Lee Reloading Kits
- Thread starter 52grain
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I have a few caliber kits and really enjoy them. I would suggest getting a powder scale and a hand primer along with a good reloading manual or three. Make sure to a get a set of calipers and a couple of loading blocks for batch process.
I started with a kit in 38 spcl / 357 mag many moons ago. I still use em on a good camp trip or if I need a quick fix due to stress. make about 10 rounds and you kinda forget the stress.
It is a slow process and I highly suggest a O style press for beginners but if you are set on the whack em style kit, it is a good place to get your feet wet in assembling ammo. Again, with the Lee Loader, I suggest batch process.
Cheers,
LGB
I started with a kit in 38 spcl / 357 mag many moons ago. I still use em on a good camp trip or if I need a quick fix due to stress. make about 10 rounds and you kinda forget the stress.
It is a slow process and I highly suggest a O style press for beginners but if you are set on the whack em style kit, it is a good place to get your feet wet in assembling ammo. Again, with the Lee Loader, I suggest batch process.
Cheers,
LGB
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jcwit
member
This will get you started basically. Where will be a few minor things you will probably want shortly, one of the most important is a calibers, doesn't have to be a high priced one or even an electronic one, a dial calibers from Harbor Freight will suffice, cost $15/20 bucks.
I noticed you were talking about the Slap-O-Matic, they will be ok for a minium start up, frankly I'd opt for a press kit from Lee but you're looking at $100.00 less dies, so if you're only looking for 1 or 2 calibers stick with the Lee Loader kit I guess. Would also suggest you get a scale that weigh's in grains.
One more edit: I still reload on a couple of my old Lee Loaders. Actually they aren't that slow and to me the're relaxing to use.
I noticed you were talking about the Slap-O-Matic, they will be ok for a minium start up, frankly I'd opt for a press kit from Lee but you're looking at $100.00 less dies, so if you're only looking for 1 or 2 calibers stick with the Lee Loader kit I guess. Would also suggest you get a scale that weigh's in grains.
One more edit: I still reload on a couple of my old Lee Loaders. Actually they aren't that slow and to me the're relaxing to use.
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chris in va
Member
I have the Lee Hand Press Kit, cost me ~$40. So far it's seen 1500 9mm reloads and works fine for it's intended purpose. I can sit and watch a couple movies while sizing/decapping, priming etc.
You'll need a decent beam scale though if you don't want to spring for a $$$ electronic. I found a good, old Redding for $25 on Ebay. Thing is about 50 years old and still dead nuts accurate. Get a really good reloading manual as well, like a Lyman. Then you just get the dies and caliper ($12 Ebay) and have at it.
What do you plan to reload?
You'll need a decent beam scale though if you don't want to spring for a $$$ electronic. I found a good, old Redding for $25 on Ebay. Thing is about 50 years old and still dead nuts accurate. Get a really good reloading manual as well, like a Lyman. Then you just get the dies and caliper ($12 Ebay) and have at it.
What do you plan to reload?
Gadzooks Mike
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I enjoy them as well. Now and then when I just need to a few to try out, new loads or something, I sit down and use the Lee Loader. Kind of fun, actually. You'll need a mallet of some sort. I made one from a piece of hickory branch with a handle of crepe myrtle. As jcwit mentioned, you'll want some calipers and maybe a scale, although if you stick with one of the powders listed in the loader kit, you'll be able to use the dipper that comes with it, as Lee tries to give a good list of loads that work with it.
Another option is a Lee hand press. It uses regular dies, so if you later come into some room for a full size press, you'll have the dies already. Edit - Looks like while I was posting this, chris was posting, too! As you can see, the hand press doesn't take up much room either.
No matter what you decide, good luck, be safe and enjoy!
Another option is a Lee hand press. It uses regular dies, so if you later come into some room for a full size press, you'll have the dies already. Edit - Looks like while I was posting this, chris was posting, too! As you can see, the hand press doesn't take up much room either.
No matter what you decide, good luck, be safe and enjoy!
jcwit
member
There are fairly good electronic scales available on E-Bay and Amazon in the $20/40 dollar range. Just be sure they weigh in grains and not just grams.
A Lee Hand Press takes up very little room and is fine for small loads of pistol ammo.
My son sizes 30-06 on one at times but it takes some effort. (He is a former paratrooper. ;-) )
A funnel and a set of Lee powder dippers costs little. If you remember to dip gently, not shake down and wipe the excess off with a card, it is fairly accurate.
But you will want a scale. The Lee scale is inexpensive but kind of pesky to use. You can get an electronic for about the same price. You can put a small tin foil pan or such like to dispense the powder on the scale and set it for tare weight to weigh just the charge. You want to do this to test your dipping technique and you soon will get pretty consistent.
Finally, you will need a die set. All major brands are good but Lee tends to cost less. Please get carbide pistol dies since lubing cases is a major PITA.
This setup does not cost a mint and is much more usable than the old Lee Loader. And you won't disturb your neighbors with all those hammer whacks. The press is small and the rest of the stuff with your powder, some bullets and primers will fit in a small box.
The Lee hand primer is very easy to use. I'd consider one as soon as budget allows though priming on you Hand Press is doable.
Tom
My son sizes 30-06 on one at times but it takes some effort. (He is a former paratrooper. ;-) )
A funnel and a set of Lee powder dippers costs little. If you remember to dip gently, not shake down and wipe the excess off with a card, it is fairly accurate.
But you will want a scale. The Lee scale is inexpensive but kind of pesky to use. You can get an electronic for about the same price. You can put a small tin foil pan or such like to dispense the powder on the scale and set it for tare weight to weigh just the charge. You want to do this to test your dipping technique and you soon will get pretty consistent.
Finally, you will need a die set. All major brands are good but Lee tends to cost less. Please get carbide pistol dies since lubing cases is a major PITA.
This setup does not cost a mint and is much more usable than the old Lee Loader. And you won't disturb your neighbors with all those hammer whacks. The press is small and the rest of the stuff with your powder, some bullets and primers will fit in a small box.
The Lee hand primer is very easy to use. I'd consider one as soon as budget allows though priming on you Hand Press is doable.
Tom
Uncle Chan
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I've a couple dozen classics and two hand presses. I like'em all. 
jcwit
member
Use a rubber mallet and the noise is gone. For a pan using an electronic scale use the top or bottom of the small tin that holds caps for a Muzzle loader or a tin that held candy mints.
Buddy of mine converted his hand press to a small bench press with a couple of pieces of sq. tuping and a short piece of angle iron and a few bolts. Works good.
Buddy of mine converted his hand press to a small bench press with a couple of pieces of sq. tuping and a short piece of angle iron and a few bolts. Works good.
sfc_mark
Member
I bought the Lee Reloader Press anniversary kit last Saturday for a second press. Price was $38 with the Lee Reloading Manual (new).
jcwit
member
Very good, I had checked my catalogs and couldn't find that particular kit that I know they used to offer. I surmised they discontinued it. Please post where its available from.
Then later on if a nubee wants to upgrade he's got a press that can be used for a dedicated whatever.
FROGO207
Member
Natchez shooters supply has good prices all around.
Reloader press with Modern Reloading manual cost $29.49-not the anniversary kit though. just add a ram prime $7.99 and a powder scale $20.49. Get dies and you are off and going for cheap. I haven't seen the anniversary kit lately either. It was a really good deal when available. I bought mine used with several die sets for $50 about 5 years ago as a spare and ended giving it to a friend to get him into reloading. Kept the die sets!
Reloader press with Modern Reloading manual cost $29.49-not the anniversary kit though. just add a ram prime $7.99 and a powder scale $20.49. Get dies and you are off and going for cheap. I haven't seen the anniversary kit lately either. It was a really good deal when available. I bought mine used with several die sets for $50 about 5 years ago as a spare and ended giving it to a friend to get him into reloading.
Kept the die sets!jcwit
member
Natchez Oct. 09 sale catalog was my first go to catalog to check.
Double checked and now I see it. $29.49.
Double checked and now I see it. $29.49.
SASS#23149
Member
a press takes up no more room than you'd need to lay out the Lee gear,just make it clamp-able to a table or desk.
The Lee Loaders can produce good ammo,but requrie hammer work,which is noisy.
The Lee Loaders can produce good ammo,but requrie hammer work,which is noisy.
jcwit
member
Use a rubber mallet mallet as I stated, even go so far as a rubber pad under the tool, makes no more noise than your tv and no more annoying than the clicky clack of keyboard keys.
lee anniversary kit. comes with the LEE Breech Lock Challenger "O" Frame Press,& every thing but the dies to get you going. great little package for a new-B like my self. i think i paid $ 85 for it at Cabelas. the only extras i have bought are. dies, primer pocket reamer & Cabelas case tumbler kit. for $54
its a lot of fun for under $200. & it pays for its self pretty fast.
make sure you ask lots & lots of ????? on THR.
i found this out the hard way!
its a lot of fun for under $200. & it pays for its self pretty fast.
make sure you ask lots & lots of ????? on THR.
i found this out the hard way!
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FROGO207
Member
The Breechlock Challenger press kit from Natchez cost $94.49 item F07LEE90030
natchezss.com and request a sales flier. One of the better price sellers IMO.
natchezss.com and request a sales flier. One of the better price sellers IMO.
sfc_mark
Member
I picked it up at a small shop in Graniteville, SC - Magnum Products. He had at least one more set, and I think a couple of them. His number is (803)663-6516.
I just looked on Midway, and they have the same setup for $31.99 in stock (Product #: 480380).
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Seedtick
Member
Graf & Sons has the Lee Reloader Press only for $28.18.
And they have the Lee Reloader Press with the Lee Reloading Manual for $34.99.
Also, there are no shipping charges.
ST
And they have the Lee Reloader Press with the Lee Reloading Manual for $34.99.
Also, there are no shipping charges.
ST
I'm going to weigh in on this. I do have the Lee Hand Press, The Breech Lock, the C Press as well as a Dillion Square Deal and even a pristine Lyman Spar-T. I also have the Lee Loader (AKA Whack-A-Mo) for nearly every common caliber of rifle and handgun.
Like many others I started on the Lee Loader and was able to make very good ammunition with minimum investment. I still get one out every once in awhile because they are fun and to me relaxing. It also helps me to remember just how simple reloading a good bullet can be if all one has or can afford is the simple Lee Loader. I did some once fired 9mm on a Lee Loader last week and the results were excellent. However, I chose brass that were pre-checked in my Glock Barrel to make sure they fit since the Lee Loader only neck sizes.
Once you have your compnents ready and in the groove, you can knock out about 1 bullet every minute without rushing.
I bought a Loader from Lee
All I could afford...you see.
And I whacked away the night
And then to my delight
A couple hundred rounds nigh on for free.
Like many others I started on the Lee Loader and was able to make very good ammunition with minimum investment. I still get one out every once in awhile because they are fun and to me relaxing. It also helps me to remember just how simple reloading a good bullet can be if all one has or can afford is the simple Lee Loader. I did some once fired 9mm on a Lee Loader last week and the results were excellent. However, I chose brass that were pre-checked in my Glock Barrel to make sure they fit since the Lee Loader only neck sizes.
Once you have your compnents ready and in the groove, you can knock out about 1 bullet every minute without rushing.
I bought a Loader from Lee
All I could afford...you see.
And I whacked away the night
And then to my delight
A couple hundred rounds nigh on for free.
DonOK
Member
I was just about to buy the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit. It did not mention a rubber mallet. What is that for?
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