195/hour rate around x-mas, but that was with faith in the crimp, auto discs and c.o.l. Once your set up and running for awhile, you will develop a bit more faith in your system.

Also, the rate above wasn't running for an hour.....just made a box in 15 minutes or so. I also eyeball every powder charge thrown just for piece of mind.

 

[Kevin M.]

I'm actually thinking about heading back to Epps this weekend to see if they have a Lee Turret Kit in stock. Any negatives to that particular press? or has it all been smooth sailing?

Great press, but for about 35 bucks more, go for the slight upgrade, the Lee Classic Turret Press. It is way sturdier then the regular lee turret press, and the ram action is alot smoother. (I own both)

 

[Onagoth]

on the classic turret, much more heavy duty. I got mine from Epps and really like it. You'll need to add on the auto-disk powder measure and possible the lever prime system if you plan on priming on the press.

I haven't noted any large drawbacks to owning one yet

 

[tiriaq]

I use one of the basic Lee turrets for loading pistol calibre cartridges. My routine:
Size and decap.
Tumble.
Prime using Lee priming tool.
Expand and charge with disc measure, on press.
Rotate head and seat/crimp.
I don't use the auto rotate feature because I am only using two stations.
Not the fastest routine, but works for me.

 

[rnbra-shooter]

Working from already sized and primed brass, the final step of loading sure is a fuss-free, enjoyable experience.

In fact, if you have a powder measure with any sort of repeatable readout method (a micrometer adjustment, Lee disc system, etc), you can do your load development an order of magnitude faster and more effectively by going to the range with a box of primer brass, powder and measure, calipers, and a bullet seater (handheld, or your press screwed to a piece of wood that can be C-clamped to a shooting bench). You can load and fire one shot at a time as you work up your load, and then you can load as many as you want of anything that shows itself to be interesting.

 

[Andrewe]

I have the Classic Turret as well. What a great press for the money. One of my favorite things about it is that for $12 I can buy an extra turret and do a calibre change in about 2 seconds.