[preventec47]

Lee 4hole turret vs Challenger Breechlock

If I have done my calculations correctly, by the
time you buy enough shell holders for each to
permantly mount four different caliber dies,
the price is about the same for both.

Is there ANY loss of precision in the 4 turret
press compared to the Breechlock Challenger?
IF not then it has to have a slight advantage
in efficiency.. well at least according to my
thinking. What do the experienced guys say ?

Going to buy one or the other soon.
Thanks

 

[jmortimer]

I would get the Classic Turret or the Classic Single stage as great as the Breechlock is the oither two are better. For me, using the Classic Turret in single stage mode is the way to go b ut to each his own. I deactivate the auto-index and load in stages with the Auto Prime hand held primer. Either way turret ot breechlock you just pop the dies in and out justr that all four (pistol) dies are ready to go at once. As for precision, if that is your goal, I would get the Classic Single Stage.

 

[ranger335v]

Breech Lock bushings do save time. Swap a die out and in takes maybe 35-35 seconds vs. bushings taking maybe 5 seconds. That's a LOT. percentage wise. But, does it matter?

A typical loading session starts with getting the press set up with the dies, getting cases outta the tumbler and seperating the media, getting the powder and primers together, sizing the cases (and lubing if rifle or expanding if pistol), checking for case splits, cleaning primer pockets, priming, setting the powder measure (and weighing charges if you wish), seating bulllets (and crimping if you wish). I just can't get very excited about rapid die changes that MIGHT cut off a couple of minutes...

 

[simcoe]

You only need ONE shell holder per caliber (actually some shell holders work with more than one caliber) for either press. Progressive presses use shell plates. Lee dies come with a shell holder with each set of dies purchased.

 

[simcoe]

Okay, reread your post, you're talking about the die "bushing" for the Breech Lock press, The press comes with three, but if reloading for several different calibers your math appears to be correct....or you can swap the bushings back and forth on the different dies, but then whats the point????? I knew I shouldn't have bought that press... I have a LCT and a breech lock, LCT IMO is a great press, the BL is a good press. You'll always find a use for a good single stage press no matter whatever else you may have on the bench...if only one, I'd make it the LCT..

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

This is like asking which is better, a Ford van or a Ford pickup. Two different tools really.

 

[mikld]

For a beginner, I'd say "speed changing dies" should be avoided until you learn how to correctly adjust/troubleshoot dies. A lot of problems in chambering and seating are from misadjusted dies. Besides, it only takes a minute to change and adjust a die. You'll see a lot of posts about chambering problems or case buldges from bullet seating on reloading forums, and most of the answers are about correctly adjusting dies. jes my .02...

 

[jmortimer]

Actually, you have to set up the dies in either the "bushing" or the turret so you have to know how to do that regardless. You just don't have to do it over and over and you do have to check adjustment periodically so you have to know how to adjust the dies.