LEE or RCBS

[CGRangeMonkey]

I wanna start reloading pistol and rifle rounds. I don't have a lot of money but will pay more for a kit if it is really worth it. So, is the Lee beginners kit good enough or should I shell out the bucks for a RCBS supreme master. Thanks guys.:confused:

[Jon Se]

I have been using the Lee breech lock kit for about a year now w/o any issues at all. The only complaint about that set is the scale which can drive you nuts. The press itself is very solidly built and has enough clearance to load some larger cartridges (30-06 etc).

[Southpaw45]

If you can afford it, I would get the RCBS. The Lee will get the job done but if you Buy the RCBS, you got a press for the rest of your life. My experience with the Lee stuff is with the scale and powder dispencer. The scale it hard to keep adjusted and my old Lee powder dispencer was leaking small flake powder like Win296 and Tightgroup. The RCBS Rock Chucker press is cast iron and I think the Lee press is alloy or something...

[glockwise2000]

I first started with Lee loading 9ms and 223s. But later, I needed to speed with my loading cuz I got hooked-up loading my own ammo and I consume ammo more that what I anticipated. So if you have the bucks to spend, go with RCBS. Don't make the mistake that I made.:)

[ETD1010]

I like Lee.. it's all I've ever used, but its' worked out great for the price. As soon as I get the money, however, I'm getting me a Dillon :D

[dexter9659]

RCBS. I have had too many issues with Lee.

[RogueSniper]

I like the Lee. I have the Pro-1000 and the Hand Press. If you're budgeting go with Lee. You can always keep it as a back up if you decide to upgrade to something higher end, ie. Dillon or Hornady. But for the money, you get quite a bit of equipment with the Lee Reloading Kits. I'm happy with them and their dies are outstanding. I upgraded my scale to a Digital PACT from Midway. My Lee scale is in the box gathering dust. The powder dispenser is a bit peculiar. It's measured in cc/volume. They have a conversion chart for grains to cc.

I actually started with a progressive press. It takes more of a learning curve to understand what's going on. The Hand Press, like a single stage, takes much longer to reload but you really understand what it takes to make one round. The RCBS Rock Chucker is unique. It's a single stage press with the ability to become a progessive press. Very good design.

If it matters to you - Lee is made in the USA and RCBS is being produced Overseas. We had a thread running on this at some point. Search for it, if it matters to you.

You can get a Lee kit for <$150 in some cases.

When I get more money and space, I'm going to buy another Lee or maybe a Hornady. The Dillon is way too expensive for me.

[Crazyhorse]

I bought a LEE first off and had problems with it, then it broke. I have a RCBS now and love it.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I bought a Dillon as my first press and then I added a Lee single stage press. It works just fine for me and the price was right. If you reload a lot of ammo you will end up getting a progressive press down the road. But things like your scale and the other junk that come in the package you will probably use for a long time to come.

[Beelzy]

As another poster said, RCBS.....it will last you the rest of your life.

Maybe even into the next generation like my old "O" press. :cool:

[Blacktail 8541]

If it matters to you - Lee is made in the USA and RCBS is being produced Overseas. We had a thread running on this at some point. Search for it, if it matters to you.



BS, The castings are done overseas and only for the presses, All the machineing and finish work are done in house in Oroville, CA.

[Beelzy]

RCBS has their presses cast overseas!

I am crushed. Guess I'll be using my old press for a while longer.

[mif_slim]

BS, The castings are done overseas and only for the presses, All the machineing and finish work are done in house in Oroville, CA.

Yeah, I've been to their shop before. :) Small little shop. I drive pass it every time I go hunting!

[Blacktail 8541]

Not so small if you look in the back. 3 monster buildings.

I live 2 minutes from there.;)

[Blacktail 8541]

RCBS has their presses cast overseas!

I am crushed. Guess I'll be using my old press for a while longer.

Just the rough casting on the presses. They are CNC machined and finished in house.

[xxdabroxx]

having used both, if you are the kind that likes to buy once, go RCBS

[C.G.]

+1 on RCBS.

[pepsi2451]

I just ordered my first reloading setup and I went with a RCBS kit, mostly because all the cheap stuff (Lee) was sold out everywhere.