Which Reloading Press is Best For You?

[@SkyHigh1911]

I started with a Classic Turret press 10 years ago. Reloading 9 mm, .38 Special, .45 a.c.p. and .45 Colt. Recently a primer cup lever broke; still usable but I wanted a new one. Lee would not let me buy it, instead they shipped me large and small cup levers for free. A few weeks ago I ordered (on-line) a replacement pot for my Lee 4-20 melt pot; a pop-up said "no charge for you". I paid the shipping charge only. The old pot worked fine, I wanted a new one to install an O-ring thermocouple on the valve for my P.I.D. temperature controller. Every time I call Lee I get friendly people that are knowledgeable and patient...treating customer better than just great! Bless Richard Lee (R.I.P.) and his family.

[@lmaolmoo4147]

I used to reload with my grandad when I was 12. Probably reloaded 5k rounds in a 2 year period. Turned me off because I was young and dumb. Now looking to get back in.

[@johnvanzoest4532]

The Lee classic turret press is where I'd advise any beginner to start. That and some digital scales .

[@65philo]

I love my classic press. The only one I have and it has loaded thousands of 9mm, 40 cal and 45 acp. Fast and easy ... Can't beat it. Thanks for taking the time to show people this press

[@vinsonhelton7141]

I've been using the Lee classic turret press for years for various pistol calibers and it has met my needs without any problems. The powder and primer devices have worked good. The indexing mechanism has worked good and I haven't replaced any parts after thousands of rounds.

[@The_Austin_Doell]

Pretty much all of my reloading equipment was aquired by my father or myself at garage sales, got a pretty colorful bench. Free stuff is awesome.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I've owned a Lyman c press and currently using a Lee. I've been handloaded since the 1960s off and on including for competition. If you have deep enough pockets, buy what you want, but don't feel short changed by getting something budget priced. Extra money spent on better quality guns is better spent there than on expensive presses.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

For 40+ years, I've been hand loading up here in Alaska for hunting bolt action rifles with my 1972 RCBS Rock Chucker single stage.

[@jpro5232]

You have the best single stage press. Period!

[@ouruiz]

Agree. I have been reloading since 1994, and at my local shooting club people always ask me which one is a good starter press. I always direct them to the Lee Classic Turret Press. You learn the basics of a single stage, yet near the speed of a progressive press (almost). It is a great value and switching calibers is pretty simple.

[@Vfh........y]

ouruiz ...so glad I got a 550b. I do not like to tinker............

[@TheCharleseye]

The nice thing about starting with a hand press is that even if you move up to a better press, you've still got a nice, portable press to take to your camp.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

Deuce and Guns, when I started reloading about six months ago I used the same idea I teach my guitar students when buying their first electric guitar, buy a kit. It has almost everything you need. I purchased a Lee breech lock challenger kit, and to date I've loaded well over 3000 rounds. I got the lee 4 die 9mm set, but I found out that the 4th die (crimp die) was totally unnecessary. This kit doesn't have everything, I still needed a manual, so I got the Lee book and the Hornady book. BIG THING for new loaders, ASK QUESTIONS! You will find a lot of people who are glad to welcome you to the hobby. P.S. get a bullet puller, you'll need it, trust me.

[@skyvwest]

Jim Vandemoter what did you need to purchase aside from this kit and a set of dies? I'm just beginning to reload, only .223 for now. Obviously a tumbler, anything else?

[@bradlehman1537]

I started with a RCBS reloader special that I sold down the road and bought a Lyman T mag. I also own the Lee hand press it is a great option for folks on a budget and as you pointed out it's great for range work. I still prime all my brass on a Lee auto prime. Good video. and while I'm aware that there are higher quality presses available for the money it is really hard to beat Lee.

[@americanpatriot8786]

Great video. I will be buying my son his first press for his birthday coming up soon and you have validated my decision to purchase the Lee Classic Turret Press for his gift. Thank you, keep up the good work.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thanks for the good introduction to the various reloading presses. I started reloading in 1993 with a Lee progressive press for pistol and then I got a Lee Classic Cast single stage press for precision rifle shooting. Just last month I bought the Lee Breech Lock Hand press for reloading at the range. So I guess I've gone through the presses in completely backwards order. I showed my Lee LoadMaster progressive and Lee Classic Cast single stage presses to a friend and he went in the middle and bought a Lee Classic Turret press and has loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammo on it.

[@Bidimus1]

I started with a Lee Challenger press kit and have upgraded to the classic turret kit which for many tasks is better. it's handy having a single stage press for things like resizing or just depriming. a combination of the Lee classic turret press and C frame Lee press is a great combo and only has $33 or so to the cost of the Lee turret kit. I also made two small modifications to my turret press I added a small LED light from Dollar Store on a piece of Velcro so as I can see into the case is better and a long thin rubber band that holds the primer arm at maximum extension so it's always in the same place and does not wiggle around as much.

[@ozzmann3217]

I’ve used the aerosol and love it but the lee resizing lube and it lasts so much longer and don’t waste nearly as much actual product in my opinion. Great video

[@DonziGT230]

Not all presses need tinkering. I bought two Hornady LNL AP presses, one new and one used, and both worked right off. I debated starting with a single stage and that's what most people recommended, but I'm glad I went right to the automatic progressive.

[@john.wick1]

I'm considering purchasing a Hornady reloader as well. I want one that is FULLY upgradable, able to add on every possible imaginable tool, device, trinket and gadget available. I want one that can reload various handgun calibers, AS WELL AS shotgun and .223 / .556. - and reload them insanely fast! Which press would you recommend?

[@DonziGT230]

@@john.wick1 What you want doesn't exist.

[@john.wick1]

@@DonziGT230 Them why does Hornady actually make all of these other optional accessories?

[@DonziGT230]

@@john.wick1 As far as I know nobody makes a press that can do metallic cartridges and shotgun.

[@csmphotography]

@@DonziGT230 Neh, No shotgun on a L&L.

[@wingsofred9327]

+1 for the Lee Classic Turret Kit. I started out with a very used single stage because I got it at a really good price and didn't know if it was something I wanted to keep doing. I used that for about 6-8 mos and then got the Lee Classic Turret kit, which I've had for almost 5 yrs. I'm now to the point where I want to spend less time and get more production so it's now time for an upgrade into a progressive. Don't discount the Lee Loadmaster. I've read a lot of things about it and it seems like those that take the time to tinker with it and tune it right, have little to no issues with it. Those that appear to just expect it to work perfect right out of the box, are the ones writing bad reviews. I think Dillon is top of the line but even though I've been in this hobby for over 6 yrs now, more if you count the reloading I did in my youth with my father, I still don't want to spend the money for a Dillon.

[@Shooter7point62]

If I did it all over again, Id buy a progressive and be done. Many folks fail to realize that something like a 550b can be used in a single stage manner.

[@redmambatheoriginal3682]

Shooter7point62 can you load rifle sick as 308 or 300 win mag in a progressive? No feeder?

[@TOBORE8THMAN]

Purchased a Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press 6 years ago. She's as good and precise as the day I bought it. I keep it clean and oiled. RCBS dies only.

[@deuceandguns]

Those breech lock presses are built to last. I used to recommend Lee dies over everyone else due to them being good enough and far cheaper. Now that Lee raised their prices on dies and RCBS has kept the same price I recommend the RCBS dies for their adjustability and locking collar.

[@TOBORE8THMAN]

Kewl. I know the progressive/turret presses are all the rage now but for me (and just me...), they introduce a level of complexity that I'm not equipped to manage. I enjoy the ease and simplicity of a good old single stage press of any manufacturer. I feel I have greater quality control with them...but that's just me.

[@mpccenturion]

I started with the Lee - handloader in 78. I had bought a Bonanza balance beam scale. I used a plastic headed mallet. I loaded at least 2000 rifle rds, before I bought a single stage press. I loaded 44 mag and 303 Brit. Same rim dia. close anyway. For the 44, I just bought the dies. A leather glove- and I just hammered the 44 cases into the die. and deprimed with the same tool from the old hand tools. Yeh - I was cheap. I loaded them both, for the last 42 years. I had an original LEE little red hand primer. It finally came apart about 3 yrs ago. I made powder measures from 9mm and 45 cases. just trimmed them down to what I needed. All of these things could be done on the coffee table watching TV. Charging the cases was the only thing I stopped- turned off all the distractions and just paid absolute "paint-drying" attention until all the case passed the flashlight test. Any case that did not look right, I dumped the charge on the pan and confirmed, yeh or neh. And went on from there. I admit, the more I load 9mm, the more I may go on a progressive press, but I have to hit 1000 cases, in a single load session. What else am I going to do at the camp, watch the fireflies, even though they are cool, but just as a distraction. Thank you - I think you did a great intro to reloading! Cheers to you!

[@Holledel]

Classic Turret is my favorite it's great for load development. I had a pro 1000 but double charged a 45acp and ended up blowing up a round in my 1911 and had to pick brass out of my face. So if you get the pro 1000 really pay attention to what your doing. I also have a Dillon 650 for reloading plinking rounds oh and the lee manual is the best book you can get right now, lots of good info for beginners

Couple questions about the double charge. What kind of powder were you using? How many grains were you using? Were you loading hot or a light target load? Would a double charge fit in the case and still have enough room to set a bullet on the case mouth and seat? If the gun exploded, I tend to doubt the double charge explaination. Guns should be able to handle a far bigger load than what the ammo is usually loaded too without blowing up as long as there is no obstruction. It might break from the excessive recoil, but the case shouldn't blow out. I can think of several causes for a case blow out. One is firing out of battery. One would be a case reloaded too many time that stretched and held the chamber open slightly. Another would be a case mouth crimped too much getting past the end of the chamber into the free bore, which would pinch the end of the case into the bullet when it was fire causing almost a barrel obstruction. Another would be firing a round after an unnoticed squib.

[@TheCkpasta]

Good advice, when I get frustrated with crushed cases, jammed primer systems and misaligned shell plates on my Hornady LNL progressive I go back to my classic turret press and just start cranking out rounds. It may be slower but it has never inspired the agonizing frustration of a progressive log jam.

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

I started with the Lee loader kit, it worked out great for me, it cost 37.00 dollars and I can load about 70 bullets an hour. I do like the Lee hand press and that is going to be my next investment, I really love loading my own 45 Colt and I want to start doing 38 special for my cartridge conversion for my Pietta 36 caliber 1861 Navy. Thanks for this video, you have a great KZbin channel and it is informative and interesting. Thank you.

[@thevacuumtubejunky9774]

Lee precision produces some awesome equipment in my opinion, it's not so much the price one pays for the equipment, it's the knowledge the user has to reload. As for the hand press, I keep one in my bug out stash, with one set of pistol and rifle dies,with components properly stored, labor intensive?, a little but, having the option to hand craft ammo could come in handy. Great video B.C. Thank you! Eric Dee.

[@mrgearheadfromhell]

I went with the lee breach lock started kit, it had just about everything you need outside of dies and brass prep tools and equipment. I liked that system because with that set up with extra bushings you can set up all your dies and after that all you need to do is measure to verify specs. I set up all my dies with factory rounds and every round falls within +/- .002 well within a safe margin of error. The best part is I don't have to adjust the dies every time I change caliber or function. I also like the lee decaping dies because if you have a issue it simply pushes the decaping pin up through the die without breaking it. Cost is a important factor, I didn't need to crank out a thousand rounds an hour and needed to stay within a reasonable budget so Lee fits the bill. A good point about Lee dies is that they come with a shell holder whereas other brand dies do not. I did spend the extra money to get the carbide pistol dies and the 4 die sets where a factory crimp is required. I also purchased and recommend the L.E. Wilson head space gauges, these things are great and tell you in an instant if your brass has a issue or when it needs to be trimmed. When I get started everyone recommended the Lyman's 49th edition book, I found it was easier to use than some of the other books I have. Although I have found others have more load data, I currently have 4 books and have my eye on a few more; I find it helpful to be able to cross reference load data. In a attempt to limit the types of powder I have been able to find data with powder that will work on several calibers rather than having a powder for each caliber, the only powder I use that is caliber specific is the Lever evolution for my 30/30, while I could use that for the 308 I use H335. I tend to buy my materials at gun shows to avoid shipping fees, I have a few retailers that stock components however their stock is hit and miss. Dealing with the same vendors at the gun shows they cut me a deal on a case of primers and bring items for me, so that helps lower the cost yet it's easy to drop a few hundred real quick.

[@chriskelly509]

I use a Dillon 650 (I shoot competition) but also have the lee cast press for rifle. the dillon square deal B is also a great choice for pistol.

[@k.w5804]

Yea they all take some tinkering. In my experience, Lee takes the most and it's just continuous pain because you know the priming mechanism is gonna quit working or break sooner or later and the dies are gonna work themselves loose. Hornady LnL was my second, but I found myself readjusting almost everything every 1200 ish rounds. Then I went xl650 and still kicking myself for not starting with one in the first place.

[@Vfh........y]

Kevin W ....well said.

[@scbane]

Amen

[@scenicdriveways6708]

I disagree. I started out with the Lee Classic loaders to see if I would like reloading. I had a lot of fun loading with the Lee Classic Loaders , and I still use them from time to time. It was an inexpensive way to get into reloading and see if I liked it. I could load a box of 50 rounds in 45 minutes with them. The Lee Hand Press is a great option for me because my wife Jo-Ann and I are Full Time RVers , we live - work and travel full time with our pickup truck and travel trailer. Because we live in a 25 foot RV we don't have a lot of extra space , so the portable Lee Hand Press is working out great for me. I sold all my bench loaders and all my bullet casting equipment and supplies before hitting the road full time. I also love the fact that I can take my Lee Hand Press to the range with me and test out new loads right at the range. Nice video , thanks for sharing. JT

[@russellkeeling9712]

The Lee Classic is the best to start with. You learn the most basic theory of loading and each step intimately, and it can be done anywhere. I don't recommend a hammer I would suggest a mallet.

[@alanbehnke9615]

This is funny, I have a RCBS single. Reloaded a lot of ammo, one at a time. Looking for a faster way to do it. Started looking at Dillon presses. Way to much for my budget. They probably are the best but for what I wanted was getting to close to $2000 dollars. Then I found the Lee Classic turret press. I can get it from Ebay new for $85 and accessories are mind bogglingly expensive. It's not nearly as fast as a Dillon but way faster than what I have now. I have watched some videos of the Lee Classic press in action and I am impressed. I can probably buy six of these totally set up for the price of the Dillon. I think I'll go with Lee. Thank you for your video. For anyone out there that's got a bunch of old stuff like me. You can use your old dies and just buy the powder through die for the Lee for 10 to 15 dollars and use the stuff you already have. Let's is way more cost friendly.

[@alanbehnke9615]

I meant inexpensive

[@markfung5654]

Excellent video. Very informative. Thank you for such unbiased opinions. Not easy in our hype everything era.

[@danielfunk2758]

I have 5 presses 2 progressive, 2 single stage and my favorite the classic turret 4 hole, it literally is the most versatile in my shop.

[@fdmackey3666]

Thanks for this great video especially as you helped me, greatly, to decide exactly which type of press would be best for me and the level of reloading I expect to be doing in the foreseeable future. Due to space restrictions I've been using the Lee hand press for several years now and have had no problems, considering I'm only loading twenty to fifty rounds per session, loading either handgun or rifle ammo with it. The house my wife and I are planning on purchasing back home has a small work shop (formerly a wood working shop) in the back yard and I've called dibs on it for my reloading needs. A Lee Turret Press Kit is now on my Christmas present list, to myself most likely, this year. Thanks again for helping me decide and for another great video! Keep 'em comin'!!!

[@fitteritout3622]

FD Mackey just make sure you store your components in a climate/ humidity controlled area because the humidity and yard chemicals even fertilizer and pesticides and cleaning chemicals in the same area will cause every component to degrade and corrode over time just a thought as many others have learned that lesson the hard way

[@fdmackey3666]

Thanks for reminding me of that fitter it out! An acquaintance here in Maryland discovered everything you pointed out to be true just this past summer. The shop in his back yard had been used for storage of lawn and garden equipment/chemicals by the homes previous owners and in very short order his reloading supplies and equipment paid the price. Much of his equipment and powders were damaged or made to be unusable and he's been busy ordering new "stuff" and has since torn down and properly disposed of the old shed and replaced it with a custom built structure some 20 feet from the site of the old one. Truth be known I'm sorta jealous of his new building and just wish I had his carpentry skills. I may have to purchase a new "storage building" once we move back to South Carolina and get settled into our "new" home, have it professionally wired and then cobble together a reloading bench based on a set of plans I found on the internet. I'll bet there are a lot of hand loaders and wanna be hand loaders who have not taken the points you made into account because they did not know any better. Again, thanks for the reminders, they WILL be taken into account before I even think about setting up my reloading bench in the existing work shop on the property we are planning on buying.

[@fitteritout3622]

FD Mackey just glad I could help I've seen that happen to often to let anyone make this expensive mistake if possible although we all make our own mistakes in one way or the other lol. I personally use an old safe with a "glow rod" not sure if that's right but it's a dehumidifier that plugs into the wall and I have a humidity gauge that I keep my eye on weekly that I keep my primers and powder in and I know people that use the old metal tool boxes to do the same thing because it's safe around the kids and God forbid I ever have a fire it's going to be safe for the firefighters

[@fdmackey3666]

Again thanks for the tips fitter it out! As a born and raised Southerner I know me some humidity...HOWEVER...BECAUSE I know me humidity I must confess I tend to take it for granted because "it's always been there and always will be" if you know what I mean. Growing up on a small farm I learned to clean, lubricate (when lubrication was called for), and properly store our tools and other equipment including firearms. But I must confess, that since those days, I have often been negligent in following those rules. Maybe it's our "disposable" tools society or just getting old, but I've been guilty of not following those early in life, hard learned, rules that have caused me to spend money on new tools that I should not have had to spend (except my firearms...those I NEVER forget to properly care for thanks to my Grandfather, Dad, and Uncle Sam drumming THAT rule into my head. It's like a habit or riding a bike...You don't forget no matter what.). I have much to learn, and relearn, about hand loading and you have been kind enough to provide advice that I have made it a point to make written note of. I hand loaded my first roads, .30-30s and .357 Magnums back in the late 1960s and into the early 1970s and then, due to moving around, sold or gave away all my equipment and components and have only recently taken hand loading up again. I've forgotten a lot and must admit that I never even considered certain factors into the hobby and your advice has been and will continue to be taken to heart.

[@boomerdog5261]

FD Mackey FYI look into a Dillon 550 you I have found mine great for all types of ammo.

[@stevendeatley4878]

I like reloading and I started out with the little lee loader in 22-250 later I picked up a RCBS Partener press and a case trimmer and set od scales after that I just got a vibratory case Cleaner then later on I got a RCBS Rock Chrusher press .I like the single stage press and it is very easy to make great ammo and the reloading manuals is a must for anyone to have .I love just reading the loading manuals there is alot of good info in them .and I think a case preping station will be my next addition as it seems the case work is the most time consuming part of the reloading process.good video and the Lee compay makes very good reloading equipment I just happened to get all RCBS equipment because our local walmart had all of the things I wanted and it was on sale .lol,i just wished I could get them to stock more powder.

[@raptorshootingsystems3379]

Redding Ultramag - large magnums and heavy case forming RCBS Summit - normal resizing and seating Dillion 1050 motorized - high volume brass forming and trimming - geared to run at 500 per hour Harrells Turret Press - Bullet seating at the range.

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

My prefered press is a DILLON 550C, I've been a great fan of buy once cry once. But I also have a single stage RCBS

[@deuceandguns]

That's one philosophy. Mine is to buy Harbor Freight first and whatever you break replace it with Snap-on. I only follow the buy once cry once when my salary depends on it.

[@pastortlc1]

I started off with the Lee Classic Turret Press Kit. Still like and use this press. I finally upgraded to a Hornady L&L AP press. I mainly reload .38 for Cowboy Action Shooting on the Hornady. I just bought a set of Lee 308 dies to give Rifle reloading a try on my Lee Press.

[@machinegreen1413]

Good video Deuce. Mrs. Santa got me the Lee Challenger kit this past Christmas. I'm loving it so far. If I upgrade I'll use it for decapping. Thanks again. Be safe and God bless.

[@greenbeard_actual]

8:39 A literal ton? Man, shipping must be expensive. Haha. Thanks for the video, it was helpful and informative.

[@a68dart340]

Started with a lee turret press kit as shown, love it over 10k 40s so far, only issue i have ever had was primer loader never got it right.

[@johndingmansr.5895]

I started with that same Lee Classic Turret Press Kit many years ago and I still have and use it along with two Lee Loadmasters 😉

[@reloadingwithjohnnyray-bac8775]

Great video. I love Lee products.

[@unluckyeddy7966]

I am looking at getting into reloading. Step one get a place where I can set up a bench...

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I've been reloading for 50 years. Just get one to suit your budget and start using it. I've never been disappointed with any that I've owned. I only dislike the Lee powder scale for it's small measurement range which is only 100 grains. There are many bullets that exceed that limit. I also dislike the razor blade bearing. I've used inexpensive digital scales from eBay that are very accurate compared to my good quality Lyman balance type scale.

[@deuceandguns]

I typically use a digital scale due to their speed and I'll occasionally verify their accuracy with the Lee balance scale.

[@beginning-reloading]

Great video! I started with the Lee Classic turret press and still using it today. I've added a few mods here and there, but still love this press. I think it's the best of both worlds for a beginner. You can start using it as a single stage and then move up to some automation with the turret.

[@bassdeff8819]

I haven't gotten into reloading yet, slowly warming up to the idea. However, I adhere to the "buy once, cry once" philosophy. Especially when it comes to tools. Every time I cheap out on tools I end up hating using them and buying the good quality ones. When I do take the plunge I'll best press I can afford.

[@rcairflr]

@Bass > There are many good presses that will last you a lifetime. The bigger question is, what type of press suits you? "single stage, progressive or turret" For me, I have been using a Lyman single stage press for 30 years. It has paid for itself numerous times over. I don't need an expensive progressive press.

[@kenredington4988]

Been running a Dillion RL550B for about 25 years. Never had a major issue that was not self inflicted. Speaking of which, cracked the frame (???) 30 years ago...sat on it for a few years then sent them a E-mail explaining my problem...their no BS policy ment they sent me a return number, I sent the press back, and they sent me a replacement (new frame with all my old parts) at NO charge. Not their fault but with a service policy like that how can you go wrong?

[@getoffmylawn8986]

Their customer service is the best in the business.

[@stealthandy638]

morning mate . thanks for your time an sharing .

[@agentnuget]

Realistically the Lee kit is perfect for most beginners. A beginner isn't going to go buy a Dillon right away. Lee is an entry level press, even though I see some really old ones used still...

[@Vfh........y]

nuget102 ....I'm a beginner.....I bought a Dillon 550b and soooooo glad I did. It was more money. But we'll worth it.

[@jefft.7584]

The Lee Loader is a great place to start if you're not sure. Don't discount its possibilities.

[@wreckz9145]

Love my Lee loader

[@donostrander7020]

As far as reloading the best customer service is RCBS if you lose or break a part no questions asked, they just take care of you!

[@lonewanderer3603]

I bought a Hornady lock and load classic kit. It seemed to have some features I wanted and came with a rebate coupon for 500 bullets. After using it for a year, I now use a 60 year old press I got at a flea market for $10. The lock and load bushings seemed like a good idea, but you have to buy one for every die you plan on using ($5 each). If you don't want to buy the bushings, then you will have to loosen the lock rings on your dies to remove them, meaning you have to adjust them every time. The primer arm also seems to be out of sync. It hits the case early and ends up turning the primers upside down. That's probably why it comes with a hand primer in the box. The scale also seems rather cheap. The trickler is fine, but I also have a problem getting consistent throws from the powder dispenser. All in all, if I could do it over, I'd probably buy a rock chucker or Lee for my first press. The only parts of the kit I actually still use are the handbook and trickler.

[@medicms2001]

Good video. I agree with the Classic turret press. You may wanna add in future videos about the capability of removing the indexing rod and using a single stage. Which is a great feature for beginners. Thanks

[@russellkeeling9712]

Of all the powder measures I have used I now just use a Lee powder measure because even though it seems cheaply built it throws very accurate charges especially with the finer powders. I did hang on to my Lyman powder measure though.

[@michaelfranz8252]

Love Lee for the $$. Progressive primer feed grimed up with loose powder.

[@Mike_S_Swift]

I’ve been using my Bonanza Co-Ax press since new in 72’. Only thing that I had an issue with was the plastic primer catch cup. Replaced it with a like item I had in the house. Forster bought Bonanza out so you know what I’m dealing with. Very easy to swap dies out. Almost all my dies are Bonanza Co-Ax Benchrest dies. The press was about 75.00 and if you bought the press the BR dies were 15.00 instead of 25.00 Also picked up a set of Harris bipods for 15.00. This was all for my new 222 in Rem 788 at Coast to Coast for 99.95 lol. Still have that too lol. All good stuff

[@scottrussell6717]

I always recommend single stage for beginners

[@scbane]

Buy a Dillon rl550c, and never look back. The lee handpress is super handy for hunting trips, but that's the only lee press i own. Dillon super 1050 with an ammobot autodrive for my pistol/rifle rounds, dillon rl550c for my hunting rifle rounds.

[@TheStraycat74]

I have a 550B and I LOVE it. I "liked" the lee pro 1000, but I LOVE my Dillon. 10,000 times better, but three times the purchase price. Totally worth it. Learn on a lee, reload on a Dillon, just sayin

[@j109joell]

Lee dies and single stage & turret presses are acceptable. I still use their old hand primer. Get a higher quality powder measure and scale: Hornady,, RCBS, Reddings, etc. You will regret buying Lee's progressive press set-ups !!! They are just not in the same league as Hornady, RCBS, Dillon.

[@pault2148]

I love my "Lyman t-mag 2 turret press". The main reason I bought it was so I can set up my dies and buy adidtional turret heads if I need room for more dies, then I don't have to reset up anything (very minor adjustments once and a blue moon) anythime I am needing to reload another caliber.

[@pareloader5989]

I personally think that the LEE Breech Lock Challenger Press would be the best most economical way for someone that is just getting into reloading.

[@deuceandguns]

Pickup this exact Lee Turret Press Kit plus the better auto drum powder measure here at Amazon. amzn.to/2lB6VQA

[@bboutdoorstorellc655]

Great video, good information for those that want to get started in reloading.

[@Turbo44mag]

To each his own, but I think it is best to start on a single stage press.

[@deuceandguns]

That's actually why I recommend the Lee Turret press because you can turn off the indexing and use it as a single stage.

[@Turbo44mag]

DEUCE AND GUNS It is a good press, (my favorite) but I suggest a single stage because if you don't use it you don't lose as much as if it was a rock chucker.

[@Turbo44mag]

DEUCE AND GUNS It is a good press, (my favorite) but I suggest a single stage because if you don't use it you don't lose as much as if it was a rock chucker.

[@jpro5232]

I like turret presses for pistol reloading, not for rifles

[@danhines1313]

I would like to see a set of videos on what to get and how to reload for the beginner. This should include the initial cost estimates. Thanks

[@deuceandguns]

I had an entire list of videos like this but KZbin took them down when they added reloading instructions to their list of inappropriate content. Maybe I'll put them up somewhere else but they can't go up on KZbin. I could do some more general cost estimates and equipment reviews but real how to instructions are a nogo for KZbin.

[@MindFury]

I just picked up a Lyman crusher 2 for 40 bucks new.I doibn't like the indexing of it and will use it for decaping. I will be getting one of these lee's for the actual reloading. Thanks.

[@TheYjmfan]

Great review I wished I’d had purchased the turret version I’ve used the single stage for years but am considering the lee turret.

[@deuceandguns]

If you upgrade to the Turret keep that single stage as well. I use my single stage for trimming and odd ball things all the time.

[@theeverydayguy9822]

For pistol reloading I use a Dillon 650. I can load a lot of ammo in a short time. But for Rifles I stick with a single stage RCBS. I want to be as accurate as possible when loading for long range shooting.

[@jiujitsuforall8627]

The beginning reloader has no better friend than Lee Precision. Or even the "experienced" reloader, for that matter. I started my reloading journey in the '80's with the ol' Lee Loader in 357 mag. Fast forward to today, and I'm using Lee's Value Turret Press. I know there are better quality, faster presses, but for me, this suits me just fine. I can load all the 9mm, 223, 30 Carbine, and 300 BO my heart desires. For larger rifle cases, I use my Lee single stage that also doubles as a bullet sizer, decapper, and priming station. I love Lee dies, you will be hard-"pressed" to find a better, more economical die set. I refuse to pay outrageous prices for dies!!! For me, Lee dies just work, and work well.

[@jtepsr]

Dillon 550 is the press to use by far because you can use it as a single press also. Dillon is the best service you will ever get

[@Whatisright]

These kits are far smaller than I'd imagined. I'm thinking one would need like a large working area to reload ammo. The kits themselves are inexpensive compared to what I was thinking about.

[@GeneralG1810]

Because I always take some powder and projectiles with me to the range

[@danielbaker1976]

Drink a beer every time he says "Actually".

[@matthewvonnahme4235]

I tried this and threw up 5 minutes into the video. 10/10 will try again.

[@pete1342]

My Lyman T Mag II press serves me well, and I'd still buy Lee dies if they cost three times what they do. Lee makes the only decent neck sizing die on the market for one.

[@CommonCentrist82]

The best press in 2021, is whichever press you can get your hands on.

[@deuceandguns]

Very true. When ammo runs dry the reloading equipment is soon to follow.

[@CommonCentrist82]

@@deuceandguns yeah, I put things off too long now I can't get either.

[@russellkeeling9712]

The only place I want a progressive press is when loading shotgun shells. For my other firearms I do just fine with a single stage RCBS rockchucker. About the only round I don't think I can load on it might be a .50 BMG because of its length. Make sure the bench is sturdy and the press does not move because when using a collet neck sizing die you can push the press right off the bench.

[@bp516]

Good advice. I hate when reloaders tell newbies to start on a single stage. I started with a lee classic turret, and graduated to a hornady lnl AP and can crank out 400+ pistol rounds per hour.

[@terrinewman7390]

I currently have a dillon sdb but looking a lee because the conversion kits for the sdb are almost $90.00 and I've have lee equipment before and it all I can sasy is for the price point it's a pretty good deal !! nice vid!

[@donostrander7020]

Hardcore reloaders will have one main press then they will have 2, 3, 4, or more brands and types of presses, that will do diff. work and ammo out there from small to very large, its very to load big and small ammo on the same press, with the big press you tend crush the smaller cases, with out a lot of practice on the press.

[@bryanbeswick6149]

I have the Lee LoadMaster progressive press. It is a step up from the 1000 but the priming system still isn't great. I ended up removing the priming system and use the turret press as a single stage to decap, resize and prime then the LoadMaster to take the batch the rest of the way.

[@buschwacker3254]

Great video. The only thing I'd challenge is that the The Lee Loader kit is too slow. It isn't slow for small numbers of rounds. It takes less than a minute to reload a cartridge - faster than you can change a die. I have the Lee Loader and the Challenger press and like them both. I'm looking forward to getting a Classic Turret press in the near future.

[@deuceandguns]

Agreed, the Lee Loader is faster if you're loading less than a dozen rounds. If you're going to shoot more I highly recommend that classic turret. Just last night I cut 223 brass down resized to 300 blkout and had 100 rds loaded all in an hour. That included weighing every charge.

[@rahubba1]

"Almost reloading season." I didn't know there was only a certain time of the year that allowed for handloading. Good thing I haven't told anyone of my "out-of-season" handloading crusades.

[@casperhoopit6858]

why would ya be reloadin when you could be unloadin at the range boah?

[@Ruteger100]

please be aware that prices for any press right now are insane, if you can even find one. Primers and Powder are equally impossible to find without being gouged. Even the Powder measure and Shell holders are twice the price they used to be. This would have been great to purchase in 2016. In 2021 it difficult to find projectiles as well so look into bullet casting (Prices also ridiculous) I wish this was not the case, perhaps it will change. Right now, I'd slide it all into the cost/time prohibitive side of the ledger.

[@richardkut3976]

There's are Utube videos of reloaders doing .38 special in less than 60 seconds. That is not slow!

[@deuceandguns]

I'd consider 60 rounds an hour quite slow for pistol cartridges.

[@TheStraycat74]

after 10,000 rounds my lee pro 1000 cracked and broke in several spots. good for a semi-beginner, but the durability JUST is not there. I bought a used Dillon 550B and I've done at LEAST 10k pistol rounds on it, and I'm setting up my 308's on it soon. with that in mind, I have a lee pro 1000 I'm willing to part with CHEAP. Lots of parts for it, extra tool heads, but it needs a few repairs. Does not come with dies (I needs them for my dillon)

[@TheStraycat74]

when in doubt, Get a Rockchucker. Slow and stead wins the race, but my rockchucker has been in continuous use for nearly 50 years (my dad before me) and it still works perfectly. I deprime ALL my brass with it before I tumble them. for military brass I also swag the pockets on my rockchucker.

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

Lee Challenger Single Stage is Great for me. 1st I stage my brass which means I have clean brass waiting to be sized and decapped (primer drops into a bucket)..Some sized waiting bell and prime and the Final is waiting powder, shot or bullet and crimp. I keep up wards of 3000 rounds mixed 9 mm, .40 S/W and .45 acp for plinking. I have seen the turrets yes awesome I as a Family/working man do not have that amount of time on my hands I have to break it down. Not much of a Progressive fan as they are caliber specific. I did start on hand loading and yeah not at all fun.

[@tom_olofsson]

Great advice Deuce.

[@fisoxlt]

If I could do it all over again, I'd start with the Lee Classic Turret and be done with it. I started with the hand press and almost gave up on reloading because of it, especially after I almost lost a finger after losing my grip while decapping/resizing brass one night and sprayed blood all over the den and my wife. Because of that night, my wife surprised me with the Lee Classic Cast Breech Lock single stage and I found I really do enjoy reloading when I'm not killing myself in the process. After about a year with the single stage, I started eyeing the turret. Once I got it, I kicked myself for not buying it first! Now I'm in the process of building a fun gun that will probably end up justifying a Pro 1000 in a year or so.

[@mannycali334]

O found that the lyman kit is the best it's a 8 stage turret with a case trimmer scale powder dispenser a loading book and case prep accessories all for around 350$

[@ParaSniper2504]

Ignore the Lee hand press. Get the Buchanan Precision hand press!

[@davidsanders1991]

It is 114 degrees here in southern california.

[@danietkissenle]

lee loaders are great, and not difficult at all, its only as slow as you make it. dont talk it down

[@izaak1509]

Just bought my first press a lee challenger breech lock single stage kit to reload my 6.5x55 was thinking about getting a turret press kit but the extra $200 just didn't seem worth it for the moment might get one later on. But I also want to take it slow and stead as I don't want to screw up and maybe save a little money as here in Australia anything above .22 or .223(I think) is expensive as heck to buy ammo.

[@deuceandguns]

A good single stage press will always be useful. Even with all my presses I still use mine for random load development, case trimming, and cast bullet sizing.

[@izaak1509]

DEUCE AND GUNS Yeah will always find a use for it even if I upgrade to a turret press but saying that out of all the reloading groups I'm part of I don't seem too see many people in Australia with a turret press.

[@gunrunner4653]

I have a lee press and a dillion 550 that does everything i need to do

[@deuceandguns]

Short of 50 BMG you've got everything covered.

[@joeleadslinger6138]

@@deuceandguns Most shooters do not have a 50 BMG. 😀

[@chios1958]

Love your vids!

[@fitteritout3622]

I take it that you are a big Lee fan I have been using a single stage RCBS for years and wanting to upgrade to a Dillon but the price keeps turning me off. Do you know how many components you can get for the price of a Dillon 650? A whole lot lol anyway you put out a great video it helps folks think also you need to talk about case prep that is a huge step and the options for doing so and what is the largest case the Lee turret press will accept will it do 7mm rem mag or 338 or are you limited to short cases like the 223 or even 308win? And yes I started using the one shot case lube and it is so much cleaner with less residue than anything else I've used it's good stuff.

[@Vfh........y]

fitter it out ....get a 550b......well worth a little extra money.

[@gilamonster55]

After watching a video about the different presses. I’m still questioning what’s the difference between a progressive and a turret press

[@homeydirt2278]

I’ve had my Hornady L&L auto 6+ yrs and I’m almost over it. Rare to have a trouble free session, where it just runs smooth, random hiccups etc. Customer svc is great but if you have a lot of problems... Should have bought blue cause I’m feeling blue??? Small part broke last week so I ordered it to fix then today another issue with auto shell case feeder part that screws up the part that drops the shell.