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Hello guys,
I want to start reloading, thinking about buying a small Lee reloading kit sor starters... I'm shooting mainely 303 british. I was wondering if other brands of reloading dies would be compatible with the lee reloading kit? ANy help will be greatly appreciated.
sincerely
JP
For 303 British the Lee die set that includes both the full length sizing die and the collet neck sizing die is the best for the 303. This is because the rifle chambers are made oversized on purpose and the shoulders in the chambers are rounded and do not match the angle of new ammunition. 303 cases will not last long. It's nearly impossible to full length size the cases without destroying them. The Lee Collet die is the only one that really works. Now Lee quality control is not the best and some need some "fitting" or just replace with another one and see if it's in spec. Most are good so you have to bother. RCBS tried to make a collet die before Lee and they never worked right.
Now the cheapest Lee press can be a bit weak but not as weak as RCBS's cheapest "Partner" press. Lee has been getting better. I like a lot of Lee's little hand tools but the Lee powder scale is difficult to use. For starting out and learn I guess they are alright but you'll end up buying better ones.
Something other than the RCBS Partner press and something other the Lee "C" shaped press (open front) such as the Lee "O" frame is a decent press.
The price of electronic scales have come down in price but I still use an RCBS 505 scale which is smoother than the 502 scale which is a lot better to use than the little Lee scale.
The Lee Classic Cast or RCBS Rockchucker are both some of the best. For cheap I wouldn't get cheaper than the Lee "O" frame aluminum press.
The lee hand primer is okay but might not least long. RCBS and Hornady make expensive versions. Start with the Lee is okay though and might lat a while. Use some graphite to lube the pivot points.
I like the Lee primer pocket scraper and the Lee chamfering tool (can be used both inside and otside case mouth by turning around) and the Lee case trimmer. Chamfer after trimming. These are handheld tools that are cheap.
If your question was, will RCBS and Lyman etc dies fit a Lee Press.
the answer is yes.
Get yourself a good book on reloading - The Lyman book is a good one.
Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading
I started out using the Lee kit and have replaced most of the items. Everything worked as advertised but I upgraded most things.
So for the extra money I would get the RCBS Partner Press kit.
Also RCBS has a reloading video. It's pretty good, explains all the steps. The only problem is they show the high end RCBS equipment when doing a lot of the steps. The beginner doesn't need to buy the expensive stuff.
Good luck with your loads.