RIP Richard Lee

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Same here. My first press was a Pro 1000 and now have several including Classic Turret and Auto Breech Lock Pro.

Richard Lee founded one of last remaining companies that still ignores the lure of globalization and manufactures all of their products in the USA. Since his son John Lee took over the company, manufacturing continues in the USA and we can definitely see numerous improvements that have been made to their product line. And many members report (including me), their customer service continues to be very positive.

I am happy to support such a company and wish the best to John Lee, his family and his employees.

Before rcmodel passed, we got to do some venting and sharing about life from time to time and he sent me some reloading equipment. He knew I was a fan of Lee products and included signed Lee press and safety scale. I will definitely cherish them.
 
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I had no idea thanks for sharing. Mr Lee’s products allowed a guy like me to be able to afford to get started in this hobby.

Interesting man for sure!
 
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This is the first I’ve heard of it too.

I’m sorry to hear of his passing. I look for value when spending my money and Made in the USA is a big part of that to me. So when a company can make a good product here I try to support them. When it’s priced below the competition that’s a bonus. Lee got that and knew there were still those of us who value this.

I’m glad his family does too. So I’m sorry for their loss.
 
Prayers for Richard Lee's family.

Lee products for sure have made a considerable contribution to the reloading community.
 
Richard Lee's simple basic Lee Load All 12 gauge shotgun press allowed this then-16 year old to put together his first reloads in the late 1960's.

RIP Mr. Lee, and thank you.
 
Thinking back I cannot remember of ANY reloader I know personally that did not have at least one item on their bench he had sold for the reloader. Many of us have whole setups that enable us to make quality ammo for a modest cost. An affordable product that was made in the USA to further the 2A, you can't get better than that IMHO. RIP sir.
 
I started reloading with his Anniversary Kit many years ago, and still use it today. Have a mix of other brands, but still have all the components of that Anniversary Kit. RIP Mr Lee.
 
Saddened to learn of his passing; thanks for posting. I still have a Lee Classic Cast and a Lee Classic Turret mounted on quick release plates so I can use them for various tasks (I like the LCT for revolver rounds) as needed. I can't imagine being without a Lee press.
 
My first reloading experience was Lee products as well, in fact the first one was a Target Model Lee Loader that I still have in .243 win. I still can't load anything more accurate that that did.......I just got......impatient.

So when a new Rock Chucker hurt someone because of an unshielded primer tube and it made Hand Loader Magazine, I ordered a Lee hand primer.....and used it safely for 40 years. Richard Lee didn't believe in primer tubes and that probably saved lives, just making people aware of the danger.
 
Thanks for posting this

Some folks should read the first chapter of his reloading manual (not the load data) and it's like he is talking with you and telling a story.
 
If it were not for Lee I likely would not be reloading. Building a product with value enabled me to start this hobby. Built in the USA with great support. His book is good to if you take it for what it is.

-Jeff
 
Hope the company can survive the loss of its founder. Founders of successful companies are usually people who understand the market go after innovative ideas, take risks doing so, and by doing so, create a new market niche. The guys who come after, are typically Business Majors from schools which taught them there is no difference between managing potato chips or computer chips, because chips are chips. They reject new ideas, don't take risks, and get rich driving a company into the ground. See it all the time.
 
https://leeprecision.com/userfiles/images/RichardLeeEulogy.pdf

According to eulogy pdf, Richard Lee retired in 1992.

His son John Lee has been running the company since with the following focus - https://leeprecision.com/

"Our mission is simple: Produce the best American made value in reloading tools.

John Lee
President"

Based on product line improvements over the decades and new products introduced in recent years, John Lee certainly has been taking risks and trying innovative new ideas. These are just some of the product improvements and new products:
index.php


Starting in 2018, Pro 1000 comes with flat steel base (rotated slightly counterclockwise with case sliding ramp on the right) and red circle showing new auto index rod through holes in shell plate
index.php


New shell plate showing auto index rod holes (Like Auto Breech Lock Pro shell plate)
90669.jpg

Old spent primer slots cut into middle of ram (original small hole enlarged to longer slot)
index.php


New for 2018 spent primer collection through ram at bottom like Classic Turret (old linkage replaced with new stronger linkage with ergo roller handle)
index.php
 
Not to mention the very popular Lee Classic Cast single stage press and the LCT turret. These I think not only are a good value, but represent a higher end product for Lee.
 
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