I have over 20k rounds on my original indexing part, (the little square plastic part), polish the indexing rod with 2000 grit and a dab of gun grease and it will last.
The plastic auto index ratchet insert is adequately engineered if the press is used properly. Prior to attempting to rotate the turret manually with the auto index rod installed, the operator must raise the ram sufficiently for the ratchet mechanism to clear the spiral portion of the auto index rod. Breakage of the square ratchet insert is usually the result of not raising the ram before manually rotating the turret. I have loaded many thousands of rounds with this press and have never had a problem with the plastic insert. Almost any device can be damaged by improper operation.
I've had my Lee Classic press for over a year now. I've run over a thousand rounds through it, many different calibers, and have had no problems with my auto-indexing rod. Guess I got lucky. When I purchased my Auto-disk Powder measure, it came with a riser already installed. Again, guess I just got lucky. I really enjoy my lee classic turret press. I've learned a great deal this last year, and had a LOT of fun.
Ive loaded around 5000 rounds (9mm and 44mag) with my turret press and have had no issues with the indexing rod. You should call lee and get them to send you replacement parts. They really have good service and have replaced parts for my auto prime without question. Ive heard that you can break that plastic part by not fully cycling your press when you are operating it. You would be able to speed way up if you didint have to trun your turret.
My Classic Cast indexer has worked for 3 years with the same plastic part. It also sets all winter with no heat in my work shop with nothing but WD40 and NEVER rusts. But I also sprayed with automotive clear coat!
I have loaded thousands of rounds through this press and never had a problem with the auto index. Its all in the initial setup. Also, If you adjust the rotation/orientation of the auto disk powder measure it doesn't hit the auto prime. Lee also specifically says in the info about the Auto-Disk Powder Measure "If you want to use the Auto-Disk Powder Measure to charge powder on a Lee Precision Classic Turret Press, you will also need to order a Lee Precision Auto Disk Riser which is sold separately."
Usually there's 2 camps of people concerning Lee's presses , those that love'em and those that hate'em ,all my presses are Lee.I have the Lee Hand Press that you pick up and use with both hands, the aluminum Breech Lock Challenger single stage Press,the Lee Deluxe Turret Press.If one tears up,I have another to reload with while I get replacement parts.Parts are affordable too, that black square plastic piece is only .50 from Lee's site.It would bug me if I couldnt use the auto-index function
Give the auto index another try. It's much faster. I've lost track of how many thousands of rounds that I have loaded with no indexing problems. I stripped out the small square nylon ratchet once, but it was my fault. I picked up some extras (.50each) but haven't needed them since. If you manually index with the ram down, it will strip. I also use the LoadMaster Press. Both great presses. Thanks for all the videos. I know it takes a lot of time. You provide a valuable service with your videos.
At this point I have loaded over a thousand rounds of 45 ACP with my LEE turret press, not one was with the safety prime kit, and it has been 100% reliable. My wife got me another LEE press for Christmass, a Load-All 2, and I have already gotten all of my shells ready to load. Both presses were easy to set up, and as soon as I can get some components, I'll be loading both 45 and 12 gauge again.
If this has been said already I apologize. but I suspect the plastic indexing piece is meant to be like a shear pin. it strips out before you damage something expensive, in case of a jam in the works. sort of a mechanical fusible link. Thanks for all the videos you do.
I have been using my classic turret press for about 5 years for 9mm, 357, 50ae, 223 and 30-06. The only issue I've had is the indexing plastic square piece. After about 5000 rounds it wore enough to make the turret rotation a bit sloppy. 2$ for a new one and she's working like a champ again. I really love it as you get many of the benefits of a progressive without the drawbacks of a single stage...and for the money it is a phenomenal value. It has to be one of the most, if not the most versatile presses on the market. The swapable 4 hole die holders are what really do it for me as caliber changes take all of 30 seconds.
I was instructed to NEVER turn the tool head the opposite way, and that is exactly what I did when my plastic square was distorted and needed to be changed. So I have not done it again and I am 1000's of rounds into loading. So check that out. if you are having trouble. Thanks for the video.
The square washer is designed as a wear item. If it were made from steel or aluminum, it would risk damaging the indexing rod. Wesring out as quick as yours did, I would say it was user error not a design flaw.
I have had my lctp for about a year. I love it. I leave the advance bar out for small test runs. I use Berrys hollow base round nose plated for regular target rounds with the advzncing
Bro you have a video for every single gun question and reloading question I have ever had and couldn't find it any where else. Thank you very much brother! RIP to Barry God Bless ya'll. Hope to see more videos!
my manual says that the plastic index guide is a consumable. making it out of plastic keeps the price down. even if it was made of metal it would still ware down and need replaced. also different metals rubbing can cause some unwanted heat and/or static buildup that could spark and we all know sparks and powder don't mix well. metal on metal can also jam damaging more than the guide. also do not manually index the turret with the ram full up or full down. ram needs to be about half stroke (just above the twist on the indexer rod) to free the index guide. that said the rest of the video I thought was great. knowledge is our greatest weapon.
Thanks for the video. Your videos are getting better all the time and you do a very good job of explaining things, especially to the newbie. I like your style. There is no BS, just good, straight forward, honest information. God job!
Excellent vid Iraqveteran8888. I'm new to pistol reloading but have reloaded 12 gauge on & off for 25 yrs. A little advise concerning volumetric powder throwers is to ensure that your powder proof measurements are taken after a complete press ammunition reloading cycle. This is very important because the powder WILL pack in somewhat with movement & vibration. My Hornady 366 would throw one grain extra with normal cycle press vibration & nearly two grains more if I had a jam up or some such & had to fool with the press. If I have any problems I always dump that powder charge before resuming the cycle. I would imagine that Lee may have taken this into consideration which may account for you measuring 4 grain & not 4.9 during your initial setup. All the best & keep posting.
Just ordered one. Looking forward to a less expensive alternative to support my activity. Great video, you answered the one question that noone else has been able to answer. Thanks!
Eric--Love the videos! I was looking at getting the turret press but purchased a Lee Loadmaster instead. The videos you did on reloading really helped to give me the confidence to try it for myself. I loaded my first 20 rounds today and will test them out tomorrow at the range. Thanks again! Keep them videos coming!
Yes it is good for all handgun calibers. And according to LEE, The long stroke allows RIFLE cases over three inches long to be loaded using the automatic index. Deactivate the Auto-Index and cases over 4 inches can be loaded.
Great and well made video. By the way, the 9mm Luger case is indeed crimped most times. Its a different type of crimp than say a revolver cartridge. It's taper crimped rather than roll crimped. This is critical as this case head spaces on the cartridge mouth, you will shorten it and create a dangerous situation.
Hi ! Many thanks for this great video again. Thanks to your work, I ordered last week the new LEE PRECISION CLASSIC TURRET KIT (SKU 90304). I am waiting for it this week and ordered it to ARTAX VORDERLADER a very responsive german dealer. I started with a 4 dies deluxe set to reload some .38 spl and .357 magnum at first. Will order 9mm, .45ACP and .44 magnum dies later in the next few months once everything will be set into place correctly ! Thanks again for your time, Eric / Belgium.
a tipp to make the plastic nut thing last ist to take out the turret and use a sharp knife and cut off a bit of the edges on the indexing notch so that it takes less force to free the springloaded ball from the indexing notch.
i'm not sure how you broke the little plastic ratchet. I've loaded over 20k rounds and mine is still fine. I see a lot of people manually turn the turret while the ram is all the way down. This will break the ratchet. If you need to manually turn the turret raise the ram half way up or more.
I noticed alot of people ask if you can do rifle rounds on this press and the answer is yes. I've done .308 on it no problem. You can use the powder measure for rifles but you have to get a double disk kit for the auto disk measure and a rifle charge die. I haven't tried setting the auto disk up for the .308 yet but I will eventually
I was having the same problem with the plastic rachet on the indexing rod stripping out. I put a little grease on the indexing rod and haven't stripped one out since. The press is alot better with auto indexing much faster.
From what I have recently gathered from other videos, I believe the Classic 4 hole press has a cast iron base and the non Classic has an aluminum base. I may be wrong about that though and there are probably other differences as well. If this is the difference between the 2 I believe I will get the Classic, it seems the cast iron would last longer, more stable.
Hi Iraqveteran8888, just wanted to show my appreciation at your excellent presentation and videos! Another shooting friend of mine whose main language is not English could also follow you videos and instructions very well. So thank you for being so clear and concise. I think I'll be going for this Lee Turret and use the manual indexing, I was not too keen on the auto index. I'll let you know of any developments. Happy shooting & stay safe. Warm regards from malta (Europe).
I have one of these I'll probably be selling soon with several turrets. I liked mine, and kept all the dies set up on turrets, but it wasn't strong enough for my liking and I found inconsistencies in the ammo that it loaded, that are eliminated by using my rockchucker. I to stripped out the auto index nut. The manual says if you raise the ram half wayup, and try to bring it back down it strips out the plastic nut.
I wish you would show how to set up the dies for 9mm and powder instead of pushing through it. Keep in mind some of us are beginners and need to go through all of it. Can u help me out, thnk u
I have a hornady Lock n Load progressive. Works great. About 4 times less pulling the handle to get a round. After the first 5 pulls I get a round on each cycle. It's all steel and indexes great. I can also use it as a single stage press if desired for really small lots. I find myself now loading in 100 lots a lot more. I find the RCBS rock chucker single stage is getting no use now.
Thanks for setting my mind at ease. After 5, at a buck apiece, plastic squares,. I took out the whole mess, and turned the head manually. Works great! Also, invest in the powder drop uprade. Much better.
This 4 hole Turret Press is built pretty durable for the price. With that said for whatever reason it gets stuck halfway advancing and you unknowingly use your weight on the lever, something has to give. Would you rather bend or break the frame, trying to press a bullet in. That's off center from the die.or break a cheap little plastic guide bushing? I just despise all the different size brochures that came with each piece. Couldn't they have at least made one common size page, so it could be added to a binder?
Right on, w/ regard to the plastic bushing. Don’t short stroke the handle, problem eliminated. If something DOES bind, don’t force that lever- figure out what’s causing the binding!
Thanks a ton for the video! I am going to start reloading for the first time ever and was really looking hard at this press. I don't think I care too much for the priming system, and seeing you operate it, it does look a little fiddly. While it will slow me down, I will likely use a RCBS auto prime separately along with primer pocket cleaning routine.
Lee volume measures almost always throw light... Especially with Unique. Same with their dippers and shotgun Load-All bushings. I wind up getting out a scale and creating my own chart for them. But, once you figure out how much each measure actually throws, they are pretty consistent.
Great video man!!! Nice clean bench, good processes. One question, are you concerned with the cleanliness of the primer pocket since you are de-priming and priming all in one operation?
Nice vid. I had to shim my powder thru die for my 45 Colt in order to get it to flare the mouth. Not sure what the deal was there but she's not a powder thru anymore. It's the only Lee Die I've ever had an issue with.
thanks for taking the time making vids for us and just a thaught for ya as you use allot of diff rounds try using a drill head you can install it on your press and use it to pull allot of diff cal. I made 1 for my press never buy another fitting .tryt it youl like it just gota turn it until it grapples the projectile and best of all it doesn't wreck bullets. anyway just wanted to give something back to ya. thanks again and merry x mass.
What about the brass length after sizing? Don't you check to see if it's to long? I have only been loading on a single stage press and check every piece of brass after resizing. It's long and needs trimmed.
The plastic auto-indexer will wear really quickly if you don't complete full cycles on your press. I blew one out like you and then read a "don't do this" etc. So do all the way up and down and you won't blow the plastic inserts out. If it was made out of metal it would break more expensive parts than the... $1 (i think) inserts.
I’m new to the idea of doing my own reloads. How is ur Lee press doing , since U’ve had it and is this something that I as a newcomer should consider to start with?
I removed the auto indexing mechanism as well. I could never get it to index well and the little plastic piece wore out very quickly. I also have the pro auto disk, but have never use it because I could never get a consistent charge. The auto prime system is one of the best priming systems on the market. Great video!
Thank you for letting me know about that riser! It was so annoying to have to take the resizer and bullet seater die out to get that stupid disk measure in the expander die.
ERRIC, CAN YOU DO A BULLET MAKING VIDEO,... HOW TO MIX THE LEAD~ CAST THE BULLETS~ MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW TO ATTACH THE GAS CHECKS~ AND WHERE TO BUY THE GAS CHECKS, FOR THE 30/30 CARTRIDGE, USING LEE PROUDUCTS!
@IKEFOOTBALL77 It is a great press for a beginner. If you buy a single stage press, you'll soon outgrow it especially if you are primarily loading pistol ammo. I'd make 2 substitutions though. Most importantly I'd get another powder dispenser. The Lee powder measures are simply too fussy to set up and difficult to adjust. I use a Hornady Lock N Load powder measure. RCBS makes a great one too. Secondly I'd invest in an electronic scale. It is much faster and easier to use.
With the priming, can you just place the primer into the hole one by one instead using the primer dropper or whatever you wanna call it? I'm kinda new to this and i'm looking for the best for a decent price, and you seem to know your shit.
I'm new to reloading and have the 3 turret press (still reading before i try). What might you use the 4th hole for? Crimp die maybe? Or is that only needed if reloading rifle ammo?
After i watched this vid, I purchased the kit.Trying at present to set up for 38 special. The shell doesn't go up far enough to full activate the pro powder measure. If I run the expander die in further it flares the case. What do you suggest? Thanks for all your videos, they are a great help.
Did you add a second Spacer for your powder... ? Do you have Small Primers on one loader and Large Primers on the second loader ? Thank you for the video ! tjl
Very nice and very helpful. I have had my eye on this press and with your OK, it will be a done deal. If you change the turret out for a different caliber, will the dies hold all there settings when you go back to that turret ?
This may be a dumb question but what is the difference between a Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press and a Lee 4 Hole Turret Press? Is it the same thing just some people leave out the word Classic or are they 2 complete different models? If so which is better?
Eric, I plan on buying a progressive press in the next two weeks. I've looked at all the manufactures' offerings and I've decided to either buy an RCBS or Dillon press. Lee is just cheap & bad, IMHO. Out of RCBS and Dillon, which of the two manufacturers would you recommend?
I'm watching this 10 years later and this press still looks like a good option
Just bought one.
I think I'm gonna do it
I have over 20k rounds on my original indexing part, (the little square plastic part), polish the indexing rod with 2000 grit and a dab of gun grease and it will last.
Thanks guys good to know....I'm browsing the market and came across this video...think I found my choice lol
I just scored the whole kit minus the dies for $100. It is a great press. Mine is plated instead of blued, so no rust.
The plastic auto index ratchet insert is adequately engineered if the press is used properly. Prior to attempting to rotate the turret manually with the auto index rod installed, the operator must raise the ram sufficiently for the ratchet mechanism to clear the spiral portion of the auto index rod. Breakage of the square ratchet insert is usually the result of not raising the ram before manually rotating the turret. I have loaded many thousands of rounds with this press and have never had a problem with the plastic insert. Almost any device can be damaged by improper operation.
I've had my Lee Classic press for over a year now. I've run over a thousand rounds through it, many different calibers, and have had no problems with my auto-indexing rod. Guess I got lucky. When I purchased my Auto-disk Powder measure, it came with a riser already installed. Again, guess I just got lucky. I really enjoy my lee classic turret press. I've learned a great deal this last year, and had a LOT of fun.
Ive loaded around 5000 rounds (9mm and 44mag) with my turret press and have had no issues with the indexing rod. You should call lee and get them to send you replacement parts. They really have good service and have replaced parts for my auto prime without question. Ive heard that you can break that plastic part by not fully cycling your press when you are operating it.
You would be able to speed way up if you didint have to trun your turret.
My Classic Cast indexer has worked for 3 years with the same plastic part. It also sets all winter with no heat in my work shop with nothing but WD40 and NEVER rusts. But I also sprayed with automotive clear coat!
I have loaded thousands of rounds through this press and never had a problem with the auto index. Its all in the initial setup. Also, If you adjust the rotation/orientation of the auto disk powder measure it doesn't hit the auto prime. Lee also specifically says in the info about the Auto-Disk Powder Measure "If you want to use the Auto-Disk Powder Measure to charge powder on a Lee Precision Classic Turret Press, you will also need to order a Lee Precision Auto Disk Riser which is sold separately."
Usually there's 2 camps of people concerning Lee's presses , those that love'em and those that hate'em ,all my presses are Lee.I have the Lee Hand Press that you pick up and use with both hands, the aluminum Breech Lock Challenger single stage Press,the Lee Deluxe Turret Press.If one tears up,I have another to reload with while I get replacement parts.Parts are affordable too, that black square plastic piece is only .50 from Lee's site.It would bug me if I couldnt use the auto-index function
Give the auto index another try. It's much faster. I've lost track of how many thousands of rounds that I have loaded with no indexing problems. I stripped out the small square nylon ratchet once, but it was my fault. I picked up some extras (.50each) but haven't needed them since. If you manually index with the ram down, it will strip. I also use the LoadMaster Press. Both great presses. Thanks for all the videos. I know it takes a lot of time. You provide a valuable service with your videos.
At this point I have loaded over a thousand rounds of 45 ACP with my LEE turret press, not one was with the safety prime kit, and it has been 100% reliable. My wife got me another LEE press for Christmass, a Load-All 2, and I have already gotten all of my shells ready to load. Both presses were easy to set up, and as soon as I can get some components, I'll be loading both 45 and 12 gauge again.
If this has been said already I apologize. but I suspect the plastic indexing piece is meant to be like a shear pin. it strips out before you damage something expensive, in case of a jam in the works. sort of a mechanical fusible link. Thanks for all the videos you do.
Never had 1 single problem with this press.
I have been using my classic turret press for about 5 years for 9mm, 357, 50ae, 223 and 30-06. The only issue I've had is the indexing plastic square piece. After about 5000 rounds it wore enough to make the turret rotation a bit sloppy. 2$ for a new one and she's working like a champ again. I really love it as you get many of the benefits of a progressive without the drawbacks of a single stage...and for the money it is a phenomenal value. It has to be one of the most, if not the most versatile presses on the market. The swapable 4 hole die holders are what really do it for me as caliber changes take all of 30 seconds.
I was instructed to NEVER turn the tool head the opposite way, and that is exactly what I did when my plastic square was distorted and needed to be changed. So I have not done it again and I am 1000's of rounds into loading. So check that out. if you are having trouble. Thanks for the video.
The square washer is designed as a wear item. If it were made from steel or aluminum, it would risk damaging the indexing rod. Wesring out as quick as yours did, I would say it was user error not a design flaw.
I think the way you explain the press is the most informative video on the lee press I've seen. thanks great video iv8888
I use a mec reloader for shot gun shells and Lee master reloader for gun and rifle ammo, and i love them
I have had my lctp for about a year. I love it. I leave the advance bar out for small test runs. I use Berrys hollow base round nose plated for regular target rounds with the advzncing
I'm 5,000 rnds in and has not stripped yet. I wore it out and had to change it. Like your videos.
Bro you have a video for every single gun question and reloading question I have ever had and couldn't find it any where else. Thank you very much brother! RIP to Barry God Bless ya'll. Hope to see more videos!
my manual says that the plastic index guide is a consumable. making it out of plastic keeps the price down. even if it was made of metal it would still ware down and need replaced. also different metals rubbing can cause some unwanted heat and/or static buildup that could spark and we all know sparks and powder don't mix well. metal on metal can also jam damaging more than the guide. also do not manually index the turret with the ram full up or full down. ram needs to be about half stroke (just above the twist on the indexer rod) to free the index guide. that said the rest of the video I thought was great. knowledge is our greatest weapon.
This- TheBaldeagle001 has it figured out!
Just ordered the classic turret press kit last night along with lots of other stuff I need, can't wait to get it!
Thanks for the video. Your videos are getting better all the time and you do a very good job of explaining things, especially to the newbie.
I like your style. There is no BS, just good, straight forward, honest information.
God job!
Excellent vid Iraqveteran8888. I'm new to pistol reloading but have reloaded 12 gauge on & off for 25 yrs. A little advise concerning volumetric powder throwers is to ensure that your powder proof measurements are taken after a complete press ammunition reloading cycle. This is very important because the powder WILL pack in somewhat with movement & vibration. My Hornady 366 would throw one grain extra with normal cycle press vibration & nearly two grains more if I had a jam up or some such & had to fool with the press. If I have any problems I always dump that powder charge before resuming the cycle. I would imagine that Lee may have taken this into consideration which may account for you measuring 4 grain & not 4.9 during your initial setup.
All the best & keep posting.
Just ordered one. Looking forward to a less expensive alternative to support my activity.
Great video, you answered the one question that noone else has been able to answer.
Thanks!
Eric--Love the videos! I was looking at getting the turret press but purchased a Lee Loadmaster instead. The videos you did on reloading really helped to give me the confidence to try it for myself. I loaded my first 20 rounds today and will test them out tomorrow at the range. Thanks again! Keep them videos coming!
Thank you for your Service to our Country Sir!
your vids are some of the most educational firearm vids on youtube. thanks buddy. i'm considering getting this turret press.
Yes it is good for all handgun calibers. And according to LEE, The long stroke allows RIFLE cases over three inches long to be loaded using the automatic index. Deactivate the Auto-Index and cases over 4 inches can be loaded.
Great and well made video. By the way, the 9mm Luger case is indeed crimped most times. Its a different type of crimp than say a revolver cartridge. It's taper crimped rather than roll crimped. This is critical as this case head spaces on the cartridge mouth, you will shorten it and create a dangerous situation.
Hi ! Many thanks for this great video again. Thanks to your work, I ordered last week the new LEE PRECISION CLASSIC TURRET KIT (SKU 90304). I am waiting for it this week and ordered it to ARTAX VORDERLADER a very responsive german dealer. I started with a 4 dies deluxe set to reload some .38 spl and .357 magnum at first. Will order 9mm, .45ACP and .44 magnum dies later in the next few months once everything will be set into place correctly ! Thanks again for your time, Eric / Belgium.
a tipp to make the plastic nut thing last ist to take out the turret and use a sharp knife and cut off a bit of the edges on the indexing notch so that it takes
less force to free the springloaded ball from the indexing notch.
i'm not sure how you broke the little plastic ratchet. I've loaded over 20k rounds and mine is still fine. I see a lot of people manually turn the turret while the ram is all the way down. This will break the ratchet. If you need to manually turn the turret raise the ram half way up or more.
Agreed, you need to have ram raised before turning or removing turret. 20k plus rounds in mine and still on original plastic ratchet.
I noticed alot of people ask if you can do rifle rounds on this press and the answer is yes. I've done .308 on it no problem. You can use the powder measure for rifles but you have to get a double disk kit for the auto disk measure and a rifle charge die. I haven't tried setting the auto disk up for the .308 yet but I will eventually
Thx for the tip. I just got one in the mail yesterday. It's always nice to avoid a problem.
You and Felix did a really great, and valuable, job on this presentation - than you very much.
Dude. Thank you. Great video. I have been looking for a good tutorial for this press. Yours is the best I have seen to date.
Enjoyed the video Eric. A fair and honest review, as I've come to expect from you. Thank you for your time and effort.
I just bought this press and was wondering what peice is required to put on powder measure?
Thank you for making this video, I just bought one of these, and it is good to see it work.
I was having the same problem with the plastic rachet on the indexing rod stripping out. I put a little grease on the indexing rod and haven't stripped one out since. The press is alot better with auto indexing much faster.
Try a little silicone on the indexing shaft, I have not changed the one on my press in over a year.
From what I have recently gathered from other videos, I believe the Classic 4 hole press has a cast iron base and the non Classic has an aluminum base. I may be wrong about that though and there are probably other differences as well. If this is the difference between the 2 I believe I will get the Classic, it seems the cast iron would last longer, more stable.
Hi Iraqveteran8888, just wanted to show my appreciation at your excellent presentation and videos! Another shooting friend of mine whose main language is not English could also follow you videos and instructions very well. So thank you for being so clear and concise. I think I'll be going for this Lee Turret and use the manual indexing, I was not too keen on the auto index. I'll let you know of any developments. Happy shooting & stay safe. Warm regards from malta (Europe).
I sure would like to see the rest of the Black cat with white feet. Love the way he takes charge of his bench. Don
I have one of these I'll probably be selling soon with several turrets. I liked mine, and kept all the dies set up on turrets, but it wasn't strong enough for my liking and I found inconsistencies in the ammo that it loaded, that are eliminated by using my rockchucker. I to stripped out the auto index nut. The manual says if you raise the ram half wayup, and try to bring it back down it strips out the plastic nut.
I have to say again sir...thank you.
Its funny every time I look for something you got a vid on it. Im thinking of getting this press.
I wish you would show how to set up the dies for 9mm and powder instead of pushing through it. Keep in mind some of us are beginners and need to go through all of it. Can u help me out, thnk u
If I get one of these presses, I will not only re-watch your vid, but fabricate the gear myself! thanks for posting!
I have a hornady Lock n Load progressive. Works great. About 4 times less pulling the handle to get a round. After the first 5 pulls I get a round on each cycle. It's all steel and indexes great. I can also use it as a single stage press if desired for really small lots. I find myself now loading in 100 lots a lot more.
I find the RCBS rock chucker single stage is getting no use now.
Thanks for setting my mind at ease. After 5, at a buck apiece, plastic squares,. I took out the whole mess, and turned the head manually. Works great! Also, invest in the powder drop uprade. Much better.
This 4 hole Turret Press is built pretty durable for the price. With that said for whatever reason it gets stuck halfway advancing and you unknowingly use your weight on the lever, something has to give. Would you rather bend or break the frame, trying to press a bullet in. That's off center from the die.or break a cheap little plastic guide bushing? I just despise all the different size brochures that came with each piece. Couldn't they have at least made one common size page, so it could be added to a binder?
Right on, w/ regard to the plastic bushing. Don’t short stroke the handle, problem eliminated. If something DOES bind, don’t force that lever- figure out what’s causing the binding!
Thanks a ton for the video! I am going to start reloading for the first time ever and was really looking hard at this press. I don't think I care too much for the priming system, and seeing you operate it, it does look a little fiddly. While it will slow me down, I will likely use a RCBS auto prime separately along with primer pocket cleaning routine.
Just got a Lee Classic yesterday. I like it.
good after action reveiw. appreciate you ERIC for your time
Extremely happy with your instruction!! Very good information for a newbie like myself. Thank you!
Lee volume measures almost always throw light... Especially with Unique. Same with their dippers and shotgun Load-All bushings. I wind up getting out a scale and creating my own chart for them. But, once you figure out how much each measure actually throws, they are pretty consistent.
So you are dumping the primers into the RCBS primer flipper first because the square primer tray packaging doesn't fit in the circular Lee thingy?
Great video man!!! Nice clean bench, good processes. One question, are you concerned with the cleanliness of the primer pocket since you are de-priming and priming all in one operation?
I think this is going to be my Christmas present to myself
If you have W-D 40 put it on the indexer it will lats a long time.
my guess. it was made that way for the same reason machines use keyways. so u break something cheap instead of have something bad happen
I have the exact same set up and I can assure you it hits the primer even with the extension tube..
Lee should pay you commision. Your video made me want this one. So, i'm ordering one tonight
Why bother to futz with the primers flipping back and forth when no matter how they end up, just shaking the tray will flip them right side up?
Nice vid. I had to shim my powder thru die for my 45 Colt in order to get it to flare the mouth. Not sure what the deal was there but she's not a powder thru anymore. It's the only Lee Die I've ever had an issue with.
What did Lee say, when you contacted them with your concerns?
thanks for taking the time making vids for us and just a thaught for ya as you use allot of diff rounds try using a drill head you can install it on your press and use it to pull allot of diff cal. I made 1 for my press never buy another fitting .tryt it youl like it
just gota turn it until it grapples the projectile and best of all it doesn't wreck bullets.
anyway just wanted to give something back to ya. thanks again and merry x mass.
Well done, learned a lot and appreciate the recommendation to buy the riser, that would have been overlooked by me if not for this video. Thanks.
What about the brass length after sizing? Don't you check to see if it's to long? I have only been loading on a single stage press and check every piece of brass after resizing. It's long and needs trimmed.
Appreciate the honest review. Thank you.
Well demonstrated.!! Thanks
The plastic auto-indexer will wear really quickly if you don't complete full cycles on your press. I blew one out like you and then read a "don't do this" etc. So do all the way up and down and you won't blow the plastic inserts out. If it was made out of metal it would break more expensive parts than the... $1 (i think) inserts.
I’m new to the idea of doing my own reloads. How is ur Lee press doing , since U’ve had it and is this something that I as a newcomer should consider to start with?
Pet cat has a look at things at 14:52
How sweet!!!
Great video. I'm convinced. I'm getting a Lee Classic Turret.
I removed the auto indexing mechanism as well. I could never get it to index well and the little plastic piece wore out very quickly. I also have the pro auto disk, but have never use it because I could never get a consistent charge. The auto prime system is one of the best priming systems on the market. Great video!
Thank you for letting me know about that riser! It was so annoying to have to take the resizer and bullet seater die out to get that stupid disk measure in the expander die.
ERRIC, CAN YOU DO A BULLET MAKING VIDEO,... HOW TO MIX THE LEAD~ CAST THE BULLETS~ MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW TO ATTACH THE GAS CHECKS~ AND WHERE TO BUY THE GAS CHECKS, FOR THE 30/30 CARTRIDGE, USING LEE PROUDUCTS!
They all take a little tweaking just goes with reloading grate video good job thanks
The plastic clamp that actuates the autoindexer also broke on my press after a couple hundred rounds.
Great video, I learned a few things - thanks
It's made of plastic so there is a give point that is not damaging the main components
Exactly, better to jack a little plastic boss than exert 20,000 lbs of energy decapping a 1/2" wrench you left on the shell holder. Feel me?
@IKEFOOTBALL77 It is a great press for a beginner. If you buy a single stage press, you'll soon outgrow it especially if you are primarily loading pistol ammo. I'd make 2 substitutions though. Most importantly I'd get another powder dispenser. The Lee powder measures are simply too fussy to set up and difficult to adjust. I use a Hornady Lock N Load powder measure. RCBS makes a great one too. Secondly I'd invest in an electronic scale. It is much faster and easier to use.
With the priming, can you just place the primer into the hole one by one instead using the primer dropper or whatever you wanna call it? I'm kinda new to this and i'm looking for the best for a decent price, and you seem to know your shit.
I'm new to reloading and have the 3 turret press (still reading before i try). What might you use the 4th hole for? Crimp die maybe? Or is that only needed if reloading rifle ammo?
Thanks again! I just ordered that riser.
They make other feeders for rifle. For me I don't worry to much with pistols for target loads but for my rifles I scale each load.
You made an excellent point!
Great video. I'm going to order one of these presses in a kit that includes the things you were using and I will use this video as reference!
So do you use this only for handgun ammo? Rifle ammunition is better suited for a single press?
After i watched this vid, I purchased the kit.Trying at present to set up for 38 special. The shell doesn't go up far enough to full activate the pro powder measure. If I run the expander die in further it flares the case. What do you suggest? Thanks for all your videos, they are a great help.
Lee classic turret press kit very helpfull
Can you shot safe in mannlicher m95 mosin 7,62x54 ammo without modifying them to 8x54
every time i watch a reloading vid it makes me want to get into the whole thing. great vid, would this be a good set up for starters?
Did you add a second Spacer for your powder... ? Do you have Small Primers on one loader and Large Primers on the second loader ? Thank you for the video ! tjl
10 years old, but can anyone tell me when on the downward priming stroke, can you "feel" the primer fully seat like you can on the Lee single stage?
Very nice and very helpful. I have had my eye on this press and with your OK, it will be a done deal. If you change the turret out for a different caliber, will the dies hold all there settings when you go back to that turret ?
they should keep the settings just need to check the first few then spot check.
I prefer the 4 hole over the 3, I like a LFCD in the last stage for jacketed bullets.
How much does it cost you to make 50 rounds versus buying 50 rounds at the store (comparable bullet weight and performance)?
Very good video, thanks.
This may be a dumb question but what is the difference between a Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press and a Lee 4 Hole Turret Press? Is it the same thing just some people leave out the word Classic or are they 2 complete different models? If so which is better?
Eric, I plan on buying a progressive press in the next two weeks. I've looked at all the manufactures' offerings and I've decided to either buy an RCBS or Dillon press. Lee is just cheap & bad, IMHO.
Out of RCBS and Dillon, which of the two manufacturers would you recommend?