Author Topic: Lee Anniversary Kit (Read 3451 times)

darat100 · « **on:** June 12, 2006, 09:40:40 AM »

I am preparing to get started loading and am looking for a good starter kit. I know there are benfits and disadvantages to every type of equipment.

Can anyone give a little advice. I am not ever going to be a high volume loader. I have bough a .357 Max and obviously don't have much choice but to give this a shot if I am going to shoot it much. I don't need speed, just something simple to work with.

Is there any part of this kit that I am going to despise. Like I say, not worried about speed.

Thanks

Josh

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2006, 10:13:49 AM »

Speed isn't so much the issue in this decision. The Lee kit will allow you to reload about as quickly as any other press of the same basic design. The issue is quality, reliability and durability. If you plan to be in this for the long haul, you may want to look to better quality equipment. Lee is the lowest quality product available at any price. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who have started reloading with them and either given it up or have upgraded their equipment. It's the rare individual who stays with the anniversary kit for a long time.

ricciardelli · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2006, 10:15:46 AM »

You get what you pay for...

DWTim · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2006, 10:40:14 AM »

RCBS! They make great stuff, and there is almost always an "upgrade" path when you want to kick it up a notch. If you get the RC Supreme (aka Rock Chucker IV) Master Reloading Kit, you get a proven press, a powder measure, a quality scale, hand priming tool, deburring tool, case lube kit, Speer #13 manual, and a small loading block for under $300. There are also various other odds and ends that you get.

You will have to add: A die set, shellholders, empty brass, bullets and powder.

You could conceivably go from nothing to reloading-your-own for under $350 (including supplies). Then, when you want to go big, you can get a Piggyback and convert your RC into a progressive loader, or a myriad of other tools that RCBS has.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2006, 11:11:02 AM »

I made the mistake of buying a Lee Annaversary kit once, Within 6 months I had replaced everything save the autoprime with RCBS equipment.

Now I like some of lee's dies and I love the companys case trimmers, But I firmly believe that the ONLY people that will tell you thar buying Lee equipment is worthwile are people who have yet to use anything better

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2006, 12:13:09 PM »

Josh,

I started with a Lee Classic loader in .45-70, but that got old real quick, but it's the least expensive of all choices, but you won't be able to use the .357 die set with it.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

I then bought a Lee Anniversary kit and for the most part, the only thing I still use out of it is their primer and the manual! The rest of the stuff has been upgraded a piece at a time. I also use the Lee trimmers for calibers they come in but needed a universal trimmer for those that Lee doesn't offer, so I bought a Lyman on ebay for $20 with all the pilots.

I didn't care for the scale that came with the kit, so I bought a beam scale on ebay for $15. Got bored with the tediousness of the beam scale and bought a digital powder dispenser/scale.

When I started loading for the .45-120, I upgraded the press to the Lee Classic cast press which was a heck of a buy at the time of less than $70 shipped, it's gone up a bit since, but is still a great buy.

If you have the money to start off with a good kit, the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme gets the most recommendations of any kit that I've seen, Midsouth has a great price on it.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357

If you want to pick and choose equipment, here's one man's opinion on whatcha need and whatch can do without.

http://home.earthlink.net/~dannewberry/dannewberrysoptimalchargeweightloaddevelopment/id7.html

Tim

KN · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2006, 12:24:52 PM »

Same experience as krochus! I don't buy any thing Lee except their pistol dies. I have thrown away most every thing else Lee I ever bought. KN

DWTim · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2006, 12:36:04 PM »

That's a great guide. However, I think a $35 investment in carbide dies would simplify the O.P.'s reloading experience, since he's shooting .357 max.

goodconcretecolor · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2006, 01:15:17 PM »

I have to disagree with the consensus here. The Lee Aniversary Kit can be a great way to start out. The only piece I would replace with haste is the powder scale. I have tried friends' Lyman and Rcbs equipment and I get as good or better results with a Lee hand press and a reloader press. Both are less expensive s than the challenger press that comes with the kit. I have been loading for 19 years with the hand press and 6 years with the reloader. I don't do any bullet swaging or case reforming but then, neither do most beginning reloaders. If either of these operations is desired, I would compare the Lee Classic Cast with the RCBS s before dropping any cash. Except for the powder scales, most other equipment is sloppy design(though it is well executed), over built and over priced.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2006, 03:37:30 PM »

Josh, if you are never, ever going to reload anything else, the Lee kit might be fine. I agree with everyone that doesn't like the Lee scale. I think the small O press is a fine light press. If I had to go get euipment now for small volume reloading, I'd get an RCBS rockchucker if I could find a good used one, or a Lee Classic Cast if I bought new. Then I'd buy the other items off EBAY or swapmeets. RCBS or redding scale, Redding powder drop, Lee dies and case tools. Get a couple good reloading books, and you're set to go.

I'd spend some time asking around, and try to look at a few reloaders set ups before I spent any money.
Ed

Ed Hill · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2006, 03:45:17 PM »

Josh, if you are never, ever going to reload anything else, the Lee kit might be fine. I agree with everyone that doesn't like the Lee scale. I think the small O press is a fine light press. If I had to go get euipment now for small volume reloading, I'd get an RCBS rockchucker if I could find a good used one, or a Lee Classic Cast if I bought new. Then I'd buy the other items off EBAY or swapmeets. RCBS or redding scale, Redding powder drop, Lee dies and case tools. Get a couple good reloading books, and you're set to go.

I'd spend some time asking around, and try to look at a few reloaders set ups before I spent any money.
Ed

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2006, 07:18:10 PM »

For about the same money as the LEE kit, you can get an RCBS Partner kit which is way better quality.

Like Krochus, and KN said, I also made the "HUGE" mistake of starting out on a LEE Aniversery kit. Even with zero knowlage of handloading, I quickly realized that the entire kit except for the Auto-Prime was nothing but cheap made junk. I very quickly built a set up with a mix of RCBS, and Redding equipment, and it was definately the right decision. I gave away that rickety press, and tossed the rest in the trash.

I do like their dies OK, and have since worn out two Auto-Primes, but I still prefer it to the other priming units.

jack19512 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2006, 05:00:18 AM »

I will add my opinion and it will disagree with most of the posts. I am exactly like you. I knew I wouldn't be reloading large amounts of ammo and I really didn't want to invest a lot of money into something I didn't know for sure I would continue with or not.

I started with the Lee Anniversary kit and I have no regrets about buying it. But I reload for 4 different rifle cartridges and I just got tired of changing the dies so I purchased the Lee Turret press and have had absolutely no regrets.

I still use the press that came in the anniversary kit. I have my bullet puller installed in it. As anyone on this forum that has ever seen some of the groups that I have posted knows I have reloaded some very accurate ammo and I challenge anyone to reload any better. You can reload faster, but not any better.

Unlike most though I still use the scale that came with the kit. It is slow to use but so am I. If you want to see some of the groups I have got using my Lee junk let me know and I will post them. :-D

mountainview · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2006, 05:14:49 AM »

Not sure what I am doing wrong but the Anniversary kit seems to work well enough for me and meets my particular needs. I could've spent more but I needed to stay in my modest budget when I got started. Additionally, reloading simply represents a means to an end, not the end itself for some of us.

Maine Woods · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2006, 11:06:51 AM »

This is a little off topic ,but this has been a great thread for me. I have been out of reloading for awhile and am getting ready to start back up. I have good and better press and powder measure ,scale ect. I need to buy more dies and was getting sucked into the BIG $$ mentailty?? This was just what I neede to read! I will continue to buy good to better but no compition dies for ME ! My gun may do better but I am an MOA ( on somedays a little better shooter) So I dont need to go to crazy. Thanks all

jack19512 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2006, 07:08:13 PM »

No one asked but I am going to post some pics of my groups anyway. All loaded with my Lee junk. The funny thing is I have never reloaded before in my life until now and have been reloading just a short time. Just think what I will be able to do when I figure out what I am doing. :grin:

First is my 223 Ultra reloads that I just recently shot. It is a 5 shot group from 100 yards off the hood of my pick-up. The reason I have a 3 shot group and the 2 shot group is (I think)because I changed shooting positions.

Next is my K31 reloads.

Next is my K98

Next is my Mosin Nagant M38. Which didn't shoot worth a crap until I started handloading for it. As you can see the M38 liked the #1 load the best.

I am still working on all of these loads to see if they can be improved on.

USMC0332 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 16, 2006, 07:46:36 AM »

I recently bought the Lee Anniversary kit with manual. I have no complaints about it and plan on continuing to use it. I even like the scale after I took a couple of minutes to figure it out. I enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the time spent at the bench. If I was in a hurry to build 100s of rounds I would need different gear, but that isn't for me right now. There is more expensive better quality equipment around, but this stuff does all I need it to do.

jerkface11 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2006, 04:31:13 PM »

Quote from: USMC0332

I recently bought the Lee Anniversary kit with manual. I have no complaints about it and plan on continuing to use it. I even like the scale after I took a couple of minutes to figure it out. I enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the time spent at the bench. If I was in a hurry to build 100s of rounds I would need different gear, but that isn't for me right now. There is more expensive better quality equipment around, but this stuff does all I need it to do.

You like the scale??? I guess you never tried an RCBS scale. As for being able to load accurate ammo with the lee equipment that isn't the point. Most of their stuff is just a lot of trouble to use.

jack19512 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 16, 2006, 11:56:38 PM »

Posted by jerkface11

"As for being able to load accurate ammo with the lee equipment that isn't the point. Most of their stuff is just a lot of trouble to use."

You're joking, right? I must have missed it, what was the point? Except for my bullet puller and powder trickler everything I have is Lee. I haven't found any of it any trouble to use. I actually enjoy it.

Just goes to show you how ignorant I am when it comes to reloading. I actually thought being able to reload accurate ammo was one of the benefits of reloading. :roll: Stupid me I should have bought Dillon. Then I could have really reloaded some ammo instead of just thinking I did. :eek:

I'm gonna go back now and re-read the original post so I can try and understand the point. :bye:

myarmor · « **Reply #19 on:** June 17, 2006, 04:18:21 AM »

The Lee Aniversary Kit is aimed at people that are wanting to start reloading. Most that want to start don't have alot of cash to throw down on something they still aren't sure about and may have never done before. With $130-140 you can buy this kit, 1lb of powder, primers, bullets, and 1 die set and get started loading 1 caliber. The quality of some of there stuff is rough at times, but it works...just not real pretty to look at

Average guy wanting to get into reloading I believe it to be a good choice. After time though if he sticks with it he will probably want to upgrade no doubt to some more smoother equipment, and thats why so many other choices are out there, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Redding, Forster, Dillon, etc.. Most long time-experianced handloaders, big time shooters, and competitors use these guys. Lee never said their humble Aniversary kit was designed for competition use, just to help get as many into the reloading and shooting sports as they can, and do it with out much $$
Lee has it's place.

jack19512 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 17, 2006, 07:24:08 PM »

Hey, I loaded 3 more rounds for my K31 tonight. I'm still trying different combos hoping to get the best accuracy I can. If my mind don't change I am seriously thinking about loading 3 more 7.62X54 rounds for my Mosin and 3 more rounds of 8mm.

My shooting range is almost out my back door so I really don't have to load up a big bunch of ammo at one time just to have a little fun. I strive for quality, not quantity.

I just think too many people lose perspective on a topic like this. Aren't we lucky that all of us don't have to go out and buy BMW's for work cars? Thank goodness we have other choices.

How does the saying go? "It's not so much the tools but the carpenter behind them". :grin:

darat100 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 18, 2006, 02:26:26 AM »

Guys, thanks for all the different views. I purchased a Lee Kit last night. Should be here in a couple of days. I am excited. Can't wait to get to get started. From the sounds of things, I will probably be looking to change a few things, but like someone said, I don't know if I will even stay with it, so several hundred dollars just didn't seem logical to begin with. I can change a piece at a time if I stay with it later.

Thanks again guys

Josh

jerkface11 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 18, 2006, 02:41:09 AM »

Quote from: jack19512

Posted by jerkface11

"As for being able to load accurate ammo with the lee equipment that isn't the point. Most of their stuff is just a lot of trouble to use."

You're joking, right? I must have missed it, what was the point? Except for my bullet puller and powder trickler everything I have is Lee. I haven't found any of it any trouble to use. I actually enjoy it.

Just goes to show you how ignorant I am when it comes to reloading. I actually thought being able to reload accurate ammo was one of the benefits of reloading. :roll: Stupid me I should have bought Dillon. Then I could have really reloaded some ammo instead of just thinking I did. :eek:

I'm gonna go back now and re-read the original post so I can try and understand the point. :bye:

Did I say the ammo wasn't good? Did I say accurate ammo wasn't a benefit of reloading? No i said neither. I said you can load accurate ammo with lee equpiment. Then I said their equipment isn't that easy to use. It takes LONGER to load ammo with lee equipment that it would with RCBS. For instance the lee safety scale is a lot more trouble than an RCBS scale. And the lee "perfect" powder measure is barely usable at all. Is the point clear enough for you now?

Questor · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2006, 03:29:42 AM »

Darat100:

Welcome to reloading. I think you've gotten a reasonably fair assessment of the issues in this thread. If you like the results of reloading, but are getting frustrated with some aspect of it, just keep in mind that good equipment is what makes the difference in these matters. When you start replacing things, consider replacing the scale and the powder measure first because those are the most safety-related items.

My own opinion based on what others have consistently written about the Lee powder measure is that you'll probably want to weigh each charge to ensure that the charge is correct.

Questor · « **Reply #24 on:** June 18, 2006, 03:31:28 AM »

Darat100:

Welcome to reloading. I think you've gotten a reasonably fair assessment of the issues in this thread. If you like the results of reloading, but are getting frustrated with some aspect of it, just keep in mind that good equipment is what makes the difference in these matters. When you start replacing things, consider replacing the scale and the powder measure first because those are the most safety-related items.

My own opinion based on what others have consistently written about the Lee powder measure is that you'll probably want to weigh each charge to ensure that the charge is correct.

myronman3 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2006, 03:59:58 AM »

i have used a variety of equipement. and i currently have 3 dillon presses. love them to death. a good friend of mine taught me about them and i fell in love with them. i cant imagine trying to figure them out without the guidance i was lucky to have.

i started out with a lee aniversary kit. i still have it and use it for my premium rifle ammo. like was said, it is aimed at the begining reloader who doesnt want to sink a ton of cash into it to see if it is for him/her. and one can make very good ammo with the lee equipement.

if i was asked either buy/dont buy concerning the lee kit, the answer is a resounding "buy".

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 18, 2006, 04:16:05 AM »

Quote from: myarmor

The Lee Aniversary Kit is aimed at people that are wanting to start reloading. Most that want to start don't have alot of cash to throw down on something they still aren't sure about and may have never done before. With $130-140 you can buy this kit, 1lb of powder, primers, bullets, and 1 die set and get started loading 1 caliber. The quality of some of there stuff is rough at times, but it works...just not real pretty to look at Average guy wanting to get into reloading I believe it to be a good choice. After time though if he sticks with it he will probably want to upgrade no doubt to some more smoother equipment, and thats why so many other choices are out there, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Redding, Forster, Dillon, etc.. Most long time-experianced handloaders, big time shooters, and competitors use these guys. Lee never said their humble Aniversary kit was designed for competition use, just to help get as many into the reloading and shooting sports as they can, and do it with out much $$
Lee has it's place.

I should clip this and attach it as a "Sticky" at the top of the forum. Most intelligent answer to an ever recurring question that I've seen.
Thank you.
I do believe that many will add to rather than replace, a second press on the bench is ALWAYS useful!

Questor · « **Reply #27 on:** June 18, 2006, 09:41:43 AM »

That is a good post.

The tragedy of it all is that beginners (in this and in many other things) are the ones who need good equipment the most, but are least likely to invest in it.

BigJakeJ1s · « **Reply #28 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:16:12 AM »

Quote from: Questor

That is a good post.

The tragedy of it all is that beginners (in this and in many other things) are the ones who need good equipment the most, but are least likely to invest in it.

I agree, I think it is a great post. The problem is, too many folks confuse "good" with "best". Good means adequate for the intended task, which Lee equipment certainly is. And with it to start out on, users can find out what things they like and don't like about it (what quirks they are willing to live with, and which ones they'd happily spend more $ to avoid), and make better informed decisions about what to buy next.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 18, 2006, 01:08:33 PM »

For what its worth i happen to like Lee products for the most part , the scales leave alot to be disired for me . As my reloading room shows Lee has had a place for many years in my house .

The turret press is over 25 years old and still going strong , the C press is new , i got it with the new Lee loading manual . The best buy i have found so far are the RGB dies that Lee sells for the money you can not go wrong .

That being said my next press will be a Dillon , just for the fact that i have been shooting more and need the speed that the Dillon will provide .