Turret press recommendations

[silva]

Is it true you can load 22 Hornet on the Lee Turret press. Or do Lee do a rifle turret press too. I use a Lee single stage press as the moment. Sometimes you see the Lee turret presses pretty cheap second hand. It would be useful not having to set up the dies every time, I load 223 as well.

[Solvo]

The Lee Classic turret press is capable of cases up to 3 1/16 (3.0625" or 77.7mm)
I think if you look at the specs most the lee presses are capable of rifle rounds.

I think the Value one is designed for handgun rounds, not sure what the case OAL limit is on it.

[sarge4318]

The Lee Classic turret press is capable of cases up to 3 1/16 (3.0625" or 77.7mm)
I think if you look at the specs most the lee presses are capable of rifle rounds.

Yes, even the Lee Turret is OK with long bullets like the 30-06 and 303 but I have to take the auto index rod out and use it like a single stage as the turret tries to turn before the bullet has fully left the seating die. Not a big issue for the relatively small quantities I load of these cartridges.

[BigDuncs]

I use a Lee Turret and have been doing so for over 12 years. I've a (unused) Forster press and my lad's Hornady press which is already set up but I see no reason not to keep using the Lee. And I load 500 or so full bore cartridges a month.

[DannyT]

I use a Lee Turret and have been doing so for over 12 years. I've a (unused) Forster press and my lad's Hornady press which is already set up but I see no reason not to keep using the Lee. And I load 500 or so full bore cartridges a month.

Thanks for the info. Is it a four hole or three hole press?

I still haven’t made a decision on which one to go for!

I think sometimes too much research can be a bad thing!

[BigDuncs]

Thanks for the info. Is it a four hole or three hole press?

I still haven’t made a decision on which one to go for!

I think sometimes too much research can be a bad thing!

Mine is a 4 hole press and I've turrets/dies for a number of different calibres.

I would never claim that it oozes quality but it most certainly does the job. And the turrets make things really simple and keeps the dies in one place per calibre!

[silva]

Yes, even the Lee Turret is OK with long bullets like the 30-06 and 303 but I have to take the auto index rod out and use it like a single stage as the turret tries to turn before the bullet has fully left the seating die. Not a big issue for the relatively small quantities I load of these cartridges.

Hi Thank you for info. So just to clarify, do long as I manually index, the 3 and 4 hole Lee turret press will load 22 Hornet and 223 REM then. Cheers

[sarge4318]

Hi Thank you for info. So just to clarify, do long as I manually index, the 3 and 4 hole Lee turret press will load 22 Hornet and 223 REM then. Cheers

The .223 will load with the index rod in, I haven't loaded Hornet but that is not a long round and shorter than the 223 so it should be an issue either.

[Daryll]

I'd agree with the Lee presses.. I've had my Pro 1000 since the late 80's and its still going strong, after churning out 1000's of .38, .45 and 9mm rounds.

Now it only does .38 and .45 colt, but still works fine. The only change/upgrade its had was the improved handle a few years ago.

For Rifle rounds I use a Lee classic single stage, works perfectly well, for a fraction of the cost of one of the big names...

[angrybear]

Surely if the press self indexes it's a progressive press not a turret press

I've got a lee turret press, 4 hole I think, but I don't shoot enough CF to justify keeping it, been sat in the box for 3 years or so.
I used it to reload K Hornet but sold the rifle & dies.

[pajj]

I'd go Lee turret for pistol rounds.

[Simon_S]

If your loading lot pistol rounds make sure get the Lee TC dies, you dont have use lube with them

[DannyT]

Thanks for the info and replies all.

I went for a second hand rcbs turret press in the end. I have always liked the shade of green. 😅

Took hold of it yesterday, it’s very well made and is sturdy as hell.

I’ve got a set of Lee carbide dies (3) to go with it.

I’m reading the ABC’s of reloading and there’s a recommendation about getting the Lee factory crimp die. However I’ve read online that people don’t seem to think they are needed, as the Lee die seats they bullet and crimps at the same time.

Could anyone possibly shed light on if a fourth die is really needed?

I’m happy to get one if it is worth it

Thanks.

[pajj]

No, not for pistol ammo anyway. The seating die is fine when properly adjusted. I used to load a couple of hundred .357 and .44 a week some years ago never a problem apart from cleaning off bullet lube now and then. All the Lee stuff is fine apart from the powder scales---don't bother with them.

[DannyT]

Thanks, that’s good to know.

I’ll stay away from the Lee scales.

Cheers,
Danny.