Redding T-7

[kings6]

Okay guys talk to me about the Redding T-7 turret press. I have wondered about using one for some time now so I thought I'd get some real life feedback. First of all I would mainly be looking at using it as a single stage press where I process all the rounds at each stage versus moving the turret with each round. I guess I am really asking if you think it is worth it to have the convenience of all the dies mounted on a head simply so you don't have to change dies at each step but simply rotate the head. I like the idea of a head for each round so everything stays in place and adjusted.

Thanks for your feedback.

Robb

[mike454]

I have one and like it. Went so far as to use the Hornady case operated powder measure on it, and go semi progressive on it. Better in theory than practice. When I use it now, I full length resize and bell the case mouth, then reprime and powder charge off the press, then back to the press to seat the bullet and crimp in separate steps. Not nearly as fast as a dillon 550, yet quite a bit faster than single stage reloading. I do all my reloading for rifle on it as well as light use pistol rounds like the 475 and 500. Haven't touched my single stage since I bought the Redding. I only have one head for it, but really don't mind setting up dies and since I use this press for low use rounds don't have to change it over very often.

[Stump Buster]

This is the press I'm learning on and I like it! I just bought 3 more turrets and the turret stand, so I'm committed now. So far, I set up three or four dies then... deprime/re-size, shift turret to bell the case mouths (if necessary), trim and clean (Franford Arsenal prep station and Midway vibratory tumbler), prime with a hand primer, load the powder and finally cycle through the last two stages for seating and crimping. I think once the dies are set, it's faster and more convenient than constantly swapping them out. Like you, I plan on setting a few up for dedicated firearm/cartridge combos.

ETA: Wow, Mike and I darn near posted at the same time and it looks like our steps similar and that makes me feel like I'm doing something right. (I'm using a digital dispenser right now, but have a few different scales and powder measures I haven't tried yet... again, I'm still new to this).

For what it's worth, I haven't seen too many used T7's come up for sale, so those that have them, must be relatively happy with them.

[newrugersafan]

I have one and use it for rifle and small batch handgun loads. Mine has the optional primer system that works great and I recommend that upgrade.

I've done batch loading and completing
one cartridge at a time, either way it's nice to have all the dies in place to just load and not change out dies. Probably not a big time saver for batch loading but it's nice when making powder changes and loading one at a time.

The press is very well built, solid and smooth. I'm very happy with mine.

[Paden]

Jan 9, 2018 1:17:13 GMT -5 mike454 said:

I have one and like it.

Ditto.

[Paden]

Jan 9, 2018 1:33:59 GMT -5 newrugersafan said:

Mine has the optional primer system that works great and I recommend that upgrade.

I don't like priming with a press. Removed the primer arm from mine and cut the bump out off the front. Much better.

[jban]

I had one, but don't have it anymore. I had three presses (Dillion SBD, Forrester coaxial, Redding T). I just found myself using the coaxial the most. I had extra turrets and the primer system for it. Extra turrets are expensive, before you know it, you could have a couple dedicated presses with what you have tied up in the T press. There is nothing wrong with the press, I just felt there are better ways for me to go. I don't regret selling it. This is my two cents, take it for what it is worth

[Rimfire69]

I like the Turrets, do not have the big Redding yet, but will eventually. I use an old Herters and love it, very heavy duty.

[sixshot]

Although I've never owned one I have friends who do & they are very happy with them. I recommended one to a Dr. friend a few years ago & helped him set it up & he absolutely loves it, they are very nice presses. Actually I think everything Redding makes is top shelf equipment. On my single stage presses I too prime with a hand primer seater, always have. Mine is the very, very old Lee primer tool with the different shell holder heads. The trick to not wearing them out at the "pivot" point, good old JB Weld.

Dick

[warhawk]

I don’t have one, but I do have a Lyman T-Mag turret press. I love it and don’t understand why they aren’t more popular.

[dhd]

My bench has an RCBS turret press and a Co-Ax. I use both for different stuff. I have and use 3 different turrets set up with BPCR dies where I may use 4 separate dies per caliber. Makes it convenient. The press I use is similar to the revolvers I love with only 6 holes.

Regardless of 6 or 7 holes in the turret, I'd bet you'll enjoy the convenience.

[Stump Buster]

Looks like Lyman is going to give the T-7 a run for it's money and has upped the ante to 8 holes...

www.lymanproducts.com/brands/lyman/presses-kits/brass-smith-8-station-turret-press.html

[Snyd]

Why 7 holes? 2 different calibers in the same turrent? One 4 die set and another 3 die set?

[dhd]

Jan 11, 2018 22:33:43 GMT -5 Snyd said:

Why 7 holes? 2 different calibers in the same turrent? One 4 die set and another 3 die set?

Good question and I think the answer might be because a 6 hole turret press was already being made. The new Lyman having 8 holes makes it one more than the Redding. Everybody likes more I suppose. 

Like I stated in my earlier reply, I have the RCBS press, and while I do like the convenience of just spinning the turret, I don't fill up the holes with multiple caliber dies. I have them set up for just doing one caliber per turret (I tend to have many different dies per caliber for certain steps). A good turret press and 2 or 3 turrets gets pricey but we do what we do.

[matt56]

I have a Redding T-7 and I love it for handgun loads compared to a single stage. I use one of the holes for a dedicated 3BR powder measure and just switch out the dies as needed. I don't have extra turret heads, it's really not a big deal to remove and install the dies.

When I first realized I could load a cartridge start to finish without removing it my eyes were really opened. Anymore I only use my single stage for decapping before cleaning and for push thru bullet sizing.