In my humble opinion, Ones opposition to one thing or another is manytimes multifaceted. Most grounded in truth, sometimes in opinion. Opinions are arrived upon for many reasons as well. Some from others opinions like those here and some form personal experiences. Many if not all of us derive those opinions from personal experiences. Its the same for me, only I, like a couple of us here, work in the industry. I have been working in this industry since the late '80's. My opinions on products come from my personal experiences (As a long time re loader, hunter and competition shooter)as well as my customers experiences and what I see returned to the store or repair.
Know that every manufacturer out there makes a bad piece or three. Every manufacturer will offer some kind of warranty. Some go above and beyond to help while others offer the world and do little to nothing. Many people will only look at the dollars out of pocket at time of purchase. They never factor aggravation, the time lost or of having to wait for something to be repaired. I always advise my customers to buy the best you can afford. Also, buying new, is not always the best way to go. Personally, I'd rather buy a well used late model, hi mileage, Mercedes than a brand new Yugo. sarcasm of coarse, but I think you catch my meaning. Both will run you about the same coin, but you know your getting quality in the Mercedes. I'll always try to put someone into a used Lyman, Hornady or RCBS setup, for the same coin as a new LEE kit. many just want the new Lee and that's what i sell them. seems we usually have some used dies to offer as well. Our classified here @ GBO are chocked full of guys selling reloading stuff for a good value.
In my experience in three different stores, Lee is head and shoulders above all other manufactures for dissatisfied customers and returned products. Most Lee will repair/replace under warranty. Now I freely admit, we currently sell Lee more than other makes, so the scales are tipped to the manufacturer with the most products out there. But, I will also tell you this, I cannot remember a single customer buying his second or third reloading outfit/press going back to a Lee setup. Sure they will buy this or that from Lee. But one press/scale/powdermeasure and they have usually had their fill. The dies, there excellent trimmers and shell holders remain a good sellers.
Something else to consider, if you where to poll 50 of the top country's shooters, I'll bet you a months salary you wont find more than 3-5 using any Lee presses, scales, measures or dies. I wonder why?
I am no hypocrite. I too have a LEE press on my bench. I use it expressly as a priming station. Even that has been gatering dust since I bought the RCBS priming station some 5 years back. I have completely worn out 2-3 Lee hand primers. The Lil' dog bone fell appart. I had a press fail. The hole the ram ran thru was so out of round it bound up. I have had numerous die failures. Everything form broken unbreakable decaping pins to the latest, a carbide ring failure.
Will Lee products work, YES, some better than others.
Are Lee products a good deal? YES, Sometimes. For a new loader, who only loads one or two calibers, LO VOLUME and infrequently. Who doesn't have access to used equipment.
Some of the products do work exceptionally well. The hand held case trimmer comes to mind. Its an excellent product! I don't use it much, but I do have them for most all calibers I load for. (That's ALOT!!)
Their neck sizing collett dies. Are another winner. I suggest them to many many shooters/ Its a well designed, well working product. I have them for all bolt rifles that I shoot allot. Again, I don't use them allot but they have proved an asset for building more accurate ammunition.
I just hate to see my customers lay down hard earned cash on a product. With the expectation of a lifetimes service. When I know full well that the pot metal/cast parts in that product will not hold up to the rigors of hard and frequent use. I do my best to build a repor with my customers, built on trust, our mutual experience and commonalities. They need to trust what I tell them, (If I told nothing but lies and misinformation, where would I be?) I hold the trust that they place in me, in high regard and will never knowingly steer them wrong. Now, I don't personally know any of you, but feel a bond thru the years and our many, many posts and exchanges. I try to comment only in posts that I know the subjest matter. I read and listen in on what I am not so well versed with and admit when I am wrong. Mine is but an opinion here, an opinion amongst many experienced hunters and shooters. Your experiences may differ from mine. That's what makes the world go round. I'm very glad if you have gotten good service from your products. Your doing something right, keep it up!!
So when I say, I sincerely hope that they work well for you, you know where I am coming from.
CW
