I have been reloading for 8 years now. I haven't used every type of die out there, but have used Hornady, RCBS, LEE, BONANZA, and a couple of really old brands I can't recall the name of now. I have had the best results , TIME AFTER TIME while using LEE dies. (and equipment). I have constructed my MOST ACCURATE ammo with LEE dies. They are simple to use, cheap to buy, and almost always in stock at your favorite store. Is this an anomaly? I rarely , if ever see them praised in print or on forums. Am I the only guy that thinks they are seriously underrated?? I know that their upper end presses leave a lot to be desired, but their basic presses work great. Sound off on your experiences. Good or Bad.
I think LEE DIES ARE GREAT. Sound off on your experiences.
- Thread starter sgt.rock
- Start date
I am in the market to buy a multi-stage loader, of which the Load Master is a contender.
Few people say it's junk, but the fact there are a reasonable percentage that say it has caused them grief is a concern.
Compare this to something like the Dillon 550, and I'm not sure you can say Lee is the best.
People say that the Dillion is obviously more expensive, but if it's better, is higher cost really a problem?
Few people say it's junk, but the fact there are a reasonable percentage that say it has caused them grief is a concern.
Compare this to something like the Dillon 550, and I'm not sure you can say Lee is the best.
People say that the Dillion is obviously more expensive, but if it's better, is higher cost really a problem?
I have a LEEPRO 1000 that is a piece of junk. (at least I can't get the thing to do anything, but it was used when I got it, and I have no idea how to get it up and running) BUT, I have 2 challenger presses that are awesome. I love the LEE stuff for its simplicity.
Lee definitely have the highest value for your dollar in my opinion.
For full length sizing I haven't noticed any difference between them and RCBS or Hornady (only two other brands I've used).
For neck sizing I love the Lee collet dies.
I am a big fan of the FCD's.
I broke the decapping rod in my Lee universal decapping die (wrong shell holder). I contacted Lee and they sent me three(!) replacements for free. Hard to complain about that.
Only issue I've had with Lee dies is that the excess lube port on the full length dies is located lower down the shoulder than other brands. When doing cartridge conversions (.30-06 to 8x57mm in my case) the Lee dies would put a gouge in the side of the shoulder where as Hornady dies wouldn't (only other brand I tried this with).
One product I wish Lee would make is a neck expanding die. Not just the case mouth flaring die which is great but a full neck expander. When loading cast bullets the bullet can get swaged down or deformed if they aren't super hard and are forced through a stiff, tight neck. I'm using an RCBS case expander for my 45-70 loading and it expands the first 3/4" or so of the case to be snug but not too tight for cast bullets and flares the mouth at the same time. Lyman makes similar dies but I figure Lee could do it for less money.
For full length sizing I haven't noticed any difference between them and RCBS or Hornady (only two other brands I've used).
For neck sizing I love the Lee collet dies.
I am a big fan of the FCD's.
I broke the decapping rod in my Lee universal decapping die (wrong shell holder). I contacted Lee and they sent me three(!) replacements for free. Hard to complain about that.
Only issue I've had with Lee dies is that the excess lube port on the full length dies is located lower down the shoulder than other brands. When doing cartridge conversions (.30-06 to 8x57mm in my case) the Lee dies would put a gouge in the side of the shoulder where as Hornady dies wouldn't (only other brand I tried this with).
One product I wish Lee would make is a neck expanding die. Not just the case mouth flaring die which is great but a full neck expander. When loading cast bullets the bullet can get swaged down or deformed if they aren't super hard and are forced through a stiff, tight neck. I'm using an RCBS case expander for my 45-70 loading and it expands the first 3/4" or so of the case to be snug but not too tight for cast bullets and flares the mouth at the same time. Lyman makes similar dies but I figure Lee could do it for less money.
BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
I still use their hand priming system and their case length gauges, and will admit to a couple of sets of dies too. Not a big Lee fan but they're stuff is a good value for the most part.
- Location
- West Quebec
Works well for all my calibers..
LordEvilPepper
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Under a rusty barge in BC
im not going to say they are bad, they are better then RCBS and Lyman.... but Lee has nothing on Redding dies, my concentricity gauge doesn't lie, and neither do my groups.
Not a fan of their floating seating punches or their lock rings. In my press I replace all but the powder through expanding die, if I am able to find a used Lyman or RCBS set to provide sizer and sweater dies.
Otherwise.... They do in a pinch, or for calibres that I don't shoot much and would prefer to save a bit on tooling for.
Otherwise.... They do in a pinch, or for calibres that I don't shoot much and would prefer to save a bit on tooling for.
I currently have Lee, Hornady, RCBS, and Lyman dies. I have at least one Lee die for EVERY cartridge I load for. I needed to go to Hornady for dies for my .303 Epps. RCBS and Lyman are one offs here and there that I picked up or traded for. I think Lee stuff is wonderful gear for the most part. Cost effective and easy to use. Lee's Classic cast presses are hard to beat by most of the companies out there. High quality, life-long presses for half the price of the others' basic presses.
Send it to me, I'll pay postage and probably have it working in a few days.
No one can match the quality and the price point that Lee has. Are they the absolute best? No, I will admit that and there are some Lee products even I can't stand. But I don't need MOA out to 2000yds from my ammo, a 100ATR in 30-06 shooting 5/8" groups at 100yds works for me. Those that do need extra, pay more for gear.
i love their factory crimp dies and will continue to buy them for future calibres, i own two of their universal decap dies (modded one into a lube die) and i own a universal flare
thats it for dies from lee... i like afew of their products for their design and function but the rest of their sh!t is just sh!t and is poorly made.... i own alot of RCBS die sets and i only buy Hornady dies from now on because theyre well made, come with free bullets, awesome seater design, smoother neck expander, comes in a big hindged box that can fit all my calibre specific tools/gages in, and hornady has a wicked warranty.... rcbs's is good too but i waited a month for shipping last time (could have been waiting on lead time)
im tempted to buy a set of lee dippers but that will be useless once i buy a hornady auto charge
thats it for dies from lee... i like afew of their products for their design and function but the rest of their sh!t is just sh!t and is poorly made.... i own alot of RCBS die sets and i only buy Hornady dies from now on because theyre well made, come with free bullets, awesome seater design, smoother neck expander, comes in a big hindged box that can fit all my calibre specific tools/gages in, and hornady has a wicked warranty.... rcbs's is good too but i waited a month for shipping last time (could have been waiting on lead time)
im tempted to buy a set of lee dippers but that will be useless once i buy a hornady auto charge
