The Redding T-7 Turret Reloading Press is just right for serious handloaders, who tend to be obsessive about accuracy. They are willing to go to any length and to buy the most advanced or costly equipment.
The Redding T-7 may be the best turret press that’s currently available. Let’s take a closer look to see if it delivers what it promises:
A big press that works well
This is a big, powerful press that works really well. Besides inserting the handle into position and spinning its locking nut into place, it does not need any other setup. You only need to bolt it to the bench by means of four machine bolts.
You can use the short knob-ended rod to turn the turret head and slide it into one of the three holes in the periphery of the turret. When you rotate the turret, each of the die positions will click into place with a satisfying sound.
It’s easy to use
The smooth ball on top of the ram handle is easy on your palm, even if you use it for long periods of time. The handle provides a smooth, powerful stroke when sizing oversize, stubborn cases like the .300 Remington Ultra Mag.
The hollow ram is equipped with a clear and flexible tubular primer collection system, which you can empty at your convenience. Its green press body is made of cast iron and has a nice finish.
It can mount a full die set
The biggest advantage that a turret press offers is that it can mount a full die set semi-permanently, all through a handload development sequence, a loading session or a benchrest competition in which it allows you to load a few chosen cases again and again.
This helps to eliminate the slight inconsistencies that are introduced by frequently changing dies. It’s no longer necessary to reset dies when those irritating lock rings come free and you end up losing your settings. You can set the dies the way you want them and then forget about them.
The ability to index cases
You can get the highest possible accuracy from your handloads because a turret press allows you to index cases. This ensures that they enter the dies consistently during the loading process.
You can insert a case into the shell holder before resizing and never leave it until the bullet has been seated. Every case enters the loading or die stage with exactly the same orientation as compared to how it entered the previous stage or die.
The reloading process
- The usual loading process that many handloaders use will have to be adapted while loading a case without taking it out of the shell holder.
- Following sizing, the case will have to be primed by the onboard priming arm of the press.
- It will then be charged with powder through an empty die position with the ram at the top of its stroke.
- You can place a funnel over the mouth of the cartridge and pour in the powder charge.
- This process does not provide an opportunity to compare the powder level in a loading block full of charged cases, which helps to enhance safety.
- To avoid problems, you need to work consistently, systematically and carefully.
Seating primers fully in tight pockets
It isn’t easy to seat primers fully in tight pockets while using the Redding T-7 onboard priming system. You can remove each case, prime it and then carefully replace it in the press with the same orientation. This will also allow you to clean the primer pocket.
However, the ability to index cases may not provide much of an advantage for most of your shooting. It only provides an assurance that you have done everything you possibly could to improve accuracy.
Seven die stations
The seven die stations offer lots of space for mounting dies for two or three different calibers. Someone who handloads ammo for only a few calibers can mount and adjust the dies and then forget about them. Besides, interchangeable turret heads allow you to use multiple heads along with your favorite dies on a single press.
While you may have problems with even primer seating, particularly with tight primer pockets while using the onboard primer, a little practice will help you to master the technique.
You couldn’t ask for more
This Redding reloading press has a robust, simple design, all-metal parts and it’s beautifully machined. However, you may find that the end of the slide bar is a little too long. It prevents the primer ram cup from aligning with the hole in the shell holder.
You will love the Redding T-7 Turret Reloading Press despite these minor issues. Even if you are an obsessive handloader, you couldn’t ask for more.
