Should I buy a press kit or individual pieces?

[Hozzie]

How does the WTF determine proper length? Does it have a stop in it?

 

There are two set screws that let the housing which the case head indexes on to slide in and out.  Once you get it to the depth you want, you just tighten the set screws.  It's pretty simple and has worked well for me.

 

As for the Lee equipment, I don't have a problem per se with the classic cast press, but I really don't like most of their accessories.  I actually don't care for their dies because I don't like the fact that their seating dies don't give you the ability to lock in the seating depth.  I have some, but they aren't my first choice.  Too each is own, they will certainly work.  I also always add a lock ring too them so I just end up ordering Hornady, RCBS, or Redding dies to start with.   I will personally take a RockChucker any day over the Lee (and yes I have used both), but again to each his own.  They will all work for what most people want to do.  I actually use a Lyman Crusher II as my regular single stage, Forster CO-AX for precision things, and a LNL AP for progressive.  They all do their job quite well.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Hozzie

[maroonandwhite]

I'm gonna go to Bass Pro tonight and see if I can put my hands on the press. I am leaning still towards the RCBS. If for not other reason than I like green better than red... 

 

I have been kicking around a turret press in the back of my head though. They do look a little more efficient.

[mikegideon]

I'm gonna go to Bass Pro tonight and see if I can put my hands on the press. I am leaning still towards the RCBS. If for not other reason than I like green better than red... 

 

I have been kicking around a turret press in the back of my head though. They do look a little more efficient.

 

I would lean heavily toward Lee on a turret because theirs auto indexes. Just be aware that they make two. This is the good 'un.   http://leeprecision.com/4-hole-classic-turret-press.html

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDfOO2j0zYI

[maroonandwhite]

I would lean heavily toward Lee on a turret because theirs auto indexes. Just be aware that they make two. This is the good 'un.   http://leeprecision.com/4-hole-classic-turret-press.html

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDfOO2j0zYI

Lee is sneaky with the two different turret models. The linkage looks alot cheaper on that value model. This kit linked below seems to be the good one.

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-deluxe-kit

 

I have to say after watching that video and others I am leaning towards the classic turret. I can get in it way cheaper than the rock chucker and will leave extra cash for dies and manuals and such. Down the road I'll get another turret and set of dies for 9mm. Ole Larry isn't going crazy with shipping on me anymore either.

[mikegideon]

Lee is sneaky with the two different turret models. The linkage looks alot cheaper on that value model. This kit linked below seems to be the good one.

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-deluxe-kit

 

I have to say after watching that video and others I am leaning towards the classic turret. I can get in it way cheaper than the rock chucker and will leave extra cash for dies and manuals and such. Down the road I'll get another turret and set of dies for 9mm. Ole Larry isn't going crazy with shipping on me anymore either.

 

 

A friend of mine bought the cheaper 4 holer and it worked ok. It's just not as hefty. I don't think it's as tall either. I can vouch for the classic. I have run way over 1000 rounds thru it.

[Omega]

Lee is sneaky with the two different turret models. The linkage looks alot cheaper on that value model. This kit linked below seems to be the good one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-deluxe-kit

I have to say after watching that video and others I am leaning towards the classic turret. I can get in it way cheaper than the rock chucker and will leave extra cash for dies and manuals and such. Down the road I'll get another turret and set of dies for 9mm. Ole Larry isn't going crazy with shipping on me anymore either.

Well...I think I can add a third, maybe. After looking at the vid, it looks and acts differently than mine. Here is my old workhorse:

A friend of mine bought the cheaper 4 holer and it worked ok. It's just not as hefty. I don't think it's as tall either. I can vouch for the classic. I have run way over 1000 rounds thru it.

Like it shows, mine is a three hole but maybe a classic too, just can't tell. They sell a four hole conversion but I have mostly 3 die sets so not looking to give myself the excuse to buy the missing 4th die and all new 4-hole turrets on all my sets. Edited December 3, 2014 by Omega

[deafdogdief]

This is a great thread!

[mikegideon]

Well...I think I can add a third, maybe. After looking at the vid, it looks and acts differently than mine. Here is my old workhorse:

Like it shows, mine is a three hole but maybe a classic too, just can't tell. They sell a four hole conversion but I have mostly 3 die sets so not looking to give myself the excuse to buy the missing 4th die and all new 4-hole turrets on all my sets.

 

Yours is the aluminum base. The Classic has a cast iron base. Kinda goes along with their single stage designs. I don't know if they ever made a 3 hole version of the classic. You really need four holes if your are going to do everything, including powder charge, on the press. The autodisk pro powder drop really speeds things up.

Edited December 3, 2014 by mikegideon

[Omega]

Yours is the aluminum base. The Classic has a cast iron base. Kinda goes along with their single stage designs. I don't know if the ever made a 3 hole version of the classic. You really need four holes if your are going to do everything, including powder charge, on the press. The autodisk pro powder drop really speeds things up.

Makes sense, this is an 80s model. I do have the powder measure, and it mounts on all my 3 die sets, its the FCD that is missing. But I mount it on my single stage for rifle rounds that I have one for. I get real good accuracy and performance out of all my pistol rounds without the FCD so probably ain't going to get one for those.

[mikegideon]

Makes sense, this is an 80s model. I do have the powder measure, and it mounts on all my 3 die sets, its the FCD that is missing. But I mount it on my single stage for rifle rounds that I have one for. I get real good accuracy and performance out of all my pistol rounds without the FCD so probably ain't going to get one for those.

 

I think they have perfected a few new things since the 80's. I really can't justify going to a progressive, as fast as the 4 hole turret is.

 

If you don't get bullet setback, there's probably no need to use the FCD. Also, some 45's (only pistol I reload so far) will go into the case a little crooked. The sizing ring in the FCD helps straighten them out. 

[maroonandwhite]

Another question. Lee recommends a rifle charging die with the turret kit. Will this be needed or will the standard die set be sufficient?

 

Never mind. Figured that out too. The kit comes with all the goodies and spacer needed for powder charging.

 

I picked up my dies from Bass Pro as everyone seemed to be out online and just bought the Lee Classic Turret online. I'll be getting the rest of my goodies around Christmas. Have to pick out a brass cleaner now and a few other items.

 

Thanks for all the advice so far.

Edited December 3, 2014 by maroonandwhite

[Omega]

Another question. Lee recommends a rifle charging die with the turret kit. Will this be needed or will the standard die set be sufficient?
 
Never mind. Figured that out too. The kit comes with all the goodies and spacer needed for powder charging.
 
I picked up my dies from Bass Pro as everyone seemed to be out online and just bought the Lee Classic Turret online. I'll be getting the rest of my goodies around Christmas. Have to pick out a brass cleaner now and a few other items.
 
Thanks for all the advice so far.

Just go to Harbor freight, much cheaper and almost as good. I have their 5lb brass tumbler and it works great. They also have a wet rotary tumbler if you decide to go with ss pins.

[mikegideon]

You won't be sorry for buying that press. You can buy extra plates and storage boxes so you can leave your dies installed and set up. Then, a caliber change is just swapping the plate and resetting the power charge.

[Patton]

You mentioned about not thinking that you need the 4 die set for the 9mm. I get by without one but I really wish that I had one.

[maroonandwhite]

You mentioned about not thinking that you need the 4 die set for the 9mm. I get by without one but I really wish that I had one.

Yeah I am definitely going to get the deluxe set for the 9mm. Having never used a press before I was a little lost at first but I think I have it mostly figured out now. Bass Pro didn't have the 4 piece sets so I am going to have to look locally or order online. The rifle die set I ordered does not come with the powder charging die so I believe I will have to buy that separately. The deluxe pistol set does come with that. I'll get it all figured out though once I get it in and play with it.

[maroonandwhite]

Would you guys use lag screws or bolts for the front two bolts on this press? I believe the way it is going to fall will have me drilling a hole through the 3/4" MDF top ten through a 3.5" 2x4. I could drill that hole all the way out but do I need too? My small vice is installed with lag bolts but I guess I am not constantly pulling up and down on it. I will more than likely have to install a 2x4 backing plate underneath the MDF for the rear bolt.

[mikegideon]

Would you guys use lag screws or bolts for the front two bolts on this press? I believe the way it is going to fall will have me drilling a hole through the 3/4" MDF top ten through a 3.5" 2x4. I could drill that hole all the way out but do I need too? My small vice is installed with lag bolts but I guess I am not constantly pulling up and down on it. I will more than likely have to install a 2x4 backing plate underneath the MDF for the rear bolt.

 

Lags will work in the 2x4. I would make it a long one, and drill pilot holes so you don't split it.

[Omega]

Would you guys use lag screws or bolts for the front two bolts on this press? I believe the way it is going to fall will have me drilling a hole through the 3/4" MDF top ten through a 3.5" 2x4. I could drill that hole all the way out but do I need too? My small vice is installed with lag bolts but I guess I am not constantly pulling up and down on it. I will more than likely have to install a 2x4 backing plate underneath the MDF for the rear bolt.

If you have a choice, I would use bolts.  While Lags will work for a bit, MDF will sooner or later loosen up, specially with the humidity.  I would get you one of these: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/113651/lee-bench-plate-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding So if and when you want to get another single press or other reloading component you can rotate them in and out easily.  The extra holes will allow you to use lag screws and distribute the stress out better than the presses 4 holes.  

[BigK]

Another question. Lee recommends a rifle charging die with the turret kit. Will this be needed or will the standard die set be sufficient?

 

Never mind. Figured that out too. The kit comes with all the goodies and spacer needed for powder charging.

 

I picked up my dies from Bass Pro as everyone seemed to be out online and just bought the Lee Classic Turret online. I'll be getting the rest of my goodies around Christmas. Have to pick out a brass cleaner now and a few other items.

 

Thanks for all the advice so far.

 

I think you made a very wise decision. I reloaded my first several thousand rounds on the cheaper Lee 4-hole turret press. My only regret was not getting the classic. I still have it setup for 9mm Makarov ammo. It's been worth every penny.

 

 

If you haven't gotten a scale yet, I can't say enough good things about the Franford Arsenal Digital Scale]. I paid nearly $30 for it and consider that a steal, but at only $20 you really can't beat it. I've been using mine for about 5 years and haven't even needed new batteries yet. http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-205205-Arsenal-Reloading-Scale/dp/B002BDOHNA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1417642069&sr=8-6&keywords=frankford+arsenal 

Edited December 3, 2014 by BigK

[maroonandwhite]

I think you made a very wise decision. I reloaded my first several thousand rounds on the cheaper Lee 4-hole turret press. My only regret was not getting the classic. I still have it setup for 9mm Makarov ammo. It's been worth every penny.

 

 

If you haven't gotten a scale yet, I can't say enough good things about the Franford Arsenal Digital Scale]. I paid nearly $30 for it and consider that a steal, but at only $20 you really can't beat it. I've been using mine for about 5 years and haven't even needed new batteries yet. http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-205205-Arsenal-Reloading-Scale/dp/B002BDOHNA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1417642069&sr=8-6&keywords=frankford+arsenal 

Dang you can't beat that deal. I am worried about the quality of the Lee scale that comes with it so I will probably pick one of these up right off the bat.

[BigK]

Would you guys use lag screws or bolts for the front two bolts on this press? I believe the way it is going to fall will have me drilling a hole through the 3/4" MDF top ten through a 3.5" 2x4. I could drill that hole all the way out but do I need too? My small vice is installed with lag bolts but I guess I am not constantly pulling up and down on it. I will more than likely have to install a 2x4 backing plate underneath the MDF for the rear bolt.

 

I laid 3/4" MDF on my bench and used bolts to go thru the MDF and the wood of the bench with wide fender washers underneath. Has held up for years of pushing and pulling. Where the lag screws come in handy is anchoring some sturdy L-brackets to a couple of wall studs. You definitely don't want your bench/table to have any wobble in it when you work the press.

[BigK]

Dang you can't beat that deal. I am worried about the quality of the Lee scale that comes with it so I will probably pick one of these up right off the bat.

 

I am way too impatient for beam scales. I tried the Lee scale that came with my press and I tried an RCBS that I picked up used. The RCBS was a BIG step up in quality, but digital scales are the way to go, IMHO.

 

While you're on Amazon.com, check out their tumblers. I bought the one below and after 3 years, the tub finally cracked and I had to duct tape it together. That lasted another year, then I emailed the company to ask about buying a new tub. They sent me one for free...pretty darn cool of them, if you ask me.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Master-Tumbler-Kit/dp/B000TTILBC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417642972&sr=8-3&keywords=reloading+tumblers

Edited December 3, 2014 by BigK

[maroonandwhite]

I laid 3/4" MDF on my bench and used bolts to go thru the MDF and the wood of the bench with wide fender washers underneath. Has held up for years of pushing and pulling. Where the lag screws come in handy is anchoring some sturdy L-brackets to a couple of wall studs. You definitely don't want your bench/table to have any wobble in it when you work the press.

I doubt my table will move much but it might. Either way my garage foundation has one row of cinder block on the inside of the floor with a 2x6 or 8 on top of it so I can anchor the legs to that.

[mikegideon]

Dang you can't beat that deal. I am worried about the quality of the Lee scale that comes with it so I will probably pick one of these up right off the bat.

 

The Frankford scale is GREAT! Agrees with both of my RCBS scales.

[gregintenn]

Dang you can't beat that deal. I am worried about the quality of the Lee scale that comes with it so I will probably pick one of these up right off the bat.

I have the Lee scale, and Ohaus Beam scale, and one of the Frankford arsenal scales. All three are accurate enough for most reloading chores. I find myself using the Frankford Arsenal digital scale the most, because it's easy to set up and fast to use. Although cheaply made, the Lee scale is quite accurate and fairly easy to use. Sometimes I like to check one against the other just for my own piece of mind. That's where the balance beam scale comes in handy.

 

You can put the Frankford Arsenal scale in your shirt pocket and take it somewhere with you. It weighs in grains, grams, and ounces. You can use it for more than just reloading.

Edited December 3, 2014 by gregintenn