Lee 50th Anniversary Reloader Kit
- Thread starter Agent666
- Start date
If you purchase that kit, do yourself a favor, and take a hammer and smash the scale, and replace it with a decent scale, like the RCBS 5-0-5. If you don't smash it before you use it, you will definitely want to smash it after you use it. The rest of the kit is tolerable.
NShunter1254
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia Canada
TargetAcquired
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
Disagreed. The scale works perfectly.
I replaced mine, but not because it wasn't accurate - it just takes it's time settling, whereas the magnetic dampening on some other scales is better. But, I wouldn't be in a rush to replace equipment you haven't even tried. Sort it out for yourself.
Thats the kit I started with, and I think I was $140 deep to my door on it, so you won't find a more econonmical way to get your hands on good, reliable equipment. Set it up correctly, treat it properly, and you'll make countless rounds on it. Did 100 .444 myself last night.
I replaced mine, but not because it wasn't accurate - it just takes it's time settling, whereas the magnetic dampening on some other scales is better. But, I wouldn't be in a rush to replace equipment you haven't even tried. Sort it out for yourself.
Thats the kit I started with, and I think I was $140 deep to my door on it, so you won't find a more econonmical way to get your hands on good, reliable equipment. Set it up correctly, treat it properly, and you'll make countless rounds on it. Did 100 .444 myself last night.
I actually have 2 of those kits now. I started out with one and purchased a second one to go along with it because I liked it so much.
The scale does take a little time to settle, but works perfectly well and is quite accurate.
The perfect powder measure is EXTREAMLY accurate, it was actually one of the main reasons that I purchased a second kit, I wanted a second one so that I didn't have to adjust it for each caliber I was reloading. This whole kit is only $40 more than most other powder measures and you get all the other goodies also.
All in all, you can't go wrong with this kit, it is very affordable and contains good quality components. I would highly recommend it as a perfect starting point for reloading.
The scale does take a little time to settle, but works perfectly well and is quite accurate.
The perfect powder measure is EXTREAMLY accurate, it was actually one of the main reasons that I purchased a second kit, I wanted a second one so that I didn't have to adjust it for each caliber I was reloading. This whole kit is only $40 more than most other powder measures and you get all the other goodies also.
All in all, you can't go wrong with this kit, it is very affordable and contains good quality components. I would highly recommend it as a perfect starting point for reloading.
I bought this kit from the EE and just received it last night. I've reloaded in the past...single stage, centerfire rifle, accuracy type stuff...but sold off all my kit and am starting over. I've currently got a Dillon Square Deal 9mm, Dillon 550B and a RCBS Rockchucker on the bench as comparison.
IMO type stuff...take it for what it is and with a grain of salt.
The press itself is ok. It's a bit tippy (i.e. the base isn't as wide as others). It's not as heavy as others (i.e. compared to the Dillon Square Deal and RCBS Rockchucker I have setup beside it)...but I can't really imagine flexing the o-frame
. The linkages are similar in comparison...sort of light duty, but looks like it'll do the trick...and it certainly deprimes/resizes/expands (where most of the "force" is applied) ok (tried 30-06 and 45-70 on it last night in checking out it's setup).
The interrupted threading of the bushings seem a bit light (i.e. in comparison to say Hornady's LNL)...but they work as intended. I didn't notice any up/down/wiggle play when everything is tightened up for resizing.
The balance beam scale...is a balance beam scale. I do think I prefer the RCBS one...but to be honest I really don't like any of the reloading balance beams and much prefer a digital scale. I have two...one pocket sized and the other is a Dillon. Of those two I used the pocket sized one more solely because of the space it doesn't take up on the bench. The Dillon is more "precise" though.
Out of the whole reloading process, I personally find checking powder weights to be the biggest PITA. And it's a must do (IMO) until you're very comfortable and confident in your equipment setup to throw repeatable charges. If you're reloading a seasons worth of rifle caliber rounds...a beam scale is no big deal. If you're "mass producing" 100's of rounds for your weekly range trip, it may drive you nuts.
I haven't used the safety primer system(s) yet. The look pretty flimsy and there's a couple of vids out there about how to inspect them to remove burrs/flashing that may hang things up. The primer legs/pivots that you can put into the ram are nice though. Solid and well fitted.
The powder measure is a pretty cheap plastic affair....especially in comparison to the RCBS or Dillon powder measures. I haven't run powder through it yet. The adjustment stem is lightly threaded plastic, the lock ring is either plastic or low weight cast pot metal and the drum is plastic. Don't know how well it'll hold up if you're not using short stick/flake/ball powder vs. long stick. It is nice though how you can turn the container a bit and cut off powder to the drum...wish the other measures had that.
I haven't used the other case prep tools that it comes with. First look...they seem like many other brands and it's hard to make a bad case mouth deburring tool, etc...so I'm sure they'll work ok.
If you're starting from scratch and have nothing...it'll work and it's nice to start with a kit as you don't have to sweat not buying one little bit or another. You may find that you're wanting to add this bit or get a different that eventually...or maybe not, depending on what you get into.
In short...there's definitely better stuff out there, good value for $$$...it's pretty complete as a kit to get you started, it'll do what you want it to do, if you're the type that prefers the solidity/fit/finish of a steel safe vs. a basic lock box you may want to consider other options.
IMO type stuff...take it for what it is and with a grain of salt.
The press itself is ok. It's a bit tippy (i.e. the base isn't as wide as others). It's not as heavy as others (i.e. compared to the Dillon Square Deal and RCBS Rockchucker I have setup beside it)...but I can't really imagine flexing the o-frame
. The linkages are similar in comparison...sort of light duty, but looks like it'll do the trick...and it certainly deprimes/resizes/expands (where most of the "force" is applied) ok (tried 30-06 and 45-70 on it last night in checking out it's setup).The interrupted threading of the bushings seem a bit light (i.e. in comparison to say Hornady's LNL)...but they work as intended. I didn't notice any up/down/wiggle play when everything is tightened up for resizing.
The balance beam scale...is a balance beam scale. I do think I prefer the RCBS one...but to be honest I really don't like any of the reloading balance beams and much prefer a digital scale. I have two...one pocket sized and the other is a Dillon. Of those two I used the pocket sized one more solely because of the space it doesn't take up on the bench. The Dillon is more "precise" though.
Out of the whole reloading process, I personally find checking powder weights to be the biggest PITA. And it's a must do (IMO) until you're very comfortable and confident in your equipment setup to throw repeatable charges. If you're reloading a seasons worth of rifle caliber rounds...a beam scale is no big deal. If you're "mass producing" 100's of rounds for your weekly range trip, it may drive you nuts.
I haven't used the safety primer system(s) yet. The look pretty flimsy and there's a couple of vids out there about how to inspect them to remove burrs/flashing that may hang things up. The primer legs/pivots that you can put into the ram are nice though. Solid and well fitted.
The powder measure is a pretty cheap plastic affair....especially in comparison to the RCBS or Dillon powder measures. I haven't run powder through it yet. The adjustment stem is lightly threaded plastic, the lock ring is either plastic or low weight cast pot metal and the drum is plastic. Don't know how well it'll hold up if you're not using short stick/flake/ball powder vs. long stick. It is nice though how you can turn the container a bit and cut off powder to the drum...wish the other measures had that.
I haven't used the other case prep tools that it comes with. First look...they seem like many other brands and it's hard to make a bad case mouth deburring tool, etc...so I'm sure they'll work ok.
If you're starting from scratch and have nothing...it'll work and it's nice to start with a kit as you don't have to sweat not buying one little bit or another. You may find that you're wanting to add this bit or get a different that eventually...or maybe not, depending on what you get into.
In short...there's definitely better stuff out there, good value for $$$...it's pretty complete as a kit to get you started, it'll do what you want it to do, if you're the type that prefers the solidity/fit/finish of a steel safe vs. a basic lock box you may want to consider other options.
- Location
- West Quebec
I would take a little time on the individual pieces and buy the best you can afford, especially if you think you will stick with it..
I started on that kit and still use it. The scale works. It's a little finicky but once you figure it out, it ain't so bad. Eventually you will buy a digital scale or maybe an RCBS 505 scale. The powder measure meters well for stick powder. For fine powders like H110 etc, it may leak a little but you just have to tighten the screw a fraction. It's not as smooth to operate as an RCBS Uniflow or Hornady etc etc but it works. I like the press for the quick change bushing system and the primer feeder thingy which makes quick work in flaring and seating primers.
That said, if you're on a tight budget, you can't go wrong with the Lee Anniversary kit. If you have a bigger budget, the RCBS Rockchucker kit is a nicer buy.
That said, if you're on a tight budget, you can't go wrong with the Lee Anniversary kit. If you have a bigger budget, the RCBS Rockchucker kit is a nicer buy.
Snakehunter
CGN Regular
- Location
- Kenora, Ontario
I bought one a few years ago to reload for my .300 winmag. I hate the scale so I bought a digital one. I also bought a digital caliper to check my cartridge sizes.
I also bought dies for my 9mm but the volume of shooting was making a single stage press a pain so bought a Lee Progressive, a Pro1000. On the single stage I also load .223, .45LC and use it to deprime and size .40S&W and 9mm sometimes. Overall I am very pleased with the kit. I mounted it to a 1-1/2" thick plywood plate I made that I c-clamp to an old coffee table and reload in the recroom. My progressive has a Lee stand that I could use, but I don't care to disassemble and reassemble every time.
I also bought dies for my 9mm but the volume of shooting was making a single stage press a pain so bought a Lee Progressive, a Pro1000. On the single stage I also load .223, .45LC and use it to deprime and size .40S&W and 9mm sometimes. Overall I am very pleased with the kit. I mounted it to a 1-1/2" thick plywood plate I made that I c-clamp to an old coffee table and reload in the recroom. My progressive has a Lee stand that I could use, but I don't care to disassemble and reassemble every time.
I didn't even HAVE the kit when I started!! LOL! I started with a Lee Loader. Then I bought a second-hand Challenger press with cracked linkage for $10. That press loaded hundreds of .303 and '06 rounds. Once I got some money I bought a Lee Hand Loader for the range. Then I got a RockChucker for Christmas, kind of overkill since I was quite happy with the lighter stuff. Then I felt rich and since the old Challenger was broke, I bought the anniversary kit. I REALLY hated the scale but was able to get a used Lyman 500. Then a used Lyman 55powder thrower 'cuz that Lee one dribbled out one full load in 10 onto the floor, no matter what Lee told me to do with it. I have the case mouth de-burring tool, but, while it works, I like the Lyman one better.
Then I got a used turret press. I used these presses and tools for years, loading tens of thousands of rounds, relegating the RockChucker to the role of pulling bullets.
Christmas 2012, my wife bought me a new Classic Cast Turret Press AND a Classic Cast Single Stage. I look forward to never wearing these out. They are built far better than the "beloved RockChucker", reminiscent of the old Herter's presses. Bulletproof!
But, OP, as far as the kit goes. You can't get better for even double the price, since Lee doesn't offer the Cast single stage in a kit (except the .50BMG kit, that should tell you how strong this press is) You will change stuff as years go by, but the press, dies, and many tools made by Lee will remain and do a great job. Or, you will dump money into this, buy the big name, big price stuff and then trash Lee to justify your purchases...whatever. LOL!
Enjoy,
Ted
Then I got a used turret press. I used these presses and tools for years, loading tens of thousands of rounds, relegating the RockChucker to the role of pulling bullets.
Christmas 2012, my wife bought me a new Classic Cast Turret Press AND a Classic Cast Single Stage. I look forward to never wearing these out. They are built far better than the "beloved RockChucker", reminiscent of the old Herter's presses. Bulletproof!
But, OP, as far as the kit goes. You can't get better for even double the price, since Lee doesn't offer the Cast single stage in a kit (except the .50BMG kit, that should tell you how strong this press is) You will change stuff as years go by, but the press, dies, and many tools made by Lee will remain and do a great job. Or, you will dump money into this, buy the big name, big price stuff and then trash Lee to justify your purchases...whatever. LOL!
Enjoy,
Ted
Armored Metal
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- The People's Republik of Kébekistan
My Lee dies (.38spl, .45ACP and .223rem) , Lee powder mesure, case lenght gauge and cutter have given me nothing but total satisfaction. The only Lee piece of equipement that I have tried and will not recommend is their deburing/chamfering tool. It is cheaply made and does not do a good job.
I'm curious to know what Lee products, in your experience, can turn someone off from reloading?
Thanks.
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Me, too. There was LOTS of Lee stuff owned by gun club members back in NS. But there, we weren't earning 6 figure incomes... A Lee Loader was $18. Show me where you can start reloading on $18 worth of equipment? Ammo was as good or better than factory, mostly better, and 1/3 the cost.
If it is so bad, why do they outsell the rest? Why are there REPEAT customers? Call Henry, Higginson's, or Jerry see which of there gear sells more.
Lots of people want to canoe, do they buy a Royalex canoe for $3000 or a Woods plastic one for $450. Both do the same job.
Or maybe it's the difference between a 1985 VW golf I bought 18yrs ago for $1000. Still runs today with over 700K mileage. Would I have gotten 700K out of a $60K Ferrari? Maybe, but I would have been out $60K and it would not have been any better served since I can't drive 200km, so other than some perceived "cool factor" status thing only existing in your own brain due to lower self esteem or some such...
