Author Topic: How have you made Lee equipment work well for you? (Read 4268 times)

NE Hunter · « **Reply #30 on:** February 17, 2005, 07:24:50 AM »

I use lee dies and until i got a sweet deal on a RC II I used a challenger press for many years and would recommend one in an instant to anyone "budget minded". I also like the looks of the Cast press about the only Lee product i don't care for is the scale .... but I haven't actually handled on either.

EDIT

Forgot to mention the Auto Prime couldn't live without that

hivel37 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 17, 2005, 06:22:35 PM »

Like most, my gear is a mixture accumulated over the years. The Lee tools that I use include their Auto-Prime, which I've used beyond 20 years, collet dies for 22 Hornet and 22-250, and carbide dies for 45 acp. As someone else posted, the Hornet has such a thin-walled neck, they're very easy to crunch, and the collet die saves a lot of brass.

Elwood · « **Reply #32 on:** February 18, 2005, 12:11:09 PM »

I started re-loading in 1977 with a lee loader for a 300H&H mag. I use a rockchucker for most reloading that I do but still use the lee loader for the 300 without a problem. Oh I would prefer to use my press but the old lee loader keeps on pumping out good ammo so I have'nt bought new dies. I tipped over a bull elk with it a few years ago and he didn't seem to know the difference!
Elwood P Dowd

jeff223 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 18, 2005, 01:26:29 PM »

LOOKS LIKE MOST LIKE LEE STUFF

heres to LEE stuff :toast:

98% of my reloading is with LEE stuff.i load the 223,6.5x55 swede,270,30-30,30-06,357mag and the 357max.the only non lee stuff i have is a RCBS powder trickler and a set of old Bonanza 35 whelenAI dies that i use for my 35WhelenAI.

good value and produced good ammo :wink:

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #34 on:** February 19, 2005, 09:09:24 PM »

I use the Lee autoprime. I've used it for years with no problems...does a great job. I also use a Lee 20lb. bottom pour casting pot that has worked well for me. The only other Lee products I use are their factory crimp dies. I get good consistant crimps with minimum trimming.
Best,
TnNuc

MnMike · « **Reply #35 on:** February 20, 2005, 05:42:09 PM »

I sometimes come across as a Lee fanatic. Their stuff lets me load on a budget. Actually I am looking to replace the scale and the powder measure. The scale seems to work well but it it is cheap feeling. The powder measure also seems to work but I am happier when I weigh each load (on the Lee scale that I don't totally trust). The press (turret and single), primer tool, and the other parts are just fine.

mike

Bullseye · « **Reply #36 on:** February 22, 2005, 06:49:09 AM »

I have one Lee item that has stuck with me through the years. The Powder Dipper Set.

tomaldridge · « **Reply #37 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:58:22 AM »

Lee sizing dies don't dent bottle-necked brass as easily as RCBS, so I use RCBS dies for neck sizing, and Lee for full-length resizing

Lee seating dies reduce runout

I use a cheap Lee press as a combined primer station/powder measure stand. No problems

Dipper sets never fail, although the new yellow ones have to be seperated. That's the only adjustment I've ever had to make with Lee equipment.

The chief advantage of Lee equipment is that people give it to you. Three times, I've received Lee equipment that was bought in a box lot by someone who wanted the big name stuff. I'll take it.

tomaldridge · « **Reply #38 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:59:54 AM »

Lee sizing dies don't dent bottle-necked brass as easily as RCBS, so I use RCBS dies for neck sizing, and Lee for full-length resizing

Lee seating dies reduce runout

I use a cheap Lee press as a combined primer station/powder measure stand. No problems

Dipper sets never fail, although the new yellow ones have to be seperated. That's the only adjustment I've ever had to make with Lee equipment.

The chief advantage of Lee equipment is that people give it to you. Three times, I've received Lee equipment that was bought in a box lot by someone who wanted the big name stuff. I'll take it.

rybo · « **Reply #39 on:** March 31, 2005, 04:40:49 AM »

Well I have really no other experiences with anything other than the lee anniversary kit and several of their dies, mostly in pistol cartridges. I can achieve excellent accuracy and so far everything has held up nicely for me.

jh45gun · « **Reply #40 on:** March 31, 2005, 05:08:21 AM »

When I go to the gun shop and order a new set of dies or what ever else I may need the owner drags out the Lee Catalog as he knows that is all I will order. Yea if I found some other brands cheap at a rummage or estate sale I would not pass it up but if I buy new it is Lee all the way. Jim

wolfpack · « **Reply #41 on:** March 31, 2005, 07:28:55 PM »

I started out with the Lee aniversary kit. I still use the auto prime and case prep tools that came with it. the perfect powder measure works great, also. I bought Lee dies with my kit and have since used RCBS, Lyman, and Redding- the only one that ill compare with the Lee dies are my Reddings. I also use the Lee Zip-Trim. All in all Lee makes good products at extremely good prices. Nobody is perfect and Lee has a no nonsense approch to loading. I never use my powder trickler just my dippers that came with my dies.

tom barthel · « **Reply #42 on:** April 01, 2005, 10:12:51 AM »

There are some other makers products I like better than some of the Lee products. I have never encountered a Lee product that didn't work well. I highly recommend Lee products. If you are working on a tight budget, You can stop looking beyond Lee.

1911crazy · « **Reply #43 on:** April 01, 2005, 12:27:27 PM »

I have used all RCBS stuff since the early 70's but now i wanted to buy dies in all my military calibers but looking at the RBCS dies it just wasn't cost effective for me to do that. I'm on SS and on a budget too but i want to shoot more for less too!!! I purchased all the LEE RGB dies and LEE Pacesetter dies sets because they fit my RCBS RockChucker Press. I just ran over 5k+ of 308win using the LEE RGB dies without a problem they even adjust the same as the RCBS dies too with the crimp. I bought the LEE powder dipper set too besides the LEE power case trimmer, LEE auto primer and the LEE Universal Decapping Die too. I use the powder dippers to bring the load close then i top it off with the powder trickler so each of the 5,000rds is exactly the same. I alos purchased the LEE $18 Press too for assembling(seating) because its more open. I'm very impressed with the LEE products because there designed with us in mind the end user!!!! There very smart guys at LEE too because there stuff is so well made too. I will buy everything from LEE from now on too i'm hooked!!! The RCBS 7,5 French MAS dies were $49 and the LEE Pacesetter 7,5 French MAS dies were $24 you just can't beat the savings and there just as good. Even the cheaper LEE RGB Dies are awesome too for $10?? If i was starting out reloading right now I would of bought the LEE aniversary reloading kit from MidwayUSA when it was on sale you just can't go wrong with LEE products. Reloading should be affordable and the guys at LEE are keeping it that way too. BigBill

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #44 on:** April 01, 2005, 12:47:06 PM »

bill i mean no disrespect

but man they should give you a job at lee lol

jd45 · « **Reply #45 on:** April 01, 2005, 01:53:02 PM »

Badnews Bob, I'm gonna buy a single stage press & am leaning towards the Lee Classic. Can you please explain how the Hornady Lock-n Load bushings work with a single, & any other helpful hints to make a single more "reloader-friendly"? I'm using a Lee 4 position right now & don't like the fact that the cases go up into the dies on a slightly crooked angle. You can see the bullet shank on one side of the case, but not on the other. The ammo turned out is OK accuracywise, but I think I can do better.......that's why I thought I'd try a single-stage press. Thanx for your feedback. jd45.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #46 on:** April 01, 2005, 02:34:19 PM »

They only have a few items I'll ever recommend or use of Lee's is their Auto Prime...and any of the factory crimp die's..and for a new shotgun reloader needing to get by very cheaply...I'll say to pick up and use the Load All 2 till they can afford a Mec...or for a rifleshooter...get a Load All for a specific caliber....the rest they can keep......

Mac

Brokenrack · « **Reply #47 on:** April 02, 2005, 03:28:57 PM »

I love the collet dies and hardly ever use my bench press anymore just the Lee Hand press. I also use the Perfect powder measure and am starting to get very accurate with it though I still use a scale to be sure. I have never had any problems and agree people should read the instuctions.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #48 on:** April 02, 2005, 07:09:35 PM »

JD45 ..... The hornady LNL bushings have a screw in bushing that they lock into, (I think its an inch and a quarter) The LEE cast press has the same size removable bushing so you can reload .50 BMG, You remove the Lee bushing and screw in the hornady bushing then Lock N Load.
Real simple and your dies don't need reset. Its a wonderful press, The primer catcher is the best I've ever seen and it can load .50BMG not too many can claim that.

1911crazy · « **Reply #49 on:** April 05, 2005, 04:20:33 AM »

Quote from: SLAVAGE

bill i mean no disrespect

but man they should give you a job at lee lol

For us to find something that is made in America, that is affordable and to top it off it WORKS TOO!!!! Lets face it we just don't manufacture great stuff anymore except for babies. I've used RCBS stuff for many years since the 70's but i'm on a budget now being retired on disability(54) and i have to watch my pennies but i still want to enjoy my life too. Since the military surplus ammo will runout someday soon I'm planning on reloading to continue shooting the old war horses. While the LEE stuff is so affordable now is the time to buy it and get ready for the bad times when surplus ammo runs out thats my plan. Think about it you can buy "10" sets of LEE RGB dies for $100 now how many RCBS die sets can you buy? maybe "3"?? Even if you buy the LEE Pacesetter Dies your up to "4" close to "5" die sets. I'm very Frugal too!!!!!! Shop smart go with LEE!!!! BigBill

I just got to use the LEE Auto Primer for the first time and its faster one you have the rythm down. There is some primers they say won't work in it too so you have to watchout for that too. I just picked up the LEE Ram Prime too on sale at MidwayUSA too for using in the press. Just watch for MidwayUSA to put it on sale and go for it but click on the Lee products list too because they will have more LEE stuff on sale too. You can buy it not on sale too but its more Frugal to shop smart to get the most bang for your buck!!!!!! The more we save we can buy the bullets at MidwayUSA too thats what I do to save on shipping too.

I don't have anything to do with LEE or MidwayUSA I'm just a shooter who wants to save $$$ and get the most bang for my $$ that i can too. My point is you can save $$ too and be Frugal just like me!!!!!

GypsmJim · « **Reply #50 on:** April 05, 2005, 01:40:24 PM »

When I was in college in 1967, being on a tight budget, I bought a Lee Loader in 8mm for my surplus Mauser. A few years later I got another one in .45 ACP, plus a Lee Lead pot and .45 bullet mold. All through the years, I added more and more Lee Loaders until I needed a caliber that they didn't make. Then, I bought regulay Lee dies and an Anniversary press. I ventually replaced all the Lee Loaders with dies, plus added a second press.

Except for a 1970 vintage RCBS powder scale, I'm 100% Lee. That old .45 ACP bullet mold has cast thousands and thousands of rounds and irs still as good as new. I've replaced a few incidental parts, but have really never ahd a provlem. I load and cast 5000-6000 rounds a yhear.

I'm not associated with Lee, but I sure wish I had bought their stock years ago.

jd45 · « **Reply #51 on:** April 08, 2005, 03:33:28 PM »

Yesterday I got my hot little hands on Lee's Classic Cast Single Stage press, from MidwayUSA. This is a great piece of machinery! The lock & Load conversion kit was backordered but should ship in a few days. I'm sending my turret press back to Lee to get it straightened out...NO CHARGE, according to Pat, who I discussed my problem with it with. I'm very happy with the classic! jd45

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #52 on:** April 08, 2005, 03:46:57 PM »

i have the factory crimp dies an the auto hand prime all so ther trimmers love them all an then some have a few sets of dies i started with an ther working just fine all so but all my pistold dies are mostly rcbs but the dies i dont shoot alot are lee, my 06 an 7-30
but im woundering is what would happen if i threaded the inside of a lyman case trimmer cutter head to except the lee trimmer bar as basicly a collet that way i can go really really fast with it cause of the drill hmm
any one have any good ideas for this?

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #53 on:** April 08, 2005, 06:13:14 PM »

I have been useing a cordless drill to turn my Lee trimmers with, But I just picked up a zip trim and three jaw chuck for it, Its just too easy.

Hey JD45 is that thing the cats meow or what?

hunt4570 · « **Reply #54 on:** April 09, 2005, 03:14:01 AM »

Bob ...you like the zip trim better than the cordless?I can't imagine yanking the cord is easier than pulling the trigger on my cordless.Explain to me the advantages please.Also why would anyone trim any other way than the lee way? SGB

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #55 on:** April 09, 2005, 06:00:30 AM »

i got the zip trim its grate just one thing though if you are going to get it get teh chuck for it all so having to take the shell holder out to change to a new brass is a pain in the a$$ lol so thats my next item to but to add to the long list of lee lol
that an i nead to get a case trimmer in 300 whisper 375 jdj an 7tcu 357 max so if you guys come aross some let me know they dont have them listed in ther book
dave

hunt4570 · « **Reply #56 on:** April 09, 2005, 07:36:48 AM »

Slavage...Lee will custom make you one for any cartrige,I think you need to send them an empty cartrige to work off of...about 15 bucks if I rember right.call customer service and they will let you know what they need.SGB :grin:

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #57 on:** April 09, 2005, 07:45:17 AM »

yeah i see that on ther site im woundering if they get an order for say 30 of them or some thing the cost will go down to the usual 5 the have the others on ther site, if thats the case maybe in a few months get a few guys together an order some if not may be a nice investment order 30 of each an toss them on e bay for 15 if i can get them for 4

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #58 on:** April 10, 2005, 05:31:23 PM »

Hunt4570 the zip tris batteries never run down for one, But the real reason is that its bolted to the bench nice and solid and the base holder dosn't fall out all the time plus with the three jaw chuck you never change shell holders, That ball handle cutter is sweet too.

jd45 · « **Reply #59 on:** April 11, 2005, 01:27:33 AM »

Bob, it certainly is the cat's meow! Can't wait to start reloading my .308 & .303 Brit stuff. Think I'm gonna get the Lee Delux Rifle Die set for the .308. It's a bolt gun so I don't need to full-length resize, jd45.