Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

All 3 and 4–hole turret presses.
Reloader
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Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Reloader »

Today I got around to giving the Lee safety prime system on my Lee Classic Turret press a try. I've been pre sizing and priming off the press and working the press as a three stage.
Initially I had issues with the primers being dragged out of the cup by the dispenser. I added a washer under the mount and once I got things lined up, it worked well. I had one misfeed with the fifty rounds I loaded after adding the washer.
The other issue was the primer cup catching on the shell holder on the down stroke. I added the zip tie as suggested on the Lee FAQ'S and this problem was solved as well.
It did take me a few rounds to get used to the extra step of adding the primer, but now that it is working I will probably stay with this system for most of my priming.

My next step is to add the sizing die and start using the press as a true four stage press.

As my shop isn't as well lit as it could be, I added the little light purchased for cheap from Harbor Freight to assist with checking powder levels in the cases before adding the bullet.

It seems Lee could solve the primer cup catching on the shell holder by adding a bump to their casting for the base.
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Last edited by Reloader on 12 Oct 2014 20:54, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by akuser47 »

Good work keep us posted to how it holds up.
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by daboone »

I epoxyed a cast bullet to add the bump to the base.
An ignorant person is one who doesn't know what you have just found out.

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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Ranch Dog »

Good topic and pictures Reloader!
daboone wrote:I epoxyed a cast bullet to add the bump to the base.
Great thinking daboone!
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Charley »

Interesting. Only problems I've had with priming on my Classic Cast is the last primer or two won't feed. I expect it now, so it isn't a problem.
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Fyodor »

Some of you might find it very interesting, especially those who weren't able to make a reverse rotation shaft for the classic turret:

Inline Fabrication now sells a reverse rotation shaft and a case kicker:

http://inlinefabrication.com/collection ... e-rotation
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Maximumbob54 »

Oh man. There goes another chunk of money I shouldn't be spending...

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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Ranch Dog »

Oh man...
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by Ranch Dog »

This modification got me thinking a little too much. I might go ahead and get it to evaluate it for moving all my reloading to the turret and get rid of my Load Master. I need some bench space for some other projects and selling the LMs would free the bench. it looks like you need their base for the cartridge bins at least for ease of installation.
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Re: Lee Classic Turret Press modifications

Post by daboone »

Below is one I made just using a drill stop and springs It flips the cases into a acu-bin mounted to the side.
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An ignorant person is one who doesn't know what you have just found out.

When setting a job up for myself it must be Idiot Proof as well, as I am a bigger idiot than most people I know, and I prove it to myself everyday.
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