Turret Presses

[DuncaninFrance]

Anyone got any comments / observations regarding the use of a Turret Press v an 'O' frame in re-loading .303", 8x60s and 7mm-08Rem

[Woftam]

I have an O frame, a C frame and a Turret head press.

The O frame is used for full length resizing (mainly of the .303 cases), the C frame for depriming and the turret head for all other reloading.

This set-up is more about ease of use more than anything else. With the O frame the dies are rarely changed, the C frame is never changed (it has a universal depriming die) and the turret head allows up to six different dies at a time. Currently it is set for .303, .222 and .22 hornet (resizing & bullet seating).

Being a lazy sod by inclination and training I like the turret head press as I only have to rotate the head to change from resizing to bullet seating or to change calibre.

With the other Cadet I am purchasing a turret head press is part of the deal so this will be set up for .310 leaving me with spare capacity for two other calibres.

[dhtaxi]

If I had to choose one press I would always choose a single station as opposed to a turret press.

It would be a single station cast iron press a rcbs rock chucker or the lyman crusher for example or perhaps the new lee cast press.

I have the lyman crusher it does every thing I need it to it will easily size 303 cases.

I also have a lee turret I cant remember the last time I used it.

[Brass Rat]

I am ordering a Lee classic turret press as soon as midwayusa has them back in stock.

I will continue to FL size on my single stage Lee cast press. I am primarily interested in using the turret press for seating and crimping when loading rifle rounds.

When loading .30 carbine it was a pain to set up the seating die just right and then have to re adjust it again to put a taper crimp on.

I will be able to put the Hornady sizer, expander, seater and Lee factory crimp die on the turret.

[DuncaninFrance]

If I had to choose one press I would always choose a single station as opposed to a turret press.
It would be a single station cast iron press a rcbs rock chucker or the lyman crusher for example or perhaps the new lee cast press.
I have the lyman crusher it does every thing I need it to it will easily size 303 cases.
I also have a lee turret I cant remember the last time I used it.

Send it over here Dave, I will look after it for you mate!! I can even arrange for it to be collected at no cost to you; Just pack it up for parcel post and give me the weight and dims and I will arrange the rest - can't say fairer than that can I

[dromia]

There is no point in getting a turret press unless your are going to use it as a turret press for increased production. If you don't then it becomes an expensive die storage unit.

I have a Redding T7 Turret on my bench and use it for neck expanding, priming and powder dropping. I FL or neck size on a Redding Ultramag and boolit seat on a Forster Co-Ax, both single station presses.

If you are going for a first press then get a good single station press, such as the Lee classic cast, Lyman crusher, Redding boss, RCBS Rockchucker, Hornady L n L all fine presses. The will easily do 50 rounds an hour with the other kit, you will be intimate with every stage of the process therefore able to maintain high quality control.

The Lee Classic cast turret is a fine press but like I've said it really comes into its own when used to up production to say 100-150 rounds per hour and will handle rifle, it also has auto indexing so works like a progressive.

I have two progressives for bulk reloading, a RCBS Ammomaster and a Hornady L n L AP as if I want speed then I'll go past the Turrets. However they only come into their own after I've done the load development and settled on a recipe and for doing that I use a single station.

The earlier lee turrets both the 3 and 4 holers are not really suitable for rifle calibres and are mere shadows of the Classic cast.

If you are keen on reloading the start with a good single station press. Once you cranked out 10,000 rounds or so then you'll have enough experience to know your self what you want.

Single station is KISS.

[DuncaninFrance]

Thanks very much for your input guys, appreciate it

[Fat Albert]

You will have no problem with the Lee 4die Classic press. I don't have mine set up as a progressive. You put 4 dies in the plate (sizer-beller-seater-crimp) one time time and then have a different plate for each cartrige. No changing each die just rotate the plate. Unless you are loading something like a 50 BMG it has all the power you need. Most people that put them down have neaver tried them. I consider the Rockchucker an over priced ego trip that is only need by about 2% of loaders. I have a cast iron CH "O" press that I bought 47yrs ago for $30 and it will do anything that a RC can do. I have a little Lee alum. "C" press($18 when bought) that I only use with a depriming die as I deprim and clean befor I size.

[dromia]

"I consider the Rockchucker an over priced ego trip"

??????

[dhtaxi]

I have owned most Lee press range at one time or another before I bought my Lyman orange crusher. I have got rid of the Lee stuff the orange crusher is the only press I use now. I would not swop it for any other press.
But that dosnt mean to say Lee stuff wont do the job. Oh I just remembered I own one of the small Lee hand operated press,s I use it to de prime and re size 38 special while Im watching telly.