Introduction
A Great Beginning
The allure of reloading ammunition is undeniable. It’s a path paved with cost savings, heightened precision, and the sheer satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. Beyond the financial benefits, reloading unlocks a level of control over your ammunition that simply isn’t available when buying factory loads. You tailor your loads to your specific firearm, optimizing performance and potentially extending the lifespan of your equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman chasing the perfect shot or a beginner looking for a more affordable way to enjoy your favorite hobby, the world of reloading presents exciting possibilities.
This article focuses on a popular and accessible tool that has introduced countless individuals to the rewarding world of reloading: the Lee Four Hole Turret Press. We’ll explore its features, advantages, and disadvantages, providing you with a comprehensive guide to understanding this versatile reloading press.
This press is known for being a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for both new and experienced reloaders. Its design prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing essential functionality. We’ll delve into how the Lee Four Hole Turret Press can help you achieve greater control over your ammunition, leading to improved accuracy and financial savings.
Understanding the Lee Four Hole Turret Press
Lee Precision
Lee Precision, the manufacturer, enjoys a well-deserved reputation for producing affordable and functional reloading equipment. Their focus has always been on making reloading accessible to a wider audience. Lee Precision’s commitment to innovation and practical design is evident in the Lee Four Hole Turret Press.
How the Press Works
The fundamental purpose of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press, like all reloading presses, is to facilitate the creation of ammunition. This involves a series of crucial steps performed on the press, each crucial for producing a safe and effective round. The press acts as a central hub, holding the various dies required for each stage of the process and providing the leverage necessary to perform these operations.
The Major Components
The core components of the press are designed for simplicity and efficiency. A sturdy frame forms the foundation, providing stability during operation. The turret is a rotating plate that holds up to four reloading dies simultaneously. The ram, a vertical post, moves up and down, providing the force needed for each step of the reloading process. The handle, connected to the ram, is used to apply pressure to the case. The primer arm, located at the base, feeds primers into the case. These components work in concert to resize cases, seat bullets, charge them with powder, and seat primers.
The Main Benefits
The key features and benefits of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press are numerous. The ability to mount multiple dies at once allows for a more efficient workflow. The affordability of the press makes it an attractive option for those on a budget. The straightforward design makes it easy to learn and operate, making it perfect for newcomers to the hobby.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press
The Lee Four Hole Turret Press offers a compelling blend of advantages that have made it a favorite among reloaders. However, understanding its limitations is also crucial for making an informed decision.
Affordability is a major draw. The initial investment for the Lee Four Hole Turret Press is significantly less than that required for many other reloading presses, especially progressive models. This lower entry cost makes it an ideal option for individuals starting out or those who reload in smaller volumes. This, along with Lee’s other cost effective items, creates a great start for a reloader looking to buy the first of many reloading accessories.
The simplicity of the design contributes to its user-friendliness. The Lee Four Hole Turret Press does not have complex mechanisms, making it easy to understand and operate. This straightforwardness reduces the learning curve, allowing beginners to begin reloading quickly and confidently. This allows you to create safe and effective ammunition with minimal training.
Speed and efficiency are achieved by mounting several dies into the turret at the same time. This means you don’t need to unscrew and screw in dies for each step of the reloading process. This design reduces the time spent on each cartridge.
The turret system itself is a standout feature. By holding multiple dies, the turret press streamlines the reloading sequence. You can quickly cycle through the different stages, increasing the rate at which you produce ammunition. This is a significant advantage over single-stage presses, where you must change dies manually for each step.
The versatility of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press extends to the range of calibers it can handle. With appropriate dies, you can reload many popular pistol and rifle cartridges. This flexibility allows you to expand your reloading capabilities as your interests evolve.
The Downsides
Addressing the limitations is equally important. The Lee Four Hole Turret Press is not designed for the highest volume reloading operations. For individuals who reload thousands of rounds per month, a progressive press might be a better choice. While the turret press is faster than a single-stage press, it cannot match the output of a high-end progressive machine.
Some may find the leverage of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press insufficient for some reloading tasks. While it handles most cartridges with ease, very large rifle cases with heavy resizing requirements may require more force than the press can comfortably provide.
Although quality control issues are rare, it is important to be aware that like any mass-produced product, some presses might have minor manufacturing inconsistencies.
Getting Started: Setup and Operation
Setting up the Press
Setting up and using the Lee Four Hole Turret Press is a straightforward process.
Begin by unpacking and assembling the press. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, ensuring that all parts are correctly connected. Secure the press to a sturdy reloading bench, using the provided hardware. Ensure that the press is securely mounted to the bench before you begin.
Next, install your reloading dies. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific dies you are using. Carefully screw the dies into the appropriate holes in the turret, following the manufacturer’s specifications for adjustment.
The primer system of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press is easy to use. The press uses a priming system that automatically feeds primers into the case. Make sure to follow the instructions that comes with your press.
Reloading Steps
Now you are ready to start reloading! The reloading process involves several steps.
First, prepare your cases. This typically involves cleaning, resizing, and trimming the cases, following the instructions for your specific cartridge. Next, install the depriming die and use the press to remove the spent primer.
Second, prime the case with a new primer using the priming system.
Third, charge the case with the correct amount of powder using a powder measure or a powder scale. Be extremely careful to ensure the correct powder charge to avoid dangerous overload.
Fourth, seat the bullet by using the seating die.
Lastly, perform the necessary crimping operations, if required.
Throughout the reloading process, be sure to cross check your work frequently.
Enhancements: Accessories and Upgrades
Add-ons
While the Lee Four Hole Turret Press is a well-designed piece of equipment, several optional accessories and upgrades can further enhance its functionality and convenience.
Consider adding the Lee Auto-Disk powder measure. This powder measure accurately dispenses powder charges, making it easy to consistently charge cases.
Other useful additions include the Lee Safety Prime, for easier primer seating, and the Lee Case Length Gauge and Trimmer, which help prepare cases for reloading.
Comparing to Other Presses: Options and Considerations
Single-Stage Presses
To best determine which reloading press suits you, it’s useful to compare the Lee Four Hole Turret Press to other presses.
Compared to single-stage presses, the Lee Four Hole Turret Press offers a significant speed advantage. In single-stage presses, you must manually change dies for each reloading step, resulting in a slower process.
Other Turret Presses
When compared to other turret presses, such as those from RCBS or Redding, the Lee Four Hole Turret Press generally offers a lower price point. However, these premium presses may have features such as more robust construction or tighter tolerances.
Progressive Presses
Progressive presses represent a different approach to reloading. These presses handle all reloading steps simultaneously. This results in high-volume reloading. They are often more expensive and more complex than turret presses, and are therefore better for experienced reloaders.
Prioritizing Safety: Essential Considerations
Safety Practices
Reloading ammunition involves potentially hazardous processes. Always prioritize safety.
Wear eye protection at all times when reloading. Make sure the area is well ventilated. Keep all reloading components, including powder and primers, safely stored and out of reach of children.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your reloading dies and equipment. Consult reliable reloading manuals for data on powder charges, bullet weights, and other specifications.
Maintaining Your Press: Care and Longevity
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance will help keep your Lee Four Hole Turret Press operating smoothly and will extend its lifespan.
Clean the press regularly. Wipe down the frame and other components to remove any dirt or powder residue.
Lubricate the press periodically. Apply a light lubricant to moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
When not in use, store the press in a dry place. Consider covering the press with a dust cover to protect it from dust and debris.
Conclusion
The Lee Four Hole Turret Press represents an excellent value for anyone considering reloading. It’s an accessible, user-friendly option that’s ideal for both beginners and intermediate reloaders. It offers the speed and efficiency of a turret press at an affordable price.
The Lee Four Hole Turret Press is perfect for those seeking a reliable and straightforward system for creating ammunition. Its easy operation makes it an excellent choice for those new to reloading, while its efficiency satisfies the needs of intermediate reloaders.
Consider the Lee Four Hole Turret Press when you are ready to embark on your reloading journey. With care and attention to detail, you can quickly find yourself producing high-quality ammunition. Reloading will enhance your enjoyment of shooting sports.
Resources
(Optional) Here are some links.
Lee Precision Website
Reloading Forums (e.g., The Reloading Bench)
Reloading Manuals (e.g., Hornady, Lyman)
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Lee Four Hole Turret Press. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow all instructions carefully when reloading. Happy reloading!
