well im new to reloading im considering a Lee BL Challenger Kit . im wondering if anyone has experience with this press and if so what do you think of it . im going to be reloading for a rem 700 in 308 win so if any one has worked up some accurate loads capable of hunting deer plz let me know.
new to reloading need help
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AABEN
Member
If I was you I would start with the LEE 4 hole turret. That would most likely be all you will ever need. GOOD LUCK Get your self a good reloading book the LYMAN is a good one. Read it good the front has a good info to start reloading. Get it then if you need more there is other books out there. I think the LYMAN will do you good. LYMAN also has a good heavy reloading press I thank it is a 5 hole press!
Before buying anything, buy and read several reloading books to gain knowledge of the process plus see examples of equipment available. The ABCs of Reloading is a good place to start. Also consider the possiblity of reloading other calibers as time goes on when selecting your equipment.
I purchaced the same kit last summer and am very well pleased. It is perfect for loading precision rifle ammunition. I started out loading low recoil ammo for my 30-06 and am now producing a moderate 150 grain load for the same. In addition I am loading 30 rem an obsolete cartridge for a couple of pre-war model 14 remington pumps. The kit includes Richard lee's modern reloading manual second edition which I also found to be excellent. You'll also need caliber specific dies and case trimmer gauges.
good luck
good luck
ResidentFarmer
Member
It's all you need to get started and possibly all you'll ever need. You need some reloading manuals. More than one. ABC's of reloading for sure. Lymans is good as is Hornadys and many others. I think I have five or six different ones. Great for comparison. No one manual has all the perfect loads and they all vary somewhat. Remember to start low and work up. Good luck. Have fun.
Lost Sheep
Member
I suggest you take a look at the Lee Classic Cast and compare.
The Challenger is a cast aluminum press and the linkage is not as strong as the Classic.
My preference for Cast Iron over Aluminum may be snobbery (the Aluminum doesn't rust, is less expensive, lighter and will last a long time, but requires a bit more care except for the rust thing). But my preference for the Classic Cast's linkage goes beyond that. The .308 Win does not require the extra leverage of the Classic, that leverage (in my opinion) gives a more sensitive "feel" when loading.
About the Classic Turret suggested by AABEN; I use a Lee Classic Turret almost exclusively but also have a RockChucker from 1975 which I never will get rid of. The Lee Turret is about 3x as fast as a single stage when used in its continuous processing mode, but if you are weighing individual charges, doing case conditioning work between dies and working in batch mode, the single stage breechlock press be better for you. I load for handguns and can take advantage of the continuous processing without those interruptions organic (and necessary) to serious rifle shooters.
Good luck, not that you need it. Thanks for asking our advice
Lost Sheep
Mike 27
Member
I have had my challenger press for over 3 years now and several thousand rounds on it. It is very well made and the only maintenance required is cleaning the ram periodically. Other than that a few sprays of lube and wipe it down and off you go. I have a LNL as well and still use my Lee for 30-06 and 30-30, as I do like to weigh each charge and with my rifle I am more for the accuracy, not the output I could get on the LNL. It's a good press, and for rifle I love it. I have never worried about it breaking and it will probably be around for my kids one day.
welcome to reloading!
this kit?
http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8710&dir=210|212|237|1009
Yup its aluminum, and will work for you SWELL.
DO IT
!!!You'll need dies, get the 3 die set LEE....you will find good reloading data with the dies.
In the mean time, do some studies. Theres reloading videos on youtube, as well as a cesspool of knowledge/posts.opinions , on THIS SITE !!
For rifle, it is perfect. If you are going to load straight walled pistol, the Classic Turret is better if you were to buy only one press. I had no such limitation so I went to an LnL AP for pistol, but still use the BL challenger for rifle rounds.
With rifle rounds you do so much case prep off press that a turret or progressive is not necessary. Once you have prepped the cases and primed them, there is only one press step left. Drop the powder from the powder measure, then seat the bullet. No need for loading blocks, no chance of squib or double charging.
With rifle rounds you do so much case prep off press that a turret or progressive is not necessary. Once you have prepped the cases and primed them, there is only one press step left. Drop the powder from the powder measure, then seat the bullet. No need for loading blocks, no chance of squib or double charging.
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