Anything wrong with the Lee Reloader Single Stage Press?

[M1NM]

I prefer RCBS and have a rockchucker and a Jr . .

+1 on this you're going to get there one day so you might as well start there. A good used Rockchucker will always be worth what you paid for it. My first press was an RCBS Jr. I bought it new in 1973. I sold it last year for $65 - I know that's more than I paid for it. All I have left now is a Rockchucker. Shooting less so I sold my progressive and the Jr.

[scotchblade]

I started with a Lee Loader! The one where you use a hammer.

I'd go with something heavier duty. Here is my classic cast, which is portable. I also have a Redding turret, which is super duty.

[Colt562]

nothing wrong with Lee stuff. I love my lee classic loader (hammer style) and my classic cast. Loaded thousands of rounds with them.

You really don't need anything more expensive.

(this is coming from a guy with Lee stuff, RCBS stuff, Hornady stuff, Dillon 550b)

[LowThudd]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will start small(as planned) and add a turret in the future.

One more question.

What is with the Powder Measure scoop? Is that actually useful? I always assumed that a scale is mandatory for any reloading. But if starting out with plinking ammo, does that scoop do the job?

[Magilla26]

Scoops are included with all my Lee dies but I have never used them.

[1bulletBarney]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will start small(as planned) and add a turret in the future.

One more question.

What is with the Powder Measure scoop? Is that actually useful? I always assumed that a scale is mandatory for any reloading. But if starting out with plinking ammo, does that scoop do the job?

When I started out reloading, I purchased the Lee Scoop Set. I did a weight check to verify the #2 scoop (if I remember right) with the value from the provided chart for Power Pistol. Scoop was accurate +/- one tenth grain.

If your load is exactly what the scoop throws, great. Thing is this is rarely the case so for me the scoop set was pretty much useless...

[shoebox56]

I've found the Lee 15 dipper set to be pretty useful. Still need a trickler & scale of some kind. If I can't get the grains I want from one dipper, I can do a little math and combine two different dippers to get pretty damn close, thus not over using the trickler.

[liber]

There was a used RockChucker in the Private Reloading Sales for $50.

[BEE]

I have the Classic Cast Single Stage Press and it has been great to me. It's sufficient for the amount of shooting I do. No compliants.

[Divehobo]

I've got the press, bought it as a back up years ago because of the price. I remember opening the package and saying where is the rest of it? Maybe owning and using a Rock Chucker prior had me biased on needing heft and solid feel to get the job done.
I am sure the press is capable of complete reload but I have not used it to complete an entire round, start to finish. It's used mainly for spent primer removal before resizing on a heavier framed press. Having used a rock chucker along side the Lee press for years, not sure if one is better than the other but I always default to the RCBS. Both are plenty capable of seating a bullet in a case or closing a crimp.
Would I buy it again, yes. Would I use it as my primary press, probably not. With the need for additional items for reloading start up, I would likely suggest a kit that includes scales, priming tools, case trimmers and shell plates.
Lee products work well, are inexpensive when compared against other brands and provide good results. For me, single stage reloading is not about going quick or bulk production.

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding

$126.99 will give you all that is needed for entry level reloading capability. Think Craftsman vrs Snap on. Plenty capable with out all the glamor and glitz

[rsrocket1]

Thanks. I think I'll go ahead and pick one up. I can always use it as a decapper or other use once I get a turret press.

Ant advice on inexpensive dies? Scales? etc? Are the Lee dies OK? I read lot's of negative reviews.

Starting from scratch on a budget, I think Amazon may end up being my friend for now.

Lee dies are fine. I just got an RCBS 505 scale from Amazon for $39.99 with free shipping after using a Lee Safety Scale for the past 7 years. Checking scales against each other, they were both exactly the same with several weights up to 50 grains (the limit for the Lee) so it's good to know that while the 505 is of "better build quality", they are both accurate. Regardless of how you go, you really need a scale even if you decide to go with scoops. Lee scoops are accurate in volume but their volume density charts as well as the typical charts online are not accurate, they are often off by 10% or more, usually light, but not always.

Update: Looks like the seller is out of stock on the $40 RCBS 505's. Oh well, it's a good scale and I'm glad I got one when they were available.

[scotchblade]

As it was said, if the scoop you are using gives you the charge you need, great. But that does not happen often. The scoops can be modified by sanding them down. You can even make your own.

Search Lee Powder Dippers or Lee Powder Scoops on YouTube and there is lots of info. That goes for anything related to reloading.

[9mmepiphany]

Also be aware that the scoops are technique sensitive