The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Reloading for .30-06

SHR970 · February 8, 2012, 07:32 PM

I'm only going to comment on the Lee Hand press. My first one broke after 20 years of use. I had a severly stuck 6.5x55 that I tired to clear and broke a handle. that same stuck brass was a serious PIA to unstick with a RCBS Rockchucker II without adding mechanical advantage. I even bought a replacement for that press.

In 20 years, not counting pistol rounds and 30 carb., I have reloaded thousands of 223's, 6.5x55, 308's, 30-06, 300 Win Mag., 45-70's, and 375 R.U.M.'s. combined. When I say thousands, I mean north of 10k as it was my only press for the first 15 years. It isn't the fastest but it works. My first 200 rounds of 375 Remington Ultra Magnum came off of the hand press; this is NOT a small round. So for those of you who say it doesn't have the leverage to do the job, you either haven't used one or are weaker than my little 5'4" self.

If you are seriously space limited, this press may be a reasonable option for you. If you want to take your press to the range to do some load development, this is a better option for you.

February 8, 2012, 07:32 PM	#17
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	I'm only going to comment on the Lee Hand press. My first one broke after 20 years of use. I had a severly stuck 6.5x55 that I tired to clear and broke a handle. that same stuck brass was a serious PIA to unstick with a RCBS Rockchucker II without adding mechanical advantage. I even bought a replacement for that press. In 20 years, not counting pistol rounds and 30 carb., I have reloaded thousands of 223's, 6.5x55, 308's, 30-06, 300 Win Mag., 45-70's, and 375 R.U.M.'s. combined. When I say thousands, I mean north of 10k as it was my only press for the first 15 years. It isn't the fastest but it works. My first 200 rounds of 375 Remington Ultra Magnum came off of the hand press; this is NOT a small round. So for those of you who say it doesn't have the leverage to do the job, you either haven't used one or are weaker than my little 5'4" self. If you are seriously space limited, this press may be a reasonable option for you. If you want to take your press to the range to do some load development, this is a better option for you.