Turret Presses??

[1holeaddict]

I have been looking into putting a turret press on the bench but wanted some input from guys who have used them. Do they have too much play in the head to load accurate and precise ammo?

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I have a Redding T-7. It's one heavy beast. When I first got it, there was a bit of play in the head, but once I mounted it (via clamp) to the bench and torqued the head down, it's been a rock. I have no problems loading accurate and precise ammo with it. And I know some current shooters around here (at least one of which holds a current record for F-Class) that use a T-7 as well.

 

[tome]

my 1st press was a Lyman t mag 2 turret press...well built..but like all turret press they rely on some sort of head support system..the Lyman was a support screw that could adjust the head..when it was adjusted to take the play out of the head the screw dragged on the head when you turned the turret..me and that press never got along..i sold it and bought a Forster co-ax..same idea as to set the dies once and done..seconds to change the dies..no shell holders..automatic shell plate..i really like the press..but if you really want a turret head press... I'd 2nd the redding on the basis the everything I've bought from them has been quality and great customer service..ditto on customer service with Forster..hope this helps

 

[1shot]

I use a Redding T-7 and have two turret heads for it, and going to get a third. Zero play that I can detect with a magnetic dial indicator and will load sub 1/4 moa ammo all day.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd

 

[TonyR]

I've been using a Harrel's turret press for some 308 Win loading. It is a fine press but the 308 is about the longest case it will handle. I alos have one of the Lee auto rotating presses that I use to neck down brass. It saves a lot of time by reducing the number of times I handle each case and didn't cost much. I haven't tried loading anything with it yet.

 

[jscandale]

I've got an old Holywood 12 position turret press from the late 40s. What a beast. I have never seen a stiffer press anywhere.

JS

 

[1holeaddict]

Well i made it out to a local Cabelas to put my hands on some different turret presses. you guys are right that redding press is a piece of machinery. The one on display had a little more movement on the turret than i was comfortable with but im sure a new one adjusted correctly would be just fine. Im only looking to use it for seating different calibers. I will still use one of my two Chuckers for sizing. I can see the ups guy dropping one of these off shortly

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I was thinking of buying a turret press so I could leave dies I use a lot set up. I love my Co-Ax, but it is a PIA to change the shell holder. Got the idea to used two....on small on large. Dies go in and out in one second so I see no need for a turret and I don't believe there is a better press made for accuracy than the co-ax.

 

[BigDMT]

Recently bought the LEE classic turret press for pistol and varmint reloading. It is built well and works great for the money. Not what I'd call "adequate for precision ammo" though. But for reloading my 40 S&W rounds it's perfect.

And I use it to reload for my 20 VarTarg because that rifle is so forgiving with ammo that any inconsistencies in the turret press won't matter. That gun will shoot just about anything you put through it sub 1/2 MOA or even sub 1/4 MOA.
I have yet to try the turret press on my .204 Ruger which is not very forgiving at all. That will definitely tell whether the press can make good consistent ammo because the .204 will definitely throw fliers if everything isn't perfect.

However, when I need to be 100% sure I'm making ultra precise ammo (big game hunting and competition rifles) I personally use a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker press for sizing cases and a single stage Harrel's Precision Mag press for seating. Less moving parts gives me a warm feeling of confidence when reloading : )

 

[hogpatrol]

Another vote for the Redding. I use it with 6br and 17fb dies. Rock solid and consistent.

 

[dksac2]

Redding for sure. I bought a Lee 4 position as a third press, just wanted a low price turret, the top goes up and puts a slight slant.
I ended up bolting it down and use it as a single stage.

You have to have one heavy son of a gun, the Redding fits the bill.

John

 

[skepler]

I would highly reccomend a T 7. Have reloaded a lot of match ammo with it, very precise and accurate. The head on my is very solid. Good luck.

 

[dig]

Any of these will work fine if set up properly. A bit of movement in the turret head will align things, remember there is play in the shell holder as well, and self center, much like using "O" rings under the die. I have a Lyman T-Mag used for years, its my go to press on 30-06 and smaller cases and loads match grade ammo on 3 separate Turrets. The big stuff I feel much better served by the Forster Co-Ax. Bottom line any will work if dies are set up properly and they sure are a lot more convenient.

 

[bozo699]

Any of these will work fine if set up properly. A bit of movement in the turret head will align things, remember there is play in the shell holder as well, and self center, much like using "O" rings under the die. I have a Lyman T-Mag used for years, its my go to press on 30-06 and smaller cases and loads match grade ammo on 3 separate Turrets. The big stuff I feel much better served by the Forster Co-Ax. Bottom line any will work if dies are set up properly and they sure are a lot more convenient.

I think dig just about summed it up. I have multiple different presses, I set a dial indicator up on my T-7 there were several thou. play in the head yet brass comes out as good as on my rockchucker or any other press I have except the lee turret, you can measure the slop on it with a yard stick ;D I have all but stopped seating bullets with anything but a arbor press but the few I still use a std press for seating comes out within reasonable tolerances with the T-7 however I like the feel of my Harrells with it's short handle for feel so that is what I use. If I was to add another turret press and couldn't have the T-7 I would go with the Lyman T-Mag.
Wayne.

 

[1holeaddict]

Just looked at an old Lyman turret press that showed up for sale in the local classifieds. It looks to be 20-30 years old but it is solid and 0 slop in the head. Although the head is a little stiff and needs a cleaning and good oil job. The guy didn't have the handle or primer catcher or feed tube but overall this thing is solid.I need to do a little research on which model it is and where i can locate parts before i purchase it.

 

[guidom]

1 holeaddict. you probably have have the lyman all american press. i have been using one since the early 70's.

 

[1holeaddict]

Did some research and found out it is a Spar T. The ones i see on the
different sites are gray but this one is all orange. For $30 if it doesn't do what i expect i will tie a rope on it and i have a new boat anchor.Ha HA