Miserable Lee die boxes, I need a screwdriver to open them

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By the time I replaced the o-ring lock-less rings with real lock rings
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I despise the so called "real" lock rings. The Lee rings is why I buy their dies. I can't freaking stand the little brass allen head tightening screws. I actually have a couple of sets of RCBS dies with Lee rings on them. Also, I like how with Lee dies you can adjust seating depth very easily with the top adjustment. I know others has it too, it they're not as easy to use as the Lee.
I'm not a fan of all of their products, but I would buy their dies even if they were the same price as RCBS, Lyman, etc.
As for the OP, I agree that the other companies boxes are better.
 
Maybe I'm the only one who has no trouble with the Lee boxes. I find them to be a convenient package/storage for the dies, shell holder, dipper, and a few test shells. They don't come open unless you want them to come open. (Opening them is not a problem if you know where to apply pressure.)

You can buy dies that come in something other than a Lee box... but you'll pay a lot more for them. :)
 
Arkansas Paul said:
I despise the so called "real" lock rings. The Lee rings is why I buy their dies. I can't freaking stand the little brass allen head tightening screws. I actually have a couple of sets of RCBS dies with Lee rings on them.
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I prefer split lock rings over the ones with set screws but once I set a die, the only time it gets readjusted is when I purchased a new press. In thirty some years of reloading, that has been twice.

I have no problems opening the Lee boxes, I do not like the cheap feel and have broken a couple when they acciddntially got launched off the reloading table.

The tops are good for holding small parts or bullets while reloading.
 
I have no issues with the Lee die boxes, but preferred the old "turret" styled boxes for storage. Just mash in under the tabs on the red part, and the clear lid pops right off. If you turn the lid around it simply goes into place without locking, easing the next opening session.

The non-locking, "lock" rings are surely a disappointment, but the remainder of the die set is top notch and I buy a lot of dies. Typically I replace the sizing die with an X die in bottleneck cartridges. But the carbide pistol dies are top of the line, at least until you make the changeover to Dillon presses and dies.
 
I don't have any problems opening the Lee die boxes, I do wonder if this is important enough to start a thread about, I guess with all the answers, it is.
 
Try arthritic old hands, made slick with sizing lube, and get back to me when you are 70 years old son.
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I will concede that point, sir. *bows*
 
Really?

This by far is the best thread. I started laughing at the top & haven't stupid yet. Wonder of we're can get it a sticky.
 
I don't have a problem with the Lee boxes. As soon as I get a new set of dies, the first thing I do is install them in a spare turret for my press. The empty boxes end up just storing the unneeded powder scoops and extra shell holders. I'm happy to see my money go for pretty good dies and not fancy packaging.
 
I had trouble opening my first set of Lee dies. Took 5 mind maybe, quickly saw I could close it easier by flipping it 180 degrees. After I for my LCT, I PICKED UP a couple of the round turret boxes. Now THOSE are a waste of money.

First off, it doesn't snap closed, the top just lightly sits on the base. OK so what's up with the hole in the bottom of the base? Can't for the life of me figure that design out.

Needless to say I didn't use them, except for one of the tops, flip the top upside down and it makes a great cup! (Actually it makes a good pro auto holder when the hopper's full.)

useless signiture
 
I emailed Richard Lee the url to this thread. Lee told me he would send RCModel a gross of his model perfect red die boxes since Model likes Lee products so much! Lee said he would include a screw driver and instructions for opening his boxes in the care package.

Bull
 
there were some of those rectangular boxes that didnt have tabs on them. i transfered all my dies that i have in other boxes.

Idea, if it breaks your nails and such, take a dremel with a sander wheel and grind the tabs off.
 
My dies come out of the box, get set up on a turret, and the box goes in the trash.

What are you guys doin' .... single stage reloading? :eek:

I think I hear George Jetson calling ..... "why's everyone still livin' in the past" :neener:
 
The reason the boxes are hard to open is that they're tactical reloading die boxes, designed to hold up under battle stress. Those fancy easy-open die boxes will completely fall apart on the battlefield, leaving your precision steel to tumble into the mud.

When there are mushroom clouds on the horizon or zombies at the gates, you'll be glad your die boxes are military-grade. For your average sportsman reloading 270 to take his annual deer, sure, quick access easy-open die boxes are fine. But for Wolverines who need their die boxes to stay closed as they move from one reloading foxhole to another, there's only one choice.
 
SSN Vet said:
What are you guys doin' .... single stage reloading? :eek:
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Single stage (rifle) and progressive (handgun). My progressive is a Hornady L-N-L that uses bushings to mount the dies. The dies with bushings fit nicely in an RCBS die box.
 
At least you know what Lee stands for. No one would even put their name on RCBS. Probably most don't even know what it stands for, or that they don't even make that stuff anymore!!:D

Good thread. Lots of creative thinking!!!!
 
Flip it 180 degrees.

I cursed the box once and then looked at the lock design. Simple.
They slide on and off nicely when flipped.
 
I heard that in NY you're now required to store your >7-round mags in a Lee die box until you transfer them out of state. That way it's assured you can't use them.
 
Wow, slow day, nothing else to whine about? Jusr push the side in and open or turn the lid around.

There are probably several Videos on You Tube. Maybe Nutnfancy has a Tactical review?:rolleyes:
 
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