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Wack a mole lee loader. Want better.

Pangab

I just bought a lee classic reloader for 9mm. I am having some trouble. Using sierra 125 jhp.

First issue is when resizing the case the rim of the cartridge will never lie completely flush. I have the same hand loader in 30.06 and the case rim lays level to the die when fully seated.

Once resized and bullet is seated to 1.07 coal the bullet falls back into the case with finger pressure. The ones that did manage to stay tight ended up slowly moving back when the round was chambered.

In other words I would be at 1.07 coal rack and eject measure and it would read 1.06. then .105 so on... Clearly the projectile is slipping. I also tried crimping. This seems to make the issues worst.

I want to upgrade to a real press maybe a turret style. Something with auto powder measure. Or cheap single stage.

Any suggestions at 200 plus minus? Midway or nanchez or the like.
 
JimSC said:
Optics Planet $75.00 cheaper than Midway. Back order but for 75 bucks I would wait


Lee Value 4 Hole Turret Press Kit 90928 Additional Features: Deluxe Turret Press Kit w/ Auto Index, 17% Off w/ Free Shipping​

Click to expand...
That is a nice press looks like the mount is a separate item though.

I have a powder scale and a primer pocket tool I also have a digital caliper. I could use a brass tumbler.

I'd be willing to spend a little more than 200 if needed on a more complete kit powder dropper primer capper etc. Optics planet seems just a good place as any.
 
Look for an RCBS Rockchucker. I tried using a progressive. I kept having primer feeding and seating issues “closing the bell” issues, on and on. Lots of minor adjustments to get it running properly. Then I’d want to load a different cartridge and have to start all over.
These days, I just use my RockChucker.
 
joshb said:
Look for an RCBS Rockchucker. I tried using a progressive. I kept having primer feeding and seating issues “closing the bell” issues, on and on. Lots of minor adjustments to get it running properly. Then I’d want to load a different cartridge and have to start all over.
These days, I just use my RockChucker.
Click to expand...
+ 1 Rockchucker.
 
Hmm, I'm having a little trouble following the problem.

Lee Classic Cast press? With or without breech-lock quick change insert?

30-06 sizes fine, but 9mm doesn't? I don't think I've heard of 9mm die problems, but I'm reading missing steps. Are you sizing 9mm, or just using the case mouth expander?
Likewise, case rim not going up to the die, well pistol can be different, and the straighter the wall, the less "sizing" is really being done, but out of my 9mm sizing die set to touch the shell-holder; I can't seat a 9mm bullet by hand. Using a press would shave copper off the bullet. Hence next step of expanding the case mouth.

Did I miss something?
-Mac. Edit:. Ahhh! The lee Hammer Kits, sorry my mistake. Get a lee Classic Cast; they're fantastic, or even the hand-press would be great for 9mm. I use a hand press for dacapping all my brass.
 
Buy once Cry Once. Dillon. Even the Square deal is used by top guys. The 550b is the way to go though - and you can load rifle cartridges on it. Trust me - I have done the Lee thing for pistol. Bought the Dillon and shot into A grade.
 
Starting out get a good single stage, RCBS, Redding, Lyman all make excellent quality presses. Buy good quality dies also, I've used RCBS dies for handgun loading since I started. Get a carbide sizer die and a crimp die as a necessary accessory. The four steps of handgun loading performed on the press are #1 size #2 flair case mouth #3 seat bullet #4 crimp. The other steps not done with the press are seat primer and add powder. I've been loading for 40+ years on a single stage press. They're not fast, but you're in control of the loading process through every step.
 
We have a "progressive" setup that we are very happy with, all in a row on the loading bench - an RCBS Rockchucker for sizing and heavy work, like case forming, then 3 Lee C type presses, as sometimes we have to accommodate 4 die pistol sets. We do each press's stage 50 cases (or less, on occasion) at a time using 50 case shell holders before advancing to the next press. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it works for us.
 
So is the lee brand basically not worth looking at?

I can live with a single stage asking as I don't have to set things every time. I am not sure how they work. Can I just screw them out and screw them back in without having to adjust?

If I go with the 4 turret type sounds like I would need more stuff. Such as a auto powder pouring device. The shells are still hand feed though. I am not sure how they would be faster.

Really setting the particular depths and such for the dies are the thing I would like to do the least.

I'd like to ultimately be able to load ammunition for four calibers. 9mm, 380 acp, 30/06 and 350 legend.

So far I have a powder scale, digital calipers, sierra bullets in 9mm 125 grain jhp, speer .308 boat tails, makers bullets 350 legend 180 grain rex bullets. For powder right now I only have lil gun and hodgegon H380, primers I will get soon will be Cci 250 and 200. A buddy has accurate 5. I need small pistol primers.

Again I don't mind single stage at all as long as I don't have to set the dies I'll over again. As in setting the correct depth for setting the bullet or resizing the case.

If I wanted to keep it simple can I go the single stage route? I don't mind doing each step one at a time and weighing powder out one at a time on my scale.

I just want to be clear on the advantages and disadvantages of both before invest more money. So far the Lee hand loader has worked well apparently for the 30-06 but is lacking for the 9mm.
 
Okay I end up buying one of those Rock chuckers what else do I need? It's the

RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press​

Can I use Lee dies in these or do I have to buy the RCBS brand?
 
Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions. I feel the rock chucker will be an excellent starter budget single stage press for me.

I am going to tough it out without a powder throw for now. Instead I will be weighing each charge. I have been watching videos on the process and it seems fairly straightforward. I hope to produce more factory like ammunition to use in my semi auto pistol.

My essential items list includes dies (30.06, 9mm, .380, 350 legend), cartridge size checker, brass trimer and a loading book of course more powders, primers, and bullets as available.

Later down the line a powder throw, brass tumbler and universal bullet seater (top loading).
 
Pangab said:
My essential items list includes dies (30.06, 9mm, .380, 350 legend), cartridge size checker, brass trimer and a loading book of course more powders, primers, and bullets as available.
Click to expand...

Of that list, .30-'06 places the greatest demand on a press, both in terms of size and force (pressure) required. I would definitely suggest an "O" press, rather than a "C" press. That is a press that provides structural support on two sides of the die, rather than just one. If purchased carefully (i.e. don't pay too much), reloading equipment tends to hold value and can be sold later, if you decided to upgrade.

Right now, primers and powder are going to be difficult.
 
Pangab said:
Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions. I feel the rock chucker will be an excellent starter budget single stage press for me.

I am going to tough it out without a powder throw for now. Instead I will be weighing each charge. I have been watching videos on the process and it seems fairly straightforward. I hope to produce more factory like ammunition to use in my semi auto pistol.

My essential items list includes dies (30.06, 9mm, .380, 350 legend), cartridge size checker, brass trimer and a loading book of course more powders, primers, and bullets as available.

Later down the line a powder throw, brass tumbler and universal bullet seater (top loading).
Click to expand...
Wise choice. Jumping from a Lee impact type set to a progressive in one leap is like going from a tricycle to a Ferrari. (Please don't take that as belittling you!) It will allow you to concentrate on each step rather than trying to adjust one stage and messing up the rest. Once you have a little more experience, the progressive might be a consideration for your handgun rounds, but even though I have three progressives (a LoadMaster and two Pro 1000s) I still use a single-stage for all my rifle cartridges. The Rock Chucker is far superior for your 30-06 and .350 Legend too. You might want to think about an inexpensive powder measure. The Lee Perfect measure is surprisingly consistent and very usable for anything other than "match" quality performance.

Have fun and stay safe!
 
Pangab said:
So is the lee brand basically not worth looking at?

I can live with a single stage asking as I don't have to set things every time. I am not sure how they work. Can I just screw them out and screw them back in without having to adjust?

If I go with the 4 turret type sounds like I would need more stuff. Such as a auto powder pouring device. The shells are still hand feed though. I am not sure how they would be faster.

Really setting the particular depths and such for the dies are the thing I would like to do the least.

I'd like to ultimately be able to load ammunition for four calibers. 9mm, 380 acp, 30/06 and 350 legend.

So far I have a powder scale, digital calipers, sierra bullets in 9mm 125 grain jhp, speer .308 boat tails, makers bullets 350 legend 180 grain rex bullets. For powder right now I only have lil gun and hodgegon H380, primers I will get soon will be Cci 250 and 200. A buddy has accurate 5. I need small pistol primers.

Again I don't mind single stage at all as long as I don't have to set the dies I'll over again. As in setting the correct depth for setting the bullet or resizing the case.

If I wanted to keep it simple can I go the single stage route? I don't mind doing each step one at a time and weighing powder out one at a time on my scale.

I just want to be clear on the advantages and disadvantages of both before invest more money. So far the Lee hand loader has worked well apparently for the 30-06 but is lacking for the 9mm.
Click to expand...
LEE makes a couple of single stage presses that would probably do very well. I usually don't recommend their stuff because I've had some bad experiences with some of their products. At another forum I used to frequent, one of the members said that "LEE often has many innovative ideas on many of their products, but very often execute them with inferior materials". On the flip side of the LEE coin, their factory crimp dies for both rifle and handgun do as well as those from other manufacturers and don't cost as much even if you figure in the cost of replacing the POS LEE lock rings with a reputable split lock ring of some other manufacture. I also hear that the LEE collet die for rifles does a fantastic job as well. This like everything else, purchase the best you can afford.
 
Thanks again guys. I may just end up deciding that a single stage is all I need. If I do want to upgrade later once I've mastered the single stage I'll move up to a multi-station turret press or progressive. As someone else stated the press should have some resale value.

I do like the beefiness if the rock chucker. A youtube review of several single stage presses said it was the press that produced the most professional factory like ammo. Or something to the equivalent.

I did see some of those o type presses but the rock chucker was available on Amazon for $180 shipped. Meaning that the price was right. Even presses are on backorder with some people on ebay price gouging.

And no I don't know it all. I know a little, more than some less than others. That's why I am here asking the community. Thanks for the help everyone.
 
Stay away from the lee progressives like the progressive 1000. Had one for about two weeks and it was a p.o.s. Got rid of it and bought a dillon 550. One thing with the 550 is it isn't auto index and you can run one piece of brass through at a time until you feel comfortable with it. Best money I ever spent. Your biggest problem is finding any loading equipment now. Also saw you're looking at rifle cartridges. A dillon would be less than optimal for that. A rockchucker would be hard to beat.
 
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