Lee Hand Press - any good?

[Jet Setter]

Hello all,

I was looking at these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/410804/lee-hand-press

Lee hand press. Wondered if they are worth it? Only reason I would purchase it is to de-prime brass while sitting comfortably in my living room. Are they worth it? I have no reloading gear at the moment but intend to purchase a press when money and timing is right. My thoughts were to at least get my brass clean and ready for reloading while I wait for a press and components.

Thanks.

[Socalman]

They work. I can sit and decap about 150 cartridges while watching TV. I do not watch tv during any other reloading steps. It is a bit slow, but works to learn how to reload. In the future I will probably step up to something bigger, faster...progressive perhaps.

[afrancke]

As an alternative viewpoint, consider that decapping is a very small step in terms of time spent to prep rifle cases for reload, and not even a separate one if you intend to size and decap in a single stage. If you aren't intending to use the hand press for other things (like range reloading), then I personally wouldn't bother and would just wait for your regular press to arrive. It will be noise in the overall prep schedule compared to tumbling, sizing, (re)tumbling or wiping down, trimming and chamfering.

If you are interested in range loading, then consider other solutions as well - e.g. hand dies and arbor press, or your regular press clamped to a table, and so on.

[Bill Steele]

As an alternative viewpoint, consider that decapping is a very small step in terms of time spent to prep rifle cases for reload, and not even a separate one if you intend to size and decap in a single stage. If you aren't intending to use the hand press for other things (like range reloading), then I personally wouldn't bother and would just wait for your regular press to arrive. It will be noise in the overall prep schedule compared to tumbling, sizing, (re)tumbling or wiping down, trimming and chamfering.

If you are interested in range loading, then consider other solutions as well - e.g. hand dies and arbor press, or your regular press clamped to a table, and so on.

Totally agree on all counts.

[Davisje011]

I loaded 1300 rds of .223 with one. I now have a 550b. My old hand press just sits there. but, it's good if you need to decap a crushed primer real quick, or some other odd job.

You can also use it on your bed and resize, after like 200 or so, it becomes a great deltoid workout!!!

[gotime]

I load between 100-200 rounds (just enough for range time) of 9mm/40 a week with the hand press. I batch load and in my opinion it's just as fast as a fixed single stage and in some cases safer.

Sitting in front of TV on couch:
Decap/size
Expand
Prime cases using Lee hand prime

At my "reloading desk" (computer desk) I have my Perfect Powder Measure c-clamped to the edge. There I line up all the brass I worked on whilst sitting on the couch. I'll run a flash light over all of them real quick to double check they are primed.

When that's done I run each case under the PP Measure. I run a flash light over them once again to check for double charges. When that's good to go, I top all of them off with bullets (they sit nice and snug since the mouths were expanded) and then run them through the hand press with the seating die.

I randomly check the powder charges on a scale as well as randomly check the OAL with calipers. I've pressed thousands of rounds this way in the comfort of an air conditioned/heated room while sitting down.

[ireload]

That's what I used when I first reloaded. It's decent for decamping or resizing brass in front of the TV. I'ved loaded thousands of rounds of .223, .38spl, .357mag, and 9mm. I use to store all of my reloading tools in a tool box. If you plan to load really small volume then the hand press is not a bad way to go. Even though you use carbide sizing die for pistol caliber, still lube the brass a bit. Trust me it'll help with the stroke.

[mark501w]

I can't imagine sizing with that little thing you guys must look like Arnold by now.

[ireload]

I can't imagine sizing with that little thing you guys must look like Arnold by now.

The lube helps .

[sniper5]

Got one and like it, I use it when I want to kick back in the living room and size casings and do some priming (hand primer for that). Also for field use in a pinch. I keep my reloading tools in a 3 drawer portable tool box that lives on the bench but becomes it's own animal if I take it to the range.

Hint: for the big casings, use lube and use your thighs to help out-ala thighmaster. I've loaded hundreds of rounds of 8x56R and 8x57 and I'm not Popeye yet.

[M1NM]

Save up some $ and get a used RCBS Rockchucker. It's a lot easier having the tool bolted to the bench.

[huckberry668]

I think it's great. Cheap, small and it works great.

When we're having kids. I put all my heavy reloading equipment in storage for a few years. All I kept was a tote box full of what i needed. The press in it was/is the Lee hand press. It was slow but I got done what I needed. Like you're planning, I deprimed, seat and crimp (handgun loads) on that little Lee hand press.

I still use it at the range when developing loads. Not much effort even for full length sizing. Lube the cases like you would normally.

The new breech lock version is better. faster die change, dies won't work itself loose and it floats the dies for a more concentric (less run-out) ammo. It's not a press that would last forever but it's great for the price.

[Jet Setter]

Great info. I am still mulling it over to see if I REALLY want it. Thank you very much for the insight and advice. I guess part of my interest in the press is my growing impatience on looking for a press. Plus, my lady is not too pleased with me banging out primers with a hammer, decapping pin, and shell holder - all on the coffee table. I thought this might be a more silent way to get my brass prepped.

[ExtremeX]

I though of getting one just for portability, mainly to fine tune test rounds at the range. When doing load development sometimes it feels like too long between trips to really get things dialed in and I wouldn't mind the ability to mess with powder charges or seating depth when I'm out shooting.

I also started to learn about hand dies like the Wilson stuff which seems to be a higher end option...

I would probably bring extra fully prepped and primed brass so I only have to worry about powder and seating.

I don't think I would use either at home, I would just stick to my Rockchucker.

[afrancke]

I though of getting one just for portability, mainly to fine tune test rounds at the range. When doing load development sometimes it feels like too long between trips to really get things dialed in and I wouldn't mind the ability to mess with powder charges or seating depth when I'm out shooting.

I also started to learn about hand dies like the Wilson stuff which seems to be a higher end option...

I would probably bring extra fully prepped and primed brass so I only have to worry about powder and seating.

That's exactly what I do - bring fully prepped and primed brass, a powder thrower and seater and work up loads right on the spot at the range. I have used an arbor press and hand dies (which works fine but means no resizing) as well as hauling a single stage press to clamp to the shooting bench (which allows for resizing the brass I've just fired, which has significant advantages if I'm dealing with new brass and just trying to blow it out to chamber size).

The one tip I'd give beyond just using this approach is to have a dedicated set of dies and other small tools you'll need just for your range reloading kit. I don't have this duplication currently and invariably I forget something and have to turn back after heading out. I even forgot the powder I wanted to use once - d'ohh! It would be expensive to duplicate literally everything, but a lot less stressful when getting ready for your trip - everything can stay in its place in your reloading bag.