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After a portable reloading setup I can carry around in a backpack. Weight and bulk being a consideration, but reliability also.
I've looked into Lee Loaders, but I've recently come across these portable hand presses made by Lee.
Anyone here used either? Pros, cons, alternatives?
Cheers,
AJ
ive got lee loaders for a few of the cals i shoot every now and then ill drag one out and do a few loads makes accurate ammo dont notice any difference between that and press ammo
I've been using a 50yr old Lyman 310 hand tool set up for years, there are no real cons with hand tool setups, easy to use and accurate ammo is the norm.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frodo
What cal are you loading for
I used the https://leeprecision.com/reloading-k...-loader-rifle/ kit when I first started reloading 40 + years ago made accurate ammo for my .243 it did.
You could use a rock instead of a mallet when out and about so not much to carry.
You could use this https://leeprecision.com/powder-measure-kit.html for working up a load and just carry the relevant dippers for your load.
I use the https://leeprecision.com/breech-lock...press-kit.html to seat my projectiles it also de-primes and neck sizes easily. never tried to full length size with it.
I use the Lee hand press for load development at the range. I resize the cases at home on my bench press in advance though. Super handy and good for doing a deprime of a heap of cases in front of the tv using a universal deprimer. Used the Lee load all kit a long time ago, worked ok but smacking the cases in with a mallet got tedious. Would happily use the hand press to resize if I had to.
I have had a lee hand press for 20 years and its still going strong. It not very good for full length sizing and a little technique involved when seating but when you get used to it, its fine.
I quite often use it just for seating especially if the weather is bad and I can't be bothered going out to the shed to use my main press ( I weigh my powder inside as my shed is not the best environment for scales).
I got ahold of one for a guy with limted space. He would put one side of it in a vise when doing FLS on cases. It also helped to stabilise it when doing projectile. He is getting on in years but manages it this way.
I know someone that loads for FTR with one too. So they are useable.
I have seen one attached to a tow bar and it seemed to work well
Sweet, cheers guys. Sounds like a hand press is the way to go. Agree that the Lee Loader may get a bit tedious (constantly banging away).
@northdude .270 win. The calibre all the cool kids use - so in other words, it's not for you. Haha.
A tow bar?Quote:
Originally Posted by Chop3r
So why not save some weight and just take reloaded ammo with you?Quote:
Originally Posted by Frodo
Pro's - What would 20 rounds weigh? 1lb?
Con's - Gear to make 20 rounds + packaging 1.1lbs + the weight of the reloading gear?
So thats why you loiter around gay bars :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Frodo
Totally legal now and only one act of parliament away from being compulsory.Quote:
Originally Posted by northdude
Gay bars? No way. You must've misread what I typed and thought I wrote 25-06. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by northdude
theres hope for you yet just rebarrel your 270 to 6,5 06 now we are talking cool
Nah, too new-age for the clunky ol' girl. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by northdude
But I'm considering 7x57.
As mentioned the lee handpress works pretty well. I was suprised at how light it is, when the box turned up I was worried they had sent it empty.
My setup, all fits in about 15L of a 30L day pack,( 50cal ammo can not part of the setup btw). This is my entire setup these days, I don't have a bench mounted press anymore. I only load 357 for myself but the press can handle 308, 270 and 30-30 for other family members. The clear plastic box fits everything else in it: dies, digital scale, funnels, mtm ammo box, hand primer, cleaning kit, bullet puller, cases and projectiles etc.
<a href='https://postimg.cc/m1ZpkMG4' target='_blank'><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/MHVCsbPn/load-bench.jpg' border='0' alt='load-bench'/></a>
1913 256 newton started it hand press might be the way to go if you already have dies but i even without a lee loader it will become a bit tedious my job has fuked my hands so id go the lee if they make it in 270
I started out with a Lee handloading press and it works great. The only thing I wish is that the handle was a bit beefier and slightly longer for a better grip. I think for a lot of purposes these Lee hand presses work well. I still keep mine around for various tasks.
I inherited a Lyman 310 hand tool with a set of 243 dies that I used before buying then breaking a "C" press and then getting a proper bench mounted press.
Do still use the 310 from time to time, particularly if I'm only doing a small number of rounds or seating some primers. Beats assembling the Lyman E-Zee prime
Any one got a set of 358win or 223 dies for a 310 hand tool they would consider selling.
My only question is how do you measure your powder accurately if you are in the field.
Z
https://www.lymanproducts.com/media/.../1/310tool.jpg
Managed to score a set of 310 dies in 222, last year.
I was going to import them from the 310 Shop, in the states.
Keep looking, they come up on Trade Me every now and then.
You could pre measure powder before you go and put in aome kind of small container
A small container made of brass with a lead stopper in the top....Quote:
Originally Posted by northdude
Have been thinking on how to get a reloading set up mounted to the tow ball, its a 4hr round trip for me to go to the range over winter so never end up going. Would be nice to be able to take a press scale etc in the vehicle but dont see the benefits of taking a press when out in the bush
Only reason I'm considering taking a press into the bush is that I'd like to carry a few hundred rounds, but I'm not keen on carrying the same quantity of brass (dead weight). I'd rather carry 20 pieces of brass and just reload them.
I'm considering buying some 4 gram capacity sugar sachets - the ones you get at cafes with your morning coffee. :) I could fill them up with pre-measured powder, then seal them shut. Because they're stiff and slender, it should make pouring powder into cases a breeze (especially if I take a small plastic funnel).
The paper sachets can then be burned/used as fire starters.
Just one idea.
Or those tiny bags the dealers use
Jesus weeps still...Quote:
Originally Posted by northdude
@berg243 just dies or the hand press thingy as well?
@csmiffy, I’ve got a spare set of handles, if they’re of any use to you.
I read of someone using pre weighed powder into glass test tubes. Could be ok if you have access to them. But if going bush just use lee dippers.
@berg243 ah well that's no good lol.
Ive got a hornady 243 die set too
Agree with 257weatherby, the 310 reloading tool was before modern reloading equipment, but still has its place today.
If loading a packet from time to time, this maybe for you. One set of handles work on multi dies and calibers, a set of scales and your in business.