Two distinct philosophies of reloading sit on the workbench. The Lee Precision 90685 Cast Iron Reloading Hand Press and the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit represent fundamentally different approaches to the craft. One is a pure, focused tool. The other is a comprehensive system designed for workflow. Your choice fundamentally shapes your reloading experience, from the first case you size to the thousandth round you produce.
This isn’t about finding a “best” press. It’s about identifying the right tool for your specific goals, budget, and bench space. Speaking honestly, the core of Lee’s appeal has always been delivering exceptional value for money, and both these presses exemplify that in their own way. Let’s break down exactly what each offers, using only their actual specifications and features, to see which aligns with your shooting future.
Head-to-Head: Lee 90685 vs Classic Turret Press
At first glance, these are two different machines for two different purposes. A direct comparison reveals their core identities.
| Feature | Lee Precision 90685 Cast Iron Hand Press | Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | Single stage press | Turret press |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Cast Iron (from product name/description) |
| Handle Location | Bottom center | Not specified, but standard side location implied |
| Included Components | Press only | Press, Pro Auto-Drum powder measure and riser |
| Primary Use Case | Portable, focused operations | Complete bench-mounted reloading setup |
| Key Operational Feature | N/A | Indexing turret for semi-progressive operation |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
My honest assessment is that this table tells the whole story. The 90685 is a bare-bones, portable single stage. The Classic Turret is a kit aimed at getting you from zero to loaded rounds with minimal extra purchases. The kit’s inclusion of the Pro Auto-Drum measure is a massive differentiator for anyone reloading pistol or small rifle cartridges.
Performance Analysis: Speed, Ease, and Accuracy
How do these presses actually perform on the bench? The differences are stark and directly tied to their design.
Reloading Speed and Workflow
The Classic Turret Press, with its indexing turret, is built for a smoother, faster workflow. You install a full set of dies (depriming/sizing, expanding, seating, crimping) into the turret head. With each pull of the handle, the turret rotates to the next die station. This eliminates the constant die swapping required on a single stage like the 90685. For volume shooting, especially pistol calibers, the speed advantage of the turret is undeniable.
The 90685 demands a batch process. You’ll size and deprime 50 cases, then switch dies to bell the mouths of all 50, then switch again to seat bullets. It’s a methodical, slower process. Honestly speaking, this isn’t a flawit’s the nature of a single stage. It forces focus on each step, which many find beneficial for precision reloading for rifle.
User Experience & Ease of Use
For a reloading for beginners, the Classic Turret Kit is arguably the gentler on-ramp. The description states it includes “everything you need to begin reloading” aside from dies and components. The integrated powder measure is a huge win for consistency and safety, removing the need for a separate scale-and-trickler step for each pistol round.
The 90685 is simplicity itself, but that simplicity transfers more work to you. There’s no built-in primer catcher, no powder system. Every operation is manual and separate. This can be a virtue for learning the fundamentals in depth, but it requires more ancillary equipment to reach a complete reloading setup.
The Accuracy Question: Lee Single Stage vs Turret Press Accuracy
This is a perennial debate. From my honest perspective, both presses are capable of excellent accuracy. The 90685, with its fixed, direct linkage, offers theoretical mechanical rigidity. There’s no rotating turret to introduce potential play. For ultimate consistency in bottleneck rifle cartridges where thousandths of an inch matter, many experienced reloaders prefer the solid feel of a dedicated single stage for operations like bullet seating.
The Classic Turret’s accuracy hinges on the consistency of its indexing mechanism. Modern turret presses are remarkably robust. The question of can you use Lee turret press as a single stage is key here. You absolutely can. By simply not indexing the turret, you can use it as a fixed, single-station press for specific tasks like precision bullet seating, combining workflow speed with final-step precision.
Ideal User & Use Case Scenarios
Matching the press to the shooter is critical. Heres who each model serves best.
Who Should Choose the Lee Precision 90685?
- The Fundamentals-First Beginner: Someone who wants to master each step of reloading in isolation, building deep knowledge.
- The Precision Rifle Shooter: A hunter or long-range competitor who loads small batches of rifle cartridges where consistency is paramount over speed.
- The Space-Constrained or Mobile Reloader: Its portable nature means you can reload anywhereno permanent reloading bench required.
- The Component Switcher: Someone who frequently changes between calibers that share little in common and doesn’t want to invest in multiple turret heads.
Who Should Choose the Lee Classic Turret Press Kit?
- The Volume Pistol Shooter: If you shoot 9mm, .45 ACP, or .38 Special by the case, the turret’s workflow is a game-changer for reloading speed.
- The “Get Started Now” Beginner: The kit format minimizes initial research and extra purchases. You buy this, a set of dies, and components, and you’re loading.
- The Versatile All-Rounder: Shooters who handle a mix of pistol and rifle but want a balance of speed and capability. It’s often cited as a best press for pistol that’s still very capable for rifle.
- The Reloader Valuing Integrated Systems: The included Pro Auto-Drum measure creates a streamlined process for charging cases, a core part of the reloading setup.
Durability, Maintenance, and the Long View
Competitors often skip the long-term ownership discussion. Heres my honest take on what wears and what lasts.
The 90685, with its simple lever-and-ram design, has very few wear points. Its aluminum frame is lightweight for portability but may not have the heft of cast iron for the toughest sizing operations. Maintenance is basically just keeping it clean and lightly lubricated.
The Classic Turret’s key wear component is its indexing turret mechanism. The plastic ratchet and spring that control the rotation will eventually need replacementa cheap and simple fix, but a consideration. The cast iron frame provides a solid, lasting foundation. For mounting, exploring brands like Inline Fabrication for aftermarket stands or quick-change plates can dramatically improve ergonomics and stability, a worthwhile upgrade for a permanent bench fixture.
Final Verdict & Buying Recommendation
So, which Lee press is better for a beginner? Honestly, it depends on the beginner’s personality and goals. The impatient shooter who wants to make ammo quickly for regular practice should lean toward the Classic Turret Kit. The meticulous learner who doesn’t mind a slower, more analytical path will gain invaluable foundation from the 90685.
For the precision rifle enthusiast loading for bolt-actions, the 90685’s singular focus is a benefit. For the high-volume pistol shooter or the reloader seeking a versatile single-press solution, the Classic Turret is the clear workhorse. The cost difference between Lee 90685 and Classic Turret is justified by the turret’s included powder measure and its semi-progressive functionality.
My final, honest recommendation? If your primary focus is rifle accuracy and learning the craft in detail, or you need ultimate portability, the 90685 is a superb, affordable tool. If your goal is efficient production of reliable ammunition for regular shooting, particularly handgun calibers, the Classic Turret Press Kit offers a smarter, more complete starting point that will keep pace with your growing hobby. Both embody Lee’s legendary value for money, just in different forms. For more detailed precision press comparisons, you can see how other models stack up in our other guides.
Always remember to consult official reloading manuals from sources like Hornady or RCBS for the latest, safest load data. Your safety is paramount. At the end of the day, the best press is the one you’ll use consistently to make safe, accurate ammunition. That’s the Honest Opinion from this side of the reloading bench.