I own and use a Lee Hand Press.
Short answer, go for it. Bought as a kit with a die set they're around $50 (maybe a bit more now -- I got mine a couple years ago), and include everything you need to do basic reloading of that cartridge.
Works pretty good. It's a little slower than a bench mounted press. The ergonomics aren't super great.
I find that I don't have enough leverage to handle large (ex. .308) cases easily. Pistol cartridges -- no problem.
Spent primers accumulate in a hole underneath the shell holder, and must be emptied out periodically. This is not diffucult, unless you get so many you can't get the shell holder off.
Quote:
|
As for the dies, what's the "Speed Die" about? Would it save me steps in the process? Or is it better suited for another press?
|
Skip the speed die, go with a standard 3 die set. Lee diesset's aren't expensive.
Quote:
|
I'm wondering about case cleaning as well. Is tumbler needed, anything else?
|
A vibratory cleaner is a nice thing to have, but you don't need it right away.