Lee Classic Turret Press tips, tricks, quirks and fixes

[awp_101]

In the Turret Press Review Thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?53517-Any-reviews-on-turret-presses) I expressed my off and on frustration with the Classic Turret Press and asked about replacements in the price range between it and a Dillon 650. @GyroF-16 mentioned replacement square ratchets and @Crazy Dane mentioned they are a wear part which I didn't know. Since I'm stubborn, lazy and cheap I've decided to learn the quirks, fixes and best practices of the damn thing because it would require spending time and money setting up a replacement press and stand, neither of which are copious at the moment.

First on the list is the plastic square ratchet replacement (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083CYJYYP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title). I received a pack last week and installed one before I started loading yesterday. The material feels slightly more substantial than the factory part and fit very tightly on the square drive. My factory part split at a corner so I don't know how tight it was originally. Deprimed 50 .44 Special cases and loaded 150 rounds of mixed .38 Special and .44 Special yesterday. So far, so good.

Lee Inline Bullet Feeder - I have the .35 caliber (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2HVW7W2?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_1) and .45 caliber (https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-92009-Inline-Bullet/dp/B0C2HZ8KNZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16VB9YLJ8S5W4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sJoF6SNVX420y4EIYoWq5r3QMh-p0wlFMxzf8ntOh2VgsEYyjZbv9tS3Sz2omyMaclur_pvBSxjam mgjMo-su3FNe_MWuPkgTsu5h9kBc41o1YY50zlBFjhw2PyOMXHXeUPHo QoSCuP2GocVSHls8_ALMMf8JwOE3TztTKssmE7JUneU96jPVqN RDS3s1-Ra.PpIE1plS_BWCwS50CZa3Kf61Bef7l4INu5S6-kP7tMM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Inline+Bullet+Feed+Kit+45&qid=1742735196&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=inline+bullet+feed+kit+45%2Csporting%2C139&sr=1-1) versions. Fully loaded (5 tubes for the .35, 4 for the .45), they weigh too much for the press to fully advance to the next station and there's a lot of swaying as the turret turns. I have to give the turret a nudge to get it into the proper position. I will try loading only 2 tubes next time to see if it's better. I'll also try feeding .44 through the .45 kit to see if it works instead of having to buy a .44 feeder as well. ***PRO TIP*** - The feed die uses two small ball bearings and bullet length determines which set of holes they go into. DO NOT try to make this switch on the press! As soon as I removed the inner sleeve the ball bearings fell out and were sacrificed to the carpet monster. I suggest removing the die and placing it into a baggie before removing the sleeve. Lee has replacement parts available for cheap so I bought extras.:rolleyes:

KMS² UFO Reloading Press Light - I started a thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?60671-KMS%B2-UFO-Reloading-Press-Light) on this last year, no major updates. After leaving the light on for a while, I was able to restick the drooping parts of the LED strip and it's been fine ever since.

[entropy]

Thank you. Have to revisit the linked threads.

After our recent move, I’m in the process of both rebuilding and downsizing my reloading bench. The need to produce large quantities of anything is just no longer there. While the progressive presses followed me in the move, I no longer see a place for them on the bench. A single stage for precision work stays. I have a Classic Turret that was purchased in 1982 and has had a few overhauls in its life. It’s at the point now however, after who knows how many thousands and thousands of rounds it’s perhaps seen it’s time. The tolerances in the ram and turret ring are….generous. I might treat myself. Sticking with the old skool model would alleviate the need to replace all those 4-hole turrets.

[awp_101]

Yeah, I'm finding myself stocking up on extra turrets. Hoping to out some more miles on the new square ratchet this weekend.

[Exiledviking]

Let me know if you need any 4-hole turrets. I've got some extras laying around.

[entropy]

A bit OT, but not really…

Next “Old Fashioned-fueled quandary” is to decide how to mount the presses. The worktop is a 1.5” oak butcher block. I want to be able to remove the presses for storage when not in use. I’ve ruled out U channel, as it does nothing but collect reloading detritus. Previously had a Lee Quick Change plate, but those look cheap and aren’t the most secure. One idea is to drill several like footprints in the top of the bench and use speed nuts/threaded inserts. Each press or tool would have a matching base and bolt down. Everything could be removed when not in use, stored in a cabinet, and the holes in the bench top capped with a plastic plug. The Inline Fabrication mounts appear to be too bulky plus would not allow me to bolt other types of tools or support equipment onto the bench.

While only sipping coffee presently, I’m open to ideals…lol

[Crazy Dane]

I use the lee quick-change plate. I swapped the Philips head lock down screws to hex head bolts and its never came loose. Prior to rebuilding my bench I used T nuts. If you go the T nut route, size the bolt length to end up flush with the nut, this makes it faster and doesn't leave scars. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Hardware-Fasteners-Nuts-T-Nuts/N-5yc1vZc2a4

I had one press then and the Hornaday single stage press I got didn't have the same bolt pattern is why I went to the quick change plate.

[entropy]

Yeah…I made the mistake of going back to the Inline Fabrication site this morning…. There is really no perfect solution I’m afraid. Copy on the hex bolts for the Lee. The Phillips screws were certainly an issue previously.

[awp_101]

Good info on the hex bolts, thanks! During my last session I had a problem with the factory screws coming loose on the lock downs for the press AND the storage area below the press. Never had that happen before but I knew I hadn’t checked them in a while so I didn’t give it much thought.

[Crazy Dane]

FYI, the bolt size is 1/4 x 20 x 3/8 if you don't have the ability or just don't want to cut some to size.

[entropy]

Well crap. Maybe I need to revisit what’s already available to me. Let me dig the Lee plate out and pour another cocktail.

[willie]

I have several presses including this one and use C clamps to attach presses to the bench. With the Lee I attach the press to a 14 inch piece of 2x6 using wood screws because I had these. Then I clamp the board to the table. You could use a 1x6 board but it would give less material for the screws to grab. I used a 14
inch board because I had one.

I disconnect the turret rotating mechanism and turn it by hand. Long ago I gave up on Lee case or bullet feeding gismo's. Once I used a Lee progressive but ended up beating it flat with a sledge hammer.

[awp_101]

Earlier this month I ordered one of these: Die Wrench for Lee Reloading Dies Using Spline Nuts Breech Lock, Steel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DTYGN5C5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1X018ZOUAS6VB&psc=1). Haven't really put it to a hard test yet, but it seems to work better than my fingers for adjusting the lock rings.

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[awp_101]

FYI, the bolt size is 1/4 x 20 x 3/8 if you don't have the ability or just don't want to cut some to size.

Any reason 1/4-20 x 1/2" couldn't be used? What about flanged?

[entropy]

Any reason 1/4-20 x 1/2" couldn't be used? What about flanged?

Just getting around to mounting mine now. I decided to use the Lee mount I had on hand. I like the low profile set up, and I profile cut a bench mat to fit around the plate. Sanded out the scuff marks on it and hit it with some matte epoxy black paint. I’m going to drill some 5/16” relief holes in the bench top and use a slightly longer hex cap screws to assure I get good thread purchase on the plate. This I’m thinking may help my previous issue of having them work loose.

[entropy]

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Got the Lee Bench Plate mounted up finally. Like stated, decided I liked the low profile of it which will allow the bench to be used for other things when a press is not mounted. The support is heavy duty shelving from Menards. Stuff is relatively inexpensive and unbelievably stout. The bench top is an oak butcher block top from the same source. The shelving legs stand a bit proud on the corners, so I ended up routing about 3/8” in a rectangular shape off the bottom. The corner leg posts fit up into that relief and add to the stability of it all. It’s not moving. I used socket head bolts, along with blind nuts underneath the butcher block to secure the plate. I replaced those little aggravating Phillips screws on the “Z brackets” with 1/4-20 x1/2 socket screws as well. I drilled a small relief holes into the bench top to allow the screws not to bottom out against the top. Hopefully that solves the issue of those damn things constantly backing out. Everything secures with flat and lock washers.

I might drill a few more holes into the top to create a “universal” type mount I can attach a small vise to or perhaps a case trimmer or something too. All the really heavy duty stuff is out in the barn with the rest of the serious work tools. I’d like to have a small vise tho for any “small visey things” that might come up. I think HF sells a suction mount one…have to go look at that.

Anyhow, back in the loading business after 6mo of stuff being packed away in boxes…

[awp_101]

Looks great!

[vaspence]

Thanks Entropy for your mounting details. I mounted my new Ultimate turret press with the Lee bench plate today using socket head bolts as you did, including the relief hole idea. Have a bunch of .44 special brass in the rotary tumbler and hope to get a chance to try out the new press shortly.

[entropy]

Thanks Entropy for your mounting details. I mounted my new Ultimate turret press with the Lee bench plate today using socket head bolts as you did, including the relief hole idea. Have a bunch of .44 special brass in the rotary tumbler and hope to get a chance to try out the new press shortly.

You’re welcome. I’m glad it worked for you as well. I had a few months to ponder the whole thing before I reassembled it. How do you like that press? .44spl is on my short list as well as 25-20. First task today on the new bench was to load a small test spread of 300BO with 208gr ELDMs. Back in business! The workflow is a bit new but while smaller, it’s less crowded and more organized.

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[awp_101]

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[awp_101]

Ran across this on another forum and ordered 2: Wall Mount Turret Holder for Lee Precision 4-Hole Reloading Equipment (https://mcraftdesign.com/product/wall-mount-turret-holder-for-lee-precision-4-hole-reloading-equipment/). They also have a bench mount version. They have an Amazon store (https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=20070620011) but right now there's a sale on their website plus free shipping over $15.

Ordered Monday afternoon, delivered yesterday afternoon. Not too shabby. :D

Mounted them on the wall this afternoon. Next step will be to print labels so I don't have to pull them off the holder to see what is what.

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[Trooper224]

Ran across this on another forum and ordered 2: Wall Mount Turret Holder for Lee Precision 4-Hole Reloading Equipment (https://mcraftdesign.com/product/wall-mount-turret-holder-for-lee-precision-4-hole-reloading-equipment/). They also have a bench mount version. They have an Amazon store (https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=20070620011) but right now there's a sale on their website plus free shipping over $15.

Ordered Monday afternoon, delivered yesterday afternoon. Not too shabby. :D

Mounted them on the wall this afternoon. Next step will be to print labels so I don't have to pull them off the holder to see what is what.

132663

Thanks. I need this.

[awp_101]

Thanks. I need this.

Glad to enable help!

[entropy]

The price is friendly…how’s the construction?

[awp_101]

The price is friendly…how’s the construction?

Very good IMO. The aluminum measures ~.1", all holes are cleanly formed and burr free (including the mounting holes), the powder coat coverage is complete and even with a hint of texturing. I'm impressed enough that I'll be ordering 2 more in the near future. I don't currently need them but I plan to set up dedicated Magnum and Special die sets for .44 and .38 soon™ so I don't have to change my settings each time.