Lee loading tools? Another rookie ?

PadawanLearner · February 26, 2009, 04:14 PM

I'm going to jump on the wagon and get into reloading. I'll mostly be reloading 45 colt and 30-06 for recreational use.

I've been looking at Lee's press kits on leeprecision.com. Prices seem reasonable. What do you experienced guys think of these kits? Would you recommend them? What kit would be most bennificial for my needs. Like I said this would be for recreational use and maybe some small-medium game hunting. Don't need 10000 rounds stocked like some of you.

rwilson452 · February 26, 2009, 04:53 PM

I would really suggest you get the lee classic turret press. Usually not included in any kit are loading blocks and calipers. I would also highly recommend a tumbler to clean your brass.

Read the sticky at the top of the forum. then get two or three good manuals or books. Suggestions include ABC's of reloading, Lyman Reloading handbook, Lee's Modern reloading. Do a couple of laps around them before you buy anything else.

kyle663 · February 26, 2009, 05:00 PM

i like the lee products myself. dies are inexpensive and the presses are great for starting out as well as experienced reloaders.

Shoney · February 26, 2009, 05:19 PM

PadawanLearner

WELCOME to TFL!!!!!!!!!

I would have thought "The Force" would teach you.

I agree with Mr. Wilson. The biggest bang for your buck will be the Classic Turret, and it does come in kit form from Kempf's.
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...hk=1&Itemid=41

They are probably running behind at least 2 weeks like most wholesalers because of the run on reloading equipment.

PadawanLearner · February 26, 2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

I would have thought "The Force" would teach you.

AHHH, yes you would think. Cloudy my mind has been, I have much to learn.

Thanks for all the replys and links. I do intend to dive into the manuals, I thought I'd hear from you guys as well.

May have more questions later, so until then... Cheers.

Qtiphky · February 26, 2009, 05:35 PM

I have used Lee reloading equipment exclusively. I started with shotguns 20 years ago and now do pistols and rifles as well. I love Lee for the simplicity and the durability so far. My shotgun reloaders are over 20 years old and still work perfectly.

wncchester · February 26, 2009, 07:08 PM

PadawanLearner, Lees tools are MADE for people like you. I would suggest you consider one of the "Classics", "Cast" or "Turret" and build your own "kit" but the Anniversary kit will do fine.

Get set up, then go forth and have fun in piece. And with confidence.

markr · February 26, 2009, 07:36 PM

Have fun in piece? That sounds scary.

wncchester · February 26, 2009, 07:40 PM

Peace, peace you dummy, not pieces!

PadawanLearner · February 27, 2009, 09:59 AM

PIECE be with you all!

Thanks again guys, I am excited to get started. Now I just need to figure out what to buy my wife so I can spend money too. You married guys would understand.

markr · February 27, 2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Now I just need to figure out what to buy my wife so I can spend money too. You married guys would understand.

Silly rabbit, it's called JEWLERY.

SKULLANDCROSSBONES65 · February 27, 2009, 06:19 PM

G'day PadawanLearner, use 'the force' on her. You should be able to control her mind. If that fails try bribery.

Maybe she needs to have her own gun to reload for?

Tex S · February 27, 2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Now I just need to figure out what to buy my wife so I can spend money too. You married guys would understand.

Whatever you do just make sure your first purchase of equipment includes a bunch of miscellaneous items. This way, you can add to the collection and she won't even know. It all looks the same to my lady.

Do try and stick with the same color though. RCBS green sticks out like a sore thumb in a sea of Lee red.

FrankenMauser · March 1, 2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

What do you experienced guys think of these kits?

... Stay away from any Lee tools made of plastic.

markr · March 1, 2009, 01:50 PM

If spending more money to achieve the same result makes you feel better, than don't buy Lee.......

amamnn · March 1, 2009, 02:15 PM

I use a lot of Lee tools and dies. I've learned a few things about them in 50+ years. Mostly good things, but not all. Definitely, Lee equipment is good value for your money and the kits are an excellent starting place for neophytes.

Lee patents using the same tolerances have long been licensed to other press and die makers. Some dies of other brands costing significantly more than a Lee are actually Lee's design. Lee tools can be used to make surprisingly good ammo for the investment.

Many of Lee's best ideas are not sold by anyone else--the collet neck die, the fixed length trimmers, the rifle version of the factory crimp die, the classic turret press.

Lee's steel parts will rust very quickly if you are not obsessively clean and wipe them down with a silicone rag after EVERY use. This means ALL steel parts, trimmers, dies, presses (the unpainted or unchromed parts, obviously) shell holders, etc.....

Lee's instructions are sometimes cryptic. I've heard this has improved lately, and the videos on the Lee website are helpful.

Richard Lee's (and now his son's) ideas about powder and primer handling and my needs in those areas are not on the same page, maybe even different books.

Speaking of books, Richard Lee's "Modern Reloading" is a must.

mikld · March 1, 2009, 02:25 PM

Beware of "Tool Snobs". I work in a Heavy Equipment Repair Shop and see a lot of what I call "tool snobbery". It's the purchase of tools and equipment by the name or color and not the quality of the tool. "If it ain't Snap-on (or MAC, or Matco, or Proto, et. al.) it ain't no good. The same in reloading; "if it ain't RCBS (or Dillon, or Hornady, etc), it ain't no good". EVERY piece of Lee equipment/tools I've purchased has worked as well as any other manufacturer of reloading stuff that I have purchased. I have RCBS, Hornady, Lyman dies and tools too. (did you know a Guiness record was held for 7 years by a guy that reloaded with a Lee Loader?). Anyway, Lee makes a quality product and you can't go wrong with them.

markr · March 1, 2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

(did you know a Guiness record was held for 7 years by a guy that reloaded with a Lee Loader?).

Well, what was the record for?

benzuncle · March 1, 2009, 03:42 PM

I got the reloading bug a little over a year ago. In the research phase Dillon was the Top O'the pile (and still is). But I kept reading that the Lee equipment builds accurate rounds and the equipment is easier on the wallet. I then weighed the awesome lifetime no BS warranty that Dillon equipment has against the comments that LEE owners had and determined that not enough has gone wrong with the LCT's to make the lifetime warranty an issue, for me. I opted for the LEE Classic Turret Press and have not regretted it. More than a year has come and gone; the LCT is still working fine. The plastic parts, the ones that do not take a lot of abuse are doing just fine. The metal parts have taken the abuse in stride. The ammo I have built has saved me enough money to pay for the machine and then some. I now load 3 calibers: 45acp, 380acp and 357sig. The dies and turrets are an excellent value. Changing calibers is literally done in less than a minute. Plenty of other reloaders use the Lee Carbide Dies on their loaders of other makes. The LCT can be used as a single stage or a semi-progressive. Don't expect it to turn out more than 200 rounds per hour, though. (This works for me; YMMV.) The LCT: The best bang for the reloading buck. The biggest drawback to the LEE equipment is the instructions. This is easily overcome through the forums. There are plenty of owners here willing to help you through your problems. And a call to LEE is a very satisfying experience. The best I can determine, every brand of loader builds accurate ammo. Good luck to you with whichever loading equipment you choose. Like most of us, you might begin reloading to save money. Along the way you will probably find out that it is a very satisfying hobby too and you will enjoy reloading more than you ever imagined.

FrankenMauser · March 1, 2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

If spending more money to achieve the same result makes you feel better, than don't buy Lee

Quote:

Beware of "Tool Snobs".

Call me a tool snob. When it comes down to it, the plastic crap that Lee puts out will break 100 times faster than my metal equivalent. (RCBS, Dillon, Hornady, Lyman, Redding, etc...)

Quote:

I then weighed the awesome lifetime no BS warranty that Dillon equipment has against the comments that LEE owners had and determined that not enough has gone wrong with the LCT's to make the lifetime warranty an issue

The presses do well for most people. It's the accessories that fail miserably.

Quote:

Many of Lee's best ideas are not sold by anyone else--the collet neck die, the fixed length trimmers, the rifle version of the factory crimp die, the classic turret press.

Collet dies are made by almost all die manufacturers.

Fixed length trimmers are a one-size-fits-all answer to a question that shouldn't have one answer. (I own several of the Lee guages / trimmer pilots, and a zip-trim. A proper, adjustable case trimmer is light years ahead.)

Drop the 'Classic' from 'Classic turret press' and you'll find similar items from at least 4 major reloading suppliers.

CrustyFN · March 1, 2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Drop the 'Classic' from 'Classic turret press' and you'll find similar items from at least 4 major reloading suppliers.

OK Lee Deluxe turret. Now show me the four other turrets with auto index.
Rusty

Retired in 2001 · March 1, 2009, 07:01 PM

Thinking about getting Classic lee loader due to the lack of space and other reasons. for the pistols 45,38,9mm.Tools snobs can pipe in.

markr · March 1, 2009, 07:05 PM

I think the Lee Loader is good for sitting at the range developing loads. I think you will be much happier with a bench mounted press.

mikld · March 1, 2009, 07:23 PM

The record was for 1000 yards. Not sure of the event. Maybe I'm wrong but, I just want tools and equipment that works, not for the "status" of the name on them.

Sorry Retired, but if the 45 dies don't come in a green box it just ain't gonna work, doncha know?

wncchester · March 1, 2009, 09:33 PM

Mauser: "Call me a tool snob. When it comes down to it, the plastic crap that Lee puts out will break 100 times faster than my metal equivalent. (RCBS, Dillon, Hornady, Lyman, Redding, etc...)"

"Collet dies are made by almost all die manufacturers."

Well, you are right of course. No one would suggest a ham-fisted person can't break plastic parts more easily than they can your "metal equivalent." But, why would that be necesssary? If we treat tools properly they won't bend, break or even wear out for a LOOONG time! Or, am I wrong?

But collet dies are made by "almost all" others? Pray tell, who besides Lee makes any collet dies at all? And what kind of die do they make that uses a collet? The single instance I know of who uses a collet part at all is Hornady, who copied Lee's decap/expander rod holder, but that doesn't make it a "collet die" at all.

To the best of my knowledge, Lee's Collet neck sizer is unique, and the best neck die in the industry, IMHO! So are their collet type rifle Factory Crimping Dies. I love Lee's collet dies but I know of I know of no one else who makes anything even close to them!

OPPS! Almost forgot, yeah, there is ONE! Innovative Technoligies has a base sizing die for belted magnum cases that works with a collet. But it's a very expensive, special purpose die that's made for the limited few who have problems with their normal FL sizers.

Those who use Lee tools properly are satisfied with them and load ammo the equal of anyone.

February 26, 2009, 04:14 PM	#1
PadawanLearner Junior Member Join Date: February 5, 2009 Posts: 11	Lee loading tools? Another rookie ? I'm going to jump on the wagon and get into reloading. I'll mostly be reloading 45 colt and 30-06 for recreational use. I've been looking at Lee's press kits on leeprecision.com. Prices seem reasonable. What do you experienced guys think of these kits? Would you recommend them? What kit would be most bennificial for my needs. Like I said this would be for recreational use and maybe some small-medium game hunting. Don't need 10000 rounds stocked like some of you.

February 26, 2009, 04:53 PM	#2
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	I would really suggest you get the lee classic turret press. Usually not included in any kit are loading blocks and calipers. I would also highly recommend a tumbler to clean your brass. Read the sticky at the top of the forum. then get two or three good manuals or books. Suggestions include ABC's of reloading, Lyman Reloading handbook, Lee's Modern reloading. Do a couple of laps around them before you buy anything else. __________________ USNRET '61-'81

February 26, 2009, 05:00 PM	#3
kyle663 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 311	i like the lee products myself. dies are inexpensive and the presses are great for starting out as well as experienced reloaders. __________________ NRA member 22LR,17hmr, 9mm, 9mm makarov, 38 S&W, 38/357, 41mag, 44mag, 45ACP, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 222rem

February 26, 2009, 05:19 PM	#4
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	PadawanLearner WELCOME to TFL!!!!!!!!! I would have thought "The Force" would teach you. I agree with Mr. Wilson. The biggest bang for your buck will be the Classic Turret, and it does come in kit form from Kempf's. https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...hk=1&Itemid=41 They are probably running behind at least 2 weeks like most wholesalers because of the run on reloading equipment. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

February 26, 2009, 05:35 PM	#6
Qtiphky Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2008 Location: Upper Michigan, above the Mackinac Bridge Posts: 568	Lee Rocks! I have used Lee reloading equipment exclusively. I started with shotguns 20 years ago and now do pistols and rifles as well. I love Lee for the simplicity and the durability so far. My shotgun reloaders are over 20 years old and still work perfectly.

February 26, 2009, 07:08 PM	#7
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	PadawanLearner, Lees tools are MADE for people like you. I would suggest you consider one of the "Classics", "Cast" or "Turret" and build your own "kit" but the Anniversary kit will do fine. Get set up, then go forth and have fun in piece. And with confidence.

February 26, 2009, 07:36 PM	#8
markr Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: Arsenal of Democracy Posts: 405	Have fun in piece? That sounds scary. __________________ I like to make beer, bullets, and jerky.....but not at the same time. Washed up 11B1P

February 26, 2009, 07:40 PM	#9
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Peace, peace you dummy, not pieces!

February 27, 2009, 09:59 AM	#10
PadawanLearner Junior Member Join Date: February 5, 2009 Posts: 11	PIECE be with you all! Thanks again guys, I am excited to get started. Now I just need to figure out what to buy my wife so I can spend money too. You married guys would understand.

February 27, 2009, 06:19 PM	#12
SKULLANDCROSSBONES65 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2008 Location: Far Nth Wst QLD Australia Posts: 992	G'day PadawanLearner, use 'the force' on her. You should be able to control her mind. If that fails try bribery. Maybe she needs to have her own gun to reload for? __________________ If you're not confused, you're not trying hard enough! When you're confused, I'll try to use smaller words!!!

March 1, 2009, 01:50 PM	#15
markr Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: Arsenal of Democracy Posts: 405	If spending more money to achieve the same result makes you feel better, than don't buy Lee....... __________________ I like to make beer, bullets, and jerky.....but not at the same time. Washed up 11B1P

March 1, 2009, 02:15 PM	#16
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	I use a lot of Lee tools and dies. I've learned a few things about them in 50+ years. Mostly good things, but not all. Definitely, Lee equipment is good value for your money and the kits are an excellent starting place for neophytes. Lee patents using the same tolerances have long been licensed to other press and die makers. Some dies of other brands costing significantly more than a Lee are actually Lee's design. Lee tools can be used to make surprisingly good ammo for the investment. Many of Lee's best ideas are not sold by anyone else--the collet neck die, the fixed length trimmers, the rifle version of the factory crimp die, the classic turret press. Lee's steel parts will rust very quickly if you are not obsessively clean and wipe them down with a silicone rag after EVERY use. This means ALL steel parts, trimmers, dies, presses (the unpainted or unchromed parts, obviously) shell holders, etc..... Lee's instructions are sometimes cryptic. I've heard this has improved lately, and the videos on the Lee website are helpful. Richard Lee's (and now his son's) ideas about powder and primer handling and my needs in those areas are not on the same page, maybe even different books. Speaking of books, Richard Lee's "Modern Reloading" is a must. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

March 1, 2009, 02:25 PM	#17
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	Beware of "Tool Snobs". I work in a Heavy Equipment Repair Shop and see a lot of what I call "tool snobbery". It's the purchase of tools and equipment by the name or color and not the quality of the tool. "If it ain't Snap-on (or MAC, or Matco, or Proto, et. al.) it ain't no good. The same in reloading; "if it ain't RCBS (or Dillon, or Hornady, etc), it ain't no good". EVERY piece of Lee equipment/tools I've purchased has worked as well as any other manufacturer of reloading stuff that I have purchased. I have RCBS, Hornady, Lyman dies and tools too. (did you know a Guiness record was held for 7 years by a guy that reloaded with a Lee Loader?). Anyway, Lee makes a quality product and you can't go wrong with them.

March 1, 2009, 03:42 PM	#19
benzuncle Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2008 Location: Central Florida Posts: 357	I got the reloading bug a little over a year ago. In the research phase Dillon was the Top O'the pile (and still is). But I kept reading that the Lee equipment builds accurate rounds and the equipment is easier on the wallet. I then weighed the awesome lifetime no BS warranty that Dillon equipment has against the comments that LEE owners had and determined that not enough has gone wrong with the LCT's to make the lifetime warranty an issue, for me. I opted for the LEE Classic Turret Press and have not regretted it. More than a year has come and gone; the LCT is still working fine. The plastic parts, the ones that do not take a lot of abuse are doing just fine. The metal parts have taken the abuse in stride. The ammo I have built has saved me enough money to pay for the machine and then some. I now load 3 calibers: 45acp, 380acp and 357sig. The dies and turrets are an excellent value. Changing calibers is literally done in less than a minute. Plenty of other reloaders use the Lee Carbide Dies on their loaders of other makes. The LCT can be used as a single stage or a semi-progressive. Don't expect it to turn out more than 200 rounds per hour, though. (This works for me; YMMV.) The LCT: The best bang for the reloading buck. The biggest drawback to the LEE equipment is the instructions. This is easily overcome through the forums. There are plenty of owners here willing to help you through your problems. And a call to LEE is a very satisfying experience. The best I can determine, every brand of loader builds accurate ammo. Good luck to you with whichever loading equipment you choose. Like most of us, you might begin reloading to save money. Along the way you will probably find out that it is a very satisfying hobby too and you will enjoy reloading more than you ever imagined.

March 1, 2009, 07:01 PM	#22
Retired in 2001 Junior Member Join Date: March 23, 2006 Location: Ocean County, N.J. Posts: 8	Lee loading tools? Another rookie Thinking about getting Classic lee loader due to the lack of space and other reasons. for the pistols 45,38,9mm.Tools snobs can pipe in.

March 1, 2009, 07:05 PM	#23
markr Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: Arsenal of Democracy Posts: 405	I think the Lee Loader is good for sitting at the range developing loads. I think you will be much happier with a bench mounted press. __________________ I like to make beer, bullets, and jerky.....but not at the same time. Washed up 11B1P

March 1, 2009, 07:23 PM	#24
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	The record was for 1000 yards. Not sure of the event. Maybe I'm wrong but, I just want tools and equipment that works, not for the "status" of the name on them. Sorry Retired, but if the 45 dies don't come in a green box it just ain't gonna work, doncha know? __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

March 1, 2009, 09:33 PM	#25
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Mauser: "Call me a tool snob. When it comes down to it, the plastic crap that Lee puts out will break 100 times faster than my metal equivalent. (RCBS, Dillon, Hornady, Lyman, Redding, etc...)" "Collet dies are made by almost all die manufacturers." Well, you are right of course. No one would suggest a ham-fisted person can't break plastic parts more easily than they can your "metal equivalent." But, why would that be necesssary? If we treat tools properly they won't bend, break or even wear out for a LOOONG time! Or, am I wrong? But collet dies are made by "almost all" others? Pray tell, who besides Lee makes any collet dies at all? And what kind of die do they make that uses a collet? The single instance I know of who uses a collet part at all is Hornady, who copied Lee's decap/expander rod holder, but that doesn't make it a "collet die" at all. To the best of my knowledge, Lee's Collet neck sizer is unique, and the best neck die in the industry, IMHO! So are their collet type rifle Factory Crimping Dies. I love Lee's collet dies but I know of I know of no one else who makes anything even close to them! OPPS! Almost forgot, yeah, there is ONE! Innovative Technoligies has a base sizing die for belted magnum cases that works with a collet. But it's a very expensive, special purpose die that's made for the limited few who have problems with their normal FL sizers. Those who use Lee tools properly are satisfied with them and load ammo the equal of anyone. Last edited by wncchester; March 1, 2009 at 09:43 PM.