What’s Inside the Box? A Detailed Look at the Contents
The Kit Components
Opening the box of the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is akin to unwrapping a treasure trove of reloading essentials. The kit is designed to provide reloaders with everything they need to get started, minus the dies, brass, bullets, and powder. The focus is clearly on ease of use and value, and you immediately feel the thoughtfulness Lee Precision puts into their products.
Inside, you’ll find the heart of the operation: the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press** itself. This is a robust, cast-aluminum frame that promises to stand the test of time. It’s a single-stage press with the added benefit of a rotating turret head. This is crucial for speeding up the reloading process.
Alongside the press, the kit contains a range of essential components:
- **The Turret Head:** This is the key feature of the press; it allows for quick and effortless die changes. The turret head is pre-drilled for up to four dies, which means you can have your entire reloading process set up and ready to go with a simple rotation.
- **Automatic Priming System:** The kit includes a reliable priming system that feeds primers directly from the primer magazine into the shell holder. This is a significant time-saver and simplifies the reloading process, removing the need to manually prime each case.
- **Shell Holder:** A full set of shell holders is included to accommodate a wide variety of calibers.
- **Powder Measure:** The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** typically includes a powder measure, which is used to accurately dispense the correct amount of powder into each case. The powder measure is adjustable, allowing you to dial in the precise powder charge for your specific load.
- **Accessories:** Other included accessories such as a primer catcher to keep your reloading bench neat and tidy, and various small parts to help in the reloading process.
The packaging itself is well-organized, with each component neatly secured and clearly labeled. This careful arrangement shows Lee Precision’s commitment to providing a user-friendly experience.
Setting Up Your Reloading Press: A Straightforward Process
Mounting and Initial Setup
Setting up the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is remarkably straightforward, designed to accommodate both novice and experienced reloaders. The instructions are clear and concise, and the process is generally quick and painless.
Start by choosing a stable, sturdy surface for mounting the press. Reloading involves significant force, so a solid mounting surface is critical for safety and optimal performance. You’ll need a workbench or reloading bench to do this. The press can be bolted directly to the bench using the pre-drilled holes in its base. Ensure that the bolts are securely tightened.
Turret and Priming System Installation
Next, attach the turret head to the press. This is a simple matter of aligning the head and securing it. The turret head’s design allows for easy changes, so you don’t have to worry about any complex procedures.
The next step involves setting up the automatic priming system. Follow the provided instructions to attach the primer feed tube and magazine. Ensure that the primer feed tube is properly aligned with the primer seating tool. This step requires attention to detail to ensure reliable and consistent primer seating.
Die and Powder Measure Calibration
Once the press is mounted and the primer system is in place, you’re ready to install the dies. This is where the turret head truly shines. Simply screw your reloading dies into the pre-threaded holes in the turret. The turret system ensures that each die aligns precisely with the shell holder, ready for your reloading procedures.
Finally, set up the powder measure. This step is also simple; you’ll need to mount the powder measure to the press. You will then calibrate the powder measure, using a powder scale to ensure that it dispenses the correct amount of powder for each case.
The entire setup process should take about an hour, even for beginners.
Exploring Features: What Makes the Lee Ultimate Turret Press Stand Out
Automatic Indexing and Quick Die Changes
The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is packed with features that enhance the reloading experience and set it apart from other presses in its class.
One of the most notable features is the automatic indexing system. With each stroke of the handle, the turret automatically rotates to the next die position. This eliminates the need to manually rotate the turret, speeding up the reloading process and making it more efficient.
The turret head itself is a standout feature. The quick-change design allows for seamless die swaps, making it easy to transition between reloading different calibers. You can purchase additional turret heads, allowing you to set up a dedicated turret for each caliber. This drastically reduces the time spent on changing dies and calibrating the press.
Priming System and Build Quality
The priming system is another highlight. The automatic priming system is designed to feed primers reliably, ensuring that your cases are properly primed with minimal effort. The primer catcher effectively collects spent primers, keeping your reloading bench clean and tidy.
The design of the press incorporates a lever that provides sufficient leverage for sizing cases and seating bullets with minimal effort. The stroke length is well-suited for a variety of case lengths.
The build quality of the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press** is impressive for its price point. While some components may be made of plastic, the critical parts are made of cast aluminum or steel.
Reloading: Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Own Ammunition
Case Preparation
The reloading process with the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Case Preparation:** Start by thoroughly cleaning your used brass cases. This is important for removing dirt, grime, and any residue from previous firings. After cleaning, inspect each case for any damage, such as cracks or bulges.
Sizing and Priming
2. **Sizing and Decapping:** Place a case into the shell holder. Lower the handle to push the case up into the sizing die, which resizes the case to the proper dimensions. As the case is pushed into the die, the decapping pin removes the spent primer.
3. **Priming:** Rotate the turret to the priming station. Ensure that the primer feed tube is properly loaded with primers. Raise the handle to automatically seat a new primer.
Powder, Bullet Seating, and Inspection
4. **Powder Charging:** Rotate the turret to the powder charging station. The powder measure dispenses the appropriate amount of powder into the case. This should be calibrated to provide the proper powder charge based on your load data.
5. **Bullet Seating:** Rotate the turret to the bullet seating station. Place a bullet onto the case mouth. Lower the handle to push the bullet into the case to the proper depth.
6. **Crimping (Optional):** Depending on the load, you may need to crimp the case mouth to secure the bullet.
7. **Inspection:** Carefully inspect each finished round to ensure that the bullet is seated to the correct depth and that the case has no signs of damage.
Speed, Accuracy, and the Reloading Experience
Reloading Speed
One of the primary benefits of using a turret press is the speed at which you can reload. The automatic indexing system dramatically reduces the time required to move through each reloading step. With practice, it’s possible to reload a significant number of rounds per hour.
Accuracy
As for accuracy, the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is fully capable of producing accurate reloads. The precision of the reloading process depends on a number of factors, including the quality of your dies, the consistency of your powder charges, and your attention to detail. The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** allows for reloading rounds that can compete favorably with factory ammunition.
Overall Experience
The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** makes the reloading experience enjoyable and efficient. Reloaders will appreciate the ease with which they can manage each step, and the rapid pace at which they can produce ammunition.
The Good and the Bad: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Pros
- **Exceptional Value:** The most outstanding feature of this kit is its affordability. The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** offers exceptional value for money, making it accessible to those new to reloading or on a budget.
- **Ease of Use:** The press is designed to be user-friendly. The simple setup and straightforward operation make it ideal for beginners.
- **Fast Reloading:** The automatic indexing system and quick die changes contribute to a fast reloading process.
- **Durable Construction:** While some components are made from plastic, the critical parts are made of high-quality materials.
- **Quick Die Changes:** The turret head system allows you to change dies in seconds.
Cons
- **Plastic Components:** Some of the components, particularly the primer feed system, are made of plastic, which some may find less desirable.
- **Indexing Issues:** The automatic indexing system, while generally reliable, can sometimes be prone to minor issues.
- **Not for High Volume:** While efficient, the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is not designed for extremely high-volume reloading.
- **Not for extreme precision:** While precise, the press may not be as robust or offer the same level of adjustability as higher-end presses.
Who is the Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit Designed For?
Ideal Users
The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is ideally suited for a specific group of reloaders.
It’s an excellent choice for **beginners** who want to learn the reloading process. The simplicity of the press, combined with the easy-to-follow instructions, makes it a great learning tool.
Reloaders looking for **an affordable option** will find the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** a compelling choice. The low price point makes it easy to get started without breaking the bank.
Reloaders who want to reload for **multiple calibers** will appreciate the turret head system. Having multiple turrets pre-set with dies allows you to easily switch between calibers.
If you want to improve your shooting skills, or need a reliable way to manufacture ammunition, the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** may be the perfect solution.
Less Ideal Users
The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is not the ideal choice for experienced reloaders seeking extreme precision or those engaged in competitive shooting, as some features may not be optimal for such applications.
Comparing the Options: How Does it Stack Up?
Vs. Lee Classic Turret Press and Other Presses
When considering the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit**, it’s important to compare it to other reloading presses on the market.
The **Lee Classic Turret Press**, a model that often gets a good price, is a viable option, but it lacks the automatic indexing of the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit**.
Other reloading presses like the **RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme** offer a more robust build quality. The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** offers a very good value in return for ease of use and speed.
While more expensive presses, such as Dillon, offer features that allow for higher volume reloading, these may not be a good investment for beginners or shooters with lighter volume reloading needs.
Final Thoughts
The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, and efficient reloading press. It’s ideal for beginners, reloaders on a budget, and those who want to reload for multiple calibers. The automatic indexing system, quick die changes, and overall simplicity make it a pleasure to use.
While the press may have some limitations compared to higher-end models, it offers exceptional value for its price.
If you’re looking to get started in the world of reloading, the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is an excellent place to begin.
The **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit** is a worthwhile investment for any reloader.
To get the most out of the kit, make sure to take advantage of online tutorials.
Next Steps
We encourage you to share your experiences in the comments.
For more information and to purchase the **Lee Ultimate Turret Press Kit**, visit the Lee Precision website.
