For some reason there are "experienced" reloaders that strongly warn new reloaders to stay away from Lee Loaders (just saw another similar thread in another forum and of the dozen replies, most of the answers stated the Lee Loaders were the worst thing a new reloader could waste their time with.). Funny, but there are probably millions (or at least hundreds of thousands) of reloaders that started with and many currently use Lee Loaders. I'm one. I started reloading waaaay pre web and didnt have the "benefit"
of internet wisdom to "guide" me (Thankfully!). I learned reloading lessons that have stayed with me since I pounded out my first 38 Special in 1969. I learned how every step in the process was done, why it was done, and consequences of being done incorrectly. I also earned a lot about my guns. Slow? Reloaders are well advised to never be in a hurry, especially new reloaders (a video of Mr. Lee loading a rifle round in less than a minute
. I take a bit longer because I weigh most of my powder charges). I still have 8 Lee Loaders and occasionally get one out and pound out a box of reloads, especially if i don't want to reset my Co-Ax or get another press out and mount it on my bench. I also have a Lyman 310 in 44 Special, but for me at least, it feels clumbsy and slow.
A reloading kit often has items one rarely uses and sometimes never. The only tool needed other than a mallet and possibly a scale is a good reloading manual(s) and calipers for rifle, seni auto handgun rounds. I use a lead puck (my "ingots" for casting) as an anvil and it is quieter and I'm not beating on my bench.
I'm sure there are people that will disagree with what I'm saying but by the time you buy what you need to reload and do it correctly you will have had to buy what's in this kit anyways, and this kit is the bare minimum most people will accept anyways.
. I am one that
strongly disagees. I can get out my LL, scale, mallet, reloading manual and easily produce safe, accurate handloads. If I am reloading rifle rounds or semi-auto handgun rounds I use a dial caliper, but that is a needed purchase even if one bought a kit. Today's prices for Lee Loaders (from Lee, but cheaper from other vendors) run $45.98, for Lee die sets. Lee dies run $77.00 for handgun sets and around $45.00 for rifle sets, which is $80.00 w/shipping needed expence to just use a press kit costing $259.00. A Lee Loader costing $46.00 + shipping, a plastic mallet ($15.00 new) or a chunk of wood/old hammer handle and perhaps a caliper are all the tools needed.
Personally, I have no interest in what experienced reloaders use but I feel it's a disservice to a new reloader looking for info to be given biased/skewed/incorrect info. (opinion).
Rant? Yep, I just get tired of Lee Haters and misinforming new reloaders. Let the flames begin!