Who uses Lee Hand Press Kit?

[Low-Pressure]

what do you guys think about the Lee Hand Press kit? http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=624416.
i wanted to get started reloading, but i didnt want to plunge in and invest too much, i do not really shoot too much, probably in the 4-5 a year deal. but i did want to learn the basics and maybe this will get me started and shoot a little more. i was also considering the Lee Pro 1000, but i think the hand press will be useful even if i do upgrade to the Pro 1000 later.
thanks

[SKSer]

If you want to get started for cheap, you should go with the Lee Anniversary kit, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=423081 The press is much better quality and you get alot more of the tools you need. The lee kit comes with a powder scale ($20.00), powder measure($20.00), lock stud and cutter ($5.00), chamfering tool (2.50), you need these things to properly reload. You are better off waiting for the lee kit to go on sale or maybe search for a midway coupon code. I got my anniversary kit about 6 months ago on sale for a little over $70.00. The hand press is more ideal for someone who allready has loading equipment and just wants to add this for the times you wanna load while you are watching TV (NOT A GOOD IDEA I MIGHT ADD).

Here is a coupon code that expires today for $10 off orders over $50, or when your ready to buy just google "midway coupon code".

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1639548

[Bug Splat]

+1 for the Lee kit. I'd stay away from the hand press unless wanted to just de-prime while sitting at the couch or something. There really isn't enough leverage in the hand press to resize larger rifle brass and if you get a stuck case forget about getting it out.

[bigmike82]

I use the Hand Press for 300 win mag, and it works beautifully. There's plenty of leverage to resize cases and remove stuck ones. Just...don't do something stupid and get it stuck, because you *will* cuss and swear trying to get it out.

[BlackRifleFan]

I have a Lee hand press that I use a lot. Works great and is all you need to get started. I sometimes take it out for a change of pace or if I want to load in the living room.

[BlackICE]

I use two of them to work up loads at the range. The brass is pre-sized, primed and case mouths belled if needed. I use one to seat the bullets and the other to crimp. For any other use I use bench mounted presses.

[vinny_land]

I like the concept of the Lee hand press being that I live with my parents still and have no place to mount any presses on a bench. I do have a couple ideas though, like a wooden trunk (chest) or table that I can just stuff into my closet. But it probably wont be a stable platform to do my work on it.

[SKSer]

I have a Lee hand press that I use a lot. Works great and is all you need to get started. I sometimes take it out for a change of pace or if I want to load in the living room.

It isnt all you really need to get started, you need other equipment as well, but if you decide to start with the hand press then at least make sure you get the other items I described in my earlier post. You are creating contained explosions that can hurt you or other people, make sure you do it as safely as possible by using the proper equipment. Reloading will save you money but it is not a place to skimp out or cut corners, it will nickle and dime you at first but once you are over that then you are GTG.

On another note if you want to start cheap just to try it out, and if space is an issue, I would recommend a Lee classic loader, it comes with mostly everything you need: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=420765 .

Many people love these. This, a case length guage , lock stud cutter, and a set of digitalcalipers would be all you need to be safe. If you want to get rid of the burr on the inside and the outside of the case neck you could use a razor blade or knife, even though a chamfering tool is more convienient

[BlackRifleFan]

I was talking as far as presses go, it is all you need.

[SKSer]

I have a Lee hand press that I use a lot. Works great and is all you need to get started. I sometimes take it out for a change of pace or if I want to load in the living room.

Sorry bud, im not trying to single you out or anything, this is why I quoted you, Im just trying to be clear for the OP

[bigmike82]

You know...if space is an issue, chances are hammering something is too.

[Mud]

The hand press is great for sizing cases while watching tv or working up loads. I use a couple of them at the range when I am working loads up and couldn't be happier. I only use them for rifle rounds, have progressives to handle handgun stuff.

[ireload]

I loaded with Lee hand press for over 5 years. I have loaded .38spl, 357mag, 9mm, .223rem, and 7.62x39mm. With .223rem and 7.62x39mm brass has to be lubed of course but I quickly found out with the hand press that the 9mm brass has to be lubed too even though I use the carbide sizing die. The small 9mm brass is stiff not like the .38spl or .357mag brass which has more flex when resizing.

On thing to keep in mind alway point the press upright after putting a powder in the brass. Several times I have spilled powder on the ground because I did not keep it upright.

I still have my hand press which I purchased back in 92' as a back up.

[SKSer]

You know...if space is an issue, chances are hammering something is too.

not really bud, there are alot of competetion shooters that take the classic loader with them and load in their hotel rooms. If you get a decent size piece of wood, say 14"x14"x1" you could put it on your kitchen table or kitchen countertop and use the wood as a buffer when your pounding so you dont mess up the counter top or kitchen table

[sniper5]

I've used a hand press for years. My reloading setup fits in a 3 drawer tool box and is completely portable. I reload for: .38/.357, 7.62 x 51, 7.62 x 54R, 7.5 x 55, 8 x 56R, 8 x 57, 6.5 x 55, and 7.5 x 54. The only thing not in the box is a tumbler in the garage. The setup has met my needs just fine. Last night I reloaded 150 round of .38 in about 2 hours which is plenty fast for me. I do my reloading at the kitchen table, in the den, at the coffee table, at the range, or in the garage, wherever the mood strikes. As an aside, I get a kick out of the people who complain about the workout a hand press requires and then pay to go to a gym. Same amusement that I get out of runners who fight for the closest parking space so they don't have to walk across the parking lot to the store. Humans are funny creatures.