? about a lee kit

grubbylabs · February 2, 2010, 06:08 PM

Here is the link to the kit any body here buy one or ever used or been around one. The feedback on it is pretty good and the price is really good.

Any thoughts or Ideas would be appreciated.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=423081

jaguarxk120 · February 2, 2010, 06:12 PM

The scale is made of plastic and the powder measure leaks, what more can I say.:barf:

kwells6 · February 2, 2010, 06:19 PM

dont get a kit... not worth it.

just get a press then look for a GOOD digital scale.

grubbylabs · February 2, 2010, 06:22 PM

Is the scale the only bad piece in there, I have a good hornady scale I already use for stuff.

Rusty W · February 2, 2010, 06:28 PM

I started with that kit back around 1998 loading for a Blackhawk in 45colt. The first thing I replaced was the powder measure with a RCBS Uniflow, though the Lee works pretty well with extruded powders like IMR 3031, and the 2nd was the scale, replaced it with the RCBS 5-0-5, mainly because I wanted to weigh bullets heavier than 110 grains. My kit came with the hand prime which I still use. I have a Lee Classic Cast Turret now and like the priming system on it. If you're going to reload very much at all I'd look at the Lee Classic Cast Turret. I still use the old press for some rifle reloading, sizing cast bullets, and swedging primer pockets on military brass.

ScottRiqui · February 2, 2010, 06:39 PM

I have almost the same kit - mine is the one that has the Auto-Prime instead of the Safety-Prime, because I wanted to be able to prime cases sitting in front of the TV.

The powder measure throws consistent charges, and the only "leakage" I've experienced is that it will drop a few granules of powder when my bench vibrates from using the press. But after a long session loading several hundreds rounds, the total amount of spilled powder doesn't add up to more than a grain or two, and it's easy to catch it in a shallow plate and dump it back into the hopper.

As for the scale, it's accurate and consistent, and only the beam and fine adjustment are "plastic" (phenolic resin, actually). The advantage of the phenolic beam is that no matter how much it's bent (such as from being dropped), it will always spring back to shape perfectly without permanently deforming. Basically, if it didn't break, you know it's not bent.

If you're going to be reloading several calibers, I'd suggest picking up some extra breech-lock bushings. Being able to leave the bushings on the dies permanently makes it *super* easy to switch between dies without having to readjust the die every time.

CrustyFN · February 2, 2010, 06:45 PM

I have found the scale to be very accurate but not fun to use. I hear the powder measure leaks a little with fine powders but if you run a little powder graphite through the measure the leaking is very minimal. I haven't used the press ( I have a classic turret ) but have heard a lot of good things about it. I agree with Rusty W, if you plan to load much pistol ammo I would look at the classic turret.

gregjc9 · February 2, 2010, 06:51 PM

I got the Lee Classic Turret kit from Cabela's. So far I've been very pleased with it. The scale is a little difficult to read but it works quite well. I intend to upgrade that next. The Lee turret press consistently has good reviews, some of the best, and is one big reason I went with it.

teeroux · February 2, 2010, 08:13 PM

I highly recomend it its the one I use. My powder measure and scale work fine and besides the whole kit is still less than just the press of other manufacturers. It gives you the means to start but is cheap enough to upgrade to nicer stuff as you go.

whitedogone · February 2, 2010, 08:19 PM

Get the one with the off the press primer and keep the scale as a backup/range scale.

gearheadpyro · February 2, 2010, 09:57 PM

I have several of the components in this kit.

The Press- pretty good. Make sure you get enough bushings for all the calibers you load.

The Scale- eh... Makes an ok backup in a pinch. Accurate but annoying to use. Since you already have a better scale I would set this one on a back shelf somewhere.

The Safety Prime- Takes a little getting used to but once you get the hang of it it works well and is fast. You'll drop quite a few primers when you start.

The Powder Measure- don't have it. No comment. I do like the lee auto disc powder measure, but it's on my classic cast turret press.

The Trimmer Cutter and Stud- I started with it. It will keep your cases in spec but not necessarily square. I had to use mine before sizing to get it to fit, and then it was too loose. I got rid of mine quickly.

Overall if your just starting out it's ok, but if you have much in the way of gear already I might just piece what I need together. If your looking for volume I would advise the turret press instead.

jmortimer · February 2, 2010, 10:20 PM

+1 - Get the Classic Turret Press Kit from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...233&hasJS=true There is nothing wrong with the Lee scale. It is accurate and it works. You can always upgrade if you want later. You can never go wrong with the Classic Turret Press. Just read reviews from actual owners. It is worth every penny.

grubbylabs · February 2, 2010, 10:28 PM

I am not worried about the scale I have a good hornady scale right know, What about this one it is a lee Turret. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...847&hasJS=true

RWNielsen · February 2, 2010, 11:15 PM

I just bought that first kit you linked to. I have a Dillon 650 but wanted a single stage for small batch magnum loads. I haven't used much of the stuff that came with it although I might try the powder measure for IMR-800X which my Dillon won't meter at all well. The Auto-Prime attachment seems to work fine once you figure it out. If you're even thinking about volume, get a turret at the very least but.....you could get by on the single stage. Just do everything in batches.
Good luck and Be Safe

gearheadpyro · February 2, 2010, 11:24 PM

If your going to get a turret then get this one (Lee Turret Press)

It is much better reviewed and is a very good setup. It's what I started with.

Jim243 · February 2, 2010, 11:43 PM

I know it's more money but you will actually save with the Cabela's Lee Classic Turret kit (it's the better of the two presses and comes with more of the stuff you will need)

Jim

Fullthrottle · February 2, 2010, 11:51 PM

For the price I recommend that kit! That is the one I have and started with. May not be "top of the line", but it does what it is supposed to. I will say the powder measure is a bit to get used to but once you do it will not be a problem. Powder measure, I have not had a problem with "leaks". Never had a problem with the Safety prime(only thing is, it has a hard time loading the last primer, but only the last) but it can be done. As far as a new reloader, you can not go wrong! You can easly update as years go on for reloading, but, to get in on the action for a reasonable price..........get it!

grubbylabs · February 2, 2010, 11:54 PM

What kind of a die set am I looking for, I know I am only going to load 45 ACP for right now. I have seen some 4 die and some 3 die sets. Also what are some of the other incidentals I will need. Do I need a tumbler how important is that. Should I budget for it right away? Also bullet pullers crimpers and so on.

Fullthrottle · February 3, 2010, 12:04 AM

So far I only load pistol rounds, I have the Lee 4 die set, has not done me wrong and includes the FCD, some say it is not required but it works well for my use.

gearheadpyro · February 3, 2010, 08:04 AM

For pistol rounds I much prefer Lee's 4 die carbide set. No lube involved with the carbide dies. It also comes with the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I like it, others may disagree. The Classic Cast Turret I linked to below has a 4 hole turret head, this die set fills it perfectly.

A tumbler is a very nice addition, but not essential up front. to get started you can wash your cases in a 50/50 water/white vinegar mix, followed by a baking soda/water mix (to nuetralize the acid). Make sure the cases are bone dry before loading.

An impact bullet puller is in the same boat as the tumbler. Starting out you will make some mistakes, and the bullet puller is how to fix them. I didn't have the puller at first, so for about 6 months I just set my mistakes to the side. When I got my puller I had a lot of smacking to do.

grubbylabs · February 3, 2010, 10:42 AM

Hay thanks for all the replies, I think you all almost have me sold on the turet press from lee. I am just waiting for my taxes to come in or an extra truck to to sell and I will be golden.

Don P · February 3, 2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

The scale is made of plastic and the powder measure leaks, what more can I say

.

My Powder measure does NOT LEAK and the scale works just fine.

Quote:

dont get a kit... not worth it.

The kit IS WORTH the money and IS a good buy.

Quote:

Is the scale the only bad piece in there,

Again there is NOTHING wrong with the scale.

Quote:

I know it's more money but you will actually save with the Cabela's Lee Classic Turret kit (it's the better of the two presses and comes with more of the stuff you will need

Sound advice.

My set up has set me back $330 total. All my equipment is Lee with the exception of the tumbler set up. I am over 15,000 rounds loaded with zero problems from the Lee equipment and I use a single stage for sizing and decaping and a 3 hole manual turret for loading and I load 5 pistol calibers.

Veyec · February 3, 2010, 01:16 PM

I am also looking at getting a Lee. But from my research and the comments of many, I am going to get mine from Kempf. Looks like they replace a lot of the junk with better components and items that will actually help you.

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...=190&Itemid=41

jaguarxk120 · February 3, 2010, 01:36 PM

If you go with the Dillon you won't be looking back wondering if I'd spent the extra money for the better press.

howlnmad · February 3, 2010, 03:29 PM

I bought that kit for my first. The scale SUCKS, the powder measure SUCKS. They made some improvements to the press with the steel links (the old style was aluminum which broke). I still use it with my universal de-capping die, after I replaced the links with the upgraded ones. I do like the hand primer and the fact that it comes with the universal shell holders. For the money... you're not going to find a new press for that price. It would be a good start with the addition of a good scale. You can always add and upgrade as your skill increases. JMHO

February 2, 2010, 06:08 PM	#1
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	? about a lee kit Here is the link to the kit any body here buy one or ever used or been around one. The feedback on it is pretty good and the price is really good. Any thoughts or Ideas would be appreciated. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=423081

February 2, 2010, 06:12 PM	#2
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,626	The scale is made of plastic and the powder measure leaks, what more can I say.:barf:

February 2, 2010, 06:19 PM	#3
kwells6 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 437	dont get a kit... not worth it. just get a press then look for a GOOD digital scale.

February 2, 2010, 06:22 PM	#4
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Is the scale the only bad piece in there, I have a good hornady scale I already use for stuff.

February 2, 2010, 06:28 PM	#5
Rusty W Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 84	I started with that kit back around 1998 loading for a Blackhawk in 45colt. The first thing I replaced was the powder measure with a RCBS Uniflow, though the Lee works pretty well with extruded powders like IMR 3031, and the 2nd was the scale, replaced it with the RCBS 5-0-5, mainly because I wanted to weigh bullets heavier than 110 grains. My kit came with the hand prime which I still use. I have a Lee Classic Cast Turret now and like the priming system on it. If you're going to reload very much at all I'd look at the Lee Classic Cast Turret. I still use the old press for some rifle reloading, sizing cast bullets, and swedging primer pockets on military brass.

February 2, 2010, 06:39 PM	#6
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	I have almost the same kit - mine is the one that has the Auto-Prime instead of the Safety-Prime, because I wanted to be able to prime cases sitting in front of the TV. The powder measure throws consistent charges, and the only "leakage" I've experienced is that it will drop a few granules of powder when my bench vibrates from using the press. But after a long session loading several hundreds rounds, the total amount of spilled powder doesn't add up to more than a grain or two, and it's easy to catch it in a shallow plate and dump it back into the hopper. As for the scale, it's accurate and consistent, and only the beam and fine adjustment are "plastic" (phenolic resin, actually). The advantage of the phenolic beam is that no matter how much it's bent (such as from being dropped), it will always spring back to shape perfectly without permanently deforming. Basically, if it didn't break, you know it's not bent. If you're going to be reloading several calibers, I'd suggest picking up some extra breech-lock bushings. Being able to leave the bushings on the dies permanently makes it super easy to switch between dies without having to readjust the die every time.

February 2, 2010, 06:45 PM	#7
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	I have found the scale to be very accurate but not fun to use. I hear the powder measure leaks a little with fine powders but if you run a little powder graphite through the measure the leaking is very minimal. I haven't used the press ( I have a classic turret ) but have heard a lot of good things about it. I agree with Rusty W, if you plan to load much pistol ammo I would look at the classic turret.

February 2, 2010, 06:51 PM	#8
gregjc9 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 501	I got the Lee Classic Turret kit from Cabela's. So far I've been very pleased with it. The scale is a little difficult to read but it works quite well. I intend to upgrade that next. The Lee turret press consistently has good reviews, some of the best, and is one big reason I went with it.

February 2, 2010, 08:13 PM	#9
teeroux Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Posts: 1,512	I highly recomend it its the one I use. My powder measure and scale work fine and besides the whole kit is still less than just the press of other manufacturers. It gives you the means to start but is cheap enough to upgrade to nicer stuff as you go.

February 2, 2010, 08:19 PM	#10
whitedogone Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2010 Posts: 100	Get the one with the off the press primer and keep the scale as a backup/range scale.

February 2, 2010, 09:57 PM	#11
gearheadpyro Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 169	I have several of the components in this kit. The Press- pretty good. Make sure you get enough bushings for all the calibers you load. The Scale- eh... Makes an ok backup in a pinch. Accurate but annoying to use. Since you already have a better scale I would set this one on a back shelf somewhere. The Safety Prime- Takes a little getting used to but once you get the hang of it it works well and is fast. You'll drop quite a few primers when you start. The Powder Measure- don't have it. No comment. I do like the lee auto disc powder measure, but it's on my classic cast turret press. The Trimmer Cutter and Stud- I started with it. It will keep your cases in spec but not necessarily square. I had to use mine before sizing to get it to fit, and then it was too loose. I got rid of mine quickly. Overall if your just starting out it's ok, but if you have much in the way of gear already I might just piece what I need together. If your looking for volume I would advise the turret press instead.

February 2, 2010, 10:20 PM	#12
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	+1 - Get the Classic Turret Press Kit from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...233&hasJS=true There is nothing wrong with the Lee scale. It is accurate and it works. You can always upgrade if you want later. You can never go wrong with the Classic Turret Press. Just read reviews from actual owners. It is worth every penny.

February 2, 2010, 10:28 PM	#13
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	I am not worried about the scale I have a good hornady scale right know, What about this one it is a lee Turret. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...847&hasJS=true

February 2, 2010, 11:15 PM	#14
RWNielsen Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 116	I just bought that first kit you linked to. I have a Dillon 650 but wanted a single stage for small batch magnum loads. I haven't used much of the stuff that came with it although I might try the powder measure for IMR-800X which my Dillon won't meter at all well. The Auto-Prime attachment seems to work fine once you figure it out. If you're even thinking about volume, get a turret at the very least but.....you could get by on the single stage. Just do everything in batches. Good luck and Be Safe

February 2, 2010, 11:24 PM	#15
gearheadpyro Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 169	If your going to get a turret then get this one (Lee Turret Press) It is much better reviewed and is a very good setup. It's what I started with.

February 2, 2010, 11:43 PM	#16
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	I know it's more money but you will actually save with the Cabela's Lee Classic Turret kit (it's the better of the two presses and comes with more of the stuff you will need) Jim

February 2, 2010, 11:51 PM	#17
Fullthrottle Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2009 Posts: 280	For the price I recommend that kit! That is the one I have and started with. May not be "top of the line", but it does what it is supposed to. I will say the powder measure is a bit to get used to but once you do it will not be a problem. Powder measure, I have not had a problem with "leaks". Never had a problem with the Safety prime(only thing is, it has a hard time loading the last primer, but only the last) but it can be done. As far as a new reloader, you can not go wrong! You can easly update as years go on for reloading, but, to get in on the action for a reasonable price..........get it!

February 2, 2010, 11:54 PM	#18
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	What kind of a die set am I looking for, I know I am only going to load 45 ACP for right now. I have seen some 4 die and some 3 die sets. Also what are some of the other incidentals I will need. Do I need a tumbler how important is that. Should I budget for it right away? Also bullet pullers crimpers and so on.

February 3, 2010, 12:04 AM	#19
Fullthrottle Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2009 Posts: 280	So far I only load pistol rounds, I have the Lee 4 die set, has not done me wrong and includes the FCD, some say it is not required but it works well for my use.

February 3, 2010, 08:04 AM	#20
gearheadpyro Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 169	For pistol rounds I much prefer Lee's 4 die carbide set. No lube involved with the carbide dies. It also comes with the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I like it, others may disagree. The Classic Cast Turret I linked to below has a 4 hole turret head, this die set fills it perfectly. A tumbler is a very nice addition, but not essential up front. to get started you can wash your cases in a 50/50 water/white vinegar mix, followed by a baking soda/water mix (to nuetralize the acid). Make sure the cases are bone dry before loading. An impact bullet puller is in the same boat as the tumbler. Starting out you will make some mistakes, and the bullet puller is how to fix them. I didn't have the puller at first, so for about 6 months I just set my mistakes to the side. When I got my puller I had a lot of smacking to do.

February 3, 2010, 10:42 AM	#21
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Hay thanks for all the replies, I think you all almost have me sold on the turet press from lee. I am just waiting for my taxes to come in or an extra truck to to sell and I will be golden.

February 3, 2010, 01:16 PM	#23
Veyec Member Join Date: January 9, 2010 Posts: 41	I am also looking at getting a Lee. But from my research and the comments of many, I am going to get mine from Kempf. Looks like they replace a lot of the junk with better components and items that will actually help you. https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...=190&Itemid=41

February 3, 2010, 01:36 PM	#24
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,626	If you go with the Dillon you won't be looking back wondering if I'd spent the extra money for the better press.

February 3, 2010, 03:29 PM	#25
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	I bought that kit for my first. The scale SUCKS, the powder measure SUCKS. They made some improvements to the press with the steel links (the old style was aluminum which broke). I still use it with my universal de-capping die, after I replaced the links with the upgraded ones. I do like the hand primer and the fact that it comes with the universal shell holders. For the money... you're not going to find a new press for that price. It would be a good start with the addition of a good scale. You can always add and upgrade as your skill increases. JMHO