Vintage vs New Lee hand press.

[Bazoo]

I've decided I must have a lee hand press. Im not sure if I want to pull the trigger on a new one with the breech lock system or find a good older one.

I dont want to use the breech lock feature I think. Im concerned that the insert will be come lose and be annoying every time i have to remove a die from the press.

What is others opinion of the breech lock hand tool vs the vintage solid design.

[Ben]

I prefer the new, take a look at this :

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?122342-In-praise-of-the-Lee-Hand-Press

[Beagle333]

I have two of the new ones. I use them for everything except really hard sizing. I do all of my loading on hand presses. :cool:

[GhostHawk]

First off there is a button the breech lock snaps into. Only comes out or moves if you push the button.

Second, while it may take a while to get breech lock collars for all the dies you use with that press. Once you do no more threading dies out. Screw it into a bushing, snap it into the press, adjust your die, and your done.

Caliber changes or changing from sizing to powder through expanding die happen in a couple of seconds.

There is only one thing that I am not thrilled about with my lee hand press. It keeps all punched out primers until you can't get the next piece of brass in the shell casing. And you can't get the shell holder out until you manage to get a few to fall out.

This is the only thing I don't like about it. And I see why they did it that way.

So I just invested 30$ in a Frankford arsenal hand depriming unit that catchs the spent primers.

Both tools are IMO worth the price.

[Ben]

Ditto !

[35 shooter]

I've used nothing but a Lee Handpress for years now for all of my loading.
It's the original design, but i want a new breech lock hand press to go with it.

I put together a small reloading kit to go with the press and love the freedom of loading anywhere anytime with it.

[Bazoo]

I must have overlooked the ring lock when I checked out the new one in academy sports the other day. Preciate the info. I dont know how i'd like the quick change rings, as i do plan to use both the hand press and a bench press. Guess i'd have to try it.

[BKS]

Newbie to reloading here but I love mine. Just snagged a used non breech lock of the classifieds here.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I used two of the older models for quite a while and then when considering the purchase of a third newer design I had some reservations about the breech block feature. I took a shot and ordered the newer one. It works the same and everything stays put like it is supposed to. I agree with the primer collection chamber filling up and requiring a stoppage to empty it seemingly too often, but the rest of the operation works fine. LLS

[jmort]

I have the Breech Lock Hand Presses and Challenger Breech Lock presses and the Lock-Ring Bushing are a must. Really like the Breech-Lock systen and the hand presses are handy to be sure. I use the Harvey Hand Deprimers and recommend them. The Frankford Hand Deprimers look useful as well. No dirty/spent brass gets anywhere near my presses.

[oldcanadice]

Like mine a lot. Use it mostly for seating in 358 win. With the breach lock the dies using Lee lock rings are snugged once and for all into place and you don't have to readjust them when switching calibers. Very convenient and the dies always float for that little extra in concentricity.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I use mine with the breech-loc bushing that came with it and simply change the dies as needed just like you'd do when loading on a single stage press. That way it's no different than the old one.

Incidentally the cavity in the Ram holds 20 spent LR Primers before you have to dump it. Typically everyone processes cases 50 at a time since that's how many Cartridge Boxes and Cartridge Blocks hold.

Really there is no difference in the two tools if used like the old one, however the new one gives you the option of changing between multiple dies quickly.

Randy

[Motard]

Usually for bench press I don't mind about breech lock sistem. Of the two Classic Cast I have I way prefer the old style one because of the separable ram insert and because the few second it take to screw and unscrew dies are not to count. For working at the range I got the BL Hand Press for the opposite reason. Having the ability to have each dies perfectly set up when whorking outside is a must. And with the lee lockrings eliminators there is no possibilty of mistakes

[Bazoo]

I ended getting fair deal on an older, but like new hand press of ebay. Sized some 30wcf brass, and its not "easy", But is doable. Pistol brass was no problem. Seems the press springs a fair amount with the 30wcf and has to be set so that the press flexes to get a complete resize. I assume this the norm for this press.

[Artful]

Yeah, it's a nice little press but not near the leverage of a bench -
I have a HDS compac reloading press and it seems to have more leverage than the lee.

[jmort]

"I have a HDS compac reloading press"

I was looking at getting one of those, and sadly, it is no more.

[Artful]

Wow - I knew they made it more and more expensive but shame they took it out of the lineup. Best keep your eye on E-bay I guess.

[jmort]

For months the Huntington site said more were coming and then poof. Sad to see the loss of an excellent tool by all accounts.

[Artful]

I remember giving measurements to someone from my tool and he made his own just because of the cost (at that time) that Huntington charged. I guess the lee press just out sold it.

[W.R.Buchanan]

It is pretty hard to beat Lee when it comes to making good tools inexpensively. They have production capabilities second to none. They also have excellent tool designers. There is no other outfit that has any product similar to Lee that is less expensive or any significant amount better. Lee does have a few cheesy things in the lineup, but the vast majority of their stuff is pretty good and definitely good value for the money.

I have looked at designing a Hand Press for some time. I would make something like the Lee as far as the operation, it would probably look a little different and have larger hand grips, but the operation would be the same.

The problem with doing this is,,, Lee already has this market cornered and what they are producing is pretty hard to beat both for operation in use, cosmetics and lastly Price.. IE: the Lee press looks good and it works good. It is also priced at $36, and I couldn't make anything similar for that amount.

I never liked the Huntington Press simply because it requires a table or something to anchor the press to while you push down on the levers.

The Lee Press doesn't need any other support, it is used like a Thigh Master!

I consider this to be a superior design. Plus that Suzanne Sommers can't be wrong?

Randy

[Motard]

I cam subscribe avery single word from Randy.

Sent from my C6903 using Forum Fiend v1.3.3.

[RogerDat]

There might be some advantage to the quick change feature of the lock ring eliminator but they are more expensive than say the Hornady lock ring that would work with the standard die threads. Almost twice as much. $16.50 to do 2 sets @ 3 dies per set Vs. $30 with the lock ring eliminator.

[C.F.Plinker]

When I was using a single stage press before the breech lock systems came along I either used set screw lock rings, split lock rings, or double nutted the lock rings. They all kept the die settings and it was easy to spin one out and install the next one. Are the breech lock systems that much better or faster than what I was doing?

[Artful]

I never liked the Huntington Press simply because it requires a table or something to anchor the press to while you push down on the levers.

I consider this to be a superior design. Plus that Suzanne Sommers can't be wrong?

Randy

Actually you must have never owned one - No table required - but it does spit the spent primers everywhere. Next time you go to Paulden - let me know and I'll bring it up for a little in the field demo.

[Motard]

When I was using a single stage press before the breech lock systems came along I either used set screw lock rings, split lock rings, or double nutted the lock rings. They all kept the die settings and it was easy to spin one out and install the next one. Are the breech lock systems that much better or faster than what I was doing?

Nope, to me at least on a bench press. I have two Lee Classic Cast and find myself using way a lot more the old stile one. I deserve the BL to the caliber that I use at the range with known load and same bulletts. While with new guns or when developing rounds I way prefer the old style press for coninuous minimum adjustemend I always perform. On the other side for a hand press mean to be brought outside having dies seated is handy and avoid messing. But mind, at least in the presses I have, the Lee hand press Bl and the Classic Cast Bl althought sharing the same component have different settings. So you must adjus the dies on the hand press because the seat on the Classic is different. I have also read that someone was able to fix it with some shims. But never tried mysels.
hope it helpes

[W.R.Buchanan]

Art: I guess now that I look at one again I can see you push the levers together to ram the case. I thought you pushed them down.

This is about the third time this week I've had to confess to being an idiot. I'm starting to think I might be one.

I saw you posted a pic along with some dimensions in another thread I found. I also found another pic of a very similar press someone had made. Good enough for me to have a look .

The last time I saw a price at Huntington's it was around $160?

Would it be possible for you to post some larger pics of the tool? I'd appreciate it.

Randy

[Bazoo]

I've been using the lee hand press I purchased for a little now. I mostly use my bench mounted press, but for a change, the lee is good.

My only complaint, is that the ergonomics of the grip area is poor. If there was more of a knob at the end of the handles, that would do better I think. Any Ideas on what I could do to make it more comfortable?

[VHoward]

If there was room, I would get a hard maple ball or two and drill holes in them to fit on the ends. Use epoxy to fasten them on.

[GhostHawk]

IMO yes. Once a die is set in its breech lock it too retains that setting. But unlike yours, with a breech lock you push a button, turn the die/lock 1/6th of a turn and it lifts out.

Quick change, no sweat. No unscrewing. Now not everyone will care about that.
Me I often do 50 of one caliber followed by 50 of another. So quick and easy changes suits me, perfectly.

My Lee hand press is my main press. I have 2 others, but the Lee is the one I use by choice.
Just my opinion. YMMV



When I was using a single stage press before the breech lock systems came along I either used set screw lock rings, split lock rings, or double nutted the lock rings. They all kept the die settings and it was easy to spin one out and install the next one. Are the breech lock systems that much better or faster than what I was doing?

[Rick R]

I've used one of the new style Lee hand presses for a couple years to reload all my .45-70 ammo. It just seems "right" to do Buffalo rifle cartridges that way.
It only holds 20 spent large rifle primers, doing too many can lock things up. Think load a box at a time.
I have sized .375 H&H brass just to see if it would do them. Not as easy as in my fixed press but do able. I use my fingers around the die itself and thumb around the lever during the final part of the sizing stroke to squeeze the lever shut.
So far after hundreds of .45-70 brass sized and loaded the single insert is still solid. I haven't bothered to buy extra inserts but may the next trip to my LGS.

I don't use a lot of Lee products but they make some great stuff and the hand press is one of them.

[EDG]

For those that complain about spent primers there is another simple way.

Get one of Lee's punch and base sets for .22 CF and .30 CF. Use an 8 oz dead blow hammer to knock out your primers away from the hand press.
You don't have primers and debris on your press to deal with.
No you do not have to interrupt your operation. You can knock the primers out of literally hundreds or thousands of cases in a separate session and store the deprimed brass for sizing later.

[Bazoo]

I have been thinking on drilling out the primer holding portion of the ram. I dont think i can make it deep enough to hold 50 primers, But the more the better.

[GhostHawk]

I bought a Frankford Armory hand deprimer, my Lee hand press rarely see's primers nowdays.

Problem solved. And I can do it upstairs while watching TV, then give it a citric acid bath in the kitchen sink.

Done and done.

[iplaywithnoshoes]

Old thread but I literally do everything on my breech lock hand press including bullet sizing. Priming and depriming are not a problem. I just count 25-30 cases in depriming and tip the press to the disposal. Repeat.

None of my calibers require a bench press. Mil spec .308 brass and .300blk are probably the toughest out of my lot to size but the press has proved quite sturdy so far.

shoe

[gwpercle]

I never saw the big burning need for a breech lock system. None of my other presses have it, I would have to remove them to use the dies in another press.
Just another got to have gizmo so they can sell you a new press and a do-hickey for every die you own....Gary don't play that game. I rather enjoy screwing and have gotten quite good at it.
The hand press is neat , I have two of them but the breach lock thing I can live without.

[Bazoo]

I never saw the big burning need for a breech lock system. None of my other presses have it, I would have to remove them to use the dies in another press.
Just another got to have gizmo so they can sell you a new press and a do-hickey for every die you own....Gary don't play that game. I rather enjoy screwing and have gotten quite good at it.
The hand press is neat , I have two of them but the breach lock thing I can live without.

That was funny. I dont see any need for the breech locks, and I do small batches. Less than 100 rounds normally. It dont take that long to switch dies. My problem now is I dont like having to readjust the lock ring for use with my bench press between my hand press. I am thinking, of trying to make a spacer, like what comes with a special/magnum die set, that would give me the perfect thickness to use between the 2 presses. I dont do any machining, so its on the back burner... for now.

[44magLeo]

For those who think the Lee had press takes to much effort to size cases, and don't like the small primer holder, just resize on your bench press. Do all the cases you have for that caliber.Then do the rest with the hand press.I have the Lee hand press and that's what I do. I then prime all the cases. Have the seating die all set. That way I can take it to the range with everything set to go. I then can load as I go. Using powder measures, premade for specific loads or the Lee Perfect powder measure. Mounted on a board, c-clamp to a bench at the range. The Lee with it's micrometer adjustment in cc's is easy to increase charges in incremental steps. When you reach an accurate or max load, Then once home weigh the charge on your scale.I use my chrono for this load development. Watch the velocities. When your actual velocity reaches book max you know your at book max regardless of powder charge. Leo

[MT Chambers]

Busted the Lee one very early on, now I only use the 310 tool for use in front of the TV.

[opos]

I have my loading bench in the garage...it get's really hot and dry in the summer and no place to be comfortable..I always keep my powder and primers in the house. Once in a while I get the urge to do a bit of loading or load testing and just can't face the really hot and dangerously dry conditions in the garage so I have my hand press (breech lock style) and an "auxillary" set of accessories (scale, etc) in the desk in my office...I go get the dies I want and bring them in and load away...some inconvenience with changing dies/lock settings and dumping spent primers, but this is a hobby...not a production line...if it takes a bit longer, who cares?

Can't count the number of 45 Colt I've loaded with the hand press but a boat load...same with 38 special and 357 mag. When I'm done, everything fits back in my desk drawer and the dies go back into the bench in the garage..

[Bazoo]

I have found, that its annoying to use the same set of dies with both my hand press and my bench press. Im thinking on trying to figure out the difference and reduce down one of the washer that comes with a special/magnum die set, so that I can set my dies for the bench press, and use the shim for the reduced thickness of the hand press.

[Smk SHoe]

I usually use the hand press at the range. During load development, I will have all cases prepped and primed. Then set up my harrell's powder measure and throw five charges. Seat the bullet with the hand press and shoot. Gives me the ability to re shoot a group with promise or do a big skip of powder charges if they are garbage. That way I don't have a box of ammo loaded at every .3 grain increments. Also lets me play with seating depth.

[3006guns]

Just to add to an old thread......

I have one of the original Lee hand presses...bought it when they first came out for a whopping $13.95 plus shipping. I was astonished when they raised the price to $19.95 some years later.......profit mongers!

The press works well except for the two shortcomings mentioned, i.e. the ergonomics of the handles and the small primer storage. I really don't feel that the handles are all that bad, just something you have to get used to. The primer "catcher" is another matter. Too many times I've been caught with it full and unable to remove the shell holder until a few were "cherry picked" out through the tiny priming hole.

Now, I owned a bench mounted press years ago (forgot what brand) where the ejected primers came out an angled hole in the side of the ram. This kept the primers out of the works, but you had to have a bucket under it since there was no tray or catcher. It actually worked pretty well. It struck me that such a modification to the Lee really wouldn't be that hard.......just drill a hole at the appropriate place. I've meant to do it for years and I think as soon as my shop clean up is done, I'll give it a go.

What could possibly go wrong? :)

[hpdrifter]

Just to add to an old thread......

I have one of the original Lee hand presses...bought it when they first came out for a whopping $13.95 plus shipping. I was astonished when they raised the price to $19.95 some years later.......profit mongers!

The press works well except for the two shortcomings mentioned, i.e. the ergonomics of the handles and the small primer storage. I really don't feel that the handles are all that bad, just something you have to get used to. The primer "catcher" is another matter. Too many times I've been caught with it full and unable to remove the shell holder until a few were "cherry picked" out through the tiny priming hole.

Now, I owned a bench mounted press years ago (forgot what brand) where the ejected primers came out an angled hole in the side of the ram. This kept the primers out of the works, but you had to have a bucket under it since there was no tray or catcher. It actually worked pretty well. It struck me that such a modification to the Lee really wouldn't be that hard.......just drill a hole at the appropriate place. I've meant to do it for years and I think as soon as my shop clean up is done, I'll give it a go.

What could possibly go wrong? :)

To each his own, but I think I'd rather empty my ram every 20 rounds than have to fight contain each and every individual primer. Just got to remember it!!!!!:-P

[GhostHawk]

For me the answer was a Frankford Arsenal hand deprimer. It will deprime, catch and hold a couple hundred primers. Then all brass gets a citric acid wash, rinsed, a brush in the primer pocket, and a roll on a towel on my leg to remove any stubborn grime.

From there, light lube on the fingers and transfer just enough to the brass as I resize.
Resizing die is clean and stays clean.

YMMV but it works for me.

[W.R.Buchanan]

The Small Primer Storage and Handle Ergos were two of the problems I engineered out of the BPM press. It will hold about 50 and it is easily emptied, and the shape of the Handles which I made longer and more "palm friendly." (i.e. no casting flash or just deburred)

I had a Lee Press in hand as well as many pictures of the Huntington Press while designing my tool, so once again nothing new here other than the fit and finish of my tool, which is enough to warrant a look at something "new to the market."

I have never been good at coming up with New ideas, and I realized this many years ago. Very few people are, and that's why they get the big $!!!

But I also realized at the same time that I could probably improve on your idea and, probably make it better than you did. I excel in my Finishing Techniques, and Attention to Detail. Others place a lower priority on these factors and that's their problem, not mine.

After looking at several of the Hand Presses in Landy's thread above it became clear to me that the Lee Press was simply a redesign of the earlier Lyman Hand Press. Not too hard to see in those two similar designs, so apparently I'm not the only one who does this. Really didn't think so :)

Very little is completely new when you start talking about reloading ammunition. There is a certain number of operations that have to take place, and they all can be done several different ways. They have evolved from simple Hand Dies to Progressive Reloading Machines and everything in between. Even Hand Dies have evolved from Wilson's to Lee's point being,,, "There's a Butt for Every Seat."

However since there is only a limited number of ways to actually do each of those operations, it soon becomes obvious that even though you may be able to improve the tools to do those operations, you are never actually going to accomplish anything that is truly "new!

And this is true across the spectrum of reloading tools. There is 15 different ways to knock primers out, ranging from simple punches, to incorporated into stand alone dies, to combo dies, to dedicated tools.

Nothing new to see here, just different labels and paint jobs.

The last thing that I saw that I "think" was a new concept was the introduction of "Quick Change Die Systems" from both Lee and Hornaday. They were slightly different ways of doing the same thing put to new uses. Both of the overall concepts had been used for a hundred years for various other tasks. Breach's of Cannons (Lee) and Breach's of AR Rifles.(Hornady) Just old ideas put to different and thus new uses.

Randy

[gwpercle]

I have two of the new ones. I use them for everything except really hard sizing. I do all of my loading on hand presses. :cool:

Same here except I have two of the old non breech lock presses. If you don't mind buying a breach lock for every die you own , 2 for $10.00 , or Lee now sells a breech lock eliminator for $14.95!
I never had any problems screwing so the old ones are fine for me.
I like the hand press and load all handgun and 30-30 with them.
Gary