[mascott]

Ok guys what is your opinion on this press. I've been using a rcbs single stage for years and thinking of going progressive. Please,I know about Dillon, I just can't afford it right now, but from what I've seen and read the lee gets good remarks.I like the idea of the pro auto-disk powder throw and wondered if any other affordable machines are out there.All responses are appreciated.
scott

 

[Beladran]

I bought the lee pro 1000 kit for 45 acp for $180 off of midway while back. the kit is really nice for the money. keep everything well lubed and rock and roll. about every 5th shell tap the primer tray so the tube stays full. your going to crush a few primers and kill some brass setting it up so dont get angry. 500 rounds per hour is easy if your motivated and dont stop alot

 

[mascott]

Thanks, sounds good I always try to do my homework and look online before I buy. But its always best to get true and honest feedback first.Have seen some Lee products that were really cheaply made, but every thing I've read about the classic seems positive.

 

[smoffett]

Just to clarify -- the Pro 1000 is a progressive press, not a turret type. The kits are $144 at Midway right now -- incredible!

I use the Lee Classic Turret and love it. Had a Rockchucker many moons ago and it was great, but I sold it when I got out of reloading. When I bought my new setup I knew I wanted to go faster, but didn't want to go progressive. I love the turret because it's so easy to do the single-stage stuff (just remove the little post that spins the turret - takes all of 30 seconds). In fact, I hardly ever use the post -- it's just as easy to reach up with my hand and spin the turret manually. I thought I'd want a single-stage on the bench, so I bought one at the same time as the turret press -- but I never use it because it's just so easy to turn the turret into a single-stage.

There is a little play in the turret system. When you shove a brass up in there the turret raises up a little in the mounting plate. At first I was worried about it, but it seems to move the save amount every time, and my rounds are shooting great, so I haven't worried about it. I'm sure you could get more precision out of a good single-stage press though. When I researched turrets, the Redding turret seemed to be the most precise rig, but it's a good bit more expensive than the Lee.

Anyway, it's been a workhorse. Heavy and solid, really sturdy. I'm loading 6.8, 45-70 and 40 cal on it. Will be doing 5.56 pretty soon. Zero complaints. If it got stolen I'd buy another one tomorrow.

Can't comment on the priming system (I use a hand primer) or the AutoDisk powder measure. HTH.

 

[Doug Bowser]

I have an opinion on turret presses. Since reloading is done in batches, the turret has no advantage over a C or O press. I believe to reload accurate rifle ammunition, the single stage press makes the best ammo.

I do not have a turret press for reloading.

I have 2 Dillon Square deal progressive presses. One in .38 Spl and one in .45 ACP. When it comes to pistol ammo, turret and progressive presses are AOK. I still don't think a turret press has any advantage over e single stage press.

Doug

 

[mascott]

Thanks guys! I'm really not into hi-speed production. Much more into precision. My single stage does well but always looking to advance if possible. looked at the lee and looked good! but I guess I will stick with what I've got. Thanks everyone
\the responses.
scott

 

[smoffett]

... the turret has no advantage over a C or O press...

Well I can think of several advantages the turret has over a single stage press:

1) You don't have to put a bunch of brass in loading trays, and then put a funnel over them to fill them up. You do it on the press instead. Fewer manual motions involved.
2) Immediately after you charge the brass with powder, the turret turns automatically so there is no wondering "hey, did I put powder in that brass yet?" and no risk of double charging the case.
3) You never spill powder out of a brass case because immediately after you charge it with powder, you seat a bullet in it. The brass stays in the shell holder the entire time.
4) Changing out dies is easier and quicker because you mount all your dies for a given chambering on a single disc. The whole disc swaps out in seconds without using tools (at least with the Lee Classic Turret this is true).

As far as making accurate ammo, yeah I could probably get a little more precision out of a good single stage press, but I'm happy with the accuracy I get using the turret. For example, I've been shooting a cheap plinker round I threw together for 6.8 -- it's at least a 3/4 MOA shooter in my chrome-lined AR and I haven't even started to develop this load for accuracy yet. (Neck and TomBomb were practically 100% on the 200 yard bowling pins at the last M&G, despite shifty and gusty winds.) I make this load on a Lee Classic Turret press with inexpensive Lee dies. Maybe I could wring another 1/4 MOA out of it by improving the press, the dies, the components, etc., but why bother? The turret is fast and convenient and it makes "accurate enough" ammo for me.

 

[msredneck]

Man I will vouch for the ammo He loaded in 6.8 SPC... I'd take a truckload of that stuff.

If I can clean off a rack of pins at 200 yards about as fast as I can dial one in...in a pretty stiff wind...its plenty good..aint bragging...but I was 14 out of 15 on one run :lol4: Dang good for me..

Don't change a thing...U go man

BTW - I have an old Lee Turret Press...I like being able to just pop out the turret to change calibers.....

I am considering an arbor style press from Sinclair international and some LE Wilson dies when I get motivated to reload for 300 Win

 

[Doug Bowser]

With a .308 Win bolt rifle, I have shot 5"-10 shot groups at 500 yards from the prone with no rest. I would rather drop powder charges in a tray, it gives me the opportunity to visually observe the powder level in each case. Then individually weigh the suspect cases.

Doug