Lee Classic Turret

[Werdna]

Hey everyone

I'm thinking of getting the Lee Classic Turret for my first press. What are the general opinions of this one? I have a little bit of experience reloading before, but it was a few years ago. I reloaded 12 gauge and 44 mag with a friend of mine.

The main reason for me picking out this press is reliability and value. I am on a budget so for me, value is a must.

I have used a Dillon press before when loading the 44 mag, and I really liked it but it is a bit out of my reach for right now.

So, GP, what say you in regards to this press? Worth the money, or not?

The calibers I will be loading for are 9mm, 45 acp, and 308win. I would also like to make some good hunting ammo for my 7.62x54R.

[D. Manley]

Hey everyone

I'm thinking of getting the Lee Classic Turret for my first press. What are the general opinions of this one? I have a little bit of experience reloading before, but it was a few years ago. I reloaded 12 gauge and 44 mag with a friend of mine.

The main reason for me picking out this press is reliability and value. I am on a budget so for me, value is a must.

I have used a Dillon press before when loading the 44 mag, and I really liked it but it is a bit out of my reach for right now.

So, GP, what say you in regards to this press? Worth the money, or not?

The calibers I will be loading for are 9mm, 45 acp, and 308win. I would also like to make some good hunting ammo for my 7.62x54R.

Very good value in a press if you do not need high volume output. I would recommend dealing with Kemp's Gun Shop (http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products/reloading/completerelo/KempfKit.html) as they offer a nice kit with several upgrade options (by all means, buy the Pro AutoDisk upgrade). I do my volume loading on the Dillon but the LCT has its strong points as well...full caliber change-over in seconds, simple to do load work-ups on, etc. It turns out great ammo and pretty well works as advertised.

You didn't ask but I'd advise you to pass on the Lee Scale...IMO, its a horrible excuse for a scale -and- you might want to acquire one of the adjustable charge bars to supplement the disk system. There will be times you can't get the charge you need from a disk and the adjustable bar is very inexpensive. If you really want to speed up caliber changeovers all you need is a separate turret w/dies and powder measure for each caliber...just lift out a complete turret, pop another one in and go, just that quick.

[Werdna]

Sounds like a winner to me. Thanks for the quick reply and the link, the press there comes in a kit with many optional upgrades. I have a feeling this will be the press that gets me started.

[D. Manley]

Sounds like a winner to me. Thanks for the quick reply and the link, the press there comes in a kit with many optional upgrades. I have a feeling this will be the press that gets me started.

If you have any questions, call the number and speak to "Sue"...she's pretty sharp on Lee stuff and I've found her very helpful. Its a great little press and the bonus is, even if you move up to a progressive later it will still prove to be valuable to you doing other stuff.

[Pitmaster]

Sounds like a winner to me. Thanks for the quick reply and the link, the press there comes in a kit with many optional upgrades. I have a feeling this will be the press that gets me started.

I bought the same kit as D. Manley and agree with everything he says. Especially skipping the Lee Scale and upgrading to the Pro Auto Disk. I got the scale but can't get it to work right. When I made my decision it was the for the balance of speed and flexiblity while I'm learning. Plus I can use it to work up loads. I'm going to add a Dillon or Hornady this fall or winter for quantity.

I've had some trouble with one of the dies on the 9mm set I bought. They are back at Lee getting fixed. I also had the decapping pin break on the .45 caliber die set yesterday. I called today and they will include a new one when they ship the turret and dies I sent them to fix last week. I'm pretty sure this is just a fluke regarding these two problems. Its frustrating but I still think I got a good bang for the buck.

Watch the sales at Midway and other places including eBay and pick up a a turret and dies for each caliber you are going to load. That makes exchanging calibers easier. I bought a Pro Auto Disk for each caliber but that is not necessary. Its pretty easy to change out.

Sue Kempf has an excellent reputation to deal with on the Internet as does Kempfs Gun Shop. Dealing with her dad at the store is a pain unless you know what you want. Lots of people locally don't like the store but will shop via internet to avoid the old man. Prices are reasonable too.

[RustyFN]

Yep I think DM nailed it. It has been a great press for me over the last two years. I was in the same boat and I figured it would be better to start with a less expensive press than not start at all. The Lee scale is accurate but not fun to use. KempF has a good kit at the best price. You would also be ahead to upgrade to the Pro Auto Disk and the LG & Sm safety prime, well worth the few extra dollars. Here is my set-up.
Rusty
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8da27b3127cceb7673d512e0000000026100DZOGblm4Yo

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8da27b3127cceb7673d5f2e0e00000026100DZOGblm4Yo

[saunderscc]

Plus one on the LCT. I have been using for 9mm and love it. I just recently bought a G21SF and so I bought the turret and dies for .45. It is a great press. It is also my first press and has made loading simple. Here is a pic of my setup:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/2397900576_a4c1eabbc3.jpg?v=0

I didn't have a nice workbench or anything to mount it on, so I just drilled some holes into a piece of wood and mounted it to my desk with some C-Clamps. It has worked out very well.

[Werdna]

Awesome! Its great to hear such positive things from everyone. I think I may be contacting KempF in the next few days.

[saunderscc]

If and when you do purchase it, don't hesitate to ask anything. I am sure that if I can't answer something (seeing as I just started myself), everyone else on the board will be more than willing to help out. Good luck with the LCT!

[bfox]

Help me out her guys !
I forget the name .
I think it is called the safety prime .
If you do get it make sure you get the riser so the powder
measure doesn't hit the dies .

Like others said the Lee scale works but there sure are nicer
scales to work with .

Good Luck Bill

[saunderscc]

I got the riser for my setup. My problem wasn't so much the powder measure hitting the dies, but it kept hitting the safety prime. Now that the riser is on it sits over the safety prime solved my problem.

[copdills]

I have only loaded handgun rounds on mine but would not trade it for anything, one of the best presses I have ever had

[jawjaboy]

Excellent press for the dollah. Love mine.. :thumbsup:

[creophus]

I love mine too. I've loaded lots of quality ammo on that thing. It's making a come back for my rifle reloading. The caliber changes are MUCH, MUCH cheaper than the 550!!!

That Lee scale on the other hand, has frustrated me to no end. I have another scale on order and can't wait until it arrives.

[Bush Pilot]

If and when you do purchase it, don't hesitate to ask anything. I am sure that if I can't answer something (seeing as I just started myself), everyone else on the board will be more than willing to help out. Good luck with the LCT!

+1 on the help, the only exception would be a poster named "Koski", he's trouble from the get go, I wouldn't trust anything the ahole had to say. Watch out for his tirades about Lee presses, it's what finally what got him tossed on GT.

[Werdna]

haha I remember Koski from GT

[saunderscc]

+1 on the help, the only exception would be a poster named "Koski", he's trouble from the get go, I wouldn't trust anything the ahole had to say. Watch out for his tirades about Lee presses, it's what finally what got him tossed on GT.

Really? I thought Koski used one of these as his primary loader:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/2400109888_ed850b86a6.jpg?v=0
:animlol: :lol: :rofl:

[Bush Pilot]

Really? I thought Koski used one of these as his primary loader:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/2400109888_ed850b86a6.jpg?v=0
:animlol: :lol: :rofl:

Common misconception, you're thinking of a Load Master.

[slowride]

LCTP is best press for the $$$. Great way to pump out some quality ammo.

[saunderscc]

LCTP is best press for the $$$. Great way to pump out some quality ammo.

Agreed.

[saunderscc]

Common misconception, you're thinking of a Load Master.

I must admit that Lee Loader is mine. Before Shovel66 and I started to reload, he bought that for 9mm and I bought it off him. No ammo so far has been loaded with it yet. I do use the de-primming tool to help clean media when I am sorting brass after cleaning it all up. Other than that it sits and collects dust.

[ustate]

I also started with the Lee Turret about two years and its a great press. Its faster than a single stage but gives the advantage of only working on one round at a time. I would highly recommend that press.

[zdogk9]

I had a Lee Turret, it was quirkey and required fiddling, however when it was dialed in it was damned good, (there i said it). By all accounts the LCT addresses these faults and solves them. If I decide I have need of a press with output between my single stage and my L&L AP, the LCT is at the head of a very short list.
Z

[96cbr900rr]

I have one of the Kempf kits and think it's great. The only issue I have is that I purchased the Pro Auto Disk upgrade with the kit, and while I received the upgraded powder reservoir, the base was not the upgraded Teflon coated unit that comes as part of the standalone pro autodisk measure, I think they could have been more clear on their web page that you were not getting the full pro auto disk, but only the upgraded reservoir.

[D. Manley]

I have one of the Kempf kits and think it's great. The only issue I have is that I purchased the Pro Auto Disk upgrade with the kit, and while I received the upgraded powder reservoir, the base was not the upgraded Teflon coated unit that comes as part of the standalone pro autodisk measure, I think they could have been more clear on their web page that you were not getting the full pro auto disk, but only the upgraded reservoir.

Hmmm. My upgraded kit came with the normal "Pro" AutoDisk...if yours' did not, you should have called them. Easy way to tell, is whether the base is black and uses thumb-screws vs. the sheet metal screws of the standard measure. Truthfully, I didn't know the Pro version cansiter would fit on the standard base.

[PsychoKnight]

The adjustable charge bar is okay, but you get additional benefit if you get the double disk kit instead of the charge bar. Stacking and using two disks instead of one, you get a greater combination of loads (use smaller cavites in place of the regular sized cavity), and you have greater capacity, such as for your 7.62x54R. A single cavity, the largest, isn't enough for med or large rifle cases.

[Warhorse]

My LCT has reloaded .38Spl, 9MM, and .40 S&W in the two months or so that I've had it. It was my first time reloading, and I found it very easy to set up and use. I highly recommend it.

[jtrade]

I just received that kit today. Trying to find somewhere to mount it.

BIG Thanks to saunderscc (http://www.glockpost.com/forums/member.php?u=98) for the Pic cause now I have an idea!!!!

[saunderscc]

Just be sure to post a pic when you get done so we can see what you came up with.

[alank2]

Hi,

I've got a 550 which I truly love to load on, but I have to say there is something really cool about the Lee Classic Turret. I think it offers an incredible value to new reloaders at its low price point and excellent performance. I don't think there is anything at its price point that even comes close to its capability. I keep wanting one even though I don't need it!!!!

I say go with the Kempf kit and get crankin!

Good luck,

Alan

[96cbr900rr]

Hmmm. My upgraded kit came with the normal "Pro" AutoDisk...if yours' did not, you should have called them. Easy way to tell, is whether the base is black and uses thumb-screws vs. the sheet metal screws of the standard measure. Truthfully, I didn't know the Pro version cansiter would fit on the standard base.I definitely is the standard base, the box it came in was a standard autodisk, with "Pro" hand written on it with a sharpie. Guess I will be contacting them. I figured at first that I had mis-understood the site, and that it was the update that lee makes for the standard auto disk, while I thought it was the full Pro autodisk kit. Will update with how it turns out.

ETA: E-mailed Kemp's, the explanation was that they were out of stock on the Pro AutoDisk Measures, and rather than hold the entire order or not ship a measure at all, they upgraded a standard model and forgot to mark the invoice. They will be shipping me the correct part and asked that I keep the original item as a spare.

[freakshow10mm]

Seems like they are taking care of you.

My second press was a LCT. I load on a 550 right now so the LCT sits in a bucket in the closet.

[96cbr900rr]

I would have preferred that I was informed of the issue upfront, or some sort of credit issued when the original order was processed instead of having to guess about it. Yes, they did step up when questioned, and with the service I received on the initial order and their willingness to make things right on this issue, I will be ordering from them again with confidence.

[Shibumi]

Seems like they are taking care of you.

My second press was a LCT. I load on a 550 right now so the LCT sits in a bucket in the closet.



Hey Freak, wanna free up that bucket for empty brass or something equally important?? :supergrin:

I'm currently using the Lee Challenger and think a turret would be a nice feature to have...

[Shibumi]

For anyone who has used both, is the Redding T-7 worth the price difference over the Lee?

And for reference, I would consider it worth it if the Redding was dead-accurate and repeatable but the Lee was not...

[Jim_M]

I manage to load 200-300 rounds of USPSA match ammo a week on mine. Earned my third Nationals slot shooting the same ammo over the course of the 2007 season. The auto safety prime system alone makes this a buy over any current turret press. IMO.



Jim

[0-16]

I have had a LCT for a little over two years. A great press to learn on, and the Lee videos were great in helping set up the dies.

[RustyFN]

I just loaded 500 rounds last night in three hours. That included filling the primer tray three times, checking the pro auto disk for the right charge, resetting the seating die for a different OAL and a phone call.
Rusty

[jawjaboy]

A couple of months ago the son-in-law was home and we were setting right here(pic). He was on the Classic Turret on the right cranking out 38's and I was on the Deluxe Turret on the left cranking out 44's.

At a point we were taking a break and I said "lets see who can fill up a box(50) first." I knew he would win on tha Classic, but I wanted to see by how much. Mind you now, he only gets to reload 2 or 3 times a year, and I'm supposed to be the seasoned veteran here. :rolleyes5:

And we're off. In no hurry, paying attention. About ~15/20 minutes later he was through with his box of 50. I had 32 in my box.

The safety prime and the ram through primer disposal is a huge time saver over the Deluxe Turret. Jes say'n.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000109.jpg

[Mickstix]

Hmmm. My upgraded kit came with the normal "Pro" AutoDisk... Easy way to tell, is whether the base is black and uses thumb-screws vs. the sheet metal screws of the standard measure. Truthfully, I didn't know the Pro version cansiter would fit on the standard base.

I just got my "Upgraded" Classic Turret "Kit" from Kempf as well.. My Pro Auto Disk came in it's own box.. I assumed it was all the latest and greatest?? Here's a pic of what's in the box.. (Is this all the upgraded stuff??) I see some screws where the reservoir attaches, but there's also some knurled thumb screws in the accessory bag?) Thanks for looking..
http://home.comcast.net/~mickstix/proautodisk.jpg

Note: I think I got all the upgraded stuff now.. At the time I posted I didnt realize there was a "page 2" with more posts.. :o

[jawjaboy]

That's it Mick, all ya need man. :thumbsup:
.

[Mickstix]

Cool thanks! Now if I can find some "real" directions on assembling all this stuff I'd be set! :)

[jawjaboy]

You got no directions with your press or Pro kit?

:confused:

.

[Mickstix]

Yea each piece came with directions, but for a green newbie like me it really leaves alot to the imagination.. Like what order the different dies go in the turret? And other "vauge" discriptions of how stuff fits together.. I've not started assembling it yet, just reading the booklets so far.. Maybe once it's going together it'll be easier to figure out..

[Werdna]

If you got lee dies they will have instructions in there that will explain what each die does and which station to stick them in, how deep to screw them in, etc. I know I felt just like you when I got mine. You may also check youtube for vids, I know there used to be a couple good ones on there.

[jawjaboy]

Yea each piece came with directions, but for a green newbie like me it really leaves alot to the imagination.. Like what order the different dies go in the turret? And other "vauge" discriptions of how stuff fits together.. I've not started assembling it yet, just reading the booklets so far.. Maybe once it's going together it'll be easier to figure out..


Know what ya mean brother. I was da same way. Been there.

Read. Read. Best thing to do from the start. As you read and look at what ya got, it a all come together. I ain't smart by no stretch, but I figured it all out right by my lonesome. Felt good about it too.

We here if ya need us, be glad ta help too. :yesnod:

.

[DenverGreg]

Ok, After a bunch of research and lurking around different blogs,
I think I'm ordering a 4-hole, LCT tomorrow from Kempf. I have
already ordered both, 9mm and 45acp (4-die sets) and they
are in route. So, I'll order the LCT kit with 45 Colt and I'll be
able to load up all three.

This has been a great thread to have landed on because I got to
hear Werdna's first questions about the LCT and then how good
its worked out so far. And I've also been able to hear the experiences
of everyone else.

I've got a quick question for you LCT believers:
The Kempf kit comes standard with the 'Auto Disk Powder Measure'
and judging from you all, I will definitely pay the $22 to upgrade to
the 'Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure'! But, my question... Should I
go ahead and buy the 'Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar'
for more better measurement or do you think I'll be OK staying with
the Pro uprade?
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=150005


dG

[Mickstix]

I dont know if I'll ever need it or not, but I got the charge bar, double disk set, and micro disk when I ordered my lct upgraded "kit" from Kempf.. I was just reading somewhere that someone recommended the double disk set over the charge bar, but I dont have the know-how to understand why.. Im sure Jawjaboy or some of the others will fill ya in though! From my short time here this seems to be a very good group of people, willing to help out!! (Just noticed the Midway link didnt show the "double disk" kit, so here's a link to it from Kemp's if ya need to check it out.) Double Disk (https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=619&category_id=11&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41)

Thanks again Jawjaboy!! I found some good links and videos for setting up and adjusting the LCT after googling "lee classic press directions".. I should be good to go as soon as I get the bench/garage cleaned up and ready for the press!! :D

[mbradst]

I have been using the charge bar for a while now. Once you figure out how to keep a consistent stroke with your press you will be throwing extremely repeatable charges.

When you start out with the charge bar, you will want to throw a few charges and dump them back into the hopper. Then you want to cycle the press through all of it's stages and throw a new charge and weigh it. Adjust it till you get it close, then cycle the press a few more times all the way though to make sure you are throwing consistent charges. If that doesn't make sense, PM me and I will try to explain it a little better.

[DenverGreg]

I have been using the charge bar for a while now. Once you figure out how
to keep a consistent stroke with your press you will be throwing
extremely repeatable charges.

When you start out with the charge bar, you will want to throw a few
charges and dump them back into the hopper.

Great advice on the charge check, thanks. I think I'll be running the press
in manual advance mode for a while, so it should be easy to check charges.

I dont know if I'll ever need it or not, but I got the charge bar, double disk
set, and micro disk when I ordered my lct upgraded "kit" from Kempf.. I
was just reading somewhere that someone recommended the double disk
set over the charge bar, but I dont have the know-how to understand
why.. Im sure Jawjaboy or some of the others will fill ya in though! From
my short time here this seems to be a very good group of people, willing
to help out!! (Just noticed the Midway link didnt show the "double disk"
kit, so here's a link to it from Kemp's if ya need to check it out.) Double Disk (https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=619&category_id=11&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41)

More great advice, thanks. I'll run the choice by Kempf tomorrow and see
what they say.

And I agree, there are a bunch of knowledgeable, helpful folks on
GP - I'm really glad I found it!

dG

[colorado4wheel]

I just want to caution people about that adjustable charge bar. I am not the only one who has had issues with it not throwing charges with some powders. It's my main issue with the LCT. I love the press, like the powder measure, hate the adjustable charage bar.

[DenverGreg]

I just want to caution people about that adjustable charge bar. I am not the only one who has had issues with it not throwing charges with some powders. It's my main issue with the LCT. I love the press, like the powder measure, hate the adjustable charage bar.

So you'd be for the double disk then. Reading more about the DD, I'm
really leaning that way.

dG

[bfox]

Doesn't the charge bar say in the instructions that anything under 4 grains it doesn't work well ?
The micro disc works Great for small charges .
Never used the double disc but I am
sure it would work great too .

Bill

[mbradst]

I had problems with the charge bar in the beginning. My problem stemmed from keeping things consistent before charging a case. If I charged a case to check the weight after cycling the press a few times and then charged another case without cycling the press the same amount of times, it would be off by one or two tenths of a grain. This is because after each stroke the powder settles a little into the cavity of the charge bar. The same thing happens to the disks. As long as things are consistent, you will not have problems.

That being said, I still do not get great results throwing under 3.5 grains of Titegroup with the measure. That is the only powder that doesn't like tiny charges out of the charge bar. Solo 1000, Power Pistol, Blue Dot, and 2400 meter fine at 3 grains. I don't load 380 so the small charge thing does not bother me. The smallest round I load is 9mm and I use PP in those rounds.

[RustyFN]

So you'd be for the double disk then. Reading more about the DD, I'm
really leaning that way.

dG
I don't think the double disk kit will do you any good until you load something that will require over 10 grains. I had the same problem C4W is talking about with the charge bar but I was trying to throw mostly light loads. I use the disk's more than anything.

[Fatdaddy]

I've heard of folks taking an extra disk and boring it out to a more usable size for those in between charges of certain powders. Anyone here have any experience with this? Does a good sharp drillbit work or do you have to use a honing wheel/Dremel? Should I just buy the adjustable charge bar and be done with it?

Another related question: Where the heck do you mount the adjustable charge bar? I can't seem to find any info, other than a picture of the charge bar itself.
:ttiwwop:

[RustyFN]

It mounts in place of the disk. This isn't a good picture but you can see the end of the charge bar sticking out of the pro auto disk measure.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7ce35b3127ccec209a699903700000010O00DZOGblm4Yg9 vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Fatdaddy]

I had problems with the charge bar in the beginning. My problem stemmed from keeping things consistent before charging a case. If I charged a case to check the weight after cycling the press a few times and then charged another case without cycling the press the same amount of times, it would be off by one or two tenths of a grain. This is because after each stroke the powder settles a little into the cavity of the charge bar. The same thing happens to the disks. As long as things are consistent, you will not have problems.

.......

I've noticed the same thing with the disks themselves, about the same variation.

[colorado4wheel]

My charge bar would bridge on powders that the discs handled with ease. I would buy a extra set of discs and sand them out to get in between charges. I don't want anything on my press that is that finicky. It should work the same each time. It is true that the Lee Pro Auto Disc seems to be more susceptible to powder settling if you don’t throw a charge while doing other operations on the machine. It’s easily remedied by throwing and dumping a charge before you move on to making a round. I do the same with my 550 so it’s no big deal. LCT is a great press.

[Falcore]

The LCT is a fine press, be sure to level it when you install it on your bench.