Is the lee handload ok to start with?

[tntrex]

I'm thinking of getting something like this(lee classic loader) to start with and was wondering if any of you had any experience with one.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/647702/lee-classic-loader-45-colt-long-colt

or maybe this one and get the dies http://www.midwayusa.com/product/650614/lee-breech-lock-hand-press-kit

 

[Aku]

IMO The Lee breech challenger press kit is recommended for the begining handloader. Hand presses are okay, but you'll want a table top press shortly after you start reloading. I used to take my hand press with me to the range, figuring I could use it there. But I never did. The table top kit is more pricey, but well worth it, if you're going to start handloading. I still use mine for 45 auto and 357 Mag.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/42...reech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit


Either way handloading is a great hobby. Have fun and enjoy.

 

[ASP785]

IMO The Lee breech challenger press kit is recommended for the begining handloader. Hand presses are okay, but you'll want a table top press shortly after you start reloading. I used to take my hand press with me to the range, figuring I could use it there. But I never did. The table top kit is more pricey, but well worth it, if you're going to start handloading. I still use mine for 45 auto and 357 Mag.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/42...reech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit


Either way handloading is a great hobby. Have fun and enjoy.

I would second the recommendation of single stage press. If you are set with getting a hand press, get the Breech Lock press. Using a mallet to reload doesn't really seem safe. Admittedly, I have never done it before though.

 

[ssgrock3]

Determine what you are loading, then determine what press you need. I wouldn't waste time with a hand press except for a novelty. I have loaded 1000's of rounds on a single stage, but if I was loading straight wall cartridges, I might use a turret press manually or even a progressive if loading something like 9mm.

 

[swampratt]

That wack-a-mole lee that all you need to buy is a hammer is what i started with.
Got the 30-30 first then one for .308 then one for my 30-06.
1.75" groups from the 30-30..
I ended up getting the lee classic cast press for 85 bucks..and some lee dies for all my rifles and handguns.
Reason was i needed to FLS my rifle brass..and the wack-a-mole only neck sizes..so when i got some military brass that would not chamber in my gun i needed a real press.

The cheap hand press will work.. but hard to beat a big O type press for fat rifle brass.

Warning though..if you use a soft primer like the 210m in that wack a mole keep the rod pointed away from your body.
In fact do not use those primers at all in that.
Stick with cci...CCI #34 for rifle is an extra tough primer..
I do not use my field loaders hardly ever now that i have the single stage bench mount.

 

[Double_tap]

I have used and still have an old Lyman hand press that I loaded tons of handgun ammo on and a few rifles. I would recommend a bench mounted O press as well, they make life a ton easier when you start getting into bigger rifle cases. I currently have two single stage presses set up and I am seriously considering stepping up to a turret or progressive.

 

[flatwins]

Personally I wouldn't mess with the hand loaders. You can do a ton with a single stage and a hand primer.