Lee hand Press, good for all calibers?

[natesfitness]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the lee hand press and if its capable of handling larger magnum cartridges?

 

[sunray]

Lee says they can. Your hands will likely get sore eventually though.

 

[iceman2]

I have loaded 35 whelan, 30-06 and 308 with the hand press with no issues. Larger cases may need a little more muscle but shouldn't be an issue. works great as long as you are not in a hurry.

 

[hk33ka1]

I've done 308 and smaller. I think a premium case lube like imperial sizing wax is in order for this press.

 

[blacksmithden]

I've full length resized 300 win mag in one. Yea, it'll do it, but it takes some effort. I'm a mechanic (read: very strong hands and forearms) and after 100, my hands and arms were burning.

 

[762shooter]

I'd say give it to your wife or gf to use while watching TV, it will firm up her breasts.

 

[curtmg]

I'd say give it to your wife or gf to use while watching TV, it will firm up her breasts.

More likely, it would swell up the back of my head.

 

[Why not?]

......especially if you told her that!

 

[gallen270]

i deprime and size while watching TV with one. its very hard on the hands. the RCBS one is a bit more ergonomic apparently.

 

[Bruiseleee]

I've resized 30.06 with it. As long as you use enough lube it's not too bad. If you don't use enough, you have to put your feet on the handle to open it.

 

[bearhunter]

I've tried full length resizing with one. Personally, it was a hell of a chore. They are great for neck resizing only or maybe just a bit of shoulder modification. Even though I don't consider it a drawback, you will also need a separate primer feeder/installer.

They do produce very straight ammunition though. I used on for Hunter Bench Rest reloading, on the range. The ammunition was consitent and very accurate. The cartridges I reloaded on the press were 308win and 6BR. I have also used it for 6.5x55 and 303Brit. All were neck resized only, except the 6.5x55, which had the shoulder slightly swaged.

These are great vices for shooters that only have a limited amount of space. If you are loading for 1-4 cartridges, the total equipment and supplies can be kept in a couple of small drawers or one of those cheap plastic cabinet arrangements, with clear drawers, on wheels. The whole thing can be stored in a very small space.

 

[tbrwlf]

I only use mine to seat my long range 45/70 loads. It is setup and will never be used for anything else. I have a lee classic cast single for everything else.

 

[Al-Sway]

I have used one for years, resizing .375 H&H, .300 Win Mag, .30-06 and so on. If you use enough lube on the cases, including lube on the inside of the case necks, it is not that onerous. I am not a mechanic, but I have sized hundreds of rifle cases in a sitting and it was not that bad.
The beauty is that you can use it anywhere. Including sizing the cases while watching TV.
Just have to remember to dump the primers out every 30 or so.