turret press opinions

sneakboxer · Jun 10, 2011

I have found out that i love to handload and my lee hand press might be a tad slow. (the lee hand press served me well)I was looking for a single stage bench press when the turret presses caught my eye. I intend to load for 40, 9mm, 357, 308 and 223. I like the idea of setting up a few turrets and leaving my dies alone. A progressive press is out of my price range and too fast for my liking at this time. Lymam, RCBS and Redding look like the real players in this field, with Redding being my top pick.
My loading goals would be accuracy, repeatability, and lastly speed.
So what is the good, the bad and the ugly?
Does the turret head rock and cause issues over time?
Or would a lock and load single stage press serve me better?
Thanks for the help i value your input,

44fanatic · Jun 10, 2011

I have a Lee Turret press and it has been reliable as long as I take care of it. There is a square plastic ratchet that will wear out quickly if you force it or short stroke it. Cheap replacement if you do wear it out (buy directly from Lee, cheaper than other sources).

40,and 9mm I would imagine that you are not so much concerned about the accuracy as the 357, 308 and 223. Great thing about the Lee is that you can load fast or you can take out the spindle and load slower for accuracy. Cant speak for other presses as I am not familiar with them.

I have loaded over 5000 (not many) rounds with my Lee and have had no problems (other than the ratchet). Easy to switch calibers, just confirm the settings after I switch turrets. I have the Auto Disk Powder measure (updated with Swivel Adapter, riser, and adjustable charge bar) on my 9mm and 30car setup. Easier to make powder adjustments than the disks and gets the powder measure up above the dies.

For 44 mag and rifle, the dies are in a turret but I use the Lee Perfect Powder measure. Probably wont do for benchrest shooting, but good enough for deer hunting.

Hillbilly Hunter · Jun 10, 2011

I have the same press, and I love it. I need to order more turrets though. I love not having to set my dies up every time.

AllOutdoors · Jun 10, 2011

I love my Lyman turret press.I got the reloading kit with the digital scale. It is a great kit with wonderful customer service.

TiminTN · Jun 11, 2011

Redding would be my 1st choice as well. Built like a tank. There are 3 of them at Avery Outdoors as we speak. The Redding dies are the same way, plain awesome. I do hear great things about the Dillon dies although I never used any. They have unique features that are very helpful. Those are there as well.

sneakboxer · Jun 11, 2011

Thanks for the help, decisions, decisions... I'm on the road so i have some time to think about it. The redding is still in the lead but the Lee's semi' progressive function adds a new element.
I guess its a good thing i'll be on the road for a wile, ie 2400mi.