Lee Hand Press opinions???

Suther

Suther

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So Im going to start reloading, starting with 303 British.

My original plan was to get a Lee Classic Loader, because it contains everything I would need for $40, but its a less-than-ideal setup. While hammering away does seem a bit tedious compared to a press, my main problem is the seemingly very real possibility of popping a primer while trying to seat it. While hammering will not piss of the wife, that certainly will.

So then I was thinking no big deal, get an auto-prime. Another $25. But now I need a shellholder for that too. The set is much cheaper than buying each one individually over time, so I would probably do that, but thats another $20 now.

So now Im up to ~$85 for that setup, more than twice the original cost.


So then I started looking at the Lee Hand Press. Its $50 by itself, or $70 for the kit. (Maybe $10 more than that, depending where I can actually find one.) The kit includes a Ram Prime, funnel, and some case lube. Add another $10, 'cause its a breech lock press so I'd want to grab another quick change bushing.

So now Im up to ~$85 for the Hand Press, but still need dies as well, so call it another $40 for 303 neck size dies.

Im stumped as to which is my better option. With the Classic Loader, I would buy an auto-prime, which would have use and value down the road when I upgrade to a press. Alternatively, getting the Hand Press I would have dies, a Ram Prime, and some quick change bushings, so upgrading to a Challenger Breech Lock Press would seem like the perfect progression.

Opinions? Thanks.
 
i like the hand press for resizing/depriming and flaring cases mouths on pistol cal's while i watch tv. i bought the classic loader for 357mag and it's painfully slow. if your only going to shoot 20-40 rounds a year then go for that, otherwise get a proper press.
 
A popped primer makes less noise than the hammering itself. I popped two at different times and you hear a weird pop noise and some smokes comes out. Since the priming rod fits fairly tightly into the neck it has a similar effect to a suppressor. The worst part is cleaning all the carbon out.

I loaded about 500rnds with the Lee Classic sets (.303B and 6.5x55 for me) before getting fed up with the speed and just bought a cheap press. If you aren't sure if you're going to continue with reloading or you are looking to reload 20-50 rounds a year, the Lee Classic Reloader may be the best choice. If you are pretty sure you'll be reloading for the long term and you'll be shooting at least a couple hundred rounds a year it's probably best to start with a simple single stage press.
 
I'm thinking something like 100 rounds every two or three weeks. Really depends on how often i can get out shooting. Not a crap tonne but not 20 a year just for hunting either.

Also I see a lot of negative about a classic loader but nothing about the hand press, or the ram prime compared to the auto prime...
 
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LUTNIT said:
A popped primer makes less noise than the hammering itself. I popped two at different times and you hear a weird pop noise and some smokes comes out. Since the priming rod fits fairly tightly into the neck it has a similar effect to a suppressor. The worst part is cleaning all the carbon out.
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Really? 'cause a few other reviews I've read have said make sure you wear ear protection, and you'll #### your pants the first time you blow a primer. Some even speak of burning themselves. And thats not really on my to-do list...
 
There's a rockchucker on the EE for around $ 100. That's how I started, bought a 2nd one at a good price off ebay so I don't have to keep swapping dies.
Anything goes on it and RCBS will replace broken or worn out parts no questions asked.
 
silverfoxdj said:
If I were going to start to reload I would at least get a standard press and be done with it..
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This. Lee Anniversary kit is very affordable and you get every thing you need to get started less the dies. I've considered the hand press just for the fact that it's so portable and I can be prepping brass or whatever and be on the couch watching T.V. etc Also figure if the better half can knit in bed maybe I can reload in bed????
 
I opted for a Forster press it's a little more than the cheapest press and very good for rifle rounds as I started with 223 & 38sp pistol.

I usually shoot no more than a 100 rounds at a time per firearm and this is quite easy with this press.

I have added 45 ACP and 9mm and it handles everything perfectly.
 
jongun said:
This. Lee Anniversary kit is very affordable and you get every thing you need to get started less the dies. I've considered the hand press just for the fact that it's so portable and I can be prepping brass or whatever and be on the couch watching T.V. etc Also figure if the better half can knit in bed maybe I can reload in bed????
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My problem with the anniversary kit is it comes with a bunch of stuff i don't care for. I already have a scale, and I don't want the powder measure it comes with - I plan to weigh every charge at least for the first little bit.
 
As mentioned, a single stage press can do everything you want. I use mine to load .303, .308, 9mm, and .38 S&W. This coming winter I expect to be reloading for my Tokarev (7.62 X 25).

You can pick up what you need on the EE or from one of the sponsors here. I've got a Bair press, Redding powder dump, Forster trimmer, RCBS scale, and dies from C&H, Lee, Forster, and RCBS.

I'm now considering a Lee turret press, as my pistol shooting seems to have increased, and I need something between a single stage and a big Dillon or the like.
 
LUTNIT said:
A popped primer makes less noise than the hammering itself. I popped two at different times and you hear a weird pop noise and some smokes comes out. Since the priming rod fits fairly tightly into the neck it has a similar effect to a suppressor. The worst part is cleaning all the carbon out.

I loaded about 500rnds with the Lee Classic sets (.303B and 6.5x55 for me) before getting fed up with the speed and just bought a cheap press. If you aren't sure if you're going to continue with reloading or you are looking to reload 20-50 rounds a year, the Lee Classic Reloader may be the best choice. If you are pretty sure you'll be reloading for the long term and you'll be shooting at least a couple hundred rounds a year it's probably best to start with a simple single stage press.
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i'm not sure what kind of hammer your using, but primers are ear piercingly louder. fired from an empty shell in a gun or set off using the classic loader. that being said, maybe it is different with a rifle case and the priming pin vs the one that comes with the 357mag kit.
 
Goldenlakepete said:
I bought a Lee Hand press but I find I only use it now to de-prime cases while watching TV. It is functional though.
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This is something I hear of a lot, actually.

And this is kinda what I was thinking, it would do the job NOW, until I move and can set up an actual work station(9 months away), and then it will still have use for decapping or as a portable option. Portability is a big plus for me, because it allows me to pick where I work, and I have a few options (living room, bedroom, computer desk in dining room, work desk in kids room) depending on where the kids are playing.
 
Suther, I've used a hand press off and on for +/- 15 yrs or so, it has a place where space is cramped, you don't have a loading bench set up and so on. It works well. A standard single stage press is a bit more convenient when you have the space and the loading bench, but I still use mine to do bullet sizing so I don't have to mess with the dies in my press as often. It's a good tool.
Grouch
 
I have the Lee hand press only because of the current budget. It's definitely time consuming, but I will usually throw on a film or a documentary and take my time going through the motions.
Popping a primer isn't a big deal at all. I'd imagine they want you to wear hearing protection because the repetitive hammering can't be great for your hearing
If I had the available cash, I would definitely buy myself a proper press
 
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