Lee Classic Turret Press tips, tricks, quirks and fixes

[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 . Haven't really put it to a hard test yet, but it seems to work better than my fingers for adjusting the lock rings.

[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]

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.

[awp_101]

[awp_101]

Ran across this on another forum and ordered 2: Wall Mount Turret Holder for Lee Precision 4-Hole Reloading Equipment. They also have a bench mount version. They have an Amazon store but right now there's a sale on their website plus free shipping over $15.

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

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.