newer Lee hand press power?

[BullRunBear]

Out of curiosity, does the newer breech lock Lee hand press provide more power (torque?) for resizing compared to the original version? Or is the only difference the breech lock feature? Thanks.

Jeff

 

[daboone]

No difference at all. The breach lock feature it does make it more utilitarian for some routine jobs. I like to deprime with it now and bullet seating load work ups at the range is simplified with this portable press. If you do decide to use it for depriming keep a trash can close as it needs frequent dumplings before it jams and makes a mess in front of the TV.

 

[Scooter22]

Don't know if there is. I have the older standard model but it's one of the handiest tools I have for reloading. Allows me do do everything on a smaller scale where ever I want instead of the basement. Try one you'll love it.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks guys. I didn't know if Lee had beefed it up when they went to the breech lock system. I've had the original version for a long time but haven't done a full length resize with it for decades. These days it gets used for decapping and bullet seating. (Preferably in my recliner with a baseball game on the radio.) Since most of my reloading is done in batches, it handles the easy procedures well. With old back and shoulder injuries catching up to me, I'll leave the FL resizing to the mounted press.

The hand press and universal decapper die are the bees knees for BP cartridge. I can knock out the spent primers and get the cases soaking before leaving the range. Makes cleaning the brass easier once I get home.

Jeff

 

[gotboostvr]

Mine was great for depriming/resizing while watching TV.
same with priming with the Lee hand prime.

 

[JonB]

Lee hand press is all I used for years. Just got a RCBS Summit press and definitely like it - not as tiring as the hand press.

However, the hand press works great for bullet seating, and I use it with the Lee FCD for 9mm as it is faster than the Summit for that.

I don't think the breech lock version is any different expect the quicker change over of dies.

 

[maxxhavoc]

I would imagine the older one is stronger, just by eyeballing them. The breech lock loses a bit of material in the die seating area.

That's where mine broke. I was trying out some new homemade lube with it, doing some .308. I threw the lube away. This same press has sized over 1000 .308 cases and 600 30-06 cases. It does wonders for the chest muscles too.



Luckily, the replacement part was only $12. Considering that it was most of the press, I was happy with the part price.

 

[JonB]

I wish Lee would redesign it a bit so you have something to hold onto. Ex: I run the ram with my right hand/arm and hold it with my left. Would be nice if there was a more comfortable 'handle' area for the left hand.

But as I said, I've loaded lots and lots of ammo (9mm, 10mm, 223) using one so it works.

 

[BullRunBear]

I just resized a dozen 44 mag cases for kicks. It went better than expected but I'll stick to the bench mounted press, especially when resizing a few hundred pieces. Using lube on the cases, even with carbide dies, might make it easier. Good to know it can be done if a big press isn't available.

On another forum I came across mention of a reloader who uses the hand press with the Lee bullet sizing kit. He uses the press upside down, drops in the cast bullet and lets the sized bullet drop into the container. Considering how little effort it takes to use the kit, this should work well.

Jeff

 

[Scooter22]

^^^^^ Great idea. Now I can bullet size on the front porch too.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I have the Breech Lock version. I have zero issues with mine sizing casings as big as .30-06, 8mm Mauser, and 7.62x54R. In fact, those are the three cartridges mine gets used for most often. But it sounds like I may be a bit younger than you. It might also help that I'm 6'5", 300+lbs, and in pretty good condition for someone my size. But mine has never given me indication that it might snap like maxxhavoc's did.

 

[Mad Chemist]

Well, the screen name makes a lot more sense now

 

[Salmoneye]

The Lee Hand Press is the only press I have ever owned (or needed) for metallic...

I can do about 50rds/hour from fired brass to loaded cartridges...

My press has loaded .38 S&W to .30-06 and .45-70 without a hitch, and for years I resized .30-30 to .357 Herrett with it...

 

[BullRunBear]

KansasSasquatch, (love that name) I'm your size and heavier but trying to get back down to 300 or a little less and to build back some strength. It's not as easy to do things in my 60s compared to 20 or 30 years ago. (SIGH) Too many decades behind a desk, married to a great cook and lacking will power.

Staying on topic about the hand press, I think it would be good exercise to resize a few cases every day. (There's ALWAYS spent brass to be processed, isn't there?) It would be a different motion from the stretching and light barbells I'm using. Think I'll pad the grip area with some tennis racket tape. Those metal handles can do a number on your finger tips.

Maybe the company should make this as part of an ad campaign. "Reload your ammo while you rebuild your body. Use the Lee Hand Press."

Jeff

 

[Buck13]

I wish Lee would redesign it a bit so you have something to hold onto. Ex: I run the ram with my right hand/arm and hold it with my left. Would be nice if there was a more comfortable 'handle' area for the left hand.

Agreed. The ergonomics of that thing are pathetic. It's clear they considered only the economy of casting the part when designing it. But I've managed to make almost 200 rounds of ammo this week without any actual pain, and plan to make it about 250 by tonight, so it's not really a problem.

 

[Buck13]

I just resized a dozen 44 mag cases for kicks. It went better than expected but I'll stick to the bench mounted press, especially when resizing a few hundred pieces. Using lube on the cases, even with carbide dies, might make it easier. Good to know it can be done if a big press isn't available.

Even a tiny bit of lube makes .44s a piece of cake. Doesn't even have to be on every one: carryover from a lubed case will make the next one or two run smoother, too.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Well, the screen name makes a lot more sense now

I actually got the name from my other hobby, paintball. Being my size and having the ability to sneak around in the woods undetected, I like to make a ton of noise while charging the last few feet to make a "kill." It tends to make people freeze up And it's been common for people to tell me "****, I thought Sasquatch was about to eat me!"

BullRunBear, if you follow Buck13's suggestion and lube every 3rd or 4th casing it'll make sizing a whole lot easier. When I make large batches of handgun ammo (1000+ rounds) on my Hornady LNL, I lube a.couple handfuls of brass and put one of them on the shellplate every 5th round. The press has plenty of leverage but big batches can still be a chore. Lubing those casings makes time on the press a lot less work. I tend to smear a SMALL dab of Unique case lube on my palms and rub the brass around for 30 seconds or so and put them in an Akro bin. It's plenty of lube without being too much.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for mentioning the lube. I never thought of it with the carbide dies. Over thirty years of reloading pistol ammo and I'm still learning.

Great story about your paint ball opponents' reactions. I'll be laughing at that image for days.

Jeff

 

[maxxhavoc]

I have the Breech Lock version. I have zero issues with mine sizing casings as big as .30-06, 8mm Mauser, and 7.62x54R. In fact, those are the three cartridges mine gets used for most often. But it sounds like I may be a bit younger than you. It might also help that I'm 6'5", 300+lbs, and in pretty good condition for someone my size. But mine has never given me indication that it might snap like maxxhavoc's did.

I am the same size, it may have been a contributing factor. Like I said, I was trying to mess with a homemade lube...it didn't work. I figured I would muscle that one through and switch back to storebought lube. It didn't work out like I planned.

I have resized many hundreds of 30-06 and 308 cases with no issues, when properly lubed.