Which press? Lee Challenger or RCBS Partner?

ARshooter · July 4, 2001, 01:52 PM

I want to get a press to take to the range to seat bullets only. (223, 22-250). I want something small but it has to be accurate (hardly any play in the ram). I've narrowed it down to the above listed presses. Does anyone have any comments regarding them?

Thanks.

Steve Smith · July 4, 2001, 07:07 PM

Get the RCBS. It has a lifetime warrantee...I doubt you'll need it, though.

swifter... · July 4, 2001, 07:09 PM

For accurate, I'd pick an arbor press and Wilson seaters. It doesn't get much more accurate!

Of the two you named, no contest, the RCBS! IMHO, its the only small press to be taken seriously.
The only press I ever knew to spring out of alignment was a Lee. :barf: Lee makes a lot of good products, sadly, most are better designed than built...

Dan Morris · July 4, 2001, 07:39 PM

Between the two, I'd definetly go the RCBS. Just my 2 cent opinion.
Dan

burrhead · July 4, 2001, 07:44 PM

I have an RCBS Junior, the for-runner of the Partner, that I've loaded a zillion rounds with over the last twenty some years. It still works great. You should be able to pick one up on one of the online auctions for $25 or so. Forget the Lee.

WESHOOT2 · July 4, 2001, 07:45 PM

HIGHLY RECOMMEND avoiding the LEE presses; their other gear is decent.

The RCBS will satisfy you longer.........

ARshooter · July 5, 2001, 01:38 AM

Thanks for all your recommendations. I'll definitely get the RCBS press.

Bogie · July 5, 2001, 11:32 AM

I'd second the motion for the Wilson seaters and an arbor press. It works.

For seating with a single-stage press, using 7/8 dies, I'd go with either the Lee or the RCBS - you won't see a lot of difference either way. Even if you go with the cheapest C-frame Lee.

You need a small press anyway, right?

July 4, 2001, 01:52 PM	#1
ARshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 1999 Posts: 142	Which press? Lee Challenger or RCBS Partner? I want to get a press to take to the range to seat bullets only. (223, 22-250). I want something small but it has to be accurate (hardly any play in the ram). I've narrowed it down to the above listed presses. Does anyone have any comments regarding them? Thanks. __________________ NRA Life Member SAF CRPA VHA NHRA

July 4, 2001, 07:07 PM	#2
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Get the RCBS. It has a lifetime warrantee...I doubt you'll need it, though. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

July 4, 2001, 07:09 PM	#3
swifter... Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 1999 Location: So. CA Mountains Posts: 540	For accurate, I'd pick an arbor press and Wilson seaters. It doesn't get much more accurate! Of the two you named, no contest, the RCBS! IMHO, its the only small press to be taken seriously. The only press I ever knew to spring out of alignment was a Lee. :barf: Lee makes a lot of good products, sadly, most are better designed than built... __________________ There are damn few situations so screwed up that adding government to them will not make 'em worse... The best homeland security is an armed & informed citizenery! Molon Labe!

July 4, 2001, 07:44 PM	#5
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	I have an RCBS Junior, the for-runner of the Partner, that I've loaded a zillion rounds with over the last twenty some years. It still works great. You should be able to pick one up on one of the online auctions for $25 or so. Forget the Lee. __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

July 4, 2001, 07:45 PM	#6
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	HIGHLY RECOMMEND avoiding the LEE presses; their other gear is decent. The RCBS will satisfy you longer......... __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 4, 2001, 07:39 PM	#4
Dan Morris Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2001 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 342	Between the two, I'd definetly go the RCBS. Just my 2 cent opinion. Dan

July 5, 2001, 01:38 AM	#7
ARshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 1999 Posts: 142	Thanks for all your recommendations. I'll definitely get the RCBS press. __________________ NRA Life Member SAF CRPA VHA NHRA

July 5, 2001, 11:32 AM	#8
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	I'd second the motion for the Wilson seaters and an arbor press. It works. For seating with a single-stage press, using 7/8 dies, I'd go with either the Lee or the RCBS - you won't see a lot of difference either way. Even if you go with the cheapest C-frame Lee. You need a small press anyway, right? __________________ Job hunting, but helping a friend out at www.vikingmachineusa.com - and learning the finer aspects of becoming a precision machinist. And making the world's greatest bottle openers!