Two distinct philosophies of reloading collide on the workbench. On one side, you have the steadfast, single-stage reliability of the Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic. On the other, the rhythmic, automated efficiency of the Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press. For a beginner or a seasoned shooter looking to upgrade, this choice defines your reloading workflow. It’s a classic debate of methodical control versus streamlined production.
Honest OpinionThis isn’t just about tools; it’s about matching a machine to your mindset. Do you prioritize the tactile, step-by-step process of crafting each round individually? Or does the idea of a semi-automated system that boosts your output appeal more? Honestly speaking, the right answer depends entirely on your goals in the shooting sports. Let’s break down these two iconic pieces of reloading equipment.
The Contenders in the Reloading Ring
Hornady’s 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic Press represents a pure, focused approach to ammunition reloading. It’s a single-stage press, meaning it performs one operation at a time with a single die. This design is renowned for building foundational skills and achieving exceptional reloading precision. The press comes ready with a primer catcher and three of Hornady’s proprietary Lock-N-Load die bushings, which allow for swift die changes without constant re-adjustment.
The Lee Precision 90932, in contrast, is a four-hole turret press with auto-indexing. The “turret” is a rotating plate that holds multiple dies. After you complete an operationlike resizing a casethe turret automatically rotates to bring the next die into position. This clever mechanism bridges the gap between a single-stage and a true progressive press, offering a significant speed advantage while maintaining a high degree of manual control over each case.
Detailed Feature Breakdown: Hornady Lock-N-Load vs. Lee Turret
A side-by-side look at their core specifications reveals their inherent differences. My honest assessment is that this comparison highlights a fundamental choice in reloading philosophy.
| Feature | Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic | Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | Single-Stage | Turret with Auto-Indexing |
| Key Included Features | Primer catcher, Three Lock-N-Load die bushings | 4-Hole Turret, Auto-Index mechanism |
| Frame Construction | Classic “C” style cast iron (implied by design) | Cast Aluminum |
| Primary Operation | One operation per handle pull | Multiple operations via rotating turret |
| Die Change System | Lock-N-Load bushing system (quick-change) | Dies threaded directly into turret |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Construction and Core Design
The Hornady press uses a traditional, robust “C” style frame, typically associated with cast iron construction, which speaks directly to press durability. This design provides immense rigidity, a critical factor for consistent sizing and priming operations. The Lee 90932 utilizes a cast aluminum frame, making it notably lighter. From my honest perspective, the Hornady feels like a permanent, solid fixture on the bench, while the Lee offers easier portability if your space is limited.
The Heart of the System: Turret vs. Single-Stage
This is the core of the debate: progressive vs. turret thinking, even though the Lee is a turret, not a true progressive. The Hornady demands you complete all cases through one die before moving to the next. It’s a methodical, batch-processing approach. The Lee’s auto-indexing turret lets you process a single case through multiple stations with each pull of the handle, dramatically increasing your throughput. You’re not just comparing presses; you’re comparing workflows.
Performance & User Experience: Speed, Precision, and Ergonomics
Reloading Precision and Feel
For pure, unadulterated precision, the single-stage design has a psychological and mechanical edge. You focus on one task. You feel every nuance of the brass as it’s resized and every seat of a primer. The Hornady excels here. The Lee turret is certainly capable of accurate ammunition reloading, but the moving turret introduces a different feel. Honestly speaking, the consistency of your ammo depends more on your technique and dies, but the Hornady’s fixed, rigid frame is the gold standard for feel.
Speed and Operational Workflow
There’s no contest on speed. The Lee Turret Press wins. The auto-indexing function is a game-changer for volume. You can easily produce 150-200 rounds per hour once you find your rhythm, compared to perhaps 50-100 on a single-stage like the Hornady when batch processing. The value proposition of the Lee is its ability to give you 80% of a progressive press’s speed without the complexity or cost.
Case Priming and Shell Plate Considerations
Both presses use an on-press priming system, but the experience differs. The Hornady’s system is straightforward and integrated into the press’s solid frame. The Lee’s primer system works in conjunction with the auto-indexing motion. A nuance often missed is noise and vibration. The Hornady’s mass absorbs more shock, resulting in a quieter, duller “thump.” The lighter Lee aluminum frame can transmit more sound and a sharper “click” during indexing, a small but noticeable long-term difference.
Regarding the shell plate (or shell holder), both use standard designs. However, caliber compatibility nuances arise with the Lee. The four-hole turret allows you to leave a full set of dies for one caliber installed. Switching calibers requires swapping the entire turret or reconfiguring dies. The Hornady, with its quick-change bushings, lets you swap a single die in seconds, which can be faster for a shooter who constantly changes between a few favorite calibers.
Target Audience & Use Case: Which Press is Right for You?
So, which is better for a beginner reloader, Hornady or Lee? From my honest perspective, it hinges on patience versus immediate gratification.
The Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic is Ideal For:
- The meticulous beginner who wants to learn each step intimately.
- The precision rifle shooter loading small batches of match-grade ammunition.
- The reloader who values ultimate rigidity and a “feel-centric” process.
- Someone whose primary concern is learning the art of handloading, not pure output.
Setting up a Hornady 085001 press is a lesson in simplicity and fundamentals. You mount it, install a die, and begin. It forgives mistakes slowly, allowing you to catch errors before they become a batch problem.
The Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press is Ideal For:
- The beginner who anticipates needing higher volume for pistol or plinking rifle rounds.
- The reloader transitioning from a single-stage who wants more speed without a huge leap.
- Someone with limited bench space who appreciates the lighter weight.
- Shooters who value a streamlined process for calibers they shoot frequently.
A critical point for the Lee is the long-term maintenance schedule and availability of parts. The auto-indexing mechanism is reliable but is a moving part that may require attention over years of use. Thankfully, the cost of Lee Precision 90932 replacement parts is typically low, and their customer service is known for being helpful, a key point for long-term ownership.
Beyond the Press: The Reloading Ecosystem
Your press is just the beginning. You’ll need dies, a scale, calipers, and more. For comprehensive guides on techniques and safety, always consult an authority guide. companies like Inline Fabrication offer fantastic upgrades for both presses, from ergonomic handles to sturdy mounting systems that can enhance any setup.
If you’re weighing other options in the turret or single-stage space, our detailed comparisons on other models, like this one focusing on precision, or this analysis of another precision matchup, can offer more context.
Final Verdict & Value Assessment
This isn’t about declaring one press the universal winner. It’s about aligning a tool with a task and a temperament.
Choose the Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic if your primary goals are learning, precision, and developing an intimate feel for the reloading process. Its robust construction, quick-change bushing system, and singular focus make it a timeless tool. The value proposition here is foundational skill and unmatched consistency for the precision-minded shooter.
Choose the Lee Precision 90932 Turret Press if you want to produce usable ammunition at a respectful pace from day one. Its auto-indexing turret is a brilliant design that offers a tangible speed advantage. The value is in its efficient workflow and ability to grow with a shooter who quickly graduates from “just a few rounds” to needing a steady supply.
My honest take is that the Hornady vs. Lee Turret press accuracy debate is often overstated. Both are capable of producing highly accurate ammunition in skilled hands. The real difference is in the journey. One is a masterclass in patience. The other is a lesson in efficient rhythm. For a final Honest Opinion on all things reloading and shooting sports gear, the deeper you dive, the more you realize the best tool is the one you’ll use consistently to safely feed your passion.
Speak honestly with yourself about your shooting volume, your patience for process, and your budget for not just the press but all the ancillary equipment. Mount either of these presses solidly, follow safe practices, and you’ll be on a rewarding path in the world of handloading.