What is the Best Turret Press for Reloading?
If you’re in the market for the best turret press then you already understand the economical aspect of reloading your own ammo. Sure, the initial cost is somewhat higher, however, over the long term, especially if you’re big into your shooting, it will repay itself in spades.
What Is A Turret Press
A turret press is a type of reloading press used to reload ammunition. It’s called a “turret press” because it features a rotating turret head that holds multiple dies at once, allowing the reloader to switch between different calibers or stages of the reloading process without having to change out individual dies. This makes the turret press a versatile and efficient tool for reloading a variety of different types of ammunition. With a turret press, the reloader can resize and deprime brass, add new primers, and dispense powder and bullets, all in one convenient and compact machine. It is a popular choice among hobbyist and experienced reloaders who want to save time and increase their reloading efficiency.
In this article, we will take a look at the 5 best turret presses on the market and review each in turn so you can make an informed decision when buying.
There are a few reasons why you should consider a turret press:
- You regularly use commercial bullets
- You want to save time & money by making the bullets you need yourself
- You want to be self-sufficient in ammo
What to look for When Buying a Turret Punch
With so many options available it’s important that you pay attention to a few key features and specs before you decide on which press to buy.
When buying a turret punch, consider the eight following factors:
- Tonnage: The tonnage rating indicates the maximum force the punch can exert. Choose a punch with a tonnage rating that suits your needs.
- Throat Depth: The throat depth is the distance from the center of the punch to the edge of the machine. It determines the maximum size of material that can be punched.
- Tool Capacity: The number of tools the turret can hold is an important consideration. More tool capacity means you can perform more operations without changing the turret.
- Accuracy: Look for a punch with a high degree of accuracy to ensure your parts are precisely punched every time.
- Control System: The control system is an important factor in a turret punch’s performance. Look for a machine with a user-friendly control system that makes programming and operation simple.
- Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the punch, including access to parts and service support, to ensure that the machine will be reliable and long-lasting.
- Brand Reputation: Look for a brand with a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and customer support.
- Price: Consider your budget and choose a punch that provides the features you need at a price that fits within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose a turret punch that meets your specific needs and provides reliable, accurate performance for years to come.
Below we cover a few of these requirements.
Caliber Capabilities
Not all turret presses are created equal. Some support a wide range of calibers right out of the box, this is especially true when you purchase a reloading kit, which contains a caliber conversion kit and dies for each caliber.
Usually, however, these kits costs way too much and you will rarely if ever have the need for 100+ different caliber dies! So take a look at what is supported as standard and ensure your ammo requirements are covered. If not you will need to pick up a separate conversion kit.
Additional Benefits
Yes, a turret press will cost more than a single stage press, however, they are capable of process on average 250+ rounds per hour, so the economics do work out if you’re in this for the longer term.
Having the ability to reload your own ammo at a fraction of the cost of buying from a supplier is usually a no-brainer when it comes to should you or shouldn’t you invest in a turret press.
- Heavy duty cast iron frame and turret.
- Extra-large 8 station turret is easily removed to make swapping turrets simple.
- Holds two complete 4 die sets or up to four 2 die sets.
- Durable powder coat finish.
- Comes with straight line primer feed with large and small primer tubes.
- This kit and a set of Lee dies is everything you need to begin reloading
- Note: the Bench Plate system the Classic Turret Press is mounted to in the photo is sold separately.
- Made in USA
- The kit includes the Pro Auto-Drum powder measure and riser, perfect for all handgun and small rifle cartridges.
- If you are using the Auto-Disk Powder Measure on this press, the Auto Disk Riser will need to be Purchased to Provide Adequate Clearance for the Lee Safety Prime.
- Features Solid Steel Linkage
- The Industry's Largest Ram is Drilled Completely Through to Dispense Primers in an Attached Clear PVC Tube
- Heavy Duty Construction
- Includes Ultimate Turret Press, roller handle grip, 5 hole turret, Safety Prime, Deluxe Auto drum powder measure
- Includes Safety Scale, Medium Inline Bullet Feed Magazine, bin and bracket to catch completed rounds
- Includes caliber change wrench, and Lee breech lock 3 die set (carbide full length sizing die, powder through expanding die, bullet seating die, and instructions with load data)
- The balanced lever design is easy to operate and will not drop and pinch a finger
- Features a tool rack surrounding the steel tool carrier holds die wrench, ¼ hex wrench, alternate primer arm and Safety Prime
- Turret Press W/Auto Index
- Cast Aluminum
- 4-Hole
Conclusion
In conclusion, a turret press is an excellent choice for someone looking to reload their own ammo. With its rotating turret head and multiple die capacity, it provides versatility and efficiency in the reloading process. However, it is important to consider factors such as tonnage, throat depth, tool capacity, accuracy, control system, maintenance, brand reputation, and price when choosing a turret press. By carefully considering your specific needs and doing thorough research, you can find the perfect turret press to meet your reloading needs and provide reliable and accurate performance for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just starting out, a turret press can be an essential tool to help you save time and money while enjoying the satisfaction of reloading your own ammunition.
