The Lee Ultimate Turret Press has earned a solid reputation among reloaders, particularly those seeking a balance between speed, affordability, and versatility. This in-depth review will explore its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall suitability for various reloading needs. We'll delve into what makes it a popular choice and help you determine if it's the right press for your reloading journey.
What is the Lee Ultimate Turret Press?
The Lee Ultimate Turret Press is a progressive reloading press designed for efficient and consistent ammunition production. Unlike single-stage presses that require multiple steps for each cartridge, the turret system allows for multiple operations to be completed in a single press stroke, significantly speeding up the reloading process. This makes it ideal for high-volume reloaders or those aiming for quicker turnaround times.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Turret Design: The heart of the press is its rotating turret, which holds multiple dies. This allows for quick transitions between operations like sizing, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping. The quick-change turret system makes switching calibers relatively straightforward.
- Affordability: Compared to other progressive presses on the market, the Lee Ultimate Turret Press offers exceptional value for its price. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious reloaders without compromising on functionality.
- Versatility: While known for its speed in progressive reloading, it also offers adaptability for single-stage operations. This flexibility caters to reloaders who may require precision adjustments for certain cartridge types or who are new to reloading and want to learn the basics before transitioning to progressive reloading.
- Robust Construction: The press is built with a durable cast-iron frame, ensuring longevity and stability during operation. This sturdy design minimizes wobble and maintains consistent pressure throughout the reloading process.
- Easy to Use: Despite its capabilities, the Lee Ultimate Turret Press is relatively user-friendly. Its intuitive design and clear instructions make it suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders. Many online resources and tutorials further assist in learning the process.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Capacity Limitations: The turret's capacity is limited compared to some higher-end progressive presses. While efficient, you may find yourself needing to refill components more frequently during long reloading sessions.
- Primer Feeding: The primer feeding system, while functional, might require some adjustment and practice to achieve optimal performance. Some users report occasional issues with consistent primer feeding, particularly with certain primer types.
- Case Feeding: Like most turret presses, consistent case feeding requires a smooth and efficient workflow. Proper case preparation and attention to detail are crucial for maximizing efficiency and avoiding jams.
Is the Lee Ultimate Turret Press Right for You?
The Lee Ultimate Turret Press is an excellent choice for:
- Budget-conscious reloaders: Its affordability makes it accessible to those starting their reloading journey without breaking the bank.
- High-volume reloaders (within its capacity): The turret system significantly improves speed compared to single-stage presses.
- Reloaders seeking versatility: Its ability to function as both a progressive and single-stage press adds to its appeal.
However, it may not be the ideal choice for:
- Extremely high-volume production: Reloaders producing thousands of rounds per session may find its capacity limiting.
- Users seeking the ultimate in precision and high-speed automation: While efficient, it doesn’t offer the same level of advanced features found in top-tier progressive presses.
Conclusion:
The Lee Ultimate Turret Press delivers excellent value for its price, offering a solid balance of speed, affordability, and versatility. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths make it a popular and highly-regarded option for a broad range of reloaders. If you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to significantly increase your reloading efficiency, the Lee Ultimate Turret Press is certainly worth considering. Remember to thoroughly research and understand safe reloading practices before operating any reloading equipment.
