Lee Classic Cast Press Mounting, Setup, and First Use

[@jayphilipwilliams]

At this time, I've reloaded about 500 rounds of .308, a few hundred .45 ACP, and a few hundred 10mm. I'm still limited by powder and primers, but am anxious to load a lot more. So far, I have really enjoyed it and the press has worked great. If you want to shoot thousands of pistol rounds, you're definitely going to want a progressive, but for rifle rounds and limited pistol rounds, I think you'd be quite happy with this press. I know I'm very pleased. It's a fun and useful hobby.

[@Zerzil1974]

Funny, looking at this video 10 years later in Canada, and we're in the midst (again) of the outage in components you mentioned at the 14:35 mark.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Leave it to big government to mess everything up. Inflation, gun control, regulation that hurts the supply chain, etc. I figure the way around it just stocking up in the good times so you're prepared for the bad. Too bad we need to worry about it.

[@michaelstann3390]

This video was back in 2013. When he was mentioning that you can't get primers can't get ammo can't get reloading stuff. The exact same thing is happening now. Exactly. When he said that I had to look at the time stamp. I seriously can't find primers anywhere dude. Or ammo for that matter

[@butopiatoo]

Nice job! Love the closeups and seeing how you set it all up. Do sommore actually loading.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Thanks! I'm not a super experienced hand loader, but I'll think about doing some more videos that might be helpful for those without much experience.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Got SOME large pistol primers, but I feel like I'm having to ration them. Still need lots more and will need to small pistol primers, too. I'm glad you're getting started!

[@kotklegg3367]

Dude, I was going to keep my mouth shut, but I just couldn't resist! Have you ever heard of a pencil? Stick a pencil through the press holes, make a mark, move the press, and Drill the holes! It's not that hard brother! LOL

[@martymcgill1312]

I thought the same.

[@LF12468]

No shit, did he just drill the metal out of that brand new press too? LOL

[@varney2010]

Great video, have just ordered one of these so wanted to see it in action.

[@jas251000]

You can also pull the handle down and shorting the handle i did with mine makes action a little shorter.

[@larrymunninghoff6746]

Best video I have seen on Lee classic press. thanks

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Thanks, Larry!

[@newguy40]

An excellent video. I've been acquiring my reloading supplies over the past few months. Finally got the powder I needed. Hope you got your primers? I've noticed large pistol primer availability is better now. I'm getting started on 9mm and that caliber has been a challenge to find primers and bullets. But, patience is rewarded!

[@theodorebranin1365]

If I reload successfully without blowing up my gun, it is all thanks to you. This is the best video of all reloading videos. You answered all the questions I have ever had. Rely on Lees videos and packaged instuctions you learn nothing, except where the powder goes. Great job!! Now the snowflakes want to move you off KZbin. Relocate and advertise it on FB.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

I'm a little nervous about you relying on me for all your reloading info! Ha! Major bummer about that new KZbin policy. I'm starting on a titanium, high-capacity 1911 build in 10mm, and I also plan on milling an AR-15 receiver from a forging. It would be disappointing not to be able to share those with everyone, but it looks like that's where we're headed.

[@theodorebranin1365]

I apologize as I wanted to post the above at anther channel. But I will watch. Any coverage of reloading is valuable because it is potentially such a hazardous activity. I find jiujitsu2000 very clear. Just assume that your youtuber knows nothing.

[@theodorebranin1365]

The policy considerations are part of a larger liberal agenda to make us "nice, ie, defang."

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Glad you're not relying only on me. I'm far from an expert hand loader.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

No doubt. If we're armed, the statists can't control us. Things might get interesting one of these years.

[@dieselmac]

you have enough room on that bench you could do what I do.mount that on a separate board. then use long c clamps to lock it down.leaves your nice bench untouched and open to new ideas as you get more involved.looks pretty sweet!

[@jayphilipwilliams]

I've done that with a vise before, but didn't think of it with the press. I'll keep it in mind, though, in case I need to free up some space. :)

[@johnblood3731]

a famous gun wrighter dean grennel mounted his presses with c clamps. never saw one of his presses bolted down, i am a bolt guy. take care.

[@BenRichardson]

This appears to be the Breech Lock Challenger. Lee Classic Cast now has different ram, different spent primer outlet, no plate on the side, symmetric mounting holes L and R are same distance from the front edge of the benchtop.

[@braininahat]

Hey, I'm just collecting my stuff to reload too, so take this with a grain of salt, but I'm pretty sure the die for loading a charge also flares the case, so if you're not going to use the die to charge the case, then you still need to flare the case.

[@22303357]

Great video mate are you going to upload more videos of reloading with the lee press

[@johnpokrzywa3688]

The powder through die is used to bell the case to allow the bullet to enter more easily. You can put a small funnel on it to pour the powder into the primed case.

[@johnpokrzywa3688]

Replied too early; you found it.

[@jesusdrummer21]

Very helpful video, nice close ups and good instructions

[@andyprairiedog]

Excellent! I have a question of the 3 mount hole spacings. How far are they apart measuring in a straight line from handle side to back side? Thank you very much.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

The hole pattern isn't symmetric. The left bolt hole to the rear hole is about 2". The right hole to the rear hole is about 3.5". From the right hole straight back (perpendicular to the bench) to a line that intersects the rear hole is about 3".

[@andyprairiedog]

@@jayphilipwilliams Thank you. I ask because my current bench set up was not intended for a press. It is comprised of 2x4 running length-wise with an inch between each run. Does not flex, hoping the holes don't fall right where the space is between the 2x4s. If so, I can move them easily. Thanks again.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

@@andyprairiedog No problem. Good luck!

[@johnblood3731]

whenever i mount a press i cut out a shape of the press to make it fit further back from the edge, took me years to figure that out, take care.

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

Nice carpentry skills! good job running power to your extensions. Wouldn't advise drilling with full size bit through your press. Try a pilot hole fist, then complete with 3/8" or 1/2" hole. Need a washer on top and a lock washer underneath. Good job!

[@TindogTravels]

Nice work mate, I have a Dillon 650xl and I use that for pumping out 9mm by the hundreds, BUT I'm going into .308 for my Tikka T3 CTR, and Dillon wanted 480 for a conversion package!! so I'm going to by the Lee press for the 308, and that way there is no mucking around with change overs.. you made it look simple. great video.. BTW In Aust supply of powder is a bitch, Apparently its all going to the USA,, everyone is "prepping" apparently.. and then our ADI powder plant for pistol burned down!! cases primers and pills are no problem, and powder is coming online as of last month, Happy loading Jay .. thank you

[@larrykelley1818]

after my husband drilled the holes for my 3-different Lee single stage presses I went to Menards to the electrical department and purchased 6- 4'x4' inch square backing plates made of steel , took the steel plates and put them over the holes then took a marker and marked them. took them to the wood shop in the garage. there I put them on the Drill press drilled the holes out. then I took them back to the bench and placed the 1st plate on top of the holes , next take the press and place on top of the steel plate then put the 3 bolts through the holes on the press.next take the 2nd steel plate place under the table where the bolts come through place the plate over the bolts and put the washer and a lock washer ant tighten down.then do the 2 other presses the same.doing this will make support on top of the table and under the table.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Basically, giant washers. Good idea.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

I'm glad my video was able to help you out!

[@patrycklealoliveira8106]

Can i use this press with Lee .380 acp dies?

[@lucasdunajski8018]

How high is that mounted...and do you sit down and load? Awesome video

[@AlanDike]

Whats the ID of that tube? I plan on replacing it with a longer tube to run down into a folgers coffee can. Should support something in the neighborhood of 10 used primers.

[@jargobordine7254]

Case lube helps. If you have a necked cartridge you definitely want case lube or the mandrill can get stuck in the cartridge neck. Spray case lube speeds the process up; hornady one shot doesn’t effect the powder.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Thanks for the tip, Jargo. I've had good luck with Imperial Dry Neck Lube.

[@jargobordine7254]

@@jayphilipwilliams I gotta try that as sometimes the spray I use attracts pieces of walnut from the tumbler and jam up in the shell holder. It is a fascinating new hobby and I am stocking up on what supplies I can for my Swedish Mauser.

[@andyprairiedog]

Thank you for this informative video of the Classic Cast. By now you have gotten your reloading components, how has this held up and reloaded for you? My first reloading supplies are still in my "wish list". I need to build a garage/shack first. Ive been eyeballing this particular press for my R700 Target Tactical in .308WIN. Thank you for posting...SUBBED!!!!

[@inspectyerbooty]

great video thanks,... but i don't like the way that the primers fall out the side of the ram and then the filthy primer output hole goes back into the ram channel taking all the nasty particles with it and contaminating the ram's sliding channel [ i saw this in your vid] ... i think i would prefer a model where the primers fall straight through the ram and tiny bits of dirt, powder, metal and such will never touch the ram's lubricated guide channel... are there any models or brands that you know of that use this method?? :-)

[@jayphilipwilliams]

+inspectyerbooty I haven't researched any other ones. This one does get a bit dirty, though, as you observed. However, it doesn't seem to adversely affect its function.

[@inspectyerbooty]

Jay Williams yeah true, with all that mechanical advantage built into the lever arm it would just power through grit and grime that was attracted to the lubricated surfaces.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

I don't think it's quite as bad as you're thinking.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

That's a good idea. If you don't need the leverage, the stroke is awfully long!

[@boz4200]

If you are still looking for supplies I found some bulk supplies through gunbroker and gunauction. Although I have not used those sites yet for supplies. :P

[@MrYrgas]

Is the press cast iron or aluminum?

[@jayphilipwilliams]

leeprecision.com/classic-cast-press.html

[@mtkjohn6204]

Thank you Jay a big help, i picked up this press on ebay without instructions (Ouch)

[@thinklab4598]

You need to use case lube if you full-length resize. Only dry run neck resizing dies!

[@cramer6000]

Did you lube the Cases?

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Yes.

[@robertwilliams6395]

thanks for sharing

[@jocelynlacharite]

If you don't want the primer arm rattle while resizing/unpriming you ma cut a piece of rubber or even wood that will replace the metal primer arm and guide spent primers to the good place.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

I'll check them out. Thanks!

[@russellkeeling4387]

Unscrew the locking ring and place the o ring in the lock ring correctly. Lee dies need that to be done.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Thanks for the tip.

[@milboltnut]

Lee is the bottom of the shelf equipment. For average loading it's fine but for better concentricity and accuracy you need to step up to Redding or custom

[@Benroe-yz1nz]

That Lee classic press is as good as anything. As a matter of fact I make some fine ammo with the Challenger press and good dies/bushings.

[@mitchellcox2928]

good job

[@tedsmith6702]

you made an ordeal out of a simple project.

[@MemoriesRR]

Excellent. 👍 New sub. But oxymoron "to be precise if I counted correctly." Just had to make that remark!

[@BORNAGAINKJB]

I hate the breachlock. I prefer the classic cast.

[@richardalmo5433]

oil that Ram and Clean those cases

[@GC-bz3ob]

What a dork! He’s not done drilling and I can’t watch anymore!