A good economic single stage press

[4895]

When I think of "inexpensive" in reloading equipment, I think of Lee.

That's all I'm saying.

 

[kingmt]

I own the Lee C frame press and it is hard to beat for the $15 I paid for it. Perfect for handgun and fine for rifle in .308 Win class. Easier to operate than the hand press. Don't discount the challenger press either. I load my 7mm STW on it just fine.

That press does 308 easily?

 

[GLOOB]

Lee C frame doesn't have a priming system. Step it up to the Challenger, at least. Lee SS priming arm setup is top notch. Way better than hand priming tools or prime-on-upstroke systems.

 

[ranger335v]

"Don't discount the challenger press either. I load my 7mm STW on it just fine. ---- That is subjective."

Subject to what; how many reloaders do anything more demanding of a press than the 7 STW?

 

[4895]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 4895
I own the Lee C frame press and it is hard to beat for the $15 I paid for it. Perfect for handgun and fine for rifle in .308 Win class. Easier to operate than the hand press. Don't discount the challenger press either. I load my 7mm STW on it just fine.

That press does 308 easily?

As long as it is bolted down securely and doesn't move around, the "c" frame press works great for handgun and pretty good for smaller rifle cases. I use it for depriming my mil-crimp .223 range pickups and have used it for .308 win, .30-30, and .22-250 in the past.

The "o" frame is good enough for most any 'hobbyist' reloading. The anniversary kit isn't a bad idea for someone to try out. If they don't like it (reloading), resale isn't too bad either.

 

[kingmt]

Just heard so many people say it wouldn't size 9mm. I think I'm going to but one just to see for myself.

 

[Eb1]

If I can load .25-06 and .303 British on a Lee Hand Press anything that is bolted down should be able to do straight wall pistol and revolver cartridges. Come on now. \)+=

I like to prime with my Lee Hand press and the Lee Ram Prime. I don't like the base of the Ram Prime much, as it is cheap, cheap aluminum. I would be better if it was like the other shell holders.

Most any of the Lee Presses will do a good job. Some are made from a soft alloy mix that can after time get some slop in them. My Challenger press had probably close to 50,000 or more rounds loaded through it. I got it used, and then used the mess out of it. The only thing that was janky on it was the wooden ball on the handle. That was an easy fix. And the ram had started to wobble some, but it was still a good press. I gave it to a friend to get him into hand loading.

 

[rodinal220]

Plenty of vintage RCBS Rockchuckers out there.The Lee Classic Cast is a good one.

 

[SDGlock23]

My single stage is a cheap Lee challenger. Very inexpensive and it's lasted for years. For the heavy loading I use the Dillon, but I still use the little Lee quite often.

 

[Clark]

I like the little Aluminum frame RCBS partner ~ $80.
It can do anything right.

I have a number of the light Aluminium Lee reloader ~ $30
They can do most things, but are a little springy for resizing bottleneck cases.

 

[oneounceload]

Your choice of RCBS equipment will last forever and they will give you any parts you might need for free forever - what is not to like?