Author Topic: Toggles on Older Lee Challenger "O" Press  (Read 988 times)

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Offline Huffmanite

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Toggles on Older Lee Challenger "O" Press
« on: July 01, 2010, 07:20:53 AM »
Around 4 years ago, I got back into guns, shooting and reloading after around a 40 year absence from them.   I bought the Lee Challenger "O" press and except for the aluminum toggles on it, it has served me well for reloading the various rifle cartridges I shoot.  About once a year, I'd not notice the handle had loosened in the press and break one of the aluminum toggles. 

This happened again recently.  Rather than order a replacement toggle from Midway made for my older press, I called Lee to ask if the steel toggle system used on the newer breechlock version Challenger "O" press would work on my older model.  The answer was YES.  So, for $14.50 (shipping included), I ordered the following parts needed to install the newer type steel toggles.

OF3221...........Ram Pin Step.............$0.50
OF3613...........Lever Clamp..............$3.00
OF3609...........1 3/16 Steel Washer..$0.50
FO2113........1 1/4  5/16-18 Bolt.....$0.50 (Yes, part # begins with FO, instead of OF, way listed on invoice)
OF2853...........New Toggle...............$3.00  (Need two of this part, one each of other parts)

Don't think the handle on my press will loosen now, nor will I break the toggle.

Offline PawPaw

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Re: Toggles on Older Lee Challenger "O" Press
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2010, 09:08:41 AM »
I had to replace the toggles on mine several years ago.  Of course, as soon as the new Lee parts came in, my wife surprised me with a new press for Christmas.  I've still got the Challenger, use it as a backup.

I agree that the new steel toggles are much better.  If I didn't have the new press I'd still be satisfied using the Challenger.

What did she buy for me?  A Lee Classic Cast.  Probably the last single stage press I'll ever buy.

Offline guntech59

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Re: Toggles on Older Lee Challenger "O" Press
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2010, 12:45:02 PM »
I had the same problem on mine shortly after I bought it.  I replace it with the steel ones and broke one of them after about three months.  I am not very happy about it.

I bought a used RCBS JR3 from a guy for $30 and never looked back.

One of the machinists at work is making a solid piece for the Lee press.  He has already dared me to try to break THAT! ;D