Lee Press opinions

Afternoon

Not really a Milsurp Q perse, but it will end up reloading for a few milsurps i the future.

In terms of the Lee anniversary kits, are the press's capable of loading "match" grade ammo? The threads are industry standard and should take the RCBS dies, but curious if anyone here has used these for loading for match grade ammo?

I know that there are probably better brands of gear out there, but when you consider an RCBS rockchucker kit is upwards of 500 and the Lee is less than half that, im seriously wondering whether the extra couple of hundred is worth it.

Ideas?

Cheers.

The Lee is a good solid press. Will accept standard dies which is the key. Get a good set of dies and be meticulous in your preperation. That's what makes match grade ammo. And Lee dies work very well.

Yes, Lee dies are capable of making match grade ammo. If you crimp, there is no better crimp die than the Lee Factory Crimp die at any price.

Hi,

I used a Lee single stage press for the last 25 years, mostly for reloading handgun ammo, but had no problems to load 45-70 as well. I now switched to another type of press (and another brand) for several reasons (not becuase the quality of the Lee products). A buddy of mine recently got a new Lee Classic cast and can say nothing but praise about it. So why should you not go for a Lee? They offer good value for your money.

regards
Ulrich

I add my positives to Lee equipment. It is all I have ever had, more than 15 years. The only time I've had problems loading is when I didn't know what I was doing and when I failed to pay attention. When I want to be particularly careful I disable automatic functions and go slow.

Reloading is great fun and you learn a different side of the firearm than the just behind the trigger guys.

Jess

I started reloading in 1984 and the first press i owned was a Lee hand press. There's no telling how many rounds I loaded with it from .222 through .458 Win. Mag. I did break the handle once but that was my fault, dropped it. At the present, when I can find/ afford components, I load for 34 different calibers and more than half of the dies are Lee's. The only problem i've ever had with Lee products is a split sizing die, made a call and had a new one in the mail week later free of charge. Lee presses/dies are more than capable of making match grade ammunition, before ammo and components went sky high and got scarce I did a lot of long distance shooting and Lee dies loaded every round i sent down range.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JLJ

I add my positives to Lee equipment. It is all I have ever had, more than 15 years. The only time I've had problems loading is when I didn't know what I was doing and when I failed to pay attention. When I want to be particularly careful I disable automatic functions and go slow.

Reloading is great fun and you learn a different side of the firearm than the just behind the trigger guys.

Jess

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Lee equipment is good except for that cheap little plastic powder scales they make. I would never use one and our friendly local gun store/ gun smith/ will not sell them.

Brownie

I just got into reloading and bought lee stuff because it was reasonably priced. I got the classic turret press I love it. Reloading for my .300 win mag brought my group size down considerably. I like how you can have all your dies set up and take the turret out and replace it with another turret all set up. I havent loaded any "match ammo" with it yet but what I have loaded the oal, crimp, neck size are all consistent. I like it its a great press for the money. All the LEE stuff I bought works great. I will add a RCBS loadmaster to my set up eventually.

I started with a Lee press. The pot metal ones didn't hold up well, but their cheap to repair. Yes they will load accurate ammo. IMHO the Lee cast press is better, hevier duty I suspect.

I have to second the comment about the powder scale. It IS difficult to use. You can usually find a decent digital scale for under $20 on Midway's website. But hang on to that scale. Annoying as it is, should you be out of batteries and need to reload, you can do so with reasonable safety.

I use a lot of scoops. This one for .38's and that for .357. Another for .45 even .380 ad 9 get their own scooper as does the .30 carbine. Dip it once level it off and you should be within a tenth or so.