Going from Turret to Progressive.. What do I need?

[steve3d2005]

Hi All,

Been reloading for a bit with my Lee Classic Turret Press and am considering switching up to the Hornady LnL Progressive.

I currently have the lee carbide 4 die pistol set. Is that something I can transition into the hornady press or will I need something else. I would like it to remain similar to the lee classic in that the expander die also charges the case automatically.

Also I have heard the factory crimp die has issues in the LnL press. If that won't work to crimp, would I need a different die for the 4th slot to crimp?

Thanks for any hints/tips.

-Steve

[Dark Mod]

Your dies will work with the LNL, The powder measure will also work with your PTX die. I dont use the factory crimp dies so i dont know if they work in an LNL or not

Are you just loading one caliber? If so, a progressive press may be overkill (unless you shoot a ton of that one caliber)

You can also check out Dillons Square deal B, it uses proprietary dies, but if your only loading one caliber it wont matter since i think a set comes with it

[steve3d2005]

Thanks a ton for the info.

Nice to hear the PTX from my lee setup will also work with the LnL. That's the one thing I couldn't find a clear answer just viewing the product details, etc.

Currently just loading 9mm as I shoot it the most and it was fairly cheap to learn and get started. Depending on how into the reloading I get I will likely load 45 at some point as well.

The progressive could be overkill but it seems for about 200 more than the classic turret kit I got I could get the same amount of rounds in less time with less effort which would be nice. Classic works pretty good but after about 100 rounds my hands start to get tired!

[Fyathyrio]

Your dies will work, I've used a Lee FCD on my Hornady LnL...just didn't like it with jacketed bullets, but worked fine with lead. The Lee dies are a bit short so you may have some issues with the lock rings Hornady supplies, but your Lee dies have thinner rings that'll work fine. The press only comes with three LnL bushings, so you will need some more...they are pretty cheap in six or ten packs.

Where are you located, there may be a friendly CalGunner nearby with a LnL you can look at.

[bigdrunk92037]

Before you go to Progressive, you may think about giving the Hornady bullet feeder a try. I have a Lee Classic Turret using the cheaper 3-die set for .45. In the Lee 3 die set, one die seats and crimps (compromise but it works) which frees up a spot for the feeder. I find the feeder to speed things up significantly. I was in the exact same boat as you, ready to plink down for a LnL Progressive but now I am so stocked with my $25 investment in the feeder a new progressive is the last thing on my mind.

The feeder holds roughly 7 bullets as is, but if you can find the right sized tubing, you can extend the thing to hold 30+ bullets at once.

Worse case, the feeder will work nicely on your LnL if you later decide to go that route.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/337275/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-feeder-bullet-feeding-die-45-acp

[roc_my_tims]

Good idea I just purchased a lee classic turret press ill try this down the line.

[rconnerley]

Lee FCD's work fine in the LNL. I have used them in most calibers I load w/ no problems.

[clutchy]

steve3d2005

let me know if you want to sell that classic turret press

[steve3d2005]

Hah sorry clutchy.. Unfortunately I posted that WTS ad a month or so ago.. Ended up getting the Hornady LnL Press and I am very happy with it. Definetely took a little getting used to in the beginning but now it is working like a champ.

[Timmm]

Steve
Are you having problems getting parts?

[steve3d2005]

Thats a two part answer..

When I decided to get the press I bought cabelas gift cards online to purchase stuff so I effectively got like 12% off.. that worked great for the press, but almost everything else at cabelas that I wanted for it was backordered.. The LNL bushings, the lock rings, the shell plate.. Very ridiculous. I don't know why cabelas seems to have some a short stock on these parts. In the end I just used Ebay for the vast majority of the stuff because it was readily available at nearly the same cost. Now I have like 100$ in gift cards left just waiting till I see something I want they actually have in stock.

-Steve

[Bill Steele]

Thats a two part answer..

When I decided to get the press I bought cabelas gift cards online to purchase stuff so I effectively got like 12% off.. that worked great for the press, but almost everything else at cabelas that I wanted for it was backordered.. The LNL bushings, the lock rings, the shell plate.. Very ridiculous. I don't know why cabelas seems to have some a short stock on these parts. In the end I just used Ebay for the vast majority of the stuff because it was readily available at nearly the same cost. Now I have like 100$ in gift cards left just waiting till I see something I want they actually have in stock.

-Steve

For premium jacketed (like Hornaday XTP or HAP), I have found when Cabela's holds sales on these items, they have some of the best pricing you will likely find. Ideally you can time it with a shipping coupon.

[zenmastar]

I use the Lee FCD for 45 Colt, but not entirely without getting hang-ups on the rim every once and awhile. My FCD has a very small chamfer in the opening but it is an old die bought at a gun show more than a decade ago.

Check yours and see if Lee has improved it. If not, quite possibly look at another.

I am using a LnL-AP.