Lee Classic Cast in So Cal?

[Flat Broke]

Does anyone know if any of the shops or mass retailers in So Cal have a Lee Classic Cast single stage in stock to look at?

I'm torn between this and the RC, and want to see one in person before I make up my mind.

For that matter, if anyone has one they want to part with, or a used RC, PM me.

Thanks,
Chris

[jvh22a]

Angeles reload store has both. About $100 difference. I paid $111 for lee classic cast. Rock chucker was about $220ish. Rcbs seemed quite a bit smoother when pulling the lever. but I got the lee cause it was cheaper. They have about 2-3 of each when I was there about 2 weeks ago.

A member has the RC for sale for $160(I think) in the reload/ammo sale section. If I didn't buy mine I would have gotten that one.

[Divernhunter]

Get the RC.

[Flat Broke]

I'm planing on priming on the press, would the recommendation for the RCstill stand? I've read about problems with the autoprime. While Lee's saftey prime is cheaply constructed, it seems to work.

Curious as to other reasons (besides the green vs red biases) to go for the RC over the classic cast once the Lee has been stripped of the factory grease and re-lubed properly.

Cost isn't that big of a difference between the two, but depending on how cheap you score the RC, its at least a set of dies. These issues are why I wanted to check em out in person. Looks like I'll be making a drive up to Angeles if no one closer has either of them in stock to look over.

Thanks for the input

[Bill Steele]

I have both a Rock Chucker and Lee Classic Cast (Breechlock Model) on my bench right now. I would say the differences are slight between the two basic presses. Both are very stout, what I want when sizing heavy rifle cases. The Lee has a vastly superior primer disposal setup, as long as you keep the primer arm mounted in the ram.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. The RC will probably hold its value better, but likely not enough to justify the price difference.

[wild_weasel]

I have an RCBS Jr I bought new in 1980. It has loaded more ammo than I can count and still going strong after 32 years. On the other hand I have worn out quite a bit of Lee equipment during the same period. While Lee makes many useful products my preference is still RCBS. An added bonus is that RCBS customer service is also outstanding!

[stilly]

For single stage I would have to look a bit longer at the RCBS. That Rock Chucker Supreme sure is nice looking... (for a single stage I mean)

[Flat Broke]

...
I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. The RC will probably hold its value better, but likely not enough to justify the price difference.

I'm guessing you don't prime on either of them, but if you do, can you weigh in on that?

I have an RCBS Jr I bought new in 1980. It has loaded more ammo than I can count and still going strong after 32 years. On the other hand I have worn out quite a bit of Lee equipment during the same period. While Lee makes many useful products my preference is still RCBS. An added bonus is that RCBS customer service is also outstanding!

Based on other Lee products I've handled, I'd agree with the concern over longevity, but considering the components involved with this press, I'm not sure it's in the same league as some of their other stuff. All the same, I guess on a piece of gear I'll have forever, perhaps the length of the warranty does come into play here.

[sghart]

American made(Lee) vs import(RCBS)

[Bill Steele]

I'm guessing you don't prime on either of them, but if you do, can you weigh in on that? ..

In general I do use an RCBS Universal Hand Primer to prime my rifle brass (what I use both of these presses for), but that is mainly more because of the way I process brass, not because of any problem with the on press priming option.

I have used the Lee style on press primer setup and it works fine. The Safety Prime setup that mounts on the press is worth buying to see if you like it, very cheap to buy.

[damndave]

Angeles Reloading store should have both. I would call or email before making the trek up there though.

You going to be reloading rifle or pistol? Or both? Pistol on a single stage will get old after about 50 rds if not less.

The RC is built like a rock and will last you many many many years. Not quite sure on actual price, but late last year it was around $130-150.

While the LCT works great, it's still a Lee. What I mean by that is that the majority of the parts are plastic. Certain parts will need to be replaced over time. good part about that is that they don't cost much.

For priming, I prime on a hand tool for all rifle loads.

[gau17]

I have loaded hundreds of match ammo with a Lee press. You can't go wrong. If you are going to pay 200.00, you might as well step up to a Foster Co-Ax.

[longhairchris]

My friend has a Lee Classic Cast, we both enjoy using it. It's beefy and a good value.

He upgraded the pull lever with higher grade steel rod and put a car shifter knob on it! The knob is better contoured to your hand than just a ball. It just feels right pulling on it. I should get a pic next time I go over there.

[Flat Broke]

Man, you guys aren't making this any easier
I'm going to try to get up to Angeles over the weekend and make up my mind.

[ar15barrels]

I have a lee classic cast you can check out.
If you like it, I'll even sell it for $75.

I recently picked up an old rock chucker and don't need the lee anymore...