Lee Classic Cast - Opinions Needed!

14 years now with lee classic turret press. I have primed on the press, but i prefer the 'feel' of the hand priming tool.
 
The Classic cast is a solid unit, tens of thousands of rounds loaded with no problems, other than wearing out a couple of the aluminum die adapter collars.
 
tbrwlf said:
25 years and still loading thousands of rounds per year. Never an issue.
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Has the Classic Cast (iron ) press even been out for 25 years? Seem to recall it was introduced about 2005 or so..? Or are you referring to the original aluminum version and not the Classic Cast?
 
The Classic cast is a decent press and good price. I think it's better than a RCBS partner press, but has less leverage and not as sturdy as a RCBS Rockchucker. OTOH, the Rochchucker costs about twice as much, and if you don't do any brass reforming you won't miss it.
 
jethunter said:
Has the Classic Cast (iron ) press even been out for 25 years? Seem to recall it was introduced about 2005 or so..? Or are you referring to the original aluminum version and not the Classic Cast?
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I think you are correct. I got mine in 2007, I don't think they had been available prior to that time.

I have reloaded many rounds on my Classic Cast press it has worked flawlessly.The used primer disposal is very well designed I prefer using this press over my RCBS Rock Chucker.

I do not prime on any press I prefer to use the RCBS hand primer.
 
Rod B said:
I think you are correct. I got mine in 2007.

I have reloaded many rounds on my Classic Cast press it has worked flawlessly. I prefer using this press to my RCBS Rock Chucker.
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For most my reloading I don't see much difference in results, and the CC is handier. The only process that the Rock chucker is noticeably better at is for heavy work reforming brass to a new cartridge. Then the RC is better because the increased leverage makes it smoother and easier to use.
 
sixty9santa said:
Would a 8"-10" longer handle on the LCC provide the same leverage as the Rock Chucker?
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Yes of course, anyone who made it through grade 5 science will know that.

But the question that needs answering would be if the linkage, frame and ram on a LCC are strong enough to stand the extra force from a 8-10" longer lever? I know what I think the answer is.
 
hunters home said:
The answer is yes. If you can resize the 50 BMG on this press then you can most certainly reform cases
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And you can cut down trees with a steak knife but something else might work better.

Before you go off half cocked again, note that I originally said I like the rock chucker better for heavy reforming chores but I did not say the LCC would not work. Do you see it now? :)
 
To be fair, the Classic cast does not really handle 50bmg well. The stroke and opening is not really long enough, you can do it, but there would be a lot of cursing and frustration.
The Rock Chucker is definitely more of a heavy duty press.
 
First off I never went off half cocked, just didn't agree with you.and I would like you to show me the steak knife that will cut a tree down. Talk about a stupid example.
 
Hitzy said:
To be fair, the Classic cast does not really handle 50bmg well. The stroke and opening is not really long enough, you can do it, but there would be a lot of cursing and frustration.
The Rock Chucker is definitely more of a heavy duty press.
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I certainly agree with you on the 50 BMG , but the point is if it is strong enough to do the resizing, then the press and linkage is more than strong enough to take the leverage of a longer handle.
 
My biggest issue with the rock chucker is that it's cast off short.
The rock chucker is cast iron but the LCC is cast steel.
I don't mind making a longer handle for it or even buying an ergo roller handle.
RCBS has great warranty where as the Lee only has two years and after you need to pay half the press value to have it refurbished.
I may buy a .50BMG at some point so that was my main reasoning for the LCC.
I know people have modified the LCC for swaging and everything has held up quite well.
Dunno, honestly I'm kind of torn between the two.
 
I have quite a few RCBS products and their Warranty and customer service is second to none. Great people. As far as things breaking on the Lee press, that is something I would not concern myself with. Just can't see that happening unless Murphy's law kicks in.

A good way to get info on these presses is to go to sites like Midsouth shooters supply, Midway USA etc and read the reviews. Real good info.
 
hunters home said:
I certainly agree with you on the 50 BMG , but the point is if it is strong enough to do the resizing, then the press and linkage is more than strong enough to take the leverage of a longer handle.
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The toughest sizing I've done on my CC is the IVI 7.62 MG brass, that first FL size is brutal, usually 2 hands and some body weight even with plenty of lube.
I'm confident the Classic Cast linkage will never break, same with the ram. The body would probably let go at an anchor point before the linkage would break.
The handle will probably bend or break if too much force is applied, it is hollow.
Normal reloading processes it should last several lifetimes.
If I was going to upgrade from the CC to something RCBS, it would have to be the Summit. I think the CC and RC are just too close to really call it an upgrade.
I just don't see that hard steel linkage letting go.
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