Excellent explanation between the differences between a progressive and turret press. The auto index feature on your turret press is a really nice addition. (As for saving money reloading... The only time I've ever "saved" money reloading was when I purchased a bunch of components, put them in storage, forgot about them for 20 years, found said components and couldn't believe how low the sticker prices were compared to now.)
That’s funny … you’re right about components. I recently discovered about 5,000 primers I bought about 35 years ago and had forgotten about them hiding in the back of a shelf. Like finding gold! Roy
Thanks for reviewing this press. I started hand loading over 25 years ago and have to say I don't consider if I'm saving money, it's more of a joy, therapeutic even.
I’ve been using a Lee hand press, and loaded around 80k rounds thus far. It’s super portable and takes up very little space. The turret press does look nice. Lee makes great products, and their customer service is excellent.
Good honest review I enjoy reloading . Some calibers I save money. And some calibers I wouldnt be able shoot unless I did reload. I know people that have older caliber rifles and cant find ammo. When you make quality ammo and love doing it very much worth it.
Nice explanation and demonstration Roy. I like you, have been using a single stage press for everything for over 45 years and have always been hesitant to go to a progressive press for pistol ammo. This press looks like a great option, I might have to look into it! Thanks for the video!
You bet Jeff. I think you’ll like the speed. Once you get it dialed in (just get each station/die organized in order), then it can go fast. Rather than using the bullet feed, I’ve found it’s easy to just put a bullet in the case by hand, especially if you’re not loading a lot. Roy
That's a slick machine. When I started reloading about 40 years ago, I bought a Lyman turret press, and still use it. Works like a single stage but since it holds 6 dies, you can set up your dies and not have to change them as you go through the different stages of reloading, just turn the turret to the next die when you have all your cases ready. Not nearly as fast as this machine, as you still have to go through each stage manually, but a lot quicker than a single stage with all the die changes.
I was loading on the hornedy lock and load. Great press. Graduated to the lee value turret. I love this press. The bullet feeder would be nice but I think you need the ultimate with the 5th hole. Anyway happy loading.
I’ve been using a Rockchucker and a Lee hand press for almost 40 years. The Dillon 550C has my attention, but I will still load my hunting ammo single stage. I usually only load 20 to 60 rounds at a time. Pistol ammo would be nice on a progressive loader.
I run a couple of Dillon presses and they work great for almost everything. Every pull of the handle generates a completed round. I load rifle and about five different pistol calibers on the 550. I have an old 650 dedicated to 9mm, and it is like having an ammo factory in my garage. I can make 500 rounds an hour with a cup of coffee in one hand.
I have both Lee single stage and turret presses. My turret has a four die tool head. I found that it works better for me to prime cases by hand because the automatic prime mechanism has never worked that well. I also find in wise to visually inspect the powder level in every cartridge before bullet seating. I removed the piece that rotates the tool head because it never seemed perfectly timed. Perhaps I am just klutzy, but I do these few things by hand because on my press I haven't been able to adjust the machine so it works as advertised. It is still easier than a single stage, although it still takes 4 pulls on the handle to make one cartridge.
I agree I think the attraction of this set-up is the fact you don’t need to change dies all the time. I also found if you are consistent with the lever you can keep things lined up during the progress of the movement of the cases. I also confess I mostly reload because I enjoy it! Roy
I started with a C single stage press in 58 ! I spent some time in a shop with a custom handloader , he loaded rifle , shotgun and handgun all using 3 separate turret presses ! I asked him about the turret press , Hollywood Senior Turret 8 station and he had a 4 box order for .357 mag at the time ! He had .357 4 die set and .44 spl or .44 mag dies set up in one plate , so he said move your stool in front and load me a box ! I want you to try the press first ! Neat , size die, flare die , bullet seat die and crimp die was the final die ! I’m really liking this idea , the dies are all adjusted and in the turret plate ( he always kept a rubber band on the bullet seat die as he loaded different bullets for customer ) When I finished box 1 he asked me what I thought of the operation! I like it a lot ! So he asked me do you want me to order you a Hollywood turret press ? Yes , and that was 1962 and I’ve used it ever since ! In 2008 I added a RCBS A-5, it’s 4 station which accepts one 4 die set ! I leave it set up with .38/357 dies in it ready to go !
A gunsmith also I hung out in his shop a couple nights a week and he had two Hollywood single stage presses which I used off and on ! One was set up for swaging handgun bullets , kinda neat and back then in the 60’s I thought ! It certainly had the linkage to do it !
I have been using my Lee three stage turret press since back in the '80s and its still going. Haha. It is not auto indexed turret reloading though like you have. Yes the auto index turret is faster but I still prefer my old three stage and using a loading block to check my cases and charges for safety. Call me paranoid but I know enough over the years to know that none of the powder measures are consistent no matter how much is in the hopper. They just don't throw consistently especially when the hopper is low. That is why I am over cautious on even my auto disk powder measure and perfect powder measure when I use them and check every third to fifth charge on my powder scales. I just got finished loading 100 rounds of .38Spl. Probably the same as yours. 158gr. SWC target loads. Haha. I loaded each of their powder charges by hand on the scales this time although I usually do use my auto disk for pistol ammo if I am loading a whole lot at one time. My turret press has loaded all kinds of ammo. .45ACP, 9mm, .25-06, .222, .223, .22-250, .30 Carbine, and .38Spl. I prefer my old three stage turret over a auto index turret and over a progressive for safety sake. However I know that charges can still be checked on auto index and progressives in between stages. But with the loading block I can check my charges twice to make sure charges are consistent, on the scales first and second visually on the loading block. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for this non reloading question. Roy, how do you eat nice,buttery corn on the cob? That sir, is a really nice mustache. I wish I could grow mine like that!
“Very carefully …” Just kidding, I just go for it then clean up later! I’ve had this stache for 50+ years and my wife forbids me to ever shave it off. Roy
@fmgpubs My beard comes and goes with the seasons, but I haven't shaved my upper lip since I was 17! I just couldn't imagine not having a mustache! You've got a good wife there! Rat
Great video as always Roy. I've been reloading numerous calibers for decades. I'm like you, the .38 Special is probably my favorite round to reloading and shoot. But unlike you, I switched from a single stage press to a progressive press many, many, many years ago. I guess I'm only half caveman.
Better to be half caveman than full caveman, I think. I really enjoy this new press but will keep my single stage for rifle work and limited runs of handgun calibers. Roy
@flaco5581 Smart man. I still use my old three stage turret with loading blocks so I can check my case powder charges visually. I have never seen yet a powder measure that throws consistent charges and I have an auto disk and a perfect powder measure. They really start to throw low charges when the hopper gets low and a charge that is too low is just as bad if not worse than a double charge. Check every third to fifth powder charge for the proper charge on your powder scales when using a powder measure.
Just curious am I the only one that always wants to say Turrent press? Anyway I bought one of these a month or so ago, it works well. To save on my back I also got a mounting bracket from Inline fabrication, they have 4-9 inch ones available, I see you could use at least the 4 inch one, I have the 7 inch one coming today.
I have done almost all of my reloading on a Lee Pro 1000. Yeah, just about the cheapest way to get into progressive reloading. My neighbor 'loaned' me an extra single stage press - an old RCBS Junior, I think, that I use for a lot of things but most of the time there's a Lee universal deprimer die in it.. The idea of a turret press is interesting, though.
I would like to get one but I prefer to prime my cartridge's off the press. I have a C press like you show and a Challenger press. I do NOT like the aluminum breech locks. I prefer the steel ones.
I doubted about the aluminum blocks too but they don’t wear since the don’t move. Insert, twist and they’re locked. I used to use a hand press to prime rounds when using my single stage so I understand you liking that. Roy
I wonder if Dillon will give you half off their newer version when you upgrade? Like Lee just did for me, I have a old style Turret, similar to the classic, but not, I just had to prove to Lee that I have it and they sent me the new Ultimate Turret for 50% off, I get to keep the old one too! Plus when I email them I get a personalized reply back usually the same working day, or next for sure.
Hi Roy. I staggered into this video, but am now subscribed. I like your style. I’ve been casting and reloading for several decades now, and have been through all the progressions. I have been working with the Ultimate turret for a couple of months now. While it does have some innovative useful features, frankly I’m about done with this one. Mine is fraught with problems related to the turret refusing to advance properly, the case kicker misses the bin frequently and the priming system doesn’t work for me. I have Dillon, RCBS and Redding gear as well, but use lots of Lee stuff. I really favor the simpler and more reliable 4-hole “Classic Turret” press. Anyway, this was a good demo video, I just don’t think the UTP is quite “ready for prime time” as they say. Best regards - Viejo 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸
Excellent explanation between the differences between a progressive and turret press. The auto index feature on your turret press is a really nice addition. (As for saving money reloading... The only time I've ever "saved" money reloading was when I purchased a bunch of components, put them in storage, forgot about them for 20 years, found said components and couldn't believe how low the sticker prices were compared to now.)
That’s funny … you’re right about components. I recently discovered about 5,000 primers I bought about 35 years ago and had forgotten about them hiding in the back of a shelf. Like finding gold! Roy
Thanks for reviewing this press. I started hand loading over 25 years ago and have to say I don't consider if I'm saving money, it's more of a joy, therapeutic even.
Perfect timing! For nearly 50 years, I've used single stage presses. Recently have been looking into one of these from Lee.
You can’t go wrong Jim! Roy
I’ve been using a Lee hand press, and loaded around 80k rounds thus far. It’s super portable and takes up very little space.
The turret press does look nice.
Lee makes great products, and their customer service is excellent.
I really like the hand presses, and you’re right about Lee’s customer service! Roy
I really love my Lee 6 pack, progressive press. I prime my cases ahead of time in a ACP press.
Thats a good way to manage priming, for sure. Roy
Good honest review I enjoy reloading . Some calibers I save money. And some calibers I wouldnt be able shoot unless I did reload. I know people that have older caliber rifles and cant find ammo. When you make quality ammo and love doing it very much worth it.
Agreed. It’s great fun to drum-up some loads for an old timer to get it barking again! Roy
Nice explanation and demonstration Roy. I like you, have been using a single stage press for everything for over 45 years and have always been hesitant to go to a progressive press for pistol ammo. This press looks like a great option, I might have to look into it! Thanks for the video!
You bet Jeff. I think you’ll like the speed. Once you get it dialed in (just get each station/die organized in order), then it can go fast. Rather than using the bullet feed, I’ve found it’s easy to just put a bullet in the case by hand, especially if you’re not loading a lot. Roy
@@fmgpubs Thanks Roy!
That's a slick machine. When I started reloading about 40 years ago, I bought a Lyman turret press, and still use it. Works like a single stage but since it holds 6 dies, you can set up your dies and not have to change them as you go through the different stages of reloading, just turn the turret to the next die when you have all your cases ready. Not nearly as fast as this machine, as you still have to go through each stage manually, but a lot quicker than a single stage with all the die changes.
Agreed completely. I like the control of doing one case at a time. Roy
I was loading on the hornedy lock and load. Great press. Graduated to the lee value turret. I love this press. The bullet feeder would be nice but I think you need the ultimate with the 5th hole. Anyway happy loading.
I’ve been using a Rockchucker and a Lee hand press for almost 40 years. The Dillon 550C has my attention, but I will still load my hunting ammo single stage. I usually only load 20 to 60 rounds at a time. Pistol ammo would be nice on a progressive loader.
I run a couple of Dillon presses and they work great for almost everything. Every pull of the handle generates a completed round. I load rifle and about five different pistol calibers on the 550. I have an old 650 dedicated to 9mm, and it is like having an ammo factory in my garage. I can make 500 rounds an hour with a cup of coffee in one hand.
@@Rusty_ok It is amazing to watch those loaded rounds drop into the box! Roy
i’ve used a lee load-all, a lee hand press & a lee progressive press. all worked great
I have a good cross section of the old Lee Load Alls and still use ‘em at times too. Roy
I have both Lee single stage and turret presses. My turret has a four die tool head. I found that it works better for me to prime cases by hand because the automatic prime mechanism has never worked that well. I also find in wise to visually inspect the powder level in every cartridge before bullet seating. I removed the piece that rotates the tool head because it never seemed perfectly timed. Perhaps I am just klutzy, but I do these few things by hand because on my press I haven't been able to adjust the machine so it works as advertised. It is still easier than a single stage, although it still takes 4 pulls on the handle to make one cartridge.
I agree I think the attraction of this set-up is the fact you don’t need to change dies all the time. I also found if you are consistent with the lever you can keep things lined up during the progress of the movement of the cases. I also confess I mostly reload because I enjoy it! Roy
I use a Redding T7 turret press with a Creedmoor Sports stainless steel turret head. Rotates like its on ball bearings, Love your magazines Roy.
Thanks Bob, I appreciate your kind words! Roy
I started with a C single stage press in 58 !
I spent some time in a shop with a custom handloader , he loaded rifle , shotgun and handgun all using 3 separate turret presses !
I asked him about the turret press , Hollywood Senior Turret 8 station and he had a 4 box order for .357 mag at the time !
He had .357 4 die set and .44 spl or .44 mag dies set up in one plate , so he said move your stool in front and load me a box ! I want you to try the press first !
Neat , size die, flare die , bullet seat die and crimp die was the final die ! I’m really liking this idea , the dies are all adjusted and in the turret plate ( he always kept a rubber band on the bullet seat die as he loaded different bullets for customer )
When I finished box 1 he asked me what I thought of the operation! I like it a lot !
So he asked me do you want me to order you a Hollywood turret press ? Yes , and that was 1962 and I’ve used it ever since !
In 2008 I added a RCBS A-5, it’s 4 station which accepts one 4 die set ! I leave it set up with .38/357 dies in it ready to go !
Hollywoods were/are the best! I remember them well in the old days. Roy
A gunsmith also I hung out in his shop a couple nights a week and he had two Hollywood single stage presses which I used off and on ! One was set up for swaging handgun bullets , kinda neat and back then in the 60’s I thought ! It certainly had the linkage to do it !
@@normanmallory2055 They were quite the monster of design! Roy
I have been using my Lee three stage turret press since back in the '80s and its still going. Haha. It is not auto indexed turret reloading though like you have. Yes the auto index turret is faster but I still prefer my old three stage and using a loading block to check my cases and charges for safety. Call me paranoid but I know enough over the years to know that none of the powder measures are consistent no matter how much is in the hopper. They just don't throw consistently especially when the hopper is low. That is why I am over cautious on even my auto disk powder measure and perfect powder measure when I use them and check every third to fifth charge on my powder scales. I just got finished loading 100 rounds of .38Spl. Probably the same as yours. 158gr. SWC target loads. Haha. I loaded each of their powder charges by hand on the scales this time although I usually do use my auto disk for pistol ammo if I am loading a whole lot at one time. My turret press has loaded all kinds of ammo. .45ACP, 9mm, .25-06, .222, .223, .22-250, .30 Carbine, and .38Spl. I prefer my old three stage turret over a auto index turret and over a progressive for safety sake. However I know that charges can still be checked on auto index and progressives in between stages. But with the loading block I can check my charges twice to make sure charges are consistent, on the scales first and second visually on the loading block. Thanks for sharing.
I confess I always take a second to look into the case after I drop the powder, just to make sure. Roy
I managed to start reloading on a turret press roy!
I’m a convert for sure now! Roy
Great informative video by the way. Keep them coming.
Will do Gordon. Thanks for your kind words. Roy
Sorry for this non reloading question. Roy, how do you eat nice,buttery corn on the cob? That sir, is a really nice mustache. I wish I could grow mine like that!
“Very carefully …” Just kidding, I just go for it then clean up later! I’ve had this stache for 50+ years and my wife forbids me to ever shave it off. Roy
@fmgpubs My beard comes and goes with the seasons, but I haven't shaved my upper lip since I was 17! I just couldn't imagine not having a mustache!
You've got a good wife there!
Rat
Great video as always Roy. I've been reloading numerous calibers for decades. I'm like you, the .38 Special is probably my favorite round to reloading and shoot. But unlike you, I switched from a single stage press to a progressive press many, many, many years ago. I guess I'm only half caveman.
Better to be half caveman than full caveman, I think. I really enjoy this new press but will keep my single stage for rifle work and limited runs of handgun calibers. Roy
Nice! I do get nervous when thinking about progressive. I blew out a barrel on a nice model 19 once because I didn't have enough powder in one case.
@flaco5581 Smart man. I still use my old three stage turret with loading blocks so I can check my case powder charges visually. I have never seen yet a powder measure that throws consistent charges and I have an auto disk and a perfect powder measure. They really start to throw low charges when the hopper gets low and a charge that is too low is just as bad if not worse than a double charge. Check every third to fifth powder charge for the proper charge on your powder scales when using a powder measure.
@@rbm6184 I tend to take a quick peek into the case after powder charging and before it rotates to the next station. Just to make sure. Roy
Enjoyed your video.
Thanks Leland! Roy
Thanks
You’re welcome, JC. Roy
Just curious am I the only one that always wants to say Turrent press? Anyway I bought one of these a month or so ago, it works well. To save on my back I also got a mounting bracket from Inline fabrication, they have 4-9 inch ones available, I see you could use at least the 4 inch one, I have the 7 inch one coming today.
Agreed on it being a bit higher. I'll likely do that later. But I'm taking them on and off the bench right now as I swap around. Roy
I have done almost all of my reloading on a Lee Pro 1000. Yeah, just about the cheapest way to get into progressive reloading. My neighbor 'loaned' me an extra single stage press - an old RCBS Junior, I think, that I use for a lot of things but most of the time there's a Lee universal deprimer die in it.. The idea of a turret press is interesting, though.
I really like it. Just think of it as having four or five single stage presses in a row! But easier. Roy
Great video, very informative. I think I am going to claim you as my father!
I'm honored sir! Roy
I would like to get one but I prefer to prime my cartridge's off the press. I have a C press like you show and a Challenger press. I do NOT like the aluminum breech locks. I prefer the steel ones.
I doubted about the aluminum blocks too but they don’t wear since the don’t move. Insert, twist and they’re locked. I used to use a hand press to prime rounds when using my single stage so I understand you liking that. Roy
I have an ultimate too, having issues with the primer seating depth on 300blk..... have you seen this yet?
I don’t load that one, but I haven’t had any issues. Are you using enough force when you seat the primer? Are the pockets dirty maybe? Roy
How do you feel about the goofy piece of plastic that the priming arm contacts? Seems like a wear issue.
So far mine has been fine, but they are cheap so buying an extra one or two would be easy. Roy
This item must be a brand new press. It's not in their 2023 catalog. Not sure if the kicker is needed after a full rotation.
Dillon Precision. Nuff said.
Not everyone can afford a Dillon, so the Lee is a nice alternative for them. Roy
I wonder if Dillon will give you half off their newer version when you upgrade? Like Lee just did for me, I have a old style Turret, similar to the classic, but not, I just had to prove to Lee that I have it and they sent me the new Ultimate Turret for 50% off, I get to keep the old one too! Plus when I email them I get a personalized reply back usually the same working day, or next for sure.
@@keganje It's why I enjoy the Lee family. They are real people and love their customers. And they make very affordable, excellent gear. Roy
@@keganje I modified my 450 to be a 550 by buying a new frame. I made the primer device and bought a new powder measure.
Now thats an interesting deal!@@keganje
Dillon Square Deal B is a few notch above the Lee UTP.
King of an apples and oranges thing, but there’s nothing wrong with a Dillon for sure. Roy
Is there a way to keep the turret from advancing to the next stage if you’re trying to dial in a setting?
Manual says STP under the tool holder
@@warzonegaming5985 I don’t know what that means.
It should work like their other turret presses. You just don't stroke the handle all the way when setting each die. Or, remove the spindle.
Yes. There is a rod that advances the turret. That rod is quickly and easily removed out the top of the turret. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸
Hi Roy. I staggered into this video, but am now subscribed. I like your style. I’ve been casting and reloading for several decades now, and have been through all the progressions. I have been working with the Ultimate turret for a couple of months now. While it does have some innovative useful features, frankly I’m about done with this one. Mine is fraught with problems related to the turret refusing to advance properly, the case kicker misses the bin frequently and the priming system doesn’t work for me. I have Dillon, RCBS and Redding gear as well, but use lots of Lee stuff. I really favor the simpler and more reliable 4-hole “Classic Turret” press. Anyway, this was a good demo video, I just don’t think the UTP is quite “ready for prime time” as they say. Best regards - Viejo 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸