Upgrading my Lee Ultimate Turret Press with new parts

[@viejo2a]

By now there may be a “kit” available with new instructions and all three parts. In the mean time, here are the part numbers for the bits I received from Lee. Bearing Ring: TP5536 1/4 IN Chrome Ball: TP2114 Spring .030 Music Wire: TP2115

[@brutalbob3982]

Good information Walter. You have helped a number of people with this video I'm sure. Take care God Bless STAY SAFE

[@viejo2a]

Thanks, Bob! 🤛🏻🔫😄

[@michaeldunn150]

That's awesome Walter.... Great upgrade to the press... and YES Lee should have sent them for free when it was a issue from the factory....

[@viejo2a]

Hiya, Michael! Thanks for checking in! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@rustyshackleford4205]

I got the Lee six pack when it first came out. It took a lot of troubleshooting, phone calls & upgraded parts over the course of the first year to solve similar issues on my particular machine. It seems to have finally settled in and works well now. I had to chuckle as you showed that they changed the instruction sheet, just a few months ago I noticed they updated the instructions for the six pack as well. Thanks for all the videos, there’s always something to learn.

[@viejo2a]

Thanks for that, Rusty. I think Lee is trying to move too fast. They need to spend more time with development and QC. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@twintwo1429]

​@@viejo2ayou move to fast in your opinions too. SLOW DOWN OLD MAN. or you will fail on you tube.

[@viejo2a]

@@twintwo1429 How so? I use new gear extensively before I talk about it. I did talk quite a bit about this press in previous videos. Thanks for your comment. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@twintwo1429]

@@viejo2aI am as old as you. So, at your age and supposed experience level, you might realize the level of devotion that millions of people have to certain and also great brands. All brands have flaws, in almost all products. SO, just talk about improvements. NEVER, blame the brand, unless it is an absolute certainty that they are at fault or negligent.

[@viejo2a]

@@twintwo1429 as I said..I have no issue with Lee per se. But this press, as initially offered, was flawed. Lee acknowledged this. The multi-tube bullet feeder system I recently purchased was also flawed..not usable as delivered. None of that had anything to do with my personal level of experience. I have no qualms about assigning responsibility to the manufacturer in these cases. I happily sing songs of praise for other gear from Lee. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@TheWalkWithAl]

Good evening my friend. Just got me a cup of coffee. Sitting back watching a good video Doesn’t get any better than that. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@viejo2a]

Hiya Buddy! Thanks for dropping in for coffee! 🤛🏻☕️🇺🇸

[@craigmarandola4087]

Walter, just installed the new plate and spring with the1/4 inch ball fix from Lee what a big difference it made. Thank you again for the video.

[@viejo2a]

Hi, Craig. I’m happy to hear that this helped you a little! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@craigmarandola4087]

Just called Lee they sent the upgrade out free. Thank you

[@derekenz2140]

Check to see if your 5 hole turret has detents machined into the underside of the turret. Mine didn't and when I ordered the 6 hole turret it didn't either, however the 4 hole turret I received did have detents machined into the underside. This plays a role in the indexing, because I was originally indexing off of the index rod holes, because the ball will partially fit into those holes when you have the ball and spring in the 4-6 for the 4-6 turrets or the box labeled 5 for the 5 hole turret. However when I machined my own holes into the 5 and the 6 hole turret, I wound up getting the same results that the new Lee instructions have outlined. As a matter of fact I even further machined out the detents on the 4 hole turret, because I was using a weaker spring than what Lee is now providing and I wanted a more positive stop. I now have the Lee supplied spring and if I use it on my newly machined detents it really locks up that turret with the spring in the location as outlined in the new lee instructions. I ordered another 6 hole turret and I want to see if they are now shipping with the detents machined in.

[@viejo2a]

Hi again. My 5-hole and 6-hole turrets do not have detent “dimples”, only the 4-hole has them and they are very small. The 6-hole turret indexes correctly with the ball set in the “4-6” socket. The 4-hole turret also indexes correctly in that position, but both the dimples and the index rod holes catch the ball. The index rod carries that turret right through the “dimple” though. The 4-hole dimple would catch the ball if it was in the #5 socket, but the detent action seems better when the ball catches the larger pin hole. Has Lee re-designed the turrets such that they all now have detent holes other than the pin holes?

[@derekenz2140]

@@viejo2a I'll let you know. I just ordered another 6 hole turret. The email I got from Lee yesterday is that "tool heads also have detents machined into the bottom face to register with ball and spring"

[@derekenz2140]

@@viejo2a you are correct the index ball is indexing with the index rod hole when the ball is in the 4-6 box because the ball partially goes into that index rod hole. Once you have the tool head with the detents machined into it and you follow Lee's new instructions I suspect you'll see better performing indexing. I know I have seen more robust indexing when I machined my tool heads, but I machined them deeper than what Lee does, but that's because the spring rate I was using is much lower than what Lee is shipping. I could leave well enough alone but I enjoy working with these machines.

[@viejo2a]

@@derekenz2140 Thanks. It’s interesting that they didn’t mention that detail to me when I inquired about the bearing plate and associated parts. The turrets I have seem to work “OK” with the ball indexing on the pin holes, but perhaps a dedicated detent hole would work even better. I’m wondering whether the tendency of the ball to engage the detent pin holes will cause issues with new detent holes. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@derekenz2140]

@@viejo2a I thought the same thing that I'd get that ball to index in both the index rod hole and the turret detent, but they don't if you put the ball and spring in the properly mislabled location. The 4 hole turret has those same index marks machined into it and sure enough it doesn't index at the index rod hole just at the index detents.

[@Ferr1963]

Very useful information. It seems that if the spring and detent ball are installed, the detent pin is no longer necessary. I wonder if the ones from a Pro 1000 I scrapped some time ago will work. Gracias amigo!

[@viejo2a]

Hello, and thanks for stopping by the bench. The ball/spring doesn’t mitigate the need for the pin. That pin is what gives the turret a superior “lockup” for each station, in my opinion. I don’t think it would be as positive without it. I’ve never had a pro-1000 so I wouldn’t hazard a guess as to the interchangeability of those parts. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@mrsmel269]

sounds like a great weekend with the family brother . hope you got a few videos of the views Walter . glad you are getting her worked out . enjoy the night Walter

[@viejo2a]

Hiya Bud! Thanks! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@robertpowell2746]

Walter, I have 3 Lee presses 3 RCBS presses one Hornady lock & load. My last one is the Frankford Arsenal X- 10. This is by far the most precision reloading press I have as of this date.

[@viejo2a]

Hiya, Robert. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to leave a valuable comment! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@TreeTopFlier]

Another great video! I think it's going to be up to us to get the best information out about this press. Lee won't do it. I do like the press now that we've mitigated the over rotation issue. Thanks my friend!

[@viejo2a]

Hi TreeTop! Thanks for that. I’m liking the press a lot more now, too! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@johnh4957]

Thanks for being such a good Beta tester, you find the problem and develop a solution if possible or at least the root cause. Also thanks for the info about the new expander dies. I had been having problems (high primers)with the safety prime system on the 4000, turns out I wasn't screwing down the base plate enough when changing calibers, also I do a few cartridges without the automatic turn stem in place until I have all the depths and powder correct which tends to unscrew the base plate when the stem isn't used.

[@viejo2a]

Hi John. Thanks for stopping by and taking time to drop a comment! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@Colt1927AC]

Great presentation Viejo! Press issues can be very frustrating.

[@viejo2a]

Thanks, Colt! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@michaeld9731]

Thanks for the report, Walter! 👍

[@viejo2a]

Hi, Michael. Thanks for stopping by! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@derekenz2140]

Just got my 5 hole turret from Lee and yes it has index marks machined into it. They correspond with the ball and spring location as outlined in the new instructions.

[@viejo2a]

Very interesting. Thanks. My 5 station seems to work fine indexing on the pin holes. Are the dimples on the new turret more substantial than those found on some of the early tool heads?

[@derekenz2140]

@@viejo2a small dimples, but more secure lockup than using the index pin holes

[@thorsaxe5881]

(My take on it) seems as though the up grade offers some improvement Vs as it came out of the box, however, I have found with most semi progressive presses you find a rhythm or a speed (Even with progressive presses) for that matter. I like my 550B's because they go the right speed for safety and toughness of the job at hand through the stages to make quality ammunition, (That's just me). I apricate what you have been doing for the community by rolling up your sleaves and digging into these presses from Lee. Peace - Dave

[@viejo2a]

Hiya, Dave. Great to get your take on things as always. I enjoy my 550 for the same reasons. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@lens7859]

Now I know who to call for problems, May get a turret press next??

[@viejo2a]

Hiya, Len. In a couple of weeks, I’m planning a video to compare the Lee Classic Turret to the new Ultimate Turret press. Feel free to contact me any time. Thanks for stopping by.🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@livincincy4498]

Thank you

[@viejo2a]

Hi, ‘Cincy. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@HobbiesHobo]

Good info. Lee needs to concentrate on some newer more modern bullet molds and slow down on new presses that aren't finished in design & test before release!

[@viejo2a]

Hiya, Mike. Thanks for dropping by. Agreed, and they need to spend more time with quality control. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@jamespollard1670]

I agree. Some new molds would be nice.

[@walksfletcher]

@@jamespollard1670 Yep, Lee needs to refresh the mold line. It's a cinch that LYMAN does nothing but rehash old stuff. And RCBS is just shrinking the line. It's no wonder NOE, ACCURATE, ARSENAL and MP are expanding all the time.

[@hokehinson5987]

Most companies get a product good enough than market it....sounds like auto companies...yeah those guys been doing it for years...cheaper to get a product that works into marketplace than allow end user to find the tweaks that's needed to perfect...then send out improvements for free.

[@andy79z28]

Well glad you got it sorted out. They should have not charged you for it.

[@viejo2a]

Agreed. Thanks for stopping by, Andy. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@ChrisFromThe740]

Good morning Walter

[@viejo2a]

‘Mornin, Chris! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@ocean374]

Morning Walter glad lee made new parts I was wondering the over shot going fast with new parts how about leaving the stp out or a very thin layer

[@viejo2a]

Hi Ocean. The STP is very thick, and actually helps prevent over-rotation. The problem becomes worse without it, or with other lubricants. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@ocean374]

Oh ok good too know thanks

[@papasplace2]

I wonder if using a grease instead of the STP would help slow down the momentum a bit more. Having all that weight( the dies, powder measure and bullet feeder) slinging around get the momentum up there.

[@viejo2a]

I tried all manner of lubricants, including greases. None were viscous enough. STP (the older type) works best. Thanks, Papa! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@hokehinson5987]

Molybdenum sulfide...it lubes and inbeds / burnishes into opposing metals makes then glide slick. Graphite works too. Am thinking the heavy viscosity STP was to add some lube as well as resistance to turret rotation ...

[@redbone9952]

I’ve tried everything but can’t get the 5 hole tool carry to index correctly. The 4 and six work great

[@viejo2a]

@@redbone9952 I’m still struggling with mine as well. I’m just about to throw in the towel with this press. 😣🔫🇺🇸

[@redbone9952]

@ really??? I was also thinking the same thing. Thought about going back to my classic turret press

[@viejo2a]

@@redbone9952 I have plenty of presses that actually DO work, including my Classic turret.. which I’ve continued to use instead of fighting with this one. .

[@redbone9952]

@@viejo2a do you recommend a press? I was just gifted the frankford arsenal F1 single stage press but I do like the progress press. Someone recommended taking the index rod out of the ultimate turett and use it like a single stage press

[@viejo2a]

I like my Dillon 550’s. They are a manually advanced design. Their biggest issue is they are expensive. I don’t have a Lee Six Pack Pro progressive but have a couple of friends who like them a lot. You might watch some reviews on that one. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@tommeboy3334]

Not real happy with Lee either. I tried to order some replacement parts the other day and they are not free anymore. Will have to call them to find out if there is a problem with the new web site.

[@viejo2a]

Hey, Tomme. It’s time for Lee to slow down, spend more effort on product testing and get their QC dept up to speed. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@livincincy4498]

I don’t think I will replace my Classic (4) hole. I have a case kicker from InLine Fabrication.

[@viejo2a]

I’ve contemplated the case kicker system from Inline for my 4-hole press. I need to dream up a mod for this press that will deliver the cartridges to a bin more reliably. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@T.A.B.Videos]

👍👍

[@viejo2a]

Hi, Trees. Thanks. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@livincincy4498]

If I order a press from a vendor how would they know the status of the upgrade of the presses in their inventory? I doubt a vendor knows.

[@jamespollard1670]

I think I'll stick with my 4 hole press.

[@viejo2a]

Hi, James. It’s pretty hard to beat the classic turret. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@derekenz2140]

Got my 6 hole turret from Lee, no index marks on it. I think Lee's Q.C. is not so good.

[@viejo2a]

Agreed. 🙃

[@jesseboutdoors]

For presses I’m start to lean further away from Lee. They should have gave you those parts. I still like their other products though. My RCBS Rock Chucker and Dillon 550 c have spoiled me. I also don’t like the safety prime.

[@viejo2a]

Hi, Jesse. Thanks for stopping by. I still like my 4-hole turret. I think the case-kicker system from Inline would help it a lot. The 550 is great to use with the primer system! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@Tammy-un3ql]

👍👍👌👌

[@viejo2a]

Thanks, Tammy. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@TheOnlyBigRed32]

What are the parts numbers for the upgrades?

[@viejo2a]

Hi Big Red. See the pinned comment at the top of the list. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@sixshootertexan]

👍🤠🇺🇲

[@viejo2a]

Thanks, Six. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@hokehinson5987]

Companies today produce a product thats usable but not perfect...think automobiles...when the end user discovers a defect...off to dealer for warrenty claim...if its an automobile or calling the manufacturner for items like a press. It better to get in the marketplace let the end user discover the tweaks needed for improvement than to spend time & money trying to perfect something to discover another competitor has marketed your idea. Yeah in the 1900s the market place was smaller, slower travel, lower wages, even then a consumer purchased a half baked invention. It is what it is...also tinkering to get something tweaked was kinda acceptable in the 1900's nowadays folks are challenged by that need.....

[@viejo2a]

You’re right, the best products often evolve through user feedback! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@cw2a]

New partz!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@viejo2a]

😛🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@twintwo1429]

There is no problem with lee reloading equipment, in general. Too many people expect products to give them performance that they didn't pay for. Ive been a reloader for 40+ years. All of my more expensive name brand equipment is no better than my LEE RELOADING EQUIPMENT WITH SAME CLAIMS OF PERFORMANCE OR PRODUCT OUTCOME.

[@viejo2a]

I agree that most Lee equipment is just fine. I’ve been reloading for over 40 years myself, and use multiple brands of gear. I’ve had issues with Redding, RCBS and Lyman to name a few. Lately though, Lee has released equipment that flat would not work as delivered. I was not expecting out-of-the-box performance I did not pay for. I was expecting performance that I DID pay for, no more, and didn’t get it with this press. When a company sends out inoperable equipment, I’m going to call them out on it. I agree that much of Lee equipment is just fine. Not this piece as it was delivered to me. Not the multi-tube bullet magazine kit for the APP and not the last Lee mold I purchased. Thanks for taking time to watch and comment. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@lawrencehudson9939]

I don't know Walt, Lee makes some good products at reasonable prices, but this press does not look to be one. You have had to tinker with it over several weeks to get the press to do what it should have done when first set up. Some progressive presses just try to do too many things for too many people (or is it calibers?) Progressives are all a real tricky lot. Thanks though for your dilagence.

[@viejo2a]

Hi, Lawrence. This was an early edition and definitely was not ready for prime time. Currently issued units seem to be working fine. Same thing happened with their 6-pack pro press. New ones work well, but the first ones had problems. I wish Lee would spend more time on development, or supply new product to the hands of actual users for beta testing before releasing to the general public. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@hokehinson5987]

The faries that manage jew tube need to lighten up!

[@viejo2a]

Agreed. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@johnanderson186]

That’s baloney that Lee charged you for the correct parts to make THEIR MACHINE work properly. That’s like a auto manufacturer having a recall on their car, but you needing to pay a auto shop for all repairs. Shame on you Lee!

[@viejo2a]

Thanks, John. Exactly. BMW once did this to us with motorcycles. 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@walksfletcher]

Geez, sometimes I wonder if Lee is really making stuff for the Reloader or are secretly creating junk to make folks fed up with making their own ammo to buy fewer guns and ammo.

[@twintwo1429]

For the price and quality, LEE is the best of all. Even the more expensive brands have more problems than LEE does. Do your research dum--ss.

[@twintwo1429]

Just another old man that only gives acknowledgment to those that give him adoration. This is sad.😂

[@viejo2a]

What makes you say that? Did I miss one of your comments? 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸