Thread: What’s your opinion on reloading gears

About to buy my first kit for reloading. Wonder what’s everyone’s opinion on LEE 50th kit and LEE Classic Turret kit.

Or maybe another brand?

I bought both, and used both for awhile. Still use the turret press for 9mm.

I never used the balance beam scales, went electronic from the beginning.

The perfect powder measure was a pain, doesn't work with longer grain stick powders like 2208 very well. Lots of bridging.

All things considered, not a bad place to start though.

What do you use for powder measure?

Chargemaster/lite

This 'Un.

Scales and powder dispenser in one.

I bought lee stuff over 10 years ago with the intention of upgrading but its still doing every thing i need it to so dont feel i need to the only thing thats happened was the alloy link broke which i was expecting to at some stage surprised it lasted as long as it did theres a steel replacement that i fitted

I started with a Lee kit and am still using the press after 5 years.
Use a Chargemaster for dispensing powder and a Lyman E-Zee primer tool, Redding Competition dies.

I also use an Arbor Press when I only want to neck size.

Now stand back and wait for the zealots to flame us with their preferred press preferences.

Nothing wrong with Lee for most weekend shooters
Personally Id look for 2nd hand RCBS press for a start. Then you can chop and change dies to suit. I use Lee, Redding and RCBS dies in mine.

The lee kits are good. will load accurate, consistent ammo if you do your part.

The powder thrower is fine, not excellent but fine, the presses work well, and the trimming/case prep bits while basic do the job as well as any.

The only thing that really sucks on them is the scale. They read accurate enough but take so long to settle it takes an age to load. Factor in a good ohaus made beam scale to your costings. Usually round $90-100 second hand.

Originally Posted by Bos

Nothing wrong with Lee for most weekend shooters
Personally Id look for 2nd hand RCBS press for a start. Then you can chop and change dies to suit. I use Lee, Redding and RCBS dies in mine.

Nothing wrong with them for a more serious shooter either.
A careful consistent person can load a winning load with a Lee Press.

Lee makes some great stuff, some good stuff and some crap.

Of course it's the lower price point so they do cut some corners. I do not like their powder measure for one thing.

With me you will find I have a mix of every main brand out there, I just buy what is best for the job at the price I can afford at the time.

Originally Posted by wanneroo

I have a mix of every main brand out there.

Same here. For example, I use 3 different brands of dies when I reload 223.

To the OP, My 2cents: Start with Lee. You'll have your good moments and your Homer Simpson D'OH ! moments, but as long as you're careful, you'll learn, and keep all your fingers and toes.

After a year or two, branch out and try some other gear.

been using a LEE kit for over 20 years... same press/priming tool,tray(love the new ones)dies and I actually LIKE the balance beam scales....a $30 set of plastic spoons will have you VERY close to whatever weight you ask for. trickler isnt needed,side of teaspoon held in right hand...tap your knuckle with left hand powder trickles out nicely.
the only LEE product I dont like and I actually despise it is the toothpaste like sizing lube......it is pure shite if you dont get it right and has caused many headaches for many folks...good old vasoline works great.

ive even got some lee loaders for some of the cals i shoot and drag them out every now and then make just as accurate ammo as the press

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

and I actually LIKE the balance beam scales...

You're a more patient man than I. Man they take an age to settle