Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel Review

Putting the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel to Work

For those of us who get our hands dirty with firearms, the pursuit of precision, efficiency, and a bit of self-sufficiency is constant. Reloading ammunition is a deeply rewarding aspect of this hobby, offering both cost savings and the satisfaction of crafting rounds tailored to specific needs. The Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel has long been a presence in the reloading world, promising a blend of speed and versatility that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts. My own journey into reloading, like many, began with a desire to manage ammunition costs for calibers like 9mm and .380 ACP, but the slow pace of a single-stage press quickly became apparent for anything beyond casual plinking. This is where the allure of a turret press, offering a step up in production without the full commitment to a progressive machine, truly shines.

My initial foray into reloading was driven by a need to balance my shooting habit with my budget. The cost of factory ammunition for common calibers was beginning to outpace what I felt was reasonable, especially for the sheer volume I shoot. While many advised starting with a basic single-stage press, the prospect of loading hundreds of rounds per session felt dauntingly slow. I considered more advanced progressive presses but was hesitant due to their complexity and cost for a beginner. My search led me to the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel, a model that seemed to hit a sweet spot between single-stage simplicity and progressive speed, all while keeping the initial investment in check.

Upon receiving the press, my first impression was one of robust utility. The steel construction felt solid and well-finished, conveying a sense of durability that belied its accessible price point. It’s a tool that looks like it’s built to perform, not just sit on a shelf. While I briefly looked at some other turret press offerings, the comprehensive nature of this kit, particularly its inclusion of the auto-drum powder measure, made it a compelling package from the outset. There was a palpable sense of readiness to get it mounted and start turning brass into usable ammunition.

Real-World Testing: Putting the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel was my dedicated reloading bench in the workshop. It’s a space that’s seen its fair share of tools, and this press immediately felt at home among them. I mounted it securely to a sturdy piece of plywood, which I then clamped to my bench, a common practice for these types of presses to minimize movement and ensure consistent results. The setup process, while not entirely intuitive due to some slightly vague instructions in the manual, was ultimately manageable with a bit of common sense and reference to online resources.

During initial use, I focused on reloading 9mm Luger. The press operated smoothly, with a satisfyingly solid feel to the ram. The auto-indexing feature, once engaged correctly, proved to be a significant time-saver, allowing me to focus on each station without needing manual turret rotation after every pull. However, I did notice a slight learning curve with the on-press priming system; it took a few rounds to get the seating depth just right without over-priming or under-priming.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds of 9mm and a smaller batch of .380 ACP, the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel has proven itself to be a reliable workhorse. There’s minimal wobble in the turret rotation, and the ram moves with consistent smoothness, which is crucial for consistent powder charging and bullet seating. I haven’t encountered any cracks or major wear on the steel components, though I do notice the occasional scuff mark from cartridge cases.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each reloading session keeps dust and debris at bay. Lubrication of the ram and pivot points is recommended periodically, which is a simple task with a small amount of grease or oil. Compared to some older, more basic presses I’ve used in the past, this turret press offers a noticeable leap in efficiency without sacrificing the attention to detail that handloading demands. It’s certainly outperformed budget single-stage presses in terms of speed, and while it doesn’t match the output of a true progressive, it offers a far more manageable entry point.

Breaking Down the Features of the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel

Specifications

This handloading kit is built around a sturdy steel construction, offering excellent durability for years of use. The press itself features a near four-inch clearance height, which is generous enough to accommodate most rifle calibers, a significant advantage for reloaders working with a variety of firearm types. The core of its speed comes from the instant-change four-hole turret, allowing for the setup of multiple calibers or operations without needing to remove dies.

Included in the kit is the auto-drum powder measure, a clever piece of engineering designed to accurately dispense powder for both handgun and rifle casings. This eliminates the need for a separate powder scale for every single charge if you’re relying on its calibrated drum settings. The press also incorporates a large and small safety prime system directly onto the press, streamlining the priming process and reducing the need to handle primers as much. While the bench plate system is sold separately, the press itself is designed for portability and easy mounting.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel is to reload ammunition efficiently and accurately, and it excels at this. The ability to load around 250 rounds per hour, as advertised, feels attainable with a bit of practice, especially when reloading common handgun calibers. The auto-index feature, when properly set, reliably rotates the turret after each ram cycle, moving the next operation into place. This significantly speeds up the process compared to manual indexing.

What truly sets this turret press apart is its dual nature. For those wanting to double-check every step, the auto-indexing can be deactivated, allowing it to function as a high-quality single-stage press. This flexibility is invaluable for beginners learning the nuances of reloading or when working with particularly sensitive or complex loads. The auto-drum powder measure is surprisingly consistent, although for maximum precision, especially with rifle cartridges, I still recommend verifying charges with a scale.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this reloading press prioritizes functionality and ease of use. The steel frame feels robust and substantial, providing a stable platform for the reloading process. The ram operates with a smooth, predictable motion, and the large handle provides good leverage. The instant-change four-hole turret is a standout ergonomic feature; switching between calibers or stages (like seating and crimping) is as simple as rotating the turret, often requiring no die adjustments once set up.

The inclusion of the on-press priming system is another ergonomic win. It positions primers conveniently at the ram’s lowest point, making seating them a natural part of the stroke. The overall layout encourages a fluid workflow, allowing the reloader to keep their eyes on the case and primer at all times. While the manual might be a little spartan, the physical design of the press itself is intuitive for anyone with basic mechanical understanding.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from steel, the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel is designed for longevity. I’ve seen many of these presses in use for years, and they hold up remarkably well. The critical components, like the ram and die bushings, show minimal wear even after extensive use. The powder measure, also featuring sturdy construction, has proven reliable.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the press clean and applying a light lubricant to the ram and any moving parts occasionally. This simple upkeep ensures the smooth operation that is critical for consistent reloading. There are no obvious weak points that tend to fail; the design is inherently robust. If a part does wear out over time, Lee Precision generally offers readily available and affordable replacements, further enhancing the long-term value.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel comes as a comprehensive kit, including the press itself, the auto-drum powder measure, and the safety primer system. What you will absolutely need to purchase separately are the dies and turrets for each caliber you intend to reload. This is where the customization comes in. Lee offers a wide range of dies for virtually any common firearm cartridge, and extra turrets are relatively inexpensive.

Having multiple pre-loaded turrets for different calibers or bullet weights allows for incredibly quick changeovers. For instance, I have one turret set up for 9mm plinking loads and another for .380 ACP. The auto-drum powder measure can also be upgraded with different drum sizes for finer control over powder charges, and Lee offers various risers if needed for specific press/measure combinations. The ability to easily swap dies and turrets is the cornerstone of this press’s versatility.

Pros and Cons of Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel

Who Should Buy Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel?

The Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel is an exceptional choice for the intermediate reloader who has outgrown a single-stage press but isn’t ready for the complexity or cost of a full progressive. It’s ideal for shooters who load for multiple handgun calibers and want to increase their output significantly without sacrificing the ability to meticulously check each step. This press is also a fantastic option for beginners who are serious about reloading and want a tool that will grow with their skills and needs.

Those who should likely skip this press are individuals who only reload for a single caliber in very small quantities, where a simple single-stage press would suffice. It might also not be the best fit for someone demanding the absolute highest production rates in a single session, as a dedicated progressive press would still outpace it. For anyone looking to reload common handgun calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special, or .380 ACP, this press is a strong recommendation. For rifle reloading, while capable, you’ll want to ensure your dies and cases are compatible and consider the auto-index deactivation for very long cartridges.

Essential accessories to pair with this press include extra turrets for each caliber, a good set of dies for each desired cartridge, and a reliable powder scale for verifying charges, especially for rifle rounds or if you are aiming for extreme precision. A dedicated reloading manual specific to your chosen cartridges is also a must-have.

Conclusion on Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel

The Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel represents a superb balance of performance, versatility, and affordability in the reloading press market. It successfully bridges the gap between basic single-stage presses and high-end progressive machines, offering a noticeable increase in efficiency and a user-friendly design. The robust steel construction inspires confidence in its durability, and the inclusion of the auto-drum powder measure and on-press priming system makes it a remarkably complete kit for its price point.

While the initial setup might require a little patience with the instructions, the benefits of its modular turret system and reliable operation quickly outweigh this minor hurdle. The ability to function effectively as a high-quality single-stage press further enhances its appeal for those who prioritize careful attention to detail. Considering its performance, the build quality, and the sheer volume of ammunition it can help produce, this turret press offers an outstanding value proposition. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel to any reloader looking to significantly improve their workflow and output without breaking the bank. It’s a tool that will serve you well for years to come.