Lee Hand Press

On these threads someone is always saying you "need" a whole raft of supplies, while actually you can improvise most of what they say you need.
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And technically you don't "need" a powder scale either if you use the most basic LEE kit that comes with a powder dipper.The dipper will be just as accurate at measuring powder as a file will be at trimming cases.Yes you can improvise many things,but the fact is that if you can't afford a few basics such as a scale,a chamfering tool,a primer pocket cleaner,and a LEE case trimmer,you likely can't afford the bullets or powder either.
Nobody is saying that you need things like a power trimmer or an electronic scale,but the basic tools are quite affordable,and they certainly make for easier and more precise loading.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1220217371.5376=/html/catalog/casecon.html

A whole $1.98 plus tax for a primer pocket cleaner,and $2.98 plus tax for a case chamfering tool.Even at Canadian prices is it worthwhile to try and improvise something else to do the job?
 
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Hey, I am not complaining about cost. I just want to know the part numbers to order from Lee. The Hand Press and steel dies ( carbide would have been better) are a must though which steel dies?
If someone can give me the part numbers I'll order without delay. The other chamfering tools or the hand primer etc. I'll get too. But I need the ones for 45-70.
Anyone willing to tell me exactly what parts to order with part number? I'd surely appreciate it.
 
I went there but for a newbie it is confusing. So many products and I am not sure which ones I should get. Simply getting the hand press and a set of 45-70 dies may not be enough. Do the dies come with a shell holder? Do I roll crimp or taper crimp or not crimp at all and if I must are these crimps included in either the press or the dies? See what I mean?
 
You will know what you need, after reading your manual. Not to be impolite, but these are real basic questions that are covered in most manuals, or online reloading directions. They've also been covered a million times here.

Read a manual, use Google, figure out what you need.
 
Gatehouse just mentionned a manual. That should be your first purchase.
Standard Lee die sets come with a shellholder. Standard seating dies will crimp.
 
Teapot I put this list together from my 2005 Wholesale Sports Catalog. I cross checked the Manufactures #'s with the Lee Site and they seemed to match up so you could order from either. With this stuff you should be able to safely reload your 45/70, it is the same stuff I use.

Item: Item#: Mfr#: $$$$

Lee Hand Press, 54480, 90685, 24.99
Primer Pocket Clnr, 54910, 90101, 1.99
Powder Funnel, 55425, 90190, 3.29
Resizing Lube , 54150, 90517, 2.09
Ram Prime, 55225, 90106, 12.99
Safety Powder Scale, 55430, 90681, 31.99
Cutter&Lock Stud, 54909, 90110, 5.79
CaseLength Gauge(45/70), 55145, 90152, 4.89
Chamfer Tool, 54895, 90109, 2.89
3-Die Rifle (45/70), 53980, 90561, 27.99


Keep in mind the Item#'s are from WSS and the prices are 2005/2006 so they may have changed. The Lee dies come with a shell holder and some load info you can use, but a loading manual is definately better to have.

You might want to add the 45/70 Factory Crimp Die Item# 56480 Mfr#90856 for $13.99 it is not necessary but I find it quick and simple when loading my 45/70.

Hope this helps and best of luck :)
 
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You can also order Lee products from Higginsons, in Hawkesbury. Excellent prices and service. Call them.
Get the manual!
 
Higginson has always had stock on some obscure things I wanted from Lee. The Lee tools are a fantastic value and I use lots of them. When I need dies I always look at them first. Now, if you want to get confused as a newbie, have a look at Sinclair International. Excellent stuff but to a different degree.
 
I am wondering, if the steel three die set can crimp so the rounds can be shot from the Guide Gun. I think I ordered a seperate Factory Crimping die.

I will also be ordearing dies for the 7.62x25 once I get the hang of doing the 45-70. It is too bad Lee has not carbide dies for either of these cartridges.
 
Teapot said:
I am wondering, if the steel three die set can crimp so the rounds can be shot from the Guide Gun. I think I ordered a seperate Factory Crimping die.

I will also be ordearing dies for the 7.62x25 once I get the hang of doing the 45-70. It is too bad Lee has not carbide dies for either of these cartridges.
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I wouldn't recomend handloading the 7.62 x 25. Boxer primed brass that allows easy handloading is rare and expensive. Surplus ammo can be purchased for less than you can purchase the bullets to reload.
7.62 x 25 can be purchased for about 10cents a round.
 
If you haven't already bought what you need here are the Lee part #'s

Handloader kit 90179
Includes ram primer, case lube, powder funnel

45/70 reloading dies 90561

90100 powder dipper set (I have found them very easy to use and reasonably accurate when measured on the electronic scale and they are only $10... get a good scale once you are happy with reloading)

Most important...
90700 reloading book. This will explain alot about reloading and remove most of the mystery. I haven't personally read Richard Lee's book but I have both the Speer and Hornady books which are a wealth of information. I imagine Lee's book would be no worse.

Of course truly the most important thing is to have fun with reloading. Try different bullets, depending on your application, different load, powders etc. I personally have a lot of fun trying to find that holy grail of the perfect bullet,powder load that will give me a 1" group at a 1000 yds. Haven't found it yet but I'm having a great time finding it.

My best wish is that you have fun with it too. (And if you find that perfect ratio... please lemme know, ok?)
 
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