First single stage press- Challenger lee kit

[looch]

That's some seriously nice plywood.

 

[stubblejumper]

Please read about electronic scales. Some you need to let warm up, some(all?) can be affected by wind currents and others behave eraticlly under fluorescent lights. Don't be afraid to zero often / double check with the calibration weight

As well, I watch the weight displayed every time I remove the pan from the scale to pour a powder charge. As long as that number doesn't change, the zero and calibration haven't changed.

 

[Boomer74]

That's some seriously nice plywood.

That stuff is "fancy Spruce" plywood @ ~$56/sheet...

They had 2 or 3 other selections, Maple / Oak / something else. Anywhere from $60 to $85 per sheet !


Thanks for the compliments !

 

[HIGHRPM]

I love mine ! I load for 12 different rifle calibers and 4 handguns and never an issue and it's a best bang for the buck.

 

[BCRider]

I started with a single stage but with all the die change's I ended up going with a LEE turret press.......

A lot of the die change woes can be overcome if you get some GOOD locking rings. The Lee rings with the O rings are a joke. The others that use a full nut and a set screw are better but only by a little since they can tend to lock cockeyed. And the set screws can damage the threads.

By far the best style is the split ring with clamping screw style sold by Hornady. They close onto the threads of the die which ensures that they are centered and square to the die so they hold the die square in the press. They also don't damage the thread so when you loosen them to make an adjustment they turn easily. And when locked you can switch dies with assurance that they are returning to the exact same adjustment each time.

Next step up is the breech lock style bushings and matching press from Lee or Hornady. Then you get to the better turret presses with a die plate for each set of dies.

 

[thump_rrr]

Just finished setting up my new Breech Lock Challenger kit...

Built the table myself, press seems very sturdy and cycles very smoothly.

I bought RCBS 2pc dies & a Lee crimping die, but will buy the Lee Ultimate 4pc set this week sometime.

Also gonna splurge and buy a digital metering scale eventually...

That press will work better mounted on the left side of the bench since the primer trough is on the left and the priming shuttle is on the right.

 

[zuke]

The one component of the LEE kits that frustrates people the most is the LEE scale. Yes they do function, but they are extremely finicky, and many people replace them after a very short time.

I've been using the same LEE scale since I started to reload. Built a shelf at eye level and it's a lot easier. Also found out that after time it settle's down a lot quicker