The Lee loader (still $9.95) was my first loader in the 60's. I popped several primers, with no damage except to my underwear. I finally sprung for a Lee primer seater (I think $2.95 + a dollar for the screw in shell holder). Sure made life easier. Don't know what happened to the 38/357 I acquired first, but I still have the 20ga. The primer seater is still going strong.
With no justification for it they have sure introduced a lot of people to reloading over the past 60 years or so.