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CAS TOPICS => The Powder Room - CAS reloading => Topic started by: Pappy Hayes on January 05, 2024, 08:20:26 PM

Title: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Pappy Hayes on January 05, 2024, 08:20:26 PM
Do they make a Lee  hand reloaderto use for 44 colt/russian/special
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Abilene on January 05, 2024, 09:17:31 PM
They say it does magnum and special, no mention of Russian:
https://leeprecision.com/lee-loader-44-mag
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: 1961MJS on January 23, 2024, 07:38:34 PM
Hi Pappy

I started reloading with one of these:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013017131/?pid=650614 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013017131/?pid=650614)

You can use any dies that you want with it.  According to at least one source, you can't load .44 Russian using .44 Magnum dies.  The press above doesn't include the tools for priming.

I still use the hand press a lot, especially for resizing since I feel safe enough doing that and watching movies.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: RoyceP on January 24, 2024, 11:13:17 AM
Hi Pappy

I started reloading with one of these:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013017131/?pid=650614 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013017131/?pid=650614)

You can use any dies that you want with it.  According to at least one source, you can't load .44 Russian using .44 Magnum dies.  The press above doesn't include the tools for priming.

The link you provided includes the priming tools. There is a cheaper version that does not include the priming tools.
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Reverend P. Babcock Chase on January 24, 2024, 10:29:20 PM
Howdy Pappy and other cheap reloaders,

Other than sitting by the campfire and loading up the next days ammo for a promising buffalo stand, I respectfully suggest looking for a used single station bench mounted press. Lee and others have some fairly inexpensive models that take standard 7/8x14 dies. The lowly single station models make a solid starting point between the hand held units and the pricey (though fast) progressive machines.

Personally, I use a turret press with multiple turrets, each set up for a specific cartridge.This saves me changing dies as I reload. I do use the extra holes for low volume rifle loads, switching out the dies and primer feed as needed.

Getting a bench mounted single station press is a great start and it will still find use if and when you move up to a turret or progressive unit.

Some free advise that's worth every penny you paid for it.
Rev. Chase
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Major 2 on January 24, 2024, 11:33:02 PM
The good Reverend offers some very good advice in his post.

Look on Ebay for presses, right now there is a Lyman Turret for $45 ending in just about an hour.

Several New Lee single stages for about $60...

I picked up a like new OLD Lyman Spartan cheap.
I use it alternating as my universal de-primer or flaring press.
It's on the right and the Lyman 6-hole Turret center is set up for Krag & Lebel.

My Lee is my go-to with it easy quick-change turrets.   





Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Coffinmaker on January 25, 2024, 09:02:46 AM

 :) A HEARTY "PLUS ONE for The Good Reverend and Major 2  ;)

After several Lustrum of "Big Blue" I found a really good use for an inexpensive Single Stage Press.  Number one, a person loading for One Person can make plenty of ammunition for "one" with no problem.  But, and more importantly, one can add the RCBS goodies for 12Ga Brass Hulls > SHAZAM  :o

OH, most forgot, I got a really good buy on a Lee Classique Single Stage  ::)
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Mogorilla on January 25, 2024, 09:57:12 AM
I too got a good deal on a Lee Press.   It is single stage and honestly I cannot see a need to ever expand.  I only load 3 calibers.   I take my time, I do a lot of quality control, weigh backs, lengh measuring, pimer seating check, etc.   Really every 5th cartridge is completely checked.   Probably overkill.  Well, absolutely overkill, but I take my safety seriously and I really take the safety of others seriously and i am comfortable with this level and do not have to rush.    I had a hand loader, but put it on a prize table.   My issue with the handloaders is I am not going to take all of the materials needed to load to my living room.    I would only be comfortable depriming while watching TV.  I have a dedicated bench in my cave that has the press, powder measure and BP Drop tube mounted.   It stays free of clutter and I can take my time and focus.   
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: DeaconKC on January 25, 2024, 10:25:29 AM
While my Dillon handles my CAS loading, I still have my old Spartan press and a Lee 3 hole turret. The Lee gets used for my rifle and oddball calibers and I wouldn't part with it. Also, the Lee Turret presses can be set up to not advance, so it is like having a single stage press, but with not having the hassle of swapping out dies on the single.
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Major 2 on January 25, 2024, 10:26:27 AM
Pretty much, my thought as well....

I do load several calibers, Hince the Lee & Lyman Turrets
My Lee was $108 from Titan Supply...key word " was."

https://www.titanreloading.com/product/lee-classic-cast-turret-press/

https://www.titanreloading.com/product-category/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-presses/
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Froogal on January 25, 2024, 01:34:54 PM
I started out with a LEE single stage because it looked like it would deliver the most bang for the buck. I'm still using it. Can't see any reason to upgrade.
Title: Re: Lee hand reloader
Post by: Tronicst1 on January 25, 2024, 04:51:50 PM
I use a LEE Single Stage as well, it's like an Eveready Bunny and just keeps on going.

While checking out Major 2's second website, it finally got me to pull the trigger on a Lee Load All II Shot Shell Press.