Author Topic: New Lee Press (Read 988 times)

MnMike · « **on:** February 26, 2004, 06:15:07 PM »

I see Lee is adverising a new press. It seems to be the same as the press I have but is made of cast iron. Why?

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2004, 12:08:11 AM »

MnMike any idea I might have would only be a guess, but I would guess it would be like Ford Mercury Lincon, or Cheyrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadicac

jgalar · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2004, 01:54:45 AM »

It would be an inexpensive press for 50 bmg.

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2004, 04:27:52 AM »

I noticed it too - and made a post similar to yours here.

I wasn't aware of the 50 BMG capabilities - that makes sense.

I was also wondering if Lee is considering offering a better line of Products. Lee has many fans, but they also built up a number of critics. Many folks don't like the aluminum construction and basic "chinseyness" of Lee.

It's true - Lee just doesn't feel like anything that will last several lifetimes. Dillon et. al. are tools that seem like you should expect to pass on to your grandkids.

However, I haven't had anything from Lee completely wear out on me. I've had an occasional part wear out. But I've never had to buy a whole now tool.

Ross · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2004, 07:24:07 PM »

Jgalar,
The RCBS .50 BMG dies are listed as 1½"-12tpi. The Lee press is 1¼"-18tpi, I believe.
What is the length overall of the .50 BMG? The Lee window seems to be over 4" IIRC.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

Robert · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2004, 07:37:11 PM »

Hmmm....Isn't the phrase 'round boxes' an oxymoron? Lee makes some great stuff. A lot of thier stuff fills the needs of budget minded people. My first powder measure was a Lee. It has limitations, but it was a cheap way to learn a new way to re-load. I now have another one, but I still use the Lee for some powders. I prefer RCBS and Redding dies, but some of thier dies are rerally expensive, and have a wait for special order dies. If Lee has it cheaper and faster...they are gonna get my money. For example 7.62x25. I couldn't beleive the prices I found for these dies. But Lee had a good price and they work just fine.
HEY BTW! I REALLY MISSED YOU GUYS TODAY! Good to see the forum back up, I didn't realize how Graybearddependent I had become.

williamlayton · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2004, 12:35:35 AM »

I guess we are all really co-depndent in a lot of ways arn't we.
Blessings
PS---An we are all different fer a lots of reasons but I can't convince myownself to go the Lee route when I get around to this stuff. I know I'll catch flames fer this thought, It just does not seem worth the money when you consider the difference.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2004, 01:12:35 AM »

Well, Will, if you're expecting flames, i may as well go ahead and start. Sure would be a shame to tie up that $200 Forester with a decapping die, then you'd need another so you could permanantly mount that powder compression die. I really don't believe there is a more convenient way to seat primers than the Lee Auto Prime, or the Auto Prime ll if you happen to have arthritus. Any company that will guarente in writing that if their die doesen't give you the smallest groups, they will give you your money back, has to have something going for them, or they're gonna be broke really soon. How many threads have you seen where someone was talking about their Super-Dupper custom made reloading dies then add as a last step that they crimp with a Lee factory crimp die? Lee stuff isn't made to be heirloom quality, it's made so that you're heirs don't have to wait for you to croak, they can afford to buy their own.
If you buy an economy car, it'll get you back and forth to work, a luxury car will get you there in style and comfort, but the result is the same, you made it to work then home again.
I know, a lot of rambeling just to get to a short point.
Just don't discount Lee stuff, there are a lot of uses even if you have the top end of everything.

williamlayton · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2004, 12:21:59 PM »

BF-
Well I guess I shoulda qualified tha statement. I shoulda limited the statement to presses. I'm agreeing with ya bout some of the other Lee stuff. May very well get Lee dies.
Blessings

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2004, 09:39:51 PM »

Most reloading equipment I own happens to be Lee not because I like it better, but because my wallet likes it better. Sofar if I've missed anything I shoot at( and that happens quite frequently :-D ) it can be atributed to operator error not equipment failure. I would love a Dillion but my right butt cheek hurts every time I think about one. :roll:

Hey Ross the Lee press has a removable bush so you can use both size dies FYI, pretty stout looking press to me, I'll have to stick with what I have for now. :-)

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2004, 02:02:30 AM »

bob,
im with you on this
i jut got started in reloading abt a month ago.
if it wasnt for the prices of lee press and other lee products i would still be shooting factory stuff.
the loads i have used since reloading seem to be as accurate if not more accurate than the factory stuff
i dont see anything wrong with lee
just my two
sureshot

Flash · « **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2004, 02:23:40 AM »

The Lee presses are made of cast metal, which is without a doubt, less wear resistant than cast iron. The ram will become sloppy in it's travel and cause problems when attempting to maintain concentric sizing. The cast iron press is a step in the right direction for Lee and they wouldn't have done if it wasn't necessary. The communication that the internet makes possible, allows first time buyers to get facts and true testimonials about products before purchasing. I'm sure that this will be a driving force behind many product changes for many different companies. It would be foolish to think that the research departments of manufacturers don't browse these sights for feedback on their products. My opinion.....nit pick!! Give them what their looking for. If it's junk, say it! Lee's design is great, the material they use is substandard. The reason for me owning a DILLON!

hogship · « **Reply #12 on:** March 14, 2004, 05:33:19 AM »

Flash.....

You probably aren't aware yet that Lee is now producing a cast iron reloading press. I feel the same way, and would not reccomend any of the older Lee presses for a primary application. (I have a Lee hand press for use at the range.....but that's a whole nuther story!)

hogship

"Lee Classic Cast Press
This single stage press has a rigid cast iron "O" frame with an attractive baked powder finish and powerful all steel linkage. Features the largest opening and longest handle stroke in the industry. Powerful compound linkage with travel stop to prevent "cam-over". Primer installation and handle are adjustable for right or left hand use. Automatic primer arm with bottom of stroke priming. Large 1-1/8" diameter ram with hose fitting for easy primer disposal. Threaded die adapter accepts standard 7/8x14" dies, remove the adapter and the press accepts 1-1/4x12" large series dies. Uses standard shell holders. Optional primer feeders available.
"

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #13 on:** March 14, 2004, 06:48:35 AM »

Here's a review:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/leepress/index.asp

Flash · « **Reply #14 on:** March 14, 2004, 07:23:38 AM »

You probably aren't aware that I mentioned this press in the third sentence of my previous message. I've never seen one but if I wanted a single stage, I would consider it. I wouldn't even consider a Lee "Pour A Press" as a secondary application due to it being a waste of money. I'll never have to buy another press by owning a Dillon. Providing the primer size stays the same, caliber changes are a breeze and with the shell plate base being used, the cartridge is pushed up at the same angle every time, regardless of caliber. You see, the Dillon only uses caliber specific, shell plates to pull the cartridge out of the dies. A base, which is a solid, lathe turned disc of cold rolled steel, suports the cartridge bottom and is perpendicular to the center line of the dies. This pushes the cartridge base up from the same point and at the same angle every time. There's no worry about getting the RCBS, Lee or Lyman shell holder in the exact position, which is necessary for controllable accuracy. I guess if I had a 50BMG, I would opt for another Rockchucker but I make it a habit, never to shoot into other counties unless I'm at the border line. :-D

Flash · « **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2004, 07:40:26 AM »

Hogship.............cool pics from Nam. I heard that the Hueys were like soda cans when it came to ground fire from the AK's. I had a cousin who almost lost a foot at an LZ from ground fire. It came up right through the floor and went through his foot.

hogship · « **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2004, 09:12:40 AM »

Pardon me, Flash.....I didn't put 2 and 2 together on your earlier post.

Lee is finally getting it together and realizing the greater portion of reloaders don't want "cheap"......they want "well built" with quality materials. As you said, it's the internet that'll be what kick starts Lee's presses toward that end!

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yep, there were very few places you could shoot a Huey with a 7.62x39, or larger, that it wouldn't pass completely through. The "skin" was very thin aluminum alloy. If you look closely at this photo, you'll see an armored vest back plate right underneath my butt. The pilots had armor plated seats, but for gunners, the "family jewels" were vulnerable from bullets coming straight up!

hogship