Lee Hand Press

[Dit]

Hi
I'm thinking about starting to reload and have read the information on this site. I don't have a place to put up a reloading bench, so I'm looking at getting a Lee Hand Press for 308 cal.. Does anyone have any experience with this loader? The reviews on it in the Cabela's website are very positive. I know it's kind of cheap in price,but it looks like something I can use in a small space.

 

[CBS220]

It works. It's slow, but if you don't have the space for a dedicated setup, it will be ok.

 

[ARGarrison]

I do not have a hand press, but had always thought of getting one simply to seat bullets at the range for load work up. I've heard they can be hard to full length size rifle brass, but I have no first hand expericance.

Don't rule out a single stage press mounted to a board that can be C-clamped to a table or counter when being used and put away when not needed.

 

[smitty_bs]

I have one and use it exclusively. I reload 30/06 cartridges. It may not be fancy, but works just fine.

I remember seeing previous posts with the pros and cons on this device. One of the more prevelent posts was that you had to be strong to use it or that it was tireing if you are loading long action cartridges. Well, I'm 5'8" tall and 168 lbs and have skinny arms. It is not difficult so go ahead and get yourself one.

 

[Soybomb]

If you have the space to store it I'd get a lee classic turret and use c-clamps to attach it to something and the stash it away when not in use. I use a hand press though including full length sizing .223 rounds and it works just fine, but is of course slow.

 

[Sunray]

"...had to be strong to use it..." Nope. Get a bigger plastic mallet. Used one for .243 and .45-70 with no fuss.
The Lee Loaders do work, however, they neck size only. That means no loading for a semi-auto. Semi's require full length resizing every time.
Pitch the scoops and buy a scale too. The scoops can vary the load by a full grain.
"...don't have a place to put up a reloading bench..." A Black & Decker Workmate makes a dandy load bench for small places. You can usually find a used one at garage sales, pawn shops, etc.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Lee Hand Press is completely different from a Lee Loader. I have both; now I use a bench-mounted press.

The Lee Hand Press works just fine for small amounts of ammo and starting out. It is not very ergonomic and will tire your hands after 100-200 presses (which won't create nearly 100 finished cartridges). Use it too much and you could get repetitive motion injuries. However, use it a modest amount and it works just fine. I can't find any difference in the quality of the ammo from using it vs. a bench-mounted press.

I still use mine for decapping, and it's perfectly functional for any normal task.

You will still need a work surface, a reloading block (holding cartridges that are in process), and some method to charge the cases - a powder measure, preferably, or a Lee dipper. For .308 Winchester, I would not feel safe reloading without a scale and measuring caliper for cartridge OAL.

 

[Seafarer12]

I use one to reload everything from 38 to 7mm-08. They work fine especially if you live in an apartment or want to work up loads at the range. My reloading setup takes fits in a box the size of a shoebox.

 

[Sgt.Dusk]

Hand press is OK when you lube cases well.....
Ive loaded lots of 7.62x54R with it and no problems....

 

[Dit]

Hi
I want to thank everyone for the help and will keep in mind some of the other options that were brought up. Kevin

 

[yakkingallover]

I own a Lee hand press and love it, I lift engine blocks all day so I haven't been tired out by it yet. In my opinion if you get tired using a hand press you will getting tired holding a rifle and should maybe consider some exercise in addition to your reloading regiment.

 

[JonB]

I use a Lee hand press for 9mm, 10mm, and .223. It's slow,yes. But I am in no hurry while reloading. Plus I don't shoot high volumes so I can easily reload with it and keep up. Definitely lube rifle cases. I use Lee carbide dies for pistol which don't require lube.

For the price, it's a very handy press and worth the money.

 

[Dit]

HI
I've been looking at For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics on this site. I asked about the Lee hand press and got some good advice so I'm looking to get one of those. I'm also looking at getting RCBS uniflow powder measure,RCBS model 1010 scale. I'm going to load 308 cal. rifle shells and need dies.There are so many. Any sugestions on which ones. Do the dies come with shell holder or is that seperate? It also says to get calipers,bullet pullers,brass trimmer,cartidge gauge. Are there any better than the other or just personal preference? It says to buy a better brand of brass. Which ones are better? I'm getting the ABC's of reloading book and assuming it will tell me what type of powder I hope. If not any suggestions? What brand of bullets should I look for? I'm going to be deer hunting with this and would like to get 150 gr. It is not my intent to start any bashing of products so please lets keep this to suggestions and help me get started in reloading. Thank you for any suggestions Kevin

 

[mkl]

Welcome to beginning the fascinating hobby of reloading.

Yep, things get confusing when you ask questions and get responses from guys that have been reloading anywhere from two months to 50 years.

I'll try to give my two-cents worth, but remember, I've been stuffing bullets for well over 40 years...

The Lee had press is a great tool. I use it at the range when I am developing loads.

The absolute first thing you need is a reloading manual from one of the major bullet manufactures (Speer, Hornady, Sierra, etc.) or from Lyman. Read the introduction sections several times. Ask questions here if you are confused about terminology or technique.

The Lee die set is a very good buy and a great start for beginners. It does come with a shell holder (and I think it is the only one that does). There are a jillion dies out there, many of which are very special purpose -- you don't need them now. If deer hunting is your major objective, the Lee dies will serve you just fine.

You don't need a powder measure right now. Get a good set of balance beam scales (the 1050 is fine, but may be overkill for your purposes -- a less expensive scale will have the same accuracy as long as it is from a reloading equipment manufacturer (Lee, Lyman, Ohaus, RCBS, Redding, etc.).

Calipers are needed if you reload your cases many times, as is a case trimmer. Just starting out and using your once fired cases, you can do without it for now. Put it on your list to buy before you try to reload cases for the second time.

All the jacketed bullets from almost anyone today are of excellent quality. Buy a box of 150 grain soft points (not full metal jacket) from Speer, Hornady, Sierra, etc. and your deer is toast if you can do your part.

Start with the minimum loads per the reloading manuals, and work up the powder charge one-half grain at a time until you are two grains below then maximum load and the stop. Any of those will be a great deer killer; just pick the one with the best groups. Two grains below the max will keep you safe and 99% of the most accurate loads are below the maximum listed in the books.

There is no "magic" load that is accurate in all rifles. Pick a powder (4895 is not a bad start) and load some up and test them at the range for accuracy.

There are many, many technical points and things you will learn as you progress, but do not let them scare you now. Read the books, keep to the bottom 2/3 of the powder charges in your manuals, and ask questions. That's all it takes to get started.

Gain experience, stay safe, and be sure to ask questions here.

 

[ranger335v]

I have a Lee hand press and like it. Sorta. It works fine but it is a bit slow, awkward and it helps to have three hands at times.

I also have a little Lee "Reloader" press, about the same price, and like it much more. It can load anything the hand press can and can be purchased with a Lee Manual for not much more than the press alone so it really can be a good deal. Later, if you ever get a bigger press and more permanant set-up you will still find uses for the "Reloader" - I use mine for a dedicated universal de-capping die station.

Thing is, the Lee "Reloader" can be fastened to a short board, a 2x4 maybe ten to fifteen inches long, and it will work fine. Use a "C" clamp to attach it to a table, bench top or chest of drawers, etc. and go to work! It's much simpler to use a small fixed press than anyone's hand press.

With either design, you will also need a Lee Auto-Prime tool because these presses don't prime.

 

[scalper]

I have one. I love it too. Very simple to use and my favorite feature is its portability. Unless you are worried about being able to produce lots of ammo quickly, I don't think you can go wrong with this device. Besides, you can always get a better press later. No matter what, you will keep the hand press to take with you. I have put together a little box for portable reloading. I can take it with me to the range or put it in the trunk, so I can 'theoretically' reload anywhere.

 

[Uncle Chan]

Hola,

I live in my RV over the summer so space is a SERIOUS issue. As such, I've a range bag that includes a Lee Hand Press. I use it for everything from 45 LC to 30-06. It works great. It isn't that tough to operate and you don't need to be a muscle man to work use. Remember to lube your cases (but not too much!).

Warning, though, don't forget to empty the primer catcher. I forgot and bent the decapping pin on my 223 lee die.

good luck. email/pm me for any questions you don't want to ask on the forum.

U.C.