Originally Posted by
Alferd Packer
I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments.Yes, the LEE is not perfect and there's a good chance we'll never see anyone correct the deficiencies with a redesign of this model.
Barring machine gun and asphalt glued cases and some of us trying to resize cases without lube or without proper lube, the old girl still comes off as usable for most reloading chores
I like to use it for .25, 32,both acp and .32 S&W as well as .32 H&R., .38 special and sometimes .223 and .30-30.
.308 and .30'06.
I usually resize with RCBS jr. press the .357 mag, .44 mag, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 45-70Govt, 444 Marlin just because it's easier, but not because it can't be done otherwise.
The LEE Handloader is enjoyable with the smaller cases also.
It can work up a sweat sizing 44 mag, 45 Colt, 45/70 and 444Marlin As well as .303 Brit.full loads. .357 Mag hot loads are also a bit strenuous.But, like I said, they are all doable of that's all you've got. An arbor press as well as a six inch Machinist vise makes easy work of the LEE Handloader.
The hand press, will handle them as well but it will aid even carbide dies to lube the cases. That's a must for straight cases and carbide dies on the larger calibers and Magnum pistol especially.
I have even used lube on the bench mounted presses and Carbide dies with the Mag loaded and larger cases when sizing.
It's so much easier.
I like easy.
And when tackling a job of sizing that becomes hard on the Hand Press, remember the lube and also lube the ram press a little extra every now and then.Bearings are meant to float on the lube that separates them. Bearings are not meant to run against each other.The clearance is for the lube to keep them separated. When you operate the ram without lubing it, you are introducing a little extra friction making it harder to resize a Mag shell.
I find a shot of lube on the press ram makes thing go easier.