Lee Challenger Reloading Kit

ryanb

ryanb

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Hey all. I'm completely new to reloading. I'm looking to purchase a very basic reloading kit for loading up some 44 mag hardcasts.


This is going to be used to produce maybe 100 rounds every year. I use mostly commercial ammunition right now, and have no desire to get into costly and large amounts of reloading equipment at this time.

Will this basic kit be sufficient for my needs? What else will I neeed? Can anyone recommend a good book/manual for me as a beginner that will help me for the above described purpose?

Thanks,
Ryan
 
I bought the LEE Anniversary Kit which includes the challenger press. I love it. I load all my 303 brit on it and also 9mm. I can do 100 per hour without effort, which is enough for me right now.

The hand primer that comes with the kit is fantastic and super quick. (after you get around the fear of priming, you'll find that it takes a fair amount of pressure to set them off.)

In my opinion, most books are crap. I just goto the powder manufacturers website and get the recipe there. I'm sure there are good books out there but I've yet to find them. If you get LEE dies, there's a fair amount of data that comes with them.

I use the net to find most of the techniques, but I agree that when you start reloading, the choices can be daunting.

You will not be disappointed with the challenger press, even before you factor in the cost of it.
 
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That's just how I started out recently ryanb. :) You have everything you need except a set of calipers to measure stuff. I got the RCBS stainless ones for ~ $45.

The Challanger kit is not fast, not fancy, kinda junky but the components are accurate and dependable. If your anything like me though once you get going you'll be eyeing up other goodies. Next for me is charging unit/digital scale. :cool:

edit: ya, like Richie says the Lee manual will get you started but there's way better manuals to get as well..
 
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If you get caliper's from Princess auto their more then good enough.

I worked in a machine shop that make's part's for jet engine's and on a dare brought in a digital vernier from Princess Auto.

It passed the standard's with flying colour's and was accepted!
 
Still use my Lee set to make some superb ammo.

Once you get a load, just set the powder measure for it. will be very accurate and repeatable with ball or flake powders. In fact, I would rate it similar to BR measures ONCE set up. Takes a bit of fiddling to get it right though.

I think you will stop using commercial ammo once you start reloading. Accuracy is usually better, cost is down, reloading is fun and you will start to experiment with loads/bullets, more shooting for dollars spent.

Usually, 1/3 the cost of commercial ammo. Less if using light loads.

100rds per year. I will bet a Timmy's you go 100rds per week if you do any amount of shooting at all.

Jerry
 
Oh I shoot plenty, but I have been content with factory ammo for most of my shooting. I live in a shoebox appartment and have almost no space, so I certainly don't have room to set up a bunch of reloading kit. I just wanted to work up some full house hardcast loads for bear defense.

One question I have, can the challenger kit in handgun calibres be used to load rifle rounds as well if you get the specific dies, or is it too small?
 
Can be used to load any cartridge smaller then a 50BMG. I load the 300RUM no problem on mine.

I have seen set ups that take less room then a coffee table. They mounted the press on a platform that could be C clamped to the kitchen counter. Easy to put everything away.

Which hardcast are you planning on using? Weight? Shape?

Jerry
 
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I am not sure as of yet. Any load suggestions would be great. I'm going to try to order the lee challenger kit today.

Thanks
Ryan
 
I got the challenger press , worked ok for awhile then the aluminum linkage bust . I figured it was me being a little heavy handed but the casting was full of air bubbles . The next press up is advertized as having an all steel linkage .
It's only about $ 50.00 more , given what I now know I wish I spent the extra .
 
I'm considering the Lee anniversary kit to start with... I don't think I'll be wanting to crank out more than 100 rounds a week, so I think it'll do the job well. A friend of mine who just started into reloading rounds for his .44 mag revolver got one and is pretty happy with it.

I just have to get to the point where I pick up the phone and order one, I guess :)
 
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