Is the Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent All Talk?
For any reloader, the efficiency of their setup can be the difference between enjoying a rewarding hobby and feeling perpetually bogged down by repetitive tasks. I’ve spent over a decade navigating the nuances of gear across various environments, and reloading presses are no exception. The need for rapid caliber changes on my Lee Classic Turret Press led me to explore additional turret heads. The Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent promised a straightforward solution to minimize downtime and maximize output, and for its modest price point, it certainly caught my attention.
My initial foray into reloading, like many, involved fiddling with dies for every new caliber. It quickly became apparent that dedicating a separate turret head to each common die set would be a significant time-saver. I’d heard good things about Lee‘s turret system for its ease of use and affordability, making this extra turret an obvious addition to my workbench. It’s a simple concept: pre-mount your dies for a specific caliber onto a turret, and then swap the entire turret on the press when you switch calibers.
Upon receiving the Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent, my first impression was one of functional simplicity. It’s machined from what appears to be solid aluminum, with a pleasingly heft. The threads for the die stations felt clean and well-defined, an important detail that can often be overlooked on budget components. There wasn’t much to unpack or assemble, just the turret itself, ready to be fitted onto the press. Compared to some of the more complex quick-change systems I’d seen for other presses, this Lee component represented a refreshingly direct approach to a common reloading problem.
My immediate feeling was one of quiet satisfaction. It was exactly what I expected: a solid, unassuming piece of equipment designed to do one thing well. The prospect of simply dropping in a pre-set turret rather than painstakingly adjusting multiple dies for each caliber felt like a welcome liberation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent to the Test
First Use Experience
I integrated this Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent onto my Lee Classic Turret Press in my dedicated reloading area, which is essentially a well-lit corner of my workshop. My primary goal was to streamline the process of switching between common pistol calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, and .38 Special. The test was straightforward: load up a batch of each, then time the caliber change with and without the pre-setup turret.
The transition was remarkably smooth. I mounted the dies for 9mm on the turret, indexed it, and after a few initial test rounds to confirm settings, began loading. The true test came when switching to .45 ACP. Instead of loosening lock rings and repositioning dies, I simply removed the 9mm turret, dropped in the .45 ACP turret, and was ready to go within seconds. This process was repeated for .38 Special, and the time savings were immediately obvious. The only quirk I noticed initially was ensuring the turret was fully seated and locked into place before commencing firing; a slight misalignment could lead to inconsistent cycling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds loaded across various calibers using these pre-configured turrets, the Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent has proven its worth. It has become an indispensable part of my reloading routine, drastically cutting down the time spent on caliber changes. I’ve left dies mounted in these turrets for weeks at a time, and they’ve held their zero perfectly through repeated use.
Durability has been excellent. Despite being made of aluminum, it shows no signs of stripping threads or developing cracks, even when subjected to the occasional firm twist to ensure a secure fit. I’ve also subjected it to the usual workshop environment, which includes dust and the occasional splash of lubricant, and it has remained unaffected. Maintenance is virtually non-existent beyond a quick wipe down with a dry cloth. Compared to the time I used to spend on manual die adjustments, this Lee component is a game-changer for efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent
Specifications
The Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent is designed to be a direct replacement or an addition to the standard turret on the Lee Classic Turret Press. It features four die stations, allowing for the mounting of a complete set of dies for a particular caliber. Constructed from aluminum, it offers a good balance of lightness and durability. The specifications also mention it’s a new item, and in this case, it’s an extra turret designed to work with the Lee brand of presses.
These specifications translate directly into user benefits. The four die stations mean you can accommodate sizing, decapping, seating, and crimping dies without issue, a standard requirement for most reloading operations. The aluminum construction ensures it won’t add significant weight to the press mechanism, while its inherent durability means it’s built to withstand the forces involved in resizing cases. Having an extra turret means you can dedicate one to each caliber, making caliber changes incredibly fast.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent is to facilitate quick caliber changes, and in this regard, it performs exceptionally well. By pre-setting your dies on a separate turret head, you can switch from loading one caliber to another in a matter of seconds. This eliminates the need to repeatedly adjust and reconfirm the settings for each individual die, a process that can be time-consuming and prone to error.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The indexing mechanism of the Lee Classic Turret Press works seamlessly with these turrets, ensuring each die station aligns precisely. A minor point to consider is that while it accommodates four dies, some very specialized operations might require more; however, for typical pistol and rifle cartridge reloading, four stations are more than sufficient. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent is straightforward and functional. It’s essentially a robust aluminum disc with precisely machined threaded holes to accept standard reloading dies. The fit onto the press mechanism is snug and secure, aided by the press’s indexing system.
Ergonomically, its design contributes to ease of use. The smooth surface of the aluminum is pleasant to handle, and the depth of the die-holding holes provides ample thread engagement for secure die mounting. There’s no complex learning curve; if you can thread a die into a standard turret, you can use this. The clean machining ensures that dies thread in and out smoothly without binding.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, the durability of this turret is excellent for its intended application. Lee is known for producing equipment that, while not always the most aesthetically refined, is built to function reliably. The aluminum construction is resistant to corrosion and fatigue from repeated cycling.
Maintenance is practically non-existent. A simple wipe-down with a dry or slightly damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it free of dust and debris. The internal threads have held up perfectly, with no signs of wear after extensive use. Given its robust construction, I anticipate this turret will last for many years of reloading.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent comes as a standalone unit, meaning it does not include any additional accessories. Its primary “customization” comes from the dies you choose to mount on it, allowing you to configure it for virtually any caliber you load. The standard die threads mean it’s compatible with the vast majority of reloading dies from manufacturers like Lee, RCBS, Lyman, and Hornady.
This inherent compatibility is a significant advantage. You are not locked into a proprietary system; you can use your existing die sets and simply dedicate them to a specific turret. This makes it a cost-effective way to expand your reloading flexibility without needing to buy an entirely new press or quick-change system.
Pros and Cons of Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent
Pros
- Significantly speeds up caliber changes by allowing pre-setup dies.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for most reloaders.
- Made from durable aluminum with clean, precise threading.
- Four die stations are sufficient for most standard reloading operations.
- Directly compatible with Lee Classic Turret Press and standard reloading dies.
Cons
- Only four die stations, which might be limiting for extremely complex setups.
- Requires separate purchase for each caliber you want pre-configured.
Who Should Buy Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent?
This Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent is an absolute must-have for anyone who owns a Lee Classic Turret Press and reloads more than one caliber. If you frequently switch between different cartridges, whether for pistol or rifle, this turret will save you an immense amount of time and frustration. It’s ideal for home-based reloaders who value efficiency and want to maximize their time at the press.
However, if you only reload a single caliber, or if your caliber changes are infrequent (perhaps once a year), then the necessity for an extra turret diminishes. For those who need absolute top-tier precision or are looking for a system that allows for more than four die stations, other, more complex solutions might be considered, but they come at a significantly higher cost. To make the most of this turret, I highly recommend purchasing one for each caliber you commonly load; this allows for truly instantaneous caliber swaps.
Conclusion on Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent
The Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent is a brilliantly simple yet profoundly effective accessory for any reloader using a Lee Classic Turret Press. For its modest price of around $14.89, it delivers an outsized impact on reloading efficiency. The aluminum construction feels robust, and the precision machining ensures your dies are held securely and align correctly. It fulfills its promise of making caliber changes quick and easy, transforming the reloading experience from a chore of setup into a fluid process.
Considering the time saved and the frustration avoided, the value proposition here is undeniable. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Extra 4 Hole Classit Turrent to any reloader who finds themselves swapping dies frequently. It’s a small investment that yields significant returns in time and enjoyment at the reloading bench. If you value efficiency and a streamlined workflow, picking up a few of these for your common calibers is a no-brainer.