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

dmazur · February 8, 2012, 12:10 AM

I would believe that the Lee Hand Press might be OK for pistol cartridges, as the force required just isn't that large.

However, after you have full-length resized .30-06 for a while, I believe you will be experiencing some very tired hands with that press. The leverage just isn't there in that design.

Any bench-mount press would be better.

If you are just unable to swallow the price of a new one, I'd look for a used press on eBay long before I'd seriously consider the Hand Press.

Full disclosure - I've never used a Hand Press. I got started with the Lee "Whack-A-Mole" loaders, and eventually moved to a bench-mounted press.

February 8, 2012, 12:10 AM	#6
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	I would believe that the Lee Hand Press might be OK for pistol cartridges, as the force required just isn't that large. However, after you have full-length resized .30-06 for a while, I believe you will be experiencing some very tired hands with that press. The leverage just isn't there in that design. Any bench-mount press would be better. If you are just unable to swallow the price of a new one, I'd look for a used press on eBay long before I'd seriously consider the Hand Press. Full disclosure - I've never used a Hand Press. I got started with the Lee "Whack-A-Mole" loaders, and eventually moved to a bench-mounted press. __________________ .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong