Lee 90685 vs 90932 Turret Press: Key Differences

Deciding on your first or next reloading press can feel like a major crossroads. Two names consistently rise to the top for new and experienced reloaders alike: the Lee Precision 90685 and the Lee Precision 90932. One is a steadfast single stage press, the other a nimble turret press. Your choice fundamentally shapes your reloading workflow, speed, and even the enjoyment you get from the craft.

This isn’t just about specs on a page. It’s about matching a machine to your goals, your budget, and your bench space. Speaking honestly, the best press isn’t the one with the most featuresit’s the one you’ll use consistently to produce safe, accurate ammunition. Let’s break down these two popular contenders from a trusted name in the industry.

Head-to-Head: Lee 90685 vs. Lee 90932 Overview

At their core, these presses serve the same ultimate purpose but take different paths to get there. The Lee Precision 90685 is a classic single stage press. Its design is simplicity itself: one station, one die at a time. You complete each step of the reloading process (sizing, priming, charging, seating) in batches. It’s a methodical, focused approach.

The Lee Precision 90932, on the other hand, is a turret press with auto-index. Its rotating turret head holds multiple dies. After each pull of the handle, the turret automatically rotates to the next die position. This allows you to complete all steps for a single cartridge without removing it from the shell holder until it’s a finished round. My honest assessment is that this difference defines everything about their use.

Key Feature Breakdown & Specifications

Let’s look at the tangible differences. The provided specifications give us a clear starting point for this press comparison.

A few things stand out. Both utilize aluminum frames, which keeps weight down and cost accessible, though some reloaders prefer the heft of cast iron for certain tasks. The 90685’s bottom-center handle is a classic design that provides good leverage. The 90932’s standout feature is its auto-indexing turret, a system designed to eliminate manual die changing and significantly boost reloading speed.

Durability and Long-Term Use

A question often missing from quick comparisons is about longevity. Can these aluminum-frame presses handle years of use? From my honest perspective, both are built for the casual to moderate-volume reloader. User testimonials over the years suggest that with proper maintenancekeeping threads clean and not over-stressing the frameboth can easily last through tens of thousands of rounds. For ultra-high volume (think 10k+ rounds per year of rifle calibers), some users eventually upgrade to a heavier press like the Lee Classic Cast or offerings from RCBS for maximum press rigidity. But for most, the 90685 and 90932 are more than capable.

Performance & Ease of Use Comparison

This is where the rubber meets the road. How do these presses actually feel on the bench?

The Single Stage (90685) Experience

Using the Lee 90685 is a lesson in fundamentals. You focus on one operation at a time. This methodical pace is why many recommend a single stage press for reloading for beginners. It forces attention to detail, making it easier to spot issues like cracked case necks or irregular primer seating. The process is simple:

• Install your sizing/depriming die.
• Process all your brass through that step.
• Switch to the priming die or tool.
• Move on to powder charging, then bullet seating.

Each die change requires loosening a lock ring, swapping the die, and re-tightening. Honestly speaking, this is where you lose time. But you gain a deep, hands-on understanding of each stage. It’s incredibly forgiving because you can stop and double-check anything at any point.

The Turret (90932) Experience

The Lee 90932 transforms the workflow. With dies pre-set in the four-hole turret, you create a complete round with each pull-crank-pull cycle. The auto-index feature is the star, automatically rotating to the next die. This eliminates the manual die changing that slows down the single-stage process. The speed advantage is real and substantial.

Is the setup more complex? Slightly. You must carefully adjust each die in the turret initially. But once set, you can swap entire caliber setups This press makes ammo reloading for high-volume pistol calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP far more efficient. I honestly believe it’s the sweet spot for the shooter who wants more output than a single stage but isn’t ready for a progressive press.

Target User & Ideal Use Cases

So, who should choose which press? The answer isn’t universal. It depends entirely on your shooting habits.

Ideal for the Lee Precision 90685 (Single Stage)

• The Beginner: If you’re asking which Lee press is better for a beginner, the 90685 is the classic answer. Its simplicity reduces variables while you learn.
• The Precision Rifle Shooter: Those loading for bolt-action rifles (.223, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor) where every round is meticulously measured and checked. The single-stage pace matches the precision mindset.
• The Low-Volume Reloader: If you only shoot a few hundred rounds a month, the speed of a turret may not justify its cost.
• The Tinkerer: Perfect for processing brass (depriming, resizing) or performing specific tasks like bullet swaging.

Ideal for the Lee Precision 90932 (Turret)

• The Pistol Shooter: For questions like Lee 90685 vs 90932 for pistol reloading, the turret wins. The volume needs of pistol shooters make the speed critical.
• The Multi-Caliber Shooter: The ability to buy extra turrets and pre-set dies for each caliber is a massive time-saver.
• The Reloader Seeking Efficiency: If you enjoy the craft but want to spend less time at the bench for the same output.
• The Intermediate Reloader: Someone who has mastered the basics on a single stage and is ready to increase production without a huge leap in complexity or cost.

Caliber Loading Examples

Let’s get specific. For loading .223 Remington on a single stage, you’ll batch-process dozens of cases through each step. It’s slow but allows for careful inspection after resizing. On the 90932 turret, you can smoothly flow from sizing to priming to charging to seating in one continuous motion. The difference is even more pronounced with straight-walled pistol cases like 9mm, where the turret’s rhythm can feel almost meditative. For larger rifle calibers like .30-06, some users note that the aluminum frame can flex slightly during full-length resizing, a point where a cast-iron press feels more solid.

Value, Pricing, and the Big Question

This leads to the inevitable dilemma: is the turret press worth the extra money? My honest take is that it absolutely can be, but not for everyone. The 90932 typically commands a higher price than the 90685. You’re paying for the auto-index mechanism and the flexibility of the turret system.

The value proposition is clear. If you see yourself loading more than 100-200 rounds in a sitting regularly, the time savings of the turret will quickly justify its premium. If your reloading sessions are short, infrequent, or hyper-focused on precision, the single stage offers phenomenal value and a rock-solid foundation. It’s worth checking other precision press comparisons to see how Lee stacks up against other brands in this category.

Compatibility & Warranty

A common technical question is, can you use Lee 90685 dies on 90932? The answer is yes. Standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies are universal across most presses, including these two. Lee’s own breech lock system is an optional quick-change feature available on some kits, but it’s not a requirement for either press discussed here.

Lee Precision is known for its strong warranty and customer support. Their “No BS” warranty has been a hallmark for years, promising to fix or replace any product that fails. It’s a significant confidence booster, especially for beginners investing in their first setup. For official manuals and support, always refer to the official source.

Final Verdict & Buying Recommendation

between the Lee 90685 and the Lee 90932 isn’t about finding a “better” press. It’s about right tool for your workshop.

For the disciplined beginner, the precision enthusiast, or the low-volume reloader, the Lee Precision 90685 single stage press is a masterpiece of simplicity. It teaches the fundamentals better than any other tool. You will learn reloading, not just perform it. The cost of entry is lower, and the skills it builds are forever.

For the shooter who goes through hundreds of pistol rounds a month, loads for several different guns, or simply wants to maximize their time at the bench, the Lee Precision 90932 turret press is a transformative upgrade. The auto-index feature is a genuine game-changer for production speed without the complexity of a full progressive press.

To be completely honest, many reloaders end up owning both types eventuallya single stage for precision rifle work and a turret for pistol plinking ammo. If your budget and space allow for only one right now, let your expected volume and caliber mix be your guide. And remember, the best setup is one that works for you. For more insights on how Lee compares to other turret options, our comparison with the precision of Lyman’s turret press is worth a look.

Whichever path you choose, you’re investing in a craft that deepens your connection to shooting. It’s about self-sufficiency, customization, and the quiet satisfaction of firing rounds you built yourself. That, in my Honest Opinion, is the real value no price tag can capture.