Anyone ever use a Lee Hand Press

[nemisis1400]

I'm brand new to reloading, so I want to start out cheap and have been thinking about going with a lee hand press.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=624416

Is there anything that can't be done with this that can be done with something more expensive. I'm more looking for the pros and cons, but I'm not going to be reloading a whole lot of ammo so I'm ok with taking my time.

[doc1buc]

Dude they are nice but are intended mostly for the those who handload at the range. This is a nifty setup for that and for any situation that might arise where you need to reload on the move. You can pick up a good basic bench mounted press for like 30 bucks. ESPECIALLY if you are just starting, the possibilty of you short stroking or other error is decreased with even a basic press. The money you spend on the press will equal money you save on repairing your firearm.....or face.

[nemisis1400]

Very true, but I like the idea of having something mobile since in the future I'll be moving around a lot. Is there a setup that clamps to a bench like a c-clamp? I was under the impression that most presses have to be drilled into the bench.

[emilio]

the Lee would be a decent piece to start out with - you can load pretty much anything on it. it's inexpensive, uses standard dies and shellholders, and does pack up nicely for the range. it's also a great way to process and prime brass while watching TV, which makes it uniquely valuable even when you've got a big set-up. (do NOT watch TV while throwing powder or seating bullets! eyes on!)

you've got a lot less leverage with a handheld press, but the work can be easy with care. there isn't anything special or voodoo about it, it's the same motion and process of a full-size press, it's just a little harder. sizing always requires the greatest force: straight-walled cases or full-length size bottlenecked cases should be well-lubed; neck sizing is very easy, but use a bit of lube inside and outside the case mouth. if you plan on loading a lot of a straight-walled case, buy a carbide sizing die as these help with easier resizing by requiring little or no lube and lasting indefinitely.

all but the heaviest of presses can be mounted with one or two C-clamps. i have a single-stage RCBS that works fine with one clamp, and a progressive conversion that is solid with two. they do fine - tougher than what they're clamped to - but i would bolt them down if my reloading room wasn't just the laundry room in a rental house.

- emilio

[webster223]

I had one when I lived in an apartment with roommates and had nowhere to mount a regular press. It worked as advertised, but it wasn't fast.

If you've got the space I'd go with something you can bolt/clamp down. You'll get a lot more ammo made for your time investment.

[J-cat]

I have five.

I also have had most of the other hand presses, including the Meecham which is probably the best made hand press. The Lee is the most ergonomic and practical. It has plenty of leverage for sizing, but it does flex alot. I use it for pistol rounds mostly.

I wish they'd make it out of steel.

[rwcesq]

I used mine at work. Asked my Sgt. if I could load ammo while at my gate shack. Instead of saying no he just asked what caliber? Easy to use and you can carry everything you need in a med. to lg. duffle bag or large ammo can.

[bigmike82]

I load .300 winchester magnum using my Lee Hand Press.

The thing works quite well...I've got no complaints. It does go slower than a turret press, so be warned. You're not going to be cranking out thousands of rounds of anything...but if you're looking to get some good loads, and don't mind going slow, you should find it useful.

[cjskalka]

I simply screwed my lee challenger press onto a 2 x 4 and now I can clamp it to anything

[Steyrlp10]

I had one and then went onto several Dillons. I'm not sure if the calibers make a difference to you, but I needed lots of .32 and .45 ammo for matches.

[nemisis1400]

I took a look at the Meecham handpress, too expensive for a handpress, but it is more of a mobile clamp-able press. I don't have alot of room, and am kinda hoping that someone buys a gun I'm looking at because I don't have anymore room for it, so the compact size of it is great for me.

Is there anything a that a hand press can't do when compared to a higher performance rig? Besides doing everything faster.

[J-cat]

It is not too expensive. It is made with the same level of quality as the finest benchrest action.