Lee Classic Turret Press Kit (or not...)

[FencepostError]

I'm looking to get started reloading, I have zero kit for this so far (not even a reloading manual).

I'll want to reload .38spl in some quantity (first, after learning and load development, obviously), and also then .223, .303 and 12 bore (eg for cheaper slugs) in smaller quanities. And other calibres in the future, I'd imagine :)

Having done some reading it looks like the Lee Classic Turret Press (plus the requisite dies) would be a good option to get me started. I'm tempted to buy the associated kit as I'm going from a standing start, but I see that in other threads some recommend against kits.

Could anyone please recommend a shopping list in addition to the press as an alternative to the kit? (Or even a different press if it's a silly idea.)

[Alpha1]

The Lee turret press is a nice bit of kit. I personally would not buy one I would go for a single station the Lee cast press a RCBS rock chucker or the Lyman crusher would be my choice.
If you are loading lots of 38 special the turret will serve you well. You can not load shotgun cartridges on it you need a totally different kind of press for that.
I personally would not buy a kit. This subject has been covered before in detail do a search or just ask questions the guys will all endeavour to answer them.
The only problem with this kind of query is every body has a different opinion depending on their spending power their depth of experience or the type of reloading they do. My only advice would be as regard to Lee products The cast presses are fine the dies are OK the old style hand held primer is Ok most of the rest of there stuff is s***. Don't what ever you do waste your money on any of there re loading manuals they are rubbish and don't ever buy one of there beam scales they are total crap.
(Incoming)
Seriously though ask as many questions as you like but be prepared for people having lots of different opinions on kit you should be buying. After all its not there money they are spending. razz

[HALODIN]

This was my shopping list which you can use as a checklist. The kits don't cover everything you need. I would recommend hooking up a webcam to whichever balance beam you buy and viewing it on an old laptop, it makes life 10 times easier. Good luck with your reloading.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
Shell holders - .308 + .44
RCBS Advanced powder measure stand
Hornady 2-die set in 308 Win
Hornady neck sizer die 308 Win
Hornady Microadjust seating stem
Wilson case trimmer with micrometer & stand (kit)
Wilson case trimmer case holders (308 & 44)
Imperial dry case neck lube
Frankford Quick N-EZ Tumbler + Media Separator kit
5kg Walnut grit
.44 Rem mag die set
Hornady LNL press conversion kit
Hornady LNL die bushings (3 pack)
Hornady Sure-loc die rings (3 of)
RCBS Uniflow Powder Thrower micrometer
Redding powder trickler

## Extras ##
1 x RCBS die collet bullet puller
1 x Hornady LNL die bushing for RCBS die collet bullet puller
1 x digital caliper
1 x check weights
1 x inlinefabrication.com RCBS Rockchcucker press stand
1 x Sinclair pocket uniformer
2 x extra shell holders - .308 + .44 for hand priming tool
1 x RCBS baffle for powder thrower

[Tommygunn]

I have this kit, though it was a Christmas present some years back now, and was my start into reloading.

Whilst I don't have a vast range of experience of the competition I find it fulfils my needs fine, (I load for military rifle on it; .303, 7.92, 7.62x54r etc), and I like a lot of the features particularly the ability to set up die sets on separate turrets and then be able to rapidly switch calibres, though I have removed the auto-indexing as I use it as a single stage +

The beam scale it comes with works but suffice to say mine will soon be replaced with a slightly better alternative!

Read all you can and ideally find someone who already reloads who will let you look over their shoulder and guide you to begin with

[Alpha1]

This was my shopping list which you can use as a checklist. The kits don't cover everything you need. I would recommend hooking up a webcam to whichever balance beam you buy and viewing it on an old laptop, it makes life 10 times easier. Good luck with your reloading.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
Shell holders - .308 + .44
RCBS Advanced powder measure stand
Hornady 2-die set in 308 Win
Hornady neck sizer die 308 Win
Hornady Microadjust seating stem
Wilson case trimmer with micrometer & stand (kit)
Wilson case trimmer case holders (308 & 44)
Imperial dry case neck lube
Frankford Quick N-EZ Tumbler + Media Separator kit
5kg Walnut grit
.44 Rem mag die set
Hornady LNL press conversion kit
Hornady LNL die bushings (3 pack)
Hornady Sure-loc die rings (3 of)
RCBS Uniflow Powder Thrower micrometer
Redding powder trickler

## Extras ##
1 x RCBS die collet bullet puller
1 x Hornady LNL die bushing for RCBS die collet bullet puller
1 x digital caliper
1 x check weights
1 x inlinefabrication.com RCBS Rockchcucker press stand
1 x Sinclair pocket uniformer
2 x extra shell holders - .308 + .44 for hand priming tool
1 x RCBS baffle for powder thrower

All you need is a bank loan and you will be fine ?.

[HALODIN]

The cost of that lot is a drop in the ocean compared to the cost of some scopes.

All you need is a bank loan and you will be fine ?.

[Alpha1]

Yep your right. I own two kahles scopes and they don't come cheap. There is nothing wrong with your list it depends what his budget is.

[ukrifleman]

I can highly recommend a Lee Classic turret press.

You have the option of using it as a single station press with indexing rod removed or, as an indexing press.

I load 15 calibres with mine, 3 pistol and 12 rifle from .357 to 30-06.

With the indexing rod fitted, I can crank out 200+ rounds of .357, 44-40 or 45 Colt an hour without effort.

I also use the Lee safety prime and auto disk powder measure for pistol loads.

Check out the Lee precision web-site where they had a video of the Classic turret press in action.

The Lee Classic press is well made and will give years of good service and it only takes seconds to change calibres.

ukrifleman.

[Dougan]

I'm looking to get started reloading, I have zero kit for this so far (not even a reloading manual).

I'll want to reload .38spl in some quantity...........Having done some reading it looks like the Lee Classic Turret Press (plus the requisite dies) would be a good option to get me started

Yep this would be a good start; especially if you want to churn out lots of .38 first - Though you can produce good rifle ammo with Lee kit, if you've got the budget, then I would recommend an additional better quality single stage press and other kit for rifle ammo.

To get started with the .38s with a Lee turret press, you'll also need...

Dies (I still use the Lee dies that came with the press)
Lee autodisk (there are various ways of measuring the powder charge, but this makes it quick and easy)
Digital check scales (if you're using the autodisk you won't need beam scales yet)
Hand priming tool (Personally I don't like the new Lee one, and would recommend RCBS or Hornady)
Measuring calipers
Primer pocket cleaner
Bullet puller/inertial hammer (unfortunately this isn't optional, as you will make the odd duff round to begin with that will need dismantling)

Ideally you would also have...

A case trimmer (You don't necessarily need one at first just for .38s, but even a cheap Lee hand trimmer will help produce more consistent and accurate ammo)
A case tumbler (there are cheaper ways of cleaning cases, but they are much easier)

About scales: Don't buy cheap, even with the Digi ones; you'll just end up needing to replace them - When you move on to your rifle calibers you'll need a decent set of scales...there are some great, but expensive electronic ones, so most folk take the middle ground with a good set of balance scales...personally I would recommend RCBS 5-0-5s.

I won't go into what you might want for your rifles calibers in the future (As Alpha said, a lot of it comes down to personal preference), but a lot of people use Lee kit for pistol calibers, and regardless of budget I think it's good for that purpose.

[Mdwysc]

I started with a Lee classic press. For the money it's fantastic. Spend the extra on the carbide dies and that will give you so much time back from not lubricating them.
Lee crimping dies are the business too.

If you have a friend who reloads then get them to give you a lesson but ask them to do it properly and not how they normally do it. It's like driving, we all learn how to do it right and it goes downhill from there......