Lee Classic Turret Press Review: Specs, Pros, and Setup Guide
By Amis Thains Updated 6 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are torn between this cast iron turret and the heavier options because you are worried the plastic parts will fail or the indexing will drift. This review breaks down the specific mechanical quirks of the press and tells you exactly what to check before you start your first magazine of pistol rounds.
In short: The press is stable, cheap, and the auto-indexing makes it the fastest option for high-volume pistol loads. However, it is not recommended for left-handed users and the turret heads occasionally have alignment issues out of the box. You get exceptional value for the cost if you are right-handed and willing to learn the setup.
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Includes the steel linkage and large ram needed to seat primers without extra hardware.
Bright white light helps you verify primer seating when shadows form on the case head.
Who it is for (and who should skip it)
This press is built for the right-handed reloaders who prioritize speed for pistol calibers. The auto-indexing rod saves time by stepping the turret automatically after each stroke of the handle. We cover checking press base thread spacing in a guide of its own.
If you are a left-hander, skip this press entirely. The front support column on the right side blocks access to the shell holder, forcing you to work on the left side only, which makes the process dangerous and slow.
It is also the right tool if you are on a budget and want to get into casting or bottleneck necking without spending premium money on a Lyman or Redding.
The included steel linkage provides the leverage needed to handle the force of the ratchet handle comfortably.
- If you are using the Auto-Disk Powder Measure on this press, the Auto Disk Riser will
- Features Solid Steel Linkage
What stands out
Auto-Indexing Speed
The auto-indexing feature is the main reason to buy this press. It advances the turret head instantly when you pull the handle down.
For pistol rounds, this is a massive time saver. You can also remove the indexing rod in under 30 seconds to turn the press into a preset single-stage.
Tool-Free Turret Head Changes
Lee uses a breech-lock design on the turret head. You unscrew it by hand to swap heads without needing a wrench, which makes transitioning between different cases or bullet sizes very fast.
The cast-iron frame combined with the steel ram gives it a stability that many of the lighter single-stage presses cannot match. It holds its position tight, which is essential for consistent necking on bottleneck cases. For the detail, see our notes on lee classic cast review.
Pro tip: When swapping turret heads, make sure the head sits square before tightening to avoid the aluminum head bending the die.
The drawbacks
Plastic Indexing Assembly
The auto-indexing clamp and ratchet are made of plastic. Owners report the ratchet teeth wear out after a few years of heavy use, and the clamp can crack if the rod is not aligned perfectly.
The good news is that replacement parts are cheap and easy to find. Keep two on the shelf just in case, and always check for hairline cracks with a bright light.
Aluminum Turret Heads
The heads are made of cast aluminum, not steel. Some arrive with poor alignment or are threaded slightly off-center. If the ram hits the aluminum off-center, it can bend the head, which requires a new purchase.
Because the die stations are close, you must check that your lock rings fit between them. If you use wide lock rings, they may interfere with the next station’s die.
Left-Handed Design
The support columns make it nearly impossible to load and prime on the left side of the shell holder, which is the only side that remains open. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at rcbs turret press review.
Bright LED lighting helps you inspect the plastic indexing clamp for hairline cracks before they fail.
- InLine Fabrication Skylight LED Shellplate Lighting System for The Dillon 550 Press
- Puts the right amount of bright white light right where you need it, inside the cage of
Setup and use tips
Retimeing the Press
Before you load your first round, you must retime the indexing rod. The plastic ratchet on the ram can slip or lag behind the turret. To fix this, set the handle to 0 degrees and pull the trigger.
The rod should push the turret exactly 90 degrees. If it does not, adjust the ratchet tension until the movement is crisp and precise.
If the turret starts to drift or not advance correctly, check that the plastic clamp is not loose. A snug clamp is the first step to reliable indexing. If the ratchet teeth are worn, the movement will feel “mushy”; replace the parts immediately to avoid further damage to the press.
Handle Adjustment
The ratchet handle has 48 notches in 7.5-degree increments. For heavy bottleneck necking, set the handle to a steeper angle to increase leverage. For light pistol work, a shallower angle is more comfortable.
Priming Clearance
If you are using the auto-priming assembly, the wooden handle can bump the primer tray. A roller handle or a larger clearance setup can fix this collision. Always check the clearance when you change the handle angle to ensure the tray does not fall off during operation.
Safety first: Always remove the indexing rod when reloading rifle calibers or using heavy crimp dies to prevent the rod from snapping. We go through weighing loadmaster cost benefits step by step in its own article.
Alternatives worth a look
RCBS Rebel Turret
If you want to stay in the turret game but need a fully metal construction, look at the RCBS Rebel or the Rockchucker. These presses use steel components for the indexing system, so you will not worry about plastic parts cracking or teeth wearing out.
The trade-off is that they are significantly more expensive and heavier than the Lee Classic Turret. If you plan to use the press for many years and reload high volumes, the extra cost of a metal turret may be worth it for the longevity.
Lee 90417 Ultimate Turret
For those who want to use the same turret heads on a different frame, the Lee 90417 Ultimate Turret is the step up. It has a larger frame and allows for more complex multi-cavity setups, though it loses the auto-indexing speed of the Classic model.
This is a better choice if you want to use the Lee system for more complex rifle or shotgun loads.
The bottom line
The Lee Classic Turret Press is the best budget option for right-handed pistol reloaders who value speed over all-metal durability. If you can't spare the time to learn the setup or you are a left-hander, skip it. For the cost, the value in auto-indexing makes it a must-have for the casual hand-loader.
- If you are using the Auto-Disk Powder Measure on this press, the Auto Disk Riser will
- Features Solid Steel Linkage
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Redding body dies in the Lee Classic Cast Turret Press?
You can, but the die holders are spaced very closely together. Most Redding lock rings and die bodies are wider than the standard Lee ones, so they may not fit between the stations without colliding. You would need to use smaller lock rings or remove them entirely. Loaders in this spot often ask about compact reloading press options as well.
Does the Lee 90417 turret head fit the Classic Turret Press?
No, they are not cross-compatible. The 90417 Ultimate uses a different ram diameter and locking mechanism than the Classic Cast or Turret series. You must use the specific turret heads designed for the Classic line.
How do I retime a Lee Classic Turret Press properly?
Set the ratchet handle to 0 degrees and pull the trigger. The auto-indexing rod must push the turret exactly to the 90-degree mark. If it falls short or overshoots, adjust the tension on the plastic ratchet teeth on the ram until the movement is precise and the turret clicks into place at each stop.
What comes in the Lee Classic Turret Press kit?
The kit includes the press frame, the ratchet handle, and the auto-indexing rod. It does not include the auto-priming assembly or the turret heads, which you must purchase separately to start reloading.
Why is the indexing rod not advancing the turret correctly?
The most common reason is a loose plastic clamp or worn ratchet teeth. Check the tension on the ratchet mechanism on the ram. If it is loose, tighten it. If the teeth are worn flat, the rod will slip and you will need to replace the ratchet and clamp to get reliable indexing.