Snyders JerkyLoad DataRotoMetals2Reloading Everything
Lee PrecisionMidSouth Shooters SupplyInline FabricationWideners
Repackbox Titan Reloading
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Swaging n00b, ready to buy Q

  1. #1
    Boolit Mold MustangAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    who's yer state
    Posts
    19

    Question Swaging n00b, ready to buy Q

    OK, I looked into this before, and decided for modest swaging requirements, I would buy a Lee.
    This was after watching videos and looking around here for advice on econo-swaging setups.
    Here's the big Q

    What is the difference between the Lee Classic Cast (~$112) versus the Lee Challenger (~$67) both listed on Amazon?
    Some list the Challenger as a Classic too, leading to more confusion
    All I found was a quick change capability for the CC, both look the same in pics, but sometimes sellers do not use actual
    pictures... so a quick rundown would get me on the right track!
    Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Bozoland Mt.
    Posts
    1,698
    Off the top of my head, I would guess the amount of pressure you can apply before the frame cracks,
    would be the most important difference.
    To lazy to chase arrows.
    Clodhopper

  3. #3
    Vendor Sponsor


    BT Sniper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Oregon next to the river
    Posts
    5,655
    The only Lee press worth a hoot for swaging is the Lee Classic Cast press. The challenger is no good at all. The quick change (breech lock) adapter can not stand the pressure, will break and the ram is one piece that doesn't allow us to attach any custom ram tops to it.

    The Lee Classic (with a new threaded ram top) is very good for rifle bullets 30 cal and under and pistol bullets 40 cal and under. It will make bigger but for the big bullets the RCE line of presses are great.

    If one is going to use a reloading press for swaging bullets the Lee Classic Cast is the one I recommend.

    BT
    BTX Star Crimp Die
    Back in stock with new low price!
    Click link below!
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...Star-Crimp-Die


    also check in and say hello on my new face book page!
    https://www.facebook.com/BTSniper-153949954674572/

  4. #4
    Boolit Mold MustangAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    who's yer state
    Posts
    19
    Quote Originally Posted by BT Sniper View Post
    The only Lee press worth a hoot for swaging is the Lee Classic Cast press. The challenger is no good at all. The quick change (breech lock) adapter can not stand the pressure, will break and the ram is one piece that doesn't allow us to attach any custom ram tops to it.

    The Lee Classic (with a new threaded ram top) is very good for rifle bullets 30 cal and under and pistol bullets 40 cal and under. It will make bigger but for the big bullets the RCE line of presses are great.

    If one is going to use a reloading press for swaging bullets the Lee Classic Cast is the one I recommend.

    BT
    BTSniper!!!
    You are the same fellow that sells the swaging dies, correct?

    Thanks for the Info! I am about to "pull the trigger"

  5. #5
    Boolit Mold MustangAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    who's yer state
    Posts
    19
    Thx Clod!

  6. #6
    Boolit Mold MustangAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    who's yer state
    Posts
    19
    One other thing, I plan on reloading 556 mostly, and have seen that the Lee de-capping pin is not the
    most robust player. Can anyone recommend the strongest decapping die and pin set that fits the Lee System?

  7. #7
    Vendor Sponsor


    BT Sniper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Oregon next to the river
    Posts
    5,655
    Quote Originally Posted by MustangAR View Post
    BTSniper!!!
    You are the same fellow that sells the swaging dies, correct?

    Thanks for the Info! I am about to "pull the trigger"

    Yep,

    The Lee Classic is the only "Lee" press I recommend for swaging. For making BIG bullets either of the RCE presses are a great buy.

    Don't know about decapping dies? I do use the Lee universal decapping die and so far no problems.

    You will no doubt enjoy the experience of making bullets.

    Good shooting and swage on!

    BT
    BTX Star Crimp Die
    Back in stock with new low price!
    Click link below!
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...Star-Crimp-Die


    also check in and say hello on my new face book page!
    https://www.facebook.com/BTSniper-153949954674572/

  8. #8
    Boolit Mold MustangAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    who's yer state
    Posts
    19
    Thanks!
    I have done a little google-Fu and found that the Lee Universal is good for most people, and
    just fine with most crimped primer pockets. I have a lathe and can likely make a replacement...

  9. #9
    Boolit Master



    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    LEESBURG VA
    Posts
    840
    I've known others to modify it with a rcbs pin, I'm in the same position with a Lee for 300 blackout. Don't know how to do it, yet.

  10. #10
    Boolit Mold MustangAR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    who's yer state
    Posts
    19
    Good Info.
    RCBS pin in LEE Universal De-Capping Die

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check