Opinion on Lee
- Thread starter old codger
- Start date
old_heli_logger
Gold $$ Contributor
For my brass, it is always the first step and last step...
First step--Lee deprimer
Last step--Lee Mandrel die....I mean, Lee Collet die
First step--Lee deprimer
Last step--Lee Mandrel die....I mean, Lee Collet die
I have no idea of the quality of Lee products EXCEPT their cast iron press.
I didn’t need it but it was on sale for a great price.
This press is one of the very best in both design and quality. I have 7 presses mounted right now. Even including my RCBS A-4, this Lee is really well built. Strong beyond what I would have ever imagined. Design? Well that man at Lee went to engineering school. I’ve read posts about handles breaking etc. How someone could do this is quite a bit beyond my understanding. There’s a bunch of presses out there with handle attachment via threads. Normally (whatever that is today) threads would be ok. However the first three fully engaged threads carry 70% of the load. Not to good. The first exposed thread is where it will break. Other presses like an RCBS Summit have the handle screw all the way in until it bottoms on the butt. Like a rifle barrel. Better? You bet. The designer at Lee beat them all. No threads.
Accountants would have loved him. No threads to cut, period. Their handle clamps to the side which is nearly unbreakable in design but allows you to infinitely adjust the handle height as well a change in the angle. To me it was ingenious.
I like well designed tools. For this one Lee gets 5 stars from me. ( and unlike some folks) I’m not applying my 200+ pounds driving a case into a die without a clue how I’ll withdraw it.
It does do 50BMG also, btw. Probably a good amount of force to f/l resize that although I’ve never tried it.
I didn’t need it but it was on sale for a great price.
This press is one of the very best in both design and quality. I have 7 presses mounted right now. Even including my RCBS A-4, this Lee is really well built. Strong beyond what I would have ever imagined. Design? Well that man at Lee went to engineering school. I’ve read posts about handles breaking etc. How someone could do this is quite a bit beyond my understanding. There’s a bunch of presses out there with handle attachment via threads. Normally (whatever that is today) threads would be ok. However the first three fully engaged threads carry 70% of the load. Not to good. The first exposed thread is where it will break. Other presses like an RCBS Summit have the handle screw all the way in until it bottoms on the butt. Like a rifle barrel. Better? You bet. The designer at Lee beat them all. No threads.
Accountants would have loved him. No threads to cut, period. Their handle clamps to the side which is nearly unbreakable in design but allows you to infinitely adjust the handle height as well a change in the angle. To me it was ingenious.
I like well designed tools. For this one Lee gets 5 stars from me. ( and unlike some folks) I’m not applying my 200+ pounds driving a case into a die without a clue how I’ll withdraw it.
It does do 50BMG also, btw. Probably a good amount of force to f/l resize that although I’ve never tried it.
Out of curiosity I put together sets of dies for my 5 interests, .32 and .38 revolver families (all variations in each), .22 Hornet, .223/5.56 and .30 M1 carbine.
I emailed Redding asking which sets are the best for each option. Got their reply and off to Midway. 5 sets $759. Then put together the most expensive Lee options for each. 5 sets $238.
Some will automatically say Lee is "cheap" stuff. Bad brain wiring. Lee is definitely inexpensive comparatively. I won't say maybe you don't get something extra other than the name. Wait, yes, you do. The boxes also double as bullet trays. Not sure what else. But I could buy 3 sets of each Lee die set and still have $45 left over. Mr. Grumpy Checkbook is happy I'm in the Lee camp.
I emailed Redding asking which sets are the best for each option. Got their reply and off to Midway. 5 sets $759. Then put together the most expensive Lee options for each. 5 sets $238.
Some will automatically say Lee is "cheap" stuff. Bad brain wiring. Lee is definitely inexpensive comparatively. I won't say maybe you don't get something extra other than the name. Wait, yes, you do. The boxes also double as bullet trays. Not sure what else. But I could buy 3 sets of each Lee die set and still have $45 left over. Mr. Grumpy Checkbook is happy I'm in the Lee camp.
I started out almost 20 years ago with the Lee Whack a Mole set for 7mm Rem Mag.
Then my new wife informed me that I was no longer hammering on the dining room table.
Got the Lee 4 hole turret press kit.
And I reload everything with it!
380ACP to 7mm WBY Mag and 45-70.
Plinking, hunting, competition, all loaded on it.
For the vast majority I have Lee die sets also.
I have around 20 die sets that are in the turret plates.
I also have one for my collet bullet puller, and keep 2 spare plates on hand for any new purchases.
Simple twist, lift, place, twist. Done!
Then my new wife informed me that I was no longer hammering on the dining room table.
Got the Lee 4 hole turret press kit.
And I reload everything with it!
380ACP to 7mm WBY Mag and 45-70.
Plinking, hunting, competition, all loaded on it.
For the vast majority I have Lee die sets also.
I have around 20 die sets that are in the turret plates.
I also have one for my collet bullet puller, and keep 2 spare plates on hand for any new purchases.
Simple twist, lift, place, twist. Done!
I have a Lee APP press for handgun brass processing - greatly simplifies and speeds bulk brass processing. I just got a few of their micrometer seating dies and I have to say they work pretty darn good.
It's kind of a pain to change calibers but I found some 3D printed caliber specific inserts that are of preset height. Just set it to them and go.
Put me in the majority, like their dies and shell holders but not a fan of their presses
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