Own two Dillons 650s -- worth keeping a Lee Turret around?

Sleazy P. Martini

Sleazy P. Martini

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This is a first world problem if there's ever been one.

I currently own two Dillon XL650s. I'm going to be buying an Inline Fabrication quick change mount soon and started thinking about whether it's worth buying a conversion plate for my Lee Turret press. My initial thought is that I can use the Lee if I ever get into precision rifle, but I'm not sure if it's sufficient for that (plus I'd probably go with a single stage anyways). So, I ask you guys, given my current situation, is there a compelling reason to keep a Lee Turret around?
 
Just sell me one of those 650s... it’ll look great next to my 550!!!

If you have a need for it, sure. Keep it. Otherwise, that’s a portion of another G19 or reloading components.
 
I actually use mine a lot for small batches of hunting bullets or to make up a few for testing. Might as well keep it. I've found used reloading equipment doesn't bring very much unless you have a buddy that needs it.
 
MacEntyre said:
Keep Lee Turret for rifle calibers.

Do Not Load Rifle Calibers on a Progressive Press.
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Why do you say no progressive for rifle? Have not started reloading rifle yet, but can’t imagine loading target grade 223 with single stage. Seem impractical
 
Of course, you can successfully load rifle on a progressive press... just be vewey, vewey careful!

+1 for the Forster Coax... mine has two Lyman turret presses beside it. I use the Dillon 650 for pistol calibers.
 
I actually have a Lee single stage for loading .308. Works well. In all honesty, it comes handy for pushing out primers and small jobs.
 
Yes - I have a Lee turret and and 550 and 650 and Co-ax and 8567N and a 1050 now.
The Lee does odd jobs, including pulls. I used it to load a few 30-30 for my brother.
Handy to have one around for random things that come up.
 
I have a 550 on one end of my bench, and the LCT on the other end. I use the 550 for semi-auto pistol calibers, and some 223, but I do all the other rifle and revolver loads on my LCT. I have no plans to replace the LCT, even if I get a high end single-stage press.
 
Slacker said:
I vote to lose the Lee for a single stage conversion for the 650.
Super fast swap out and works awsome.
I have one for my RL550, no complaints at all and it gave me back a good bit of bench space.
http://uniquetek.com/product/T1553
View attachment 186022
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That’s interesting! I only have a 550. Do you have to buy a different shell holder for each caliber, or does it take separate shell holder/inserts?
 
Pink_Vapor said:
That’s interesting! I only have a 550. Do you have to buy a different shell holder for each caliber, or does it take separate shell holder/inserts?
Click to expand...

Uses normal single stage shell holders, I use both RCBS and Lee.
ETA: I have never used my conversion for super short stuff like 9mm. I don't have that funky looking extension nor have I needed it for 38/357 or any rifle calibers.
Not sure what that's all about.
The pic shows a die that doesn't protrude.
Maybe it's a FCD or something.

Ah, just read the description...

"The photo at left shows the SOLO™ installed on an RL 550b press with a Redding G-Rx Die installed in the toolhead.
Note: G-Rx Die and pushrod are not included with SOLO™ kit."

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1011225072?pid=786187&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Reloading+-+Dies+&+Shellholders&utm_content=786187&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-7TR-62m5wIVyp6zCh2MHwDaEAQYASABEgKONfD_BwE
 
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Slacker said:
Uses normal single stage shell holders, I use both RCBS and Lee.
ETA: I have never used my conversion for super short stuff like 9mm. I don't have that funky looking extension nor have I needed it for 38/357 or any rifle calibers.
Not sure what that's all about.
The pic shows a die that doesn't protrude.
Maybe it's a FCD or something.

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1011225072?pid=786187&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Reloading+-+Dies+&+Shellholders&utm_content=786187&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-7TR-62m5wIVyp6zCh2MHwDaEAQYASABEgKONfD_BwE
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The pistol setup in the picture shows a height extension that’s needed for pistol rounds. Do still use the full handle throw, or do you stop by ‘feel’? What does a larger rifle case, like 30-06, setup look like?
 
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One thing I use my LCT for (and is one of the main reasons I bought it) is for decapping before wet tumbling. The LCT sends the spent primers down through the center of the ram and out of the bottom, which keeps the lubricated parts of the press clean. (I use the straw trick to make sure the primers and residue all go down the ram). Since I do that on the LCT for all my brass, I never end up decapping anything on my 550, so I get no primer residue on that press, and no spent primers to deal with.

Many other presses route the spent primers (and associated residue) out of the side of the ram, above the base of the press, so residue ends up getting on the lubricated parts of the press and requires more frequent cleaning/lubing.
 
Toprudder said:
One thing I use my LCT for (and is one of the main reasons I bought it) is for decapping before wet tumbling. The LCT sends the spent primers down through the center of the ram and out of the bottom, which keeps the lubricated parts of the press clean. (I use the straw trick to make sure the primers and residue all go down the ram). Since I do that on the LCT for all my brass, I never end up decapping anything on my 550, so I get no primer residue on that press, and no spent primers to deal with.

Many other presses route the spent primers (and associated residue) out of the side of the ram, above the base of the press, so residue ends up getting on the lubricated parts of the press and requires more frequent cleaning/lubing.
Click to expand...
Ah, I've been using a Harvey Deprimed for that.

Lots of good points in this thread. Thanks for the input, everyone!
 
use the LCT in turret single stage mode for rifle and 'precision' stuff, use the others for volume. At least that's what I do. Except I deprime on $35 Lee C-reloader with a Mike Stewart EZ tray mount for collecting spent primers
 
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Pink_Vapor said:
The pistol setup in the picture shows a height extension that’s needed for pistol rounds. Do still use the full handle throw, or do you stop by ‘feel’? What does a liger rifle case, like 30-06, setup look like?
Click to expand...

I don’t think that is a height extension.
I think it’s used in conjunction with a
Redding G-rx die. Might be a push thru sizer or similar.
Mine just uses plain old shell holders.
 
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Slacker said:
I don’t think that is a height extension.
I think it’s used in conjunction with a
Redding G-rx die. Might be a push thru sizer or similar.
Mine just uses plain old shell holders.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was thinking it was something similar to the Lee bulge-buster kit - pushes the cases through the die to size down near the head.
 
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