Lee Classic Cast vs Redding Big Boss II?

[coyotehitman]

I have the Lee, bought it to save a little on my single stage because I rarely use the ss. It is a good press. Not as good as either green company, but it gets the job done and does a fine job at it IMO. The weak link is the handle/linkage connection and this is where I have seen broken parts come into play.

 

[R00KIE]

This has been a very good thread to read. . . . thanks for the info guys.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Coyotehitman,

I trust that you have one of the older, lightweight cast aluminum framed Lee presses? If you can break the steel handle/linkage on the newer, Classic Cast (steel/iron) press (without a cheater bar)... I wouldn't want to get on your wrong side!

Andy

 

[coyotehitman]

BigJake,

I have the Classic Cast--I wouldn't own the lightweight press. The sleeve that the lever (pull arm) slides into is the weak link on the Classic Cast and the only place I have ever heard of it breaking. The hollow pull arm has some flex to it, but it would take some force to break it. Definitely not as robust as my old green press in a couple of areas, but it has a couple advantages and it costs less. I am not sorry I bought it by any means.

 

[dmproske]

Update

I wound up buying the Classic Cast. Figgerd I would try it and sell it if i did not like it. I need not worry.

Fit and finish is great. There is ZERO play in the ram or linkage. Lee used some sort of black lube on the ram. Ram stroke was not as slick as the Hornady. I wiped the black crap off and lubed the ram and linkage with synthetic engine oil. Ram stroke is smooth and slick now. Nice fire engine red finish.

Ram to die allignment is perfect.

Only thing I do not like is the hollow steel handle. I am sure it will work just fine though. If I get carried away and bend it I will make one out of solid bar stock.

Fit and finish are just as good as the more spensive ones. The Classic Cast single stage will get er done fer sure. I do not see how the other presses could load any better ammo, just lighten my wallet more.

Anyone reading this that is deciding on what single stage press to buy, I recomend this one 100 percent.