Thread: Lee Reloader C style Press Capability?

Too be honest, I think there are other considerations besides the durability of the press and its cost. Sometimes a tool really suits/fits you and sometimes it just doesn't. The little Lee does what Lee intended it too - an effective low cost and small space taking press to suit the budget beginner and especially, I think, young nimble hands. My hands are thick, gnarly and arthritic now. If I had to choose between an old Lyman Spartan C press (or the almost identical other brands from that era), I'd take the Spartan, even at a slight premium. Why? Because it fits me better. Even tho it does not have a compound linkage, its built strong enough that I could sleeve an extension on the handle. Really they are a brute. Mine is temporarily parked at the mo. Can't bring myself to move it on mainly because love using old gear as much as new. And thats the other thing. If you don't really like a tool somehow you'll find a way to lose it, break it, replace it.

So if possible, find someone who has what your considering and try it on for size first.

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

$350 posted.

https://ssaagunsales.com/listing/61742

Lyman crusher. Postage won't be cheap. Perhaps send an email?

Hmm $390 plus I’m guessing some extra for postage to nz, probably getting a bit much for that. New Hornady lock n load is $465 from some retailers

Yeh, $390 is a fair guess. Don't know the weight, but I figure abt $100 total to post. Postage can be a killer these days.

Yea but nz post wont touch it as its obviously a wmd

Originally Posted by fawkes

broke the head of mine . Threw it in the rubbish , very poor investment indeed.

I use a proper steel press now - buy once , cry once

^^^ Mine snapped as well, First and last time i brought anything Lee, cheap and nasty stuff

I've had no issues with the press that comes in the lee anniversary kit. Must be the odd one come up cheap given how affordable the whole kit is new

Originally Posted by Allforham

I've had no issues with the press that comes in the lee anniversary kit. Must be the odd one come up cheap given how affordable the whole kit is new

I started reloading with that kit. Just didn't bother with the balance beam scales.

The scales are a PITA until you stack a couple of disc rare earth magnets on the body opp side to pointer which effectively dampens the needle - else it takes forever to settle. The poise is a but dinky to use but the scales are very accurate. I prefer something larger like the Hornady for the bench but the Lee one makes a very useful small format scale (with magnets), for a portable kit (range day), or a putaway kit (apartment). The disc magnets with centre hole are cheap enough at Mitre10 or Bunnings.

Ther was an old fella locally that used his own home built press. He was a fitter/turner/welder by trade. Easy enough to make if you’ve got the gear, time and some skill. When he died the press went to the dump unfortunately.

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

I'm surprised at 45.70.

So was I but the shellholder's available so I thought I'd give it a go. Needs a bit more care than the 30-30 but turns out nice rounds.

There's nothing wrong with lee gear. I've even managed to make a few 45-70 rounds with the lee hand press! Its mostly just used for decapping and priming though.

@John P

Well, what was the end result? The little Lee C press or something else?

Originally Posted by Jhon

The scales are a PITA until you stack a couple of disc rare earth magnets on the body opp side to pointer which effectively dampens the needle - else it takes forever to settle. The poise is a but dinky to use but the scales are very accurate. I prefer something larger like the Hornady for the bench but the Lee one makes a very useful small format scale (with magnets), for a portable kit (range day), or a putaway kit (apartment). The disc magnets with centre hole are cheap enough at Mitre10 or Bunnings.

I only use the scales for setting the powder thrower now which i find surprising accurate for how cheap and nasty it seems. Found no difference in accuracy by weighing individually so gave up on that. Only loading for a 223 at the moment though so probably be doing well to get into trouble. With a collet die needing no lube the monthly reload of 50 odd rounds only takes 15 min

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

@John P

Well, what was the end result? The little Lee C press or something else?

I went to order the little Lee last week, but the supplier contacted me a said they are out of stock, nothing coming in for 6 months. So have upgraded (slightly), to the Lee Challenger press. At $190 it’s still under half the price of the likes of Hornady, RSBS, etc.
Will keep everyone posted on whether it does the job, or results in a catastrophic failure lol.

I ordered it through Oudoor Supplies in Carterton. Placed the order about 9:30pm. The guy (Ross I believe his name was) contacted me by 9:30am, and had the package by 9:30 the next morning. Top notch service

Hey ive always had top notch service from Ross @ Carterton Cheers

"Lee Challenger press. At $190 "

Generally over $200aud here. So, sounds like a good price. Sensible compromise too.

Should do good service.

Sooo, the journey (rabbit hole) begins.

Now all you need to get started is:

Scoop
Dies (Lee RGB do the job)
Shell holder(s)
Case lube (many options)
Beam balance/Scale
Powder funnel
Priming tool (often on press)
Vernier caliper
Case trimming tool
Case chamfering tool
Loading block(s)
Powder
Primers
Bullets