Help setting up Lee 4 hole Turret press

[whiteox]

I just got my press this week and I've been tinkering around getting the dies in and sizing cases and testing the powder measure. Before I actually start churning out rounds I'd like to have somebody who actually knows what they're doing watching me and make sure I'm doing it right.

I'm in Woodbury and would happily return the favor with some beer or a trip to the range to test out the newly minted ammo.

[Pat Cannon]

I have the Lee 4 hole turret myself. I've only had it a little over a year so certainly there are more experienced guys available, but I'd be happy to show you what I know. If nobody closer (I'm in South Minneapolis) or more experienced volunteers, let me know.

Did you break the little square ratchet thingy yet?

[whiteox]

Not yet. It does look pretty flimsy though. I figure for $100 you get what you pay for. I just hope it breaks about day 728.

[Pat Cannon]

Not yet. It does look pretty flimsy though. I figure for $100 you get what you pay for. I just hope it breaks about day 728.

Yeah, if you learn soon enough to raise the ram (lower the lever) before you turn the turret manually, you might never break it, but there's a reason they give you extra ones. Some guys say screw it, take it out and index by hand but I think the auto-indexing is a great feature.

[rugersol]

Not yet. It does look pretty flimsy though. I figure for $100 you get what you pay for. I just hope it breaks about day 728.

Yeah, if you learn soon enough to raise the ram (lower the lever) before you turn the turret manually, you might never break it, but there's a reason they give you extra ones. Some guys say screw it, take it out and index by hand but I think the auto-indexing is a great feature.

My buddy runs a 4-hole turret ... he took the auto-index out ... I think he's nuts!

I ran a 3-hole turret ... bought myself a few extra of them little rachet thingies ... never got past the original ... and I loaded several thousand on it.

Great little presses!

[North Star Packer]

I have reloaded about 1500 rounds with this press since Dec 09. I really like it and find it simple to use.
I took the progressive turn rod off and turn the turrent by hand. I use in several stages, which works for me.

1. Load the shell block with 50 shells.
2. deprime and put the shell back into the shell block and use a small screw driver to clean out the burn hole.
3. I then prime the 50 shells.
4. I put the powder in and set the bullet. Powder in and manually turn the turrent to the next die, which is the bullet crimp.

All done.

I also have a sizing die, as I cast my own bullets and then lube them, size them and relube before setting on the shell.

I remove the barrel from my xd40 and insert each completed bullet in to make sure they fit. I may find 1 or two that needs a little trimming to fit.

Once you get your dies set, I don't have any adjustments to make, unless I reload different powder or size of bullets.

Follow the instructions given with the press and you should be able to make it work well for you.

I load anywhere from 50 to 100 rounds each session. Now I have all my brass loaded about 1200 rounds and only reload what I shoot, about 30 to 50 each session. I plan on shooting 50 rounds today at a local gravel pit.

Good luck with your press.

[ScatterGun4015]

Not yet. It does look pretty flimsy though. I figure for $100 you get what you pay for. I just hope it breaks about day 728.

Yeah, if you learn soon enough to raise the ram (lower the lever) before you turn the turret manually, you might never break it, but there's a reason they give you extra ones. Some guys say screw it, take it out and index by hand but I think the auto-indexing is a great feature.

I too have been loading with this press. My auto-index isn't broken, but It doesn't move the turret perfectly to the next die. I have to re-set it by hand anyway, so I took out the auto-index and it works fine by hand.

Whiteox; I am in North St. Paul and depending on my upcoming schedule I might be able to swing by hoodbury and check it out. Where abouts in the hood do you live? What caliber are you reloading? Having you taken any classes? Have you swung into Bullseye Shooter Supply in Lake Elmo? They are very helpful for people getting started. Send me a PM

Dave

[MisterOblivious]

I too have been loading with this press. My auto-index isn't broken, but It doesn't move the turret perfectly to the next die. I have to re-set it by hand anyway, so I took out the auto-index and it works fine by hand.

RTFM!

If the turret does not stop in the correct position-follow these instructions. With the ram in the down position, place a 1/4-inch wrench on the index rod and hold in position. Now rotate the turret into the correct position.