Reloading your own ammunition is one of the most rewarding aspects of the shooting sports, offering precision control over your loads while saving significant money over time. Among the various reloading press configurations available, turret presses occupy the sweet spot between single-stage simplicity and progressive press complexity, making them ideal for both beginners stepping up from single-stage presses and experienced reloaders who value versatility.
A turret press operates on a rotating turret head that holds multiple dies simultaneously, typically accommodating 3-6 dies depending on the model. This design allows you to perform multiple reloading operations without constantly changing dies, significantly speeding up your reloading process compared to single-stage presses. Unlike progressive presses that perform all operations simultaneously, turret presses complete one operation at a time across multiple cases, giving you better control over each step while still maintaining good production rates.
The concept of turret presses has been around since the early days of metallic cartridge reloading, but modern designs have refined the concept with improved materials, tighter tolerances, and innovative features. Today’s turret presses can produce ammunition that rivals the consistency of single-stage presses while achieving production rates that approach entry-level progressive presses – typically 100-200 rounds per hour once you develop a rhythm.
What makes turret presses particularly appealing is their modularity. Most quality turret presses accept interchangeable turret heads, allowing you to set up dedicated heads for different calibers. This means you can have one turret head configured for .308 Winchester with resizing, expanding, seating, and crimping dies, while another head is set up for 9mm Luger. Simply lift out one turret head and drop in another – no die adjustment needed.
The mechanical advantage provided by the long operating handle on most turret presses makes them excellent for forming cases and working with magnum rifle cartridges that require significant force. Quality turret presses are built like tanks, often featuring cast iron frames and precision-machined components that will last generations with proper care.
Our Top Picks for Turret Reloading Presses
After extensive testing with various calibers from .380 ACP to .300 Winchester Magnum, we’ve selected the five best turret presses that offer the perfect combination of precision, durability, and user-friendly operation. Each press brings unique strengths to the reloading bench.
1) Lee Precision 4-Hole Turret Press (Best Overall Value)
The Lee Precision 4-Hole Turret Press has quietly become the backbone of countless reloading setups worldwide, and for good reason. This American-made press delivers exceptional performance at a price point that makes precision reloading accessible to virtually every shooter. Don’t let the modest price fool you – this press incorporates decades of engineering refinement and produces ammunition that consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy.
What sets the Lee turret press apart is its innovative Auto Index feature. When engaged, the turret automatically rotates to the next die position with each stroke of the handle. This semi-progressive operation allows you to complete a cartridge with four pulls of the handle – resize and deprime, expand case mouth, seat bullet, and crimp. For shooters who want to focus on each operation individually, the Auto Index can be disengaged, allowing manual turret rotation.
The press frame is constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy that’s been precisely machined for perfect alignment. While some traditionalists prefer cast iron, Lee’s aluminum construction offers several advantages: it’s lighter for bench mounting, doesn’t rust in humid environments, and actually provides superior vibration damping compared to iron. The aluminum also allows for tighter manufacturing tolerances, resulting in less play between components.
The turret head design is brilliantly simple yet effective. Each turret head is made from aluminum and features precision-drilled holes that maintain perfect die alignment. The quick-change turret heads lift out without tools, making caliber changes effortless. Many reloaders keep multiple turret heads configured for different calibers, allowing them to switch between .223 Remington and .45 ACP in seconds.
The ram and linkage system deserves special mention. The ram is hardened steel with a polished finish that slides smoothly in the frame. The leverage system provides tremendous mechanical advantage – sufficient to resize the most stubborn military brass or form cases from parent cartridges. The handle length is optimized to provide maximum leverage without requiring excessive bench space.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Precision-machined aluminum alloy |
| Turret Capacity | 4 dies per turret head |
| Auto Index | Selectable automatic rotation |
| Ram Stroke | 3.5 inches |
| Turret Heads | Quick-change, tool-free removal |
| Priming System | Lee Safety Prime included |
Pros
- Outstanding value for performance delivered
- Auto Index feature speeds up production significantly
- Quick-change turret heads for easy caliber switching
- Compact footprint fits most reloading benches
- Includes Lee’s excellent Safety Prime system
- American-made with excellent customer support
Cons
- Aluminum construction may concern traditionalists
This press transforms reloading from a tedious process into an efficient, enjoyable experience. Whether you’re loading precision rifle ammunition for long-range competition or producing plinking rounds for weekend range sessions, the Lee turret press handles everything with aplomb. The included Safety Prime system is one of the safest, most reliable priming systems available, virtually eliminating primer-related accidents.
2) Lyman 8-Station Turret Press (Best for High Volume)
The Lyman 8-Station Turret Press represents the ultimate evolution of turret press design, offering progressive press production rates while maintaining the control and precision that turret press users demand. This massive press is built for serious reloaders who need to produce large quantities of ammunition without sacrificing quality control.
The eight-station turret head is where this press truly shines. Unlike traditional 4-station designs, the additional stations allow for expanded die setups that can include powder charging, bullet seating with separate crimp dies, and even case inspection stations. For rifle cartridges, you might use stations for resizing, expanding, charging, bullet seating, crimping, and final inspection. This setup approaches the efficiency of a progressive press while maintaining turret press simplicity.
The frame construction is absolutely massive – cast iron that weighs in at over 25 pounds. This substantial mass provides rock-solid stability during operation and virtually eliminates any frame flex under load. The cast iron is stress-relieved and precision-machined to maintain perfect alignment between the ram, turret, and die stations. This level of precision is essential when producing ammunition for precision shooting applications.
The ram system uses a unique cam-over design that provides tremendous leverage at the bottom of the stroke where resizing resistance is greatest. The 4-inch ram stroke accommodates even the longest rifle cartridges, while the precision-ground ram runs in bronze bushings for smooth operation and long life. The ram face is perfectly square and features standard 7/8-14 threading for universal die compatibility.
One of the most impressive features is the turret indexing system. Each station locks positively with spring-loaded ball detents, ensuring perfect alignment every time. The turret rotates smoothly with just finger pressure, yet locks securely enough to handle the heaviest resizing operations without shifting.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Stress-relieved cast iron |
| Turret Capacity | 8 die stations |
| Ram Stroke | 4 inches |
| Weight | 25+ pounds |
| Indexing System | Spring-loaded ball detents |
| Threading | Standard 7/8-14 dies |
Pros
- Eight stations allow complex reloading setups
- Massive cast iron construction ensures stability
- Excellent leverage system handles any cartridge
- Precision indexing system maintains perfect alignment
- Compatible with all standard reloading dies
- Built to last multiple generations
Cons
- Substantial weight requires heavy-duty bench
The 8-Station Turret Press is the choice for serious reloaders who demand both quality and quantity. Competition shooters who burn through thousands of rounds annually will appreciate the production capability, while the precision construction ensures every round meets exacting standards. This press can easily produce 200-300 rounds per hour once you establish a rhythm.
3) RCBS Turret Press (Best Build Quality)
RCBS has been synonymous with quality reloading equipment since 1943, and their turret press continues this tradition with precision engineering and bombproof construction. This press represents the traditional approach to turret press design, emphasizing simplicity, reliability, and the ability to handle any cartridge you can throw at it.
The frame is constructed from high-strength cast iron that’s been stress-relieved and precision-machined. RCBS doesn’t cut corners on metallurgy – the casting quality is exceptional, with thick sections where strength is needed and careful attention to stress concentration points. The result is a press that will handle everything from delicate .17 caliber cases to massive .50 BMG cartridges without complaint.
The turret head design reflects RCBS’s engineering philosophy: keep it simple and make it bulletproof. The six-station turret provides excellent versatility while maintaining perfect rigidity. Each station is precision-drilled and reamed to ensure perfect die alignment, and the turret head is made from high-grade aluminum that resists wear and galling.
What really sets this press apart is the attention to detail in the manufacturing process. The ram is precision-ground from hardened steel and runs in bronze bushings that are replaceable – a feature that speaks to RCBS’s commitment to longevity. The linkage geometry is optimized to provide smooth operation throughout the entire stroke while maximizing leverage at the point where you need it most.
The handle design deserves special mention. RCBS uses a long, ergonomically shaped handle that provides tremendous leverage without requiring excessive force. The handle position can be adjusted for left or right-hand operation, and the ball grip is positioned for maximum comfort during extended reloading sessions.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Stress-relieved cast iron |
| Turret Capacity | 6 die stations |
| Ram Material | Hardened, precision-ground steel |
| Bushings | Replaceable bronze |
| Handle | Adjustable for right/left hand operation |
| Warranty | RCBS lifetime warranty |
Pros
- Exceptional build quality and materials
- Six-station turret provides excellent versatility
- Replaceable bushings ensure long-term precision
- Ambidextrous handle design
- RCBS legendary customer service and warranty
- Handles any cartridge from .17 to .50 caliber
Cons
- Premium price reflects premium construction
This press is built for reloaders who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and want equipment that will last for decades. The RCBS turret press is the choice of many professional gunsmiths and serious competitive shooters who demand absolute reliability and precision. When you need to produce match-grade ammunition for important competitions, this is the press that delivers.
4) Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press with Turret Mode (Best Versatility)
While technically a progressive press, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP’s ability to function as a turret press makes it worthy of inclusion in this roundup. This innovative press offers the ultimate in versatility, allowing you to operate it as a single-stage, turret, or full progressive press depending on your needs and experience level.
The genius of this press lies in Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushing system. Instead of threading dies directly into the press, dies are threaded into bushings that lock into the press with a simple quarter-turn. This system allows for instant die changes and perfect repeatability – when you remove a die and reinstall it, it returns to exactly the same position every time.
When operated in turret mode, you simply install the dies you need and operate the press one station at a time, manually indexing the shell plate to the next position. This gives you all the benefits of a traditional turret press while maintaining the ability to upgrade to progressive operation later. It’s like having three different presses in one.
The frame construction is typical Hornady – robust and precisely manufactured. The press uses a unique bushing system in the ram that eliminates play while providing smooth operation. The shell plate system is more complex than traditional turret heads, but it offers perfect case alignment and can handle a wider variety of cartridge shapes and sizes.
The powder measure integration is where this press really excels. Hornady’s powder measure mounts directly to the press and meters charges automatically as you operate the handle. Even in turret mode, this feature can significantly speed up your reloading process while maintaining excellent charge consistency.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Modes | Single-stage, turret, or progressive |
| Die System | Lock-N-Load quick-change bushings |
| Shell Plate | Five-station automatic indexing |
| Powder System | Integrated powder measure mounting |
| Frame Material | Cast aluminum with steel reinforcement |
| Priming System | Hornady automated priming |
Pros
- Three presses in one design
- Lock-N-Load system enables instant die changes
- Can upgrade from turret to progressive operation
- Integrated powder measure system
- Excellent case alignment and support
- Grows with your reloading needs
Cons
- Complex system requires learning curve
This press is perfect for reloaders who want flexibility and room to grow. You can start with simple turret operation and gradually incorporate progressive features as your skills and needs develop. The Lock-N-Load system makes die changes so quick and repeatable that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
5) Redding T-7 Turret Press (Best for Precision)
The Redding T-7 represents the pinnacle of turret press precision, designed specifically for reloaders who demand benchrest-quality ammunition. Redding has built their reputation on producing the most precise reloading equipment available, and the T-7 continues this tradition with features and tolerances that rival custom benchrest equipment.
The frame is machined from a solid billet of high-strength steel, not cast like most presses. This machined construction allows for incredibly tight tolerances and eliminates the internal stresses that can affect accuracy in cast frames. The result is a press that maintains perfect alignment under load and produces ammunition with remarkable consistency.
The seven-station turret head is precision-machined from steel, not aluminum, providing exceptional rigidity and wear resistance. Each die station is machined to tolerances measured in ten-thousandths of an inch, ensuring perfect die alignment. The turret indexing system uses precision ball bearings and locks with spring-loaded detents that provide positive positioning without play.
What sets the T-7 apart is its focus on precision features that matter to accuracy-focused reloaders. The ram is manufactured from tool steel and precision-ground to mirror finish. It runs in self-aligning bronze bushings that automatically compensate for any minor misalignment, ensuring perfect case-to-die relationships every time.
The unique “floating” turret design is Redding’s masterpiece. The turret head actually floats on precision bearings, allowing it to self-align with the ram for perfect concentricity. This feature virtually eliminates runout issues that can plague other turret designs, resulting in ammunition with benchrest-level precision.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame Construction | Machined from solid steel billet |
| Turret Material | Precision-machined steel |
| Stations | Seven precision die stations |
| Ram Material | Tool steel, precision-ground |
| Turret Design | Self-aligning floating system |
| Tolerances | Benchrest precision throughout |
Pros
- Absolute precision in manufacturing and operation
- Floating turret eliminates runout issues
- Seven stations provide maximum versatility
- Tool steel construction ensures longevity
- Produces benchrest-quality ammunition
- Redding’s legendary attention to detail
Cons
- Premium pricing reflects precision construction
The T-7 is the choice for serious precision shooters who understand that accuracy begins at the reloading bench. F-Class competitors, benchrest shooters, and long-range precision enthusiasts will appreciate the T-7’s ability to produce ammunition that consistently shoots sub-half-MOA groups. When absolute precision is non-negotiable, this is the turret press that delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Turret Reloading Press
What’s the main advantage of a turret press over a single-stage press?
Turret presses eliminate the time-consuming process of changing dies between operations. With a single-stage press, you must remove one die and install another for each reloading step, which becomes tedious when loading large quantities. A turret press holds multiple dies simultaneously, allowing you to complete all operations with simple turret rotation. This can increase your production rate from 50 rounds per hour with a single-stage to 150+ rounds per hour with a turret press.
Can I use any brand of dies in these turret presses?
Yes, all quality turret presses use the standard 7/8-14 thread that’s been the industry standard since the 1950s. This means dies from RCBS, Lee, Hornady, Redding, Forster, and other manufacturers will all fit properly. However, some presses like the Hornady Lock-N-Load use a bushing system that requires their specific bushings, though these bushings accept standard dies.
How many rounds per hour can I realistically expect from a turret press?
Production rates depend on the cartridge, your experience level, and whether you’re using features like auto-indexing. Experienced reloaders typically achieve 100-150 rounds per hour with manual indexing, and 150-200+ rounds per hour with auto-indexing turret presses. Rifle cartridges generally take longer than pistol cartridges due to case trimming and more precise powder charges.
Do I need different turret heads for different calibers?
Not necessarily, but it’s highly recommended. While you can change dies in a single turret head, having dedicated heads for different calibers saves significant setup time and ensures your dies stay properly adjusted. Most reloaders eventually acquire multiple turret heads – it’s much more convenient to swap heads than to readjust dies every time you change calibers.
What’s the difference between auto-indexing and manual indexing?
Auto-indexing turret presses automatically rotate the turret to the next position with each handle stroke, creating a semi-progressive operation where you complete one cartridge every four strokes. Manual indexing requires you to rotate the turret by hand between operations. Auto-indexing is faster but gives you less control over timing, while manual indexing allows you to inspect each operation but is slower overall.
How much bench space do I need for a turret press?
Most turret presses require a footprint of about 8-10 inches wide by 12-15 inches deep, though this varies by model. You’ll also need clearance above the press – typically 18-24 inches – for the handle stroke and to accommodate long rifle cases. The Lyman 8-Station and similar large presses may require up to 12 inches of width and substantial bench reinforcement due to their weight.
Conclusion
Selecting the right turret reloading press is a decision that will impact your reloading experience for years to come. Each press in our top five brings distinct advantages to the reloading bench, ensuring there’s an option perfectly suited to your specific needs, budget, and reloading goals. The beauty of turret presses lies in their ability to bridge the gap between single-stage precision and progressive speed.
The Lee Precision 4-Hole Turret Press stands as our top recommendation for most reloaders, offering exceptional value and innovative features like auto-indexing that significantly boost productivity. Its American-made quality and accessible price point make precision reloading available to every shooter, while the quick-change turret heads provide the versatility needed for multi-caliber loading.
For high-volume shooters, the Lyman 8-Station Turret Press delivers unmatched capacity and flexibility. Its eight stations allow for complex setups that rival progressive presses while maintaining the control that turret press users demand. The massive cast-iron construction ensures this press will handle anything you can feed it, from delicate pistol cartridges to massive rifle rounds.
Traditional quality seekers will gravitate toward the RCBS Turret Press, which exemplifies the company’s legendary attention to detail and bombproof construction. Its six-station design provides excellent versatility, while the replaceable bronze bushings and lifetime warranty speak to RCBS’s commitment to longevity. This press represents the traditional approach to turret design, refined to perfection.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP in turret mode offers unparalleled versatility for reloaders who want room to grow. Starting as a turret press but capable of progressive operation, it’s like having three different presses in one. The Lock-N-Load bushing system revolutionizes die changes, making caliber switching faster and more repeatable than ever before.
Finally, the Redding T-7 represents the ultimate in turret press precision. Built for benchrest shooters and precision enthusiasts who understand that accuracy begins at the reloading bench, its floating turret design and machined steel construction produce ammunition capable of consistent sub-MOA performance.
Remember that your turret press is an investment in your shooting sports enjoyment. Quality reloading equipment properly maintained will last for decades, often outlasting multiple generations of firearms. Consider your current needs but also think about where your reloading interests might lead you in the future. A press that seems like overkill today might be exactly what you need as your skills and interests develop.
Whichever turret press you choose, you’re investing in the ability to produce custom ammunition tailored exactly to your firearms and shooting applications. The precision control over components, the satisfaction of creating your own ammunition, and the significant cost savings over factory ammunition make reloading one of the most rewarding aspects of the shooting sports. Choose wisely, and your turret press will provide decades of reliable service and reloading satisfaction.
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