Which Lee Precision Turret Press to by for a newbie?

ambishooter

ambishooter

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I will be buying my first reloading equipment. I am keen in getting a Lee Precision press. I need input from you guys who has experience with these equipment. Lee Precision Value Kit is bang for the buck. Under $ 200 with all the tools to start. All that is needed is the die for the caliber specific ammunition that I will be reloading. Lee Precision Classic Turret kit retails for about $ 300 with almost same accessories included. Dies are the only thing required. And maybe few optional stuff to make life easier for both kits. Which one is better for a newbie like me? Which one offers simplicity and reliability?
 
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I'd suggest getting the best you can afford.
My first press was a lee turret back in about 1987. They work OK but have a few quirks - I'm sure all presses have a few quirks, though. I loaded a bunch of .38spl on a friend's press (different make, hornady?, RCBS? I forget) and managed to do the only double-charge of my (then) short loading career. Good thing the SW52 was a very strong gun. Blew the skirt off the bullet, gave me two holes in the target.

If you're loading for rifle, a single stage press will do. If you're loading for pistol, some form of turret press is better suited to turning out bigger volumes of ammo.

Prices seem to have gone up..
 
Go for the Classic Turret press, it's a great value (I have one as well) and you can simply remove the rod in the middle to turn it into a single stage press if you want.

Spare tool heads are cheap and easy to replace. Lee dies are inexpensive as well.

Really it depends on what your loading and what quantity... Even a turret press is damn slow for med to large volumes (unless you have lots of free time lol).

I've since moved up to a Dillon 650XL but I keep the Lee for a backup and future small quantity reloading (Full Dillon setups run you well cover $1000).

Cheers
Tim
 
If you can afford the coin , i'd suggest you go with the best and but the Dillon 650 or the Hornady progressive. I have the Lee classic turrent press and love it but I want to go further.
 
Lee Classic Turret, Lee Classic Cast single stage, and Breech Lock Challenger are their best current offerings. I've also been very satisfied with their dies, molds, and trimmers. The Classic Turret kit 90304 can be had for $199.49 from FS Reloading in WI.
 
Anything with a CAST press. Lee entry level and anniversay kits will get you in the door, but you will quickly upgrade once your confidence and expectations rise.
 
I got my Lee Classic turret kit from Budget Shooting Supplies (site sponsor) great price and service. I think that with the kit, extra turrets, 3 types of powder and 3 sets of dies with bullets and primers for each put me back about 700.
 
Higginson lists this Classic Cast Turret kit for $300, so as most dealers. After reading the manual, the only difference with the 4-hole Value Kit ( $ 165) is the ability to reload large caliber rifle cartridges. Any known flaw/s on either presses? I will be reloading for pistols only. For the difference, I should be able to buy everything I need to start reloading sooner.
 
paininthe10 said:
If you can afford the coin , i'd suggest you go with the best and but the Dillon 650 or the Hornady progressive. I have the Lee classic turrent press and love it but I want to go further.
Click to expand...

i have a single stage press to get started but thinking about getting a HORNADY lock and lode Progressive press
 
I would spend the $199 on a US Lee Classic (Cast) Turret Kit and you will have a press that is built heavier and catchs all the spent primers.
 
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