Two workhorses from Lee Precision consistently dominate the conversation for new and budget-conscious reloaders. The Breech Lock Challenger and the Classic Turret Press represent fundamentally different approaches to the craft. One offers rock-solid simplicity, while the other introduces a taste of semi-automated efficiency. Your choice fundamentally shapes your reloading bench workflow, speed, and overall experience.
Honest OpinionThis isn’t about finding a “best” press, but the right tool for your specific needs. Are you a meticulous rifle shooter or someone who needs to keep up with a hungry 9mm pistol? The answer lies in ir core philosophies. Let’s break down these two iconic reloading presses feature by feature.
Head-to-Head: Core Features & Design
At their heart, these are different machines. The Breech Lock is a single stage press at its core, while the Classic Turret uses a rotating, indexing turret head. This fundamental distinction dictates everything from operation to the accessories included.
| Feature | Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press | Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | Single Stage with Breech Lock | Indexing Turret Press |
| Key Mechanism | Breech Lock Quick-Change Bushings | Indexing Turret (4-station) |
| Included Powder System | Not Included | Pro Auto-Drum Powder Measure and Riser |
| Priming System | Standard Press Arm Primer | On-Press Priming System |
| Frame & Lever | All-steel linkage, adjustable length lever | Robust cast iron frame, auto-indexing lever |
| Included for Setup | One Breech Lock bushing | Kit includes press, measure, riser; “everything you need to begin” |
| Durability Note | Described as durable and long-lasting | Made in USA |
| Mounting Note | Standard press mounting | Bench Plate system in photos is sold separately |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Honestly speaking, the table reveals the immediate divergence. The Breech Lock is a focused tool, while the Classic Turret is a more complete system out of the box. The inclusion of the Pro Auto-Drum Powder Measure with the turret is a massive value point, directly impacting your workflow.
Reloading Workflow & Speed: Batch vs. Continuous
This is where the reloading press type dictates your pace. The single stage Breech Lock operates in batches. You’ll size and deprime 50 cases, then prime them all, then charge powder, then seat bullets. It’s a methodical, controlled process perfect for learning and precision rifle work. The Breech Lock Quick-Change Bushings speed up die changes within that batch process, but it’s still a single-operation press.
The turret press changes the game. With a die in each station, you process one cartridge to completion with each pull of the lever. The turret indexes automatically, moving the case to the next die. For pistol cartridges like 9mm or .45 ACP, this is a game-changer. You’re not doing 100 sizing operations in a row; you’re doing 100 complete cartridges in a continuous, smoother workflow. My honest assessment is that for volume pistol shooting, the speed advantage of the Classic Turret isn’t just incrementalit’s transformative.
- Breech Lock Workflow: Batch processing. Ideal for low-volume, high-precision tasks or meticulous case prep. Slower, but fosters deep focus on each step.
- Classic Turret Workflow: Continuous processing. Each lever pull completes a step. Dramatically faster for handgun rounds and general-purpose rifle loading.
If you’re wondering which is better for beginner reloader Lee Breech Lock or Classic Turret, consider your patience. The single stage teaches fundamentals impeccably. The turret keeps motivation high with faster results.
Setup, Maintenance & Ease of Use
Both presses are designed for user-friendliness, but their learning curves differ. The Breech Lock is arguably simpler to set up initially. You screw a die into a bushing and you’re ready. Its all-steel linkage and adjustable lever offer a solid, straightforward feel. There’s less to go wrong.
The Classic Turret has more moving parts. Setting up the auto-indexing mechanism and synchronizing the Priming System and powder measure requires more initial tuning. Speaking honestly, this initial setup is the trade-off for its speed. Once dialed in, however, it runs very smoothly. The fact that it’s a complete kitoften cited as needing just a set of diesis a huge benefit for beginners who don’t want to source individual components.
Maintenance is straightforward for both. The Turret’s indexing mechanism may need occasional cleaning and a drop of oil, while the Breech Lock’s simplicity means there’s very little to maintain. For long-term durability, both are noted for their robust construction, with the Breech Lock specifically highlighted as built to last and the Classic Turret carrying the Made in USA assurance. It’s worth checking the official Lee Precision site for warranty specifics, as policies can evolve.
Priming & Powder Systems: A Stark Contrast
This is a major differentiator often highlighted in a Lee Precision press comparison. The Breech Lock uses a standard press-arm primer seater. It works reliably but is a separate, manual step in your batch process.
The Classic Turret Press Kit includes its on-press Priming System. As the turret indexes, the priming arm swings into position, allowing you to seat a primer on the downstroke. When combined with the included Pro Auto-Drum Powder Measure, you have a nearly continuous process: size/deprime, prime, charge powder, seat bullet. The difference between Lee Breech Lock and Classic Turret priming systems is the difference between a manual task and an integrated, automated step. For speed and convenience, the turret wins hands down.
Price & Value Analysis: Kit vs. Core Tool
You must look beyond the initial price tag. The Breech Lock Challenger Press is typically a lower-cost entry point. However, it’s just the press. To start reloading, you’ll need to separately purchase a powder measure, scale, priming tool, and case prep tools. The total investment adds up.
The Classic Turret Press Kit costs more upfront. But my honest take is that its Value for Money is exceptional because it bundles the press, a quality auto-drum powder measure, and the riser. It truly is a more complete starting point. When you factor in the time savings and integrated workflow, the question is the Lee Classic Turret worth the extra money over Breech Lock often answers itself for anyone loading more than tiny batches of precision rifle ammo.
It’s always wise to compare this Lee precision offering to other turret options, and to consider brands like RCBS or Hornady for different feature sets. For those wanting ultimate rigidity, our deep dive into the classic cast version is a must-read.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Press?
This isn’t about one being universally better. It’s about matching the tool to the task and the shooter.
Choose the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press if:
- You are a beginner who wants to master each reloading step slowly and deliberately.
- Your primary focus is precision rifle ammunition (e.g., .223 Remington for varminting, 6.5 Creedmoor).
- You load in very small batches and value ultimate control over each cartridge.
- Your budget for the press itself is extremely tight, and you plan to acquire accessories over time.
- You appreciate mechanical simplicity and a press that’s virtually maintenance-free.
Choose the Lee Classic Turret Press Kit if:
- You plan to reload a significant volume of pistol ammunition (9mm, .45 ACP, .38 Special).
- You want a faster, more continuous workflow that produces completed rounds with each pull.
- You value an out-of-the-box kit that includes a critical component like the powder measure.
- You reload for both rifle and pistol and want a versatile press that handles volume efficiently.
- You understand that a slightly steeper learning curve on setup pays off in long-term speed.
From my honest perspective, the Breech Lock is the quintessential learner’s press and a specialist’s tool. The Classic Turret is the pragmatic workhorse for the shooter who needs efficiency. For a high-volume pistol shooter, the turret press advantages in speed and integrated priming are undeniable.
Remember, these sit below progressive presses in speed but above them in simplicity and cost. If you eventually outgrow a turret, you’re looking at a progressive. But for most recreational shooters, a well-set-up Classic Turret is a lifetime press. I honestly believe that for the majority of new reloaders who shoot both pistol and rifle, the Classic Turret Kit offers the best balance of education, speed, and Value for Money. It lets you learn properly without the frustration of batch processing for handgun rounds.
Your reloading bench deserves the right foundation. Consider your primary caliber, your patience for process, and your long-term shooting goals. Both of these Lee Precision presses are capable, durable tools that represent the Honest Opinion of value-driven engineering. Your choice simply determines the rhythm of your reloading session.