Anyone use a Turret Press????

[CWLONGSHOT]

I totally missed the priming step.

Sometimes I pre-prime brass using my Lee Bench Priming Tool. Other times, I'll set up a third single stage with my RCBS priming die and ram and prime a batch into the loading tray, then start with the powder charging step.

With pistol brass, I often don't expand until I'm in the loading phase. I'll then add a fourth press for that.

I suppose if I'm doing four steps at once during the loading phase I might could make use of a turret press, but I've just never tried it.

I will Rarely condemn a press for priming issues. But in same hand like ta see a proper smooth functioning system.

Generally I keep a univ deprim die & bullet puller permanently screwed into the Lyman 8 turret. Then prime in one of the RCBS Prime systems.

CW

 

[TXTad]

I will Rarely condemn a press for priming issues. But in same hand like ta see a proper smooth functioning system.

Generally I keep a univ deprim die & bullet puller permanently screwed into the Lyman 8 turret. Then prime in one of the RCBS Prime systems.

CW

I'm pretty sure I could make all this work with the turret press, but there's still steps in and out of the press. I do like the RCBS priming die.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I'm pretty sure I could make all this work with the turret press, but there's still steps in and out of the press. I do like the RCBS priming die.

The Press mounted RAM Prime?

 

[TXTad]

The Press mounted RAM Prime?

Yes.

 

[CZ93X62]

My turret press is a bit different--it is a Ponsness-Warren P-200 Metal-Matic. It is intended for pistol and small rifle calibers like 25/20 WCF or 30 M1 Carbine. They make a rifle-press version called 'Metallic II' that can accommodate up to 375 H&H. The P-200 turret has 10 dies stations, the Metallic II had 5. <www.reloaders.com> P/W is best-known for their shotshell reloading machines, which are SUPERB.

I have owned my P-200 for 22 years. It is utterly bullet-proof after at least 50K rounds loaded on it. The machine is as precise and stable as the day I bought it.

Unlike most turret presses with a rotating head, the P/Ws have a shell holder pivot that transits in an arc under the tool head with detents that position the shell holder centered under the die(s). The P-200 and MM II use the same shell holders and die sets that single-stage presses use. If I arrange my brass and bullets properly, 175-200 rounds per hour isn't taxing to accomplish.

They aren't cheap, and EVERYTHING P/W makes is currently out-of-stock. Give 'em a call if you're interested.

 

[richhodg66]

Funny, I have a few turret presses and have yet to really use them. Lyman All American, Truline Jr, and a Herters 234. I need to get a big bench made up and set up all these toys.

 

[RicinYakima]

They aren't cheap, and EVERYTHING P/W makes is currently out-of-stock. Give 'em a call if you're interested.

Used mine all the years I shot NRA Bullseye for 45 ACP (centerfire and 45). Great press and I sold it to another guy for him to load another 100,000 rounds.

 

[richhodg66]

OK, just to throw a wrench in things; how does a turret stack up to a three station press?

I got a Texan set up to hold three dies at an auction a while back. Haven't used it, but I see C&H presses like it and occasionally a Bair or Pacific.

 

[RicinYakima]

OK, just to throw a wrench in things; how does a turret stack up to a three station press?

I got a Texan set up to hold three dies at an auction a while back. Haven't used it, but I see C&H presses like it and occasionally a Bair or Pacific.

The first 3 station press was not so great because it required C&H dies to make it work. The later #444 press allowed you to use the forth station for a powder measure without a thru expander die.

Quality is excellent, but what process do you want to use?

 

[Barn]

I use a Texan three hole press. My experience is that they are an outstanding press.

 

[RicinYakima]

In their day, they were most excellent and most expensive metallic press.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

I see a turret press as that intermediate device between a single stage and a progressive press. There’s a lot of advantages there. Greater reloading speed without that last tier of complexity.

I considered turret presses, used a couple that belonged to friends, and even coveted one for a time, but went with the Dillon 550. I’ll never be without a single stage press; I see a turret press or progressive press as a complement to a single stage – not a replacement.

The strengths of a turret press are the ability to quickly switch from one process to another (like from sizing to expanding) and the ability to keep a set of dies semi-permanently installed in the turret.

Turret presses with low-cost turrets, like the Lee 3-hole and 4-hole turrets allow for lots of spare turrets with little money tied up.

The larger iron turret presses like the Lyman American and Redding T-7 are going to tie up a bit more money. There are some advantages to those extra positions if you reload more than one bullet type and install multiple seating dies on the same turret. You then just select the proper seating die position for the bullet you are currently loading. For example, A Redding T-7 turret could have 3 separate seating dies set up and adjusted for wadcutter, SWC and HP on the same turret.

I think the logical cut-off in deciding turret versus progressive is a combination of desired production AND variety of cartridges you intend to reload. (Remember -We Are Keeping the single stage press; this is just an addition to the fleet).

If you only load a couple of different handgun cartridges and you don’t need high production volume in a short time – the turret press is probably a good choice.

But if you need (or desire) high production volume and you have a lot of different cartridges you routinely reload – the progressive press starts to look like the winner.

I say this because the initial apparent economic advantage of a turret press over a progressive press begins to diminish when you start looking at higher production rates.

 

[Jeff H]

....I say this because the initial apparent economic advantage of a turret press over a progressive press begins to diminish when you start looking at higher production rates.

This defines my use and preference better than I think I have. It is a key point for me and how I hand-load now and for as long as I have. My first turret press was the Lyman Tru-Line Jr. It was my dad's (he had several) and I grew to like the advantages quickly and it never wore off. I see the original LEE 3-hole turret press as and advancement of that model.

They way I shoot, and always have, dictates efficiency at moderate volume. I've never done a lot of "volume shooting," so no need for volume-hand-loading. Hey, when an assistant gunner is handing you mortar rounds or feeding you linked ammo out of cans, KEEP IT COMING, BROTHER! But for my personal recreation and enjoyment, I tend to savor each round, each step in producing it and each instant I send it on its merry way to target.

Another facet I might add, but which could work conveniently with some single-stage presses is that I didn't bolt my turret press to a bench for the first several years after I bought it. While in the Army, everything I owned had to be minimal and portable. I bolted a duct-tape-reinforced piece of extra-heavy card-stock to the bottom to contain the spent primers and held it against the edge of a table or counter with one hand and operated the lever with the other. Production wasn't lightening-fast, but it was faster than a Whack-a-Mole and MUCH, MUCH quieter. I'd have been run out of any apartment I'd ever holed up in for such an offense - and I wasn't even really living in the nicest parts of towns near military bases.

 

[Jeff H]

OK, just to throw a wrench in things; how does a turret stack up to a three station press?

I got a Texan set up to hold three dies at an auction a while back. Haven't used it, but I see C&H presses like it and occasionally a Bair or Pacific.

If I understand "three-station" to mean three dies set up individually in a head that is NOT conveniently detachable...

The removable turrets hold that special trait of convenient, orderly storage, dies which are always already set up/adjusted and accountability of tooling - not misplacing one of the two or three dies.

Take my observations and assertions with a grain of salt, or at least seasoned with the idea that I tend to assess all personal possessions regarding their potential portability, among all the other obvious important considerations. I'm not entirely sure why, because I've lived where I live for 35 years and don't intend to pull up stakes (willfully), and that tends to run counter to the idea of having a dedicated "reloading ROOM," which I think suits most guys' ideals and ambitions more closely.

 

[Brad]

I use my turret like a single stage that happens to hold multiple dies. It is not a progressive or anything that speeds reloading. I just like being able to keep a universal decap die in place and also have sizing, expanding, seating dies for whatever I am working on in place and adjusted.

 

[waco]

I use my turret like a single stage that happens to hold multiple dies. It is not a progressive or anything that speeds reloading. I just like being able to keep a universal decap die in place and also have sizing, expanding, seating dies for whatever I am working on in place and adjusted.

Same for me. I think I have like six heads all set for different calibers. Very convenient.

 

[quicksylver]

I've got three Lyman Spartan T's one set up for .308/.30-06, one for .223/.222, another one currently has my Lee bullet sizing dies , my nephew took my 550 to try a couple of years ago, so I guess I'll be looking for another Lyman T for my 45 Colt , .357/.38P.S, The .308/.30-06 are set up for cast bullets

 

[Petrol & Powder]

At one time I seriously considered a Redding T-7. The press isn’t cheap, and the turrets are now about $80 a pop, but I saw the 7 positions to have a lot of flexibility with each caliber.

You could set up the sizing die, expander die and crimping die on a single turret head and have 4 positions available for 4 different bullet profiles, each set up for the appropriate seating depth / bullet profile. One turret for each caliber and multiple seating dies pre-set on each turret. Lots of cost up front but a rock solid and simple after that. It wouldn’t be a progressive press, but it would be quicker than swapping out dies on a single stage press.

Or you could split long and short cartridges on the same turret head, say like 38 Special and 357 Magnum and not have to re-adjust dies or use a spacer.

I did the math (about 30 years ago) and with all the turrets and extra dies, it almost worked for two calibers (turrets) but the logic fell apart at 3 or more. A true progressive press like a Dillon 550 or 650 wins at that point.

Now, with less expensive turrets (perhaps Lee 3 hole or 4 hole) the numbers change. The advent of quick-change die inserts is also something to consider.

And of course, none of the simple manual turrets will beat a true progressive press in terms of production speed.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I never took to swapping the turrets on any if my Lyman Turrets like many do. Just dont see it.

On the lil 4Hole Lee sure its tool less designed for quick easy change. But needing a wrench and remove a monster bolt... nope Ill spin in and out my dies. I was gifted a spare turret some Christmases ago. Its a dusty box on the bottom shelf.

 

[Glaciers]

Well I’m certainly a fan of the LCT press. There’s a couple cartridges that I’ve want a fifth position but 4 mostly will do it for me.
Having the dies permanently set up is a huge plus. Another big plus is the turrets cost $10 plus or minus a buck. I couldn’t afford $50 to $80 per turret.
I’ll have 21 calibers set up when I’m done. I’m setting up a second Small reloading room in a winter location and the plan is have a second Lee Classic press and mail down half a dozen turrets of calibers per set up and not have to buy dies twice.
For the couple cartridges I need a fifth station I was going to deprime and prime on a single stage Redding first.
I would love a 5 station like the LCT press but I’m pretty invested in the 4 station.



Heard about this press on another forum but apparently it’s not out yet. Went to the LEE website and found it but when I clicked on it it went to a “can’t find this page” page.
But it’s supposed to be a 6 hole version of the 4 hole LCT press.
If I wasn’t already invested in the LCT 4 station press I would be interested.
For the couple of cartridges I need a fifth station I simply use my single stage for sizing operations.
And if NOE had come out with their powder thru expanders dies a few years ago I wouldn’t need a 5th station at all.