Started out on Lee equipment ? When ?

[414gates]

If you started reloading on Lee equipment, share what year it was, and what the equipment was.

Around 1992, a friend's Lee Challenger.

[M-Tecs]

Started shotgun with a Lee Load-All 12 gauge in 1970. It did not live up to expectations. It was soon replaced with a Pacific DL266. That one has exceeded expectations for the past 51 years.

[GregLaROCHE]

Not reloading, but started with Lee boolit molds casting. They still make up more than half of my molds.

[Wayne Smith]

1967, Lee Loader for my Dad's and brother's 30-30's and my 16 gauge.

[JSnover]

In the early 90s, I bought a used three-hole turret press.

[Brasso]

1970, .270 Win whack-a-mole.

[oley55]

1984 +/-, Lee Three Hole Turret, Powder Dipper Set, assorted shell holders and dies. All are still in service and used as needed.

[ioon44]

Around 1972 with a .44 Mag whack-a-mole.

[kerreckt]

1970 with a 16ga. whacker. It made ammo for me and I was happy.

[wilecoyote]

...2000, Lee Reloading Kit full box: challenger, scale, etc._
the following day I exploded my revolver:veryconfu

[RKJ]

1986 3 hole Turret press. still use some of their dies and and some of the dippers, also have 3 or 4 molds for casting.

[hoodat]

1969 -- Lee Loader whack a mole 20 ga. Thirteen years old. A few years later, on to the 243 Lee Loader. Got me started with good fundamentals. Never had a mishap, and the only squibs I've EVER had were from reseating a spent primer. (with a press) jd

[lancem]

1973 .30 carbine whack-a-mole

[mdi]

1969, Lee Loader.
1971, Lee Safety Scale.
1971, Lee Challenger. 38 Special dies (w/o FCD!).
1972, Lee Perfect Powder Measure. Misc. hand tools and die sets (#\3).
1979, Messy divorce, had to sell everything took a few years off.
1987, Lee Hand press, Lee dies (3 sets), Lee PPM, Lee Safety Scale.
1990, Lee turret press, 2 more die sets. Lee hand trimming tool for 3 rifle calibers.
1996, 44 Magnum die set (used FCD once, tossed it). Lee Pro 4 casting pot.
2015, Lee bench prime.
2019, Lee Load All.

Between 1987 and present purchased many reloading items from various manufacturers, Redding, Lyman, RCBS. also purchased 10 bullet molds from Lee and 3 or 4 from Lyman and sizing dies. Most valued purchase was my Co-Ax in 2017...

[dverna]

IIRC, 1967 and a Lee Target Loader in .222

[abunaitoo]

Started back in the 70's.
Got the small Lee reloading press and book combo.
I think it was less than $30.
Read the book and bought the other needed tools.
I still have the press and book.
Since then, because of my addiction to tools, I've collected many different presses.
Three most used presses are two small Lee reloading presses, and a CH monster press.

[Harter66]

07' just moulds and sizers .

[toallmy]

Not the first loading equipment used but the first press I purchased - lee three hole turret , a set of Lyman dies , and a Redding scale . The owner of the little gunners shack set aside a Speer reloading manual along with primers , bullets , and powder for me to pick up after getting paid the next week . This was in the early to mid 80s I still have it and use it along with the 243 Winchester model 70 I bought right before buying the loading equipment .
You know the old fellow was right when he told me if I loaded my own I would never have to buy another box of ammo .

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I started my very first reloading with a Lee Loader (whack-a-mole) kit in 1966. The clerk in the gun store told me I'd save a lot of money! :D It produced good ammo, but was too slow for quantity. Next I bought a used Lyman Spartan, then two RCBS Rockchuckers and still use all three. The Lyman is dedicated to .38 Special only, and other rifle and pistol ammo is mostly loaded on the Rockchuckers. Then I acquired a Lee 3-hole turret, mostly used for .45 ACP, which I later converted to a 4-holer. I'm very satisfied with the Lee turret. Sometimes I acquired a rifle or pistol in a caliber I had no experience with, and if available I bought a Lee Loader in that cartridge to try a few loads out before committing to a die set. I ended up with about a dozen Lee Loaders. I like the Lee Company, and they've never failed to help me with a problem. Just two years ago I bought a new Lyman single stage "C" press, very reminiscent of the Spartan, that I can clamp onto my desk right here in front of the computer when it's winter and too cold out in the shop. While reading what you fellows write I can...load ammo!

DG

Oh...I forgot to mention that I'm on my 3rd Lee hand press. I gave the first two away to cash strapped newbies.
One winter I loaded 1,200 rounds on one of them.

304646

[lawdog941]

Pro 1K, 1988

[cosmoline one]

Not 100% sure of the year I started reloading, guess 1990-91?(fall of yugoslavia cut off my supply of 6.5x55)but it was with an anniversary press kit, which I still have the press (and leaky powder dispencer) and still use it! I also have many of their dies but tend to buy better dies now

[Murphy]

It was roughly 1979-1980 when I started with a Lee Whack-A-Mole. Remington 788's with a Tasco 3X9 scope already mounted (the good ones made in Japan)were selling out of Walmart for the whopping price of $159.00 + tax out the door. Not sure what influenced me, but I chose a 22-250. Never regretted it and I'm sure I'll start saving on rollin' my own pretty soon.


Murphy

[ulav8r]

1968, Lee Loader in .308. For my HS graduation gift from my Uncle and Aunt, a Mossberg 800.

[P Flados]

In the early 70's, I got a 12 Gauge Lee Load-All. This was before it had powder bushings. I eventually reamed out the charge hole a little and made my own bushings. This thing got used a lot.

I have not loaded shotgun in a decade or so, but I would use this old press without hesitation if a need arose.

I think I then tried a 30-06 whack a mole, but I deemed it unsuitable for use. A RCBS Jr press and RCBS / Lyman dies were my early success stories for metallic reloading. The RCBS Jr got lost in a move somewhere in my late 20s and eventually was replaced with a Lee 3 hole turret.

All of my purchases of new presses and dies in the past couple of decades have been Lee.

[Texas by God]

I started in 1972 with a Lee Loader in 22-250 for my brand new $89 Remington 788. Factory shells were an astronomical $5 a box! The following summer I got another Lee Loader in .38 S&W for an Enfield revolver. Not long after, my brothers and I chipped in and bought RCBS scales and a JR press. So started the avalanche.
I use Lee dies, moulds, sizers and scoops to complement my other color stuff.

[rbuck351]

1962 with a Lee whack a mole in 12ga. I was 14 and no one I knew reloaded.

[Rapidrob]

1964 LEE Loader, 8x57 Mauser, still have it.

[schutzen-jager]

1965 with 9mm before they expanded from the original - used many of their products for years but will no longer due to poor customer service + quality control - i know others will differently , but my recent experiences with them are a total horror story -

[Wag]

About 1997 or 1998, I got the Lee Kit (I don't remember the exact name) for around $100.00 at a gun show. In California, no less! I read the Speer manual twice.

Then I bought dies for 9mm and 44 magnum and got right to work.

Since then, I was given a VERY old Lee turret press which came in handy when the original Lee press that came in the kit crapped out. All of that original Lee gear finally crapped out and I only have that press now. I also have those first two sets of dies and a couple of die sets that were given to me with the turret press. My gear is now mostly RCBS.

As bad as the quality was in that first kit, it got me started relatively cheaply so I have to be happy about that.

--Wag--

[pworley1]

1971 Lee loader 38/357. Lyman 358156 mold.

[375supermag]

Hi...
I started with a Lee C press back in the late '70s- early '80s time frame.
I soon realized that the press was flexing when resizing my .357Magnum brass. I also realized that I needed to speed up the process to keep up with the amount of shooting I was doing in competition.
I bought a Lee 1000 progressive press and that really increased my output.
Unfortunately the primer feed consistently misfed or flipped primers. Then the powder system began to malfunction and leak powder to the point that it became glaringly obvious that I needed to reevaluate my equipment and process.

My solution was to buy an RCBS RockChucker and Little Dandy powder measure. That upgrade and doing brass prep, priming and doing powder dumps and bullet seating in batches, solved every issue except loading fast enough to keep up with my shooting.

I solved that issue by purchasing a couple of Hornady LNL progressive presses. My experience with the LNL has been excellent and they have cranked out many thousands of rounds of ammunition over quite a few calibers since I acquired them.

I also bought two complete Dillon 550s at auctions to supplement the LNLs. My experience and satisfaction with the LNLs eventually convinced me that the Dillons were an unnecessary redundancy, so I sold both of them.

I have purchased another RockChucker Supreme that my son uses to load to load rifle cartridges and for load development.

The Lee presses???
Packed away in a box in the bottom shelf of a cabinet where they can do no further harm.

[Bazoo]

I started about 2010-2012 with a lyman Spartan I got for $25 bucks. Lee dipper set, funnel, whack a mole push through sizer for 358. (I’d love to find one of those in .430 and .310). Probably some other lee stuff to start. Then I got a perfect powder measure. Man what an improvement. I still use dippers occasionally though. Lost all that when my house burnt in 2015.

I was gifted 2 guitars, one a Taylor 110 that I had gifted to the owner a few years previous. I swapped it for a 30-30 rifle.

Then started back with a lee whack a mole in 30-30 and a lyman 309-150-f that was gifted to me. I swapped the whack a mole and regret that, but still have the mould! Then someone gifted me a rock chucker. So I got stupid and sold that thinking I could use the money to buy x more reloading stuff. Went with a Spartan press again on the cheap, but I found a lee challenger and got that along the way and preferred it to the Spartan and finally sold the Spartan. Wish I’d just kept the RC, but at the time I was so tight on money I though I can sell this RC for $80 and buy a $40 press, and have money for a powder measure. So that’s what I did.

[JoeJames]

About 1968 - Lee whack a moles - 7mm Mauser and 20 gauge. Still in high school then. I did not blow my fool self up either.

[Bent Ramrod]

My first centerfire, a .22 Hornet, with a Lee Loader, in 1975. IIRC, the set cost $9.95, new.

Taking 3 hours to reload 50 cartridges (I weighed my charges on a RCBS scale), and the occasional primer going off on seating finally convinced me (after over a year) to get a Pacific Super Deluxe and a used set of Lachmiller reloading dies at a gun show.

The operation was much faster, and no more exploding primers, but it took another 6 months of experimenting before the accuracy of reloads with the new setup matched that of the Lee Loader product.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the number of people that Lee started down the path of hobby reloading surpasses that of all the other manufacturers, including Winchester, Ideal and Lyman..

[nicholst55]

In 1976, I ordered a Lee Loader for 9mm Luger, along with a Lee single cavity 102 grain RN bullet mold, kake-kutter and lube pan, lead pot and ladle. I very quickly decided that my choices had been less than optimal. I purchased an RCBS press and dies just as soon as I could afford them. I loaded a few hundred rounds of 9mm for the WWII P-38 that I had at the time, and then moved on.

[jetinteriorguy]

Sometime in the early 80’s with a Lee Challenger press and a couple die sets. After a couple years the linkage on the press broke and I don’t remember if Lee warranted it or if I either tossed it or just put it away. I got a good deal on a slightly used Lyman Orange Crusher that I still use today.

[gwpercle]

1967 Lee Classic Loader (Whack-A-Mole) in 45 acp .
I asked to "borrow" $10.00 for the Lee Loader from my Dad , when I explained what I was going to do ... reload my own ammo ... he looked at me like he just realized his oldest child might be a Couyon (crazy person ) ... but he gives me $20.00 and say's some for extra's ... and
Don't Tell Your Momma I give it to you ! A lot of our conversations ended like that !
Gary

[stubshaft]

My very first reloading experience was with a Lee Loader in 30/30 waaay back in 1964. My first bullet mold was a 30 caliberLee 150 gr. single cavity flat point for the same 30/30 in 1968. I still have both of them and they still work.

[TNsailorman]

My first Lee equipment was a 30-06 Lee Loader in 1963. It had the metal powder scoop and I still have it. I bought one of the first Remington 700 ADL's made in 1962. james

[grayscale]

Lee Whack-a-mole in 20 ga. in 1970. Dad was not going to pay for factory ammo for a ten year old who was missing everything any way. When I think of some of my "experiments" its a wonder I survived. Dad wasn't big on supervision... Here's the kit, here's the components, here's the instructions, figure it out. I still have the set,
Wish I still had my dad.

[Electrod47]

Lee Load-All 2 each .38 Special and .22 Hornet back in 1977 at age 30 . Today I have 9 Lee Press's of various configurations for the 14 calibers I currently load, most press's are kept set up, dedicated to a certain function or caliber. It's so handy that way. If it weren't for Lee's pricing that some ridicule as some evidence of cheapo, I never would have got into reloading to the degree I have. I am sure Dillon can spew out a 1000 rds an hour. I'v always savored the process of reloading as therapy from a busy world.

[Rich/WIS]

DIdn't start with Lee tools in 71, but added a Challenger press in 91 and the little C press in 92 as a priming station for my Lee Auto Prime II. In 74 started casting with Lee molds and a Saeco and then a Lyman pot. Switched over to the Lee 20# 7-8 years ago. All my pistol molds are Lee 6 cavity and if I ever start on another pistol caliber would choose Lee without hesitation.

[mikeatl]

2013, Load Master

[Goldstar225]

1978, Whack-a-mole in 38/357.

[catmandu]

1982, 3 hole turrent with powder dippers. I just fount the wood box the press came in.

Paul in WNY

[farmer66]

In 1962 with a 20 gauge Lee Loader. Got it for my 14th birthday and still have it. I was so happy I accidently dropped the bag of #8 shot on the hardwood floor. Spent some hours trying to get it all. I remember some going down the heating ductwork for a long time.

[oley55]

1982, 3 hole turrent with powder dippers. I just fount the wood box the press came in.

Paul in WNY

the 3 holes with wood box are listed at crazy high prices on evilbay. I still have the Lee color brochure from when I bought just the press $63.98. At the time I couldn't justify the additional $30 for the combination box/press mount.

[fixit]

Middle seventies.....22 hornet, 20 gauge shotgun.

[fgd135]

My first Lee product was a Lee Loader (cardboard box) in "7.62 Russian", i.e., 7.62x54r., in 1990. I still have it.

[Slahp]

I started in 1978 with a Lee Load All 12 gauge used it 6 months and switched to a MEC JR and never looked back. It did a decent job though.

[jlm223]

Started in 2008, Lee C press, I have upgraded since then.

[sparky45]

Started with a Lee Pro 1000. Since then I've gone through every press Lee makes with the exception of shotshell presses. Presently don't have a single Lee but I have a Redding T-7 and two RCBS Rock Chuckers. I started in 1976.

[468]

Lee Load All…12ga…1975

[GhostHawk]

I've used some Lee equipment off and on for decades. But in 2014 I got a hefty check from mom and dad. Early inheritance they called it.

So I used some to buy some guns, tools, etc. I did not go all Lee, opinions varied on hand priming tools. But everyone who had a RCBS Universal hand priming tool loved it. Many had 2 so they did not have to change parts. I agree it rocks.

My primary press however is a Lee hand press. Although I have others that is the one that gets used the most.

Dies are all Lee.

Molds are all Lee except for a couple of buckshot molds and an old lyman .45 round ball.
Slowly changing all my 2 cavity molds that get used for 6 cav's.

Are they perfect? No, not always. For the price I don't expect them to be.

[Firelock66]

1991, Lee Challenger and 38spl/357mag dies

[Otony]

Lee Loader in 12ga, 1972, my junior year of high school. It drove my mom crazy what with all the pounding, lol!

I don’t have it anymore, but I was gifted a Redding powder scale at the same time and to this day I am still using it! I have the original box and manual too!

I do have a Lee Loader in .30-30 that is like new in the box, and also a Mequon Loader in .44 Special in similar condition in the box.

My first press was an RCBS, probably a Junior, but I moved it down the road for a Pacific 07, just before Hornady bought them out. Now I’m muddling through life with a Redding Ultramag that has been around a good 30 years, plus an older Redding C-press. But I occasionally muse over getting one of the Lee cast iron presses just “because.

I imagine about 40% of my dies are from Lee, along with Redding, C-H, Lyman, RCBS, Pacific (love Durachrome dies),and Hornady. One of my Pacific sets is branded Thompson-Center!

[openbook]

Started a few years ago with a Lee Hand Press, die set, and Lee Ram Prime.

[cr390gt]

Late 80s with a whack a mole in 30-30


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[1hole]

....I’m muddling through life with a Redding Ultramag that has been around a good 30 years, plus an older Redding C-press. But I occasionally muse over getting one of the Lee cast iron presses just “because.

I admire your tastes. IMHO, Redding's Ultramag is THE "strongest" reloading press currently available. Lee's Classic Cast is second. Both are stronger/stiffer than my old green RC2.

Iron C presses are MUCH stronger than most people seem to believe.

[Mikedominick]

1979, loading with the whack a mole for my new to me Colt Python

[parson48]

Anniversary kit in mid 1980s. Still use most of what was included. It continues to serve me well.

[farmerjim]

I started loading in the early 60's. The only thing LEE that I got back then was the 12 ga 3 in magnum lee loader. (I still have it, but haven't used it in over 55 years. My beginning reloading equipment came from Herters, Globe discount city, and Norckauer associates. I have a 4 cavity lyman mold that I got from them that has a $13.95 tag on the box.
I now have well over $2,000 in Lee Loading equipment .

[8mmFan]

1997 or '98 - Lee Anniversary Kit. For the .270, and then quickly after for 9mm and 45 acp.

Still almost exclusively a LEE product reloader.

8mmFan

[Mopar 512]

Lee Loadall 12 ga early 1970s. Still have one today in 12ga and 16ga.
Lee 3 hole turret press early 1980s. Still use it today.
Lee cast bullet molds 1990s up to now. Also lots rcbs and lyman cast bullet stuff.
Also have three contender frames and shoot at least a dozen calibers in those.

Roger

[Otony]

I admire your tastes. IMHO, Redding's Ultramag is THE "strongest" reloading press currently available. Lee's Classic Cast is second. Both are stronger/stiffer than my old green RC2.

Iron C presses are MUCH stronger than most people seem to believe.

Thank you. I used an RCBS as my first “real” press for a few years, then somehow convinced myself that a Pacific/Hornady 07 was a better route. Sold the RCBS and soon realized that that while I really, really liked Pacific Durachrome dies, that didn’t transfer to the Pacific press as a desirable upgrade. It showed wear and tear after some few years, much to my surprise, something I could never have said about my RCBS.

I also used one of the cheap Lee presses, the bottom of the line open or C press. It was really only used as a decapping tool, but showed wear at an even faster rate than the 07. I took that to mean that aluminum was good for many applications, but reloading presses were not one of them.

That being the case, I was determined to buy the best, and the Ultramag had everything I was looking for. It was spendy, but I have never regretted the outlay. When a NIB, earlier style Redding C-press crossed my path, it was snatched up to take the place of the Lee. Zero regrets!

There is a like new Lee Classic Cast on consignment in our shop for 80 bucks. Why I haven’t snatched it up is beyond me but if it is still there on my next shift color it gone.

[15meter]

1975 Lee Deluxe whack-a-mole in 12 gauge. Several buddies and I would line up at the college apartment dining room table and reload trap loads for the next trip back to the farm. That lasted for about 3 years until we graduated and got spread out because of work and spouses.

Bought a new Mec 650 in 12 gauge ~ 1986 after marriage, house and workshop showed up. Still have the Mec but it's now a 16 gauge.

Mec says you can't convert a 650 to a different gauge. Yes it can, it works quite well.

Horse traded in and out of probably 30+ different shotgun presses over the years, down to 5--all Mec, 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410. All progressives of one stripe or another.

Best deal was 12 in one lot for $100. Guys grandpa's stuff and he just wanted it gone. Took some time and ordering parts to get them all fully functional again but that little adventure full financed two 650's, a 20 and a 28 gauge.

First rifle was the whack-a-mole in 308 for a $69 "hand select" mauser rechambered into 308. That was about 1987.

Next was $12 Lee C press to use with RCBS 50-70 dies for an 1870 Trapdoor.

That didn't last long, Lyman T-Mag replaced the $12 press. Probably upwards of 2 dozen different rifle presses since then. Still have a '74 Rockchucker, an A3, the T-Mag, RCBS Jr., Pacific "C" press, RL550 and a SDB with enough tooling to load ~65 of the 70+ rifle/pistol/shotgun cartridges/gauges I have loaded over the years.

Never had a Lee powder measure of any type other than the scoops. Still have a set and use them occasionally. Don't remember who I sold the Lee powder scale to, I just hope it was either someone I didn't know or didn't like. Hate to think I hung a buddy with that thing.

[Pereira]

Started out with a 4 hole turret press, sorry I don't remember when I started.
Sometime in the early 2000's, in '18 I bought a Lee single stage,
I use it mainly with a universal depriming die.
Also use it with Lee push through sizing dies.

RP

[Alan in Vermont]

243 Whack-a-mole in 1968, that provided the instruments of death for uncounted Woodchucks & Crows via an amazingly accurate post 64 model 70. Moved up to an RCBS Jr. in 1970, then to a Rockchucker in '73,I still have that one, lost most of the parts for the Whack-a-mole in a move in the late 70s.

[gc45]

Bought 2 lee presses in the 80's, basic units holding three dies and for hand gun loading. While they worked just ok was never impressed but both were very low cost at the time and what I could afford with 6 kids to feed. Still have those presses but not being used for maybe 35 years preferring the old style Rock Chuckers (3) found at gun shows. Have owned a Dillion, Bonanza and Hornady press but sold those keeping the RC Presses for everything..The Lee hand prime was their best tool for me, wish it was still being made as all mine are wore out. had I known lee was dropping them, I would have bought enough to last 10-15 yrs. I do have several old Lee molds and still like using those.

[Stacts]

Lee Breech Lock Challenger bought in 2022 (still wet behind the ears...). Have two Lee Die sets and one RCBS. They do what I need so far (convert money into bangs).

[omgb]

1977 with a 41 mag whacker set followed by a 12 ga Lee Load-All. Still have the Load-All. Most Lee stuff is ok. I like their dies and many of their molds. I dumped the several Lee presses I've owned. They were OK, but in the case of the progressive, way too fiddly for my liking.

[Rick Hodges]

Started with Lee "Whack a Mole" in .308W in 1970. Purchased along with a Herter's Model Perfect magnetic dampened powder scale. (Both still with me and both still work, although I haven't used either for a number of years.)

[MaLar]

Mid 70's Whack a Mole in 303. Not a good combo.

[DougGuy]

I started in late 80s with 45 Colt and 45 ACP in a classic 3 hole turret press with those mickey mouse little plastic ratchets that would fail if you sneeze at them.

First thing I learned was that the powder measures were VERY staticky b/c they were plastic and you had to use them for about a year before they would behave. Back then Arthur W. Brown Co. made a cast aluminum sliding adjustable charge bar much like a Dillon and once I got a couple of those, the Lee powder measures worked GREAT. Unfortunately they aren't made any more, I think Dillon paid lee to use the patent and developed their own based off Lee's design and they made Brown stop selling his.

Mostly what I learned was that Lee stuff leaves a lot to be desired in the as issued condition, but you can tweak it, smooth the burrs, refine the idea and make the stuff work pretty good.

I still use Lee stuff, but I have to be honest, I have tried EVERY auto priming tool or method Lee devises, and EVERY SINGLE ONE sucks! Flipped primers, skipped primers, the tool itself was ****, etc. I use a hand primer 100% and never a questionable primer.

[deces]

I started with a hornady LnL (trash) in 08 and gravitated towards Lee shortly afterwards because of the customer service I got from a cornady rep. I even received a letter from a head honcho there telling me it's okay for them to berate their customers over a stuck case. With over 2k in Lee, they have been great overall, their presses do not have bare steel everywhere that will rust up and I am happy about that.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I started with a Lee Loader in .243 in 1971, a week later I bought the Lee Priming tool, a week later I bought a small Redding #1 scale. a few years later I bought another Lee Loader in .44 Magnum but found it wouldn't choke down to Special Length. Took it back and got one for .44 Special that would open up to do Magnums, then I got a small RCBS Lead Pot, and Dipper, and a Lee .44 cal. bullet mould and started casting over my kitchen stove. then bought a small Lee Lead Pot. I still have everything except the .44 Loader. I loaned that to a friend and he gave it away with his gun.

I ALWAYS Recommend Lee Loaders to newbies so that they can learn how to reload ammo first. Then if they want to keep going they can buy other stuff.

The Lee Classic Loader has started more people reloading ammo than all other tools combined! Excellent tools!

Randy

[TNsailorman]

Back over the years I have started a few people reloading their own ammo. I always taught them with the Lee Loader and was heavy on safety while doing so. I am getting too old to do a lot of shooting but I still enjoy the time I spend on the Lee's. It is fun and gives me something to do. At least for this ol dinosauer. james

[Kausit]

I bought a lee 1000 progressive reloading press new around 1992 to reload for my 357 and was also casting the bullet. Used a sizer luber for that wad cutter.
Now I am reloading more then ever and still using that same press. 223, 300aac, 45clot, 357,and 9mm.
I have made several modifications to the press and it no longer has any issues to speak of.
I like lee stuff but i do have to admit there quality control is lacking a lot.
1. Sizer not machined correctly and produced out of round bullets
2. Bullet mold offset and would not release bullet form one side. .125 one side and other was .155
3. 3 hole turret threads were not correct and cause one die to not line up.
4. Bullet mold had several issues, burrs, mold to handle tight, bolt loose on spru plate.
Happy reloading

[racepres]

1978; 44 mag and 357 mag Whack-a Mole
still got 'em.. 20 ga added later...then 35 remington..
Then Pacific...then ... one of them little LEE single stage presses that I will Never be without!!!
Oh.. So Glad I found the case trimmer setup!!! as well as Boolit casting "stuff"

[Captain Skip]

1972 Lee Loader for .357 magnum. Currently running a Lee Classic Turret press for .45GAP, 9mm, .38/.357, 30-30 and .308.

[technojock]

I bought an original Lee loader for 7.7x58 Arisaka back in 1976. I learnt very quickly not to get too aggressive while seating primers and I was very glad I hadn't yet opened the can of powder. Other than the one time setting off a primer, it worked well enough and I loaded enough rounds to keep me hunting with my first center fire rifle...

Tony

[B1GB1RD]

1983 - lee hand loader in 30-30

[DonPepe]

Hi - new to the forum and relatively new to reloading. Lee hand press, November of last year loading 38 special.

[ioon44]

1972 with a Lee wack a mole in .44 Mag.

[jetinteriorguy]

1970 with a 16ga. whacker. It made ammo for me and I was happy.

Same for me, except I never did actually use it. Heck, I’m not even sure what even happened to it.

[M-Tecs]

Started with Lee in about 1970 with a Lee Load-All in 12 gauge. Like most Lee products I have used it didn't stay around long.

[onelight]

My first was a Lee loader in 45 Colt cost less than $10.00 I think I bought it in 1969 my only loader for about 3 years.

[1eyedjack]

1978 lee 10lb pot and couple of single cavity molds still have the lead pot and 158 gn swc mold both still work?

[downzero]

I use a lot of Lee equipment, but my first press was a Dillon. My first molds were Lee though, and I still have almost all Lee molds.

[Gunslinger1911]

1973, First centerfire was a Ruger Blackhawk in .357, OMG ammo was $5/50 !!!
How am I gunna shoot much ?
First press was a Pacific. But the dies were Lee !! .357
Reloaded with jacketed for a while, then discovered cast at a new gun shop (owner cast and sold em.)
Conned him into explaining how it worked.
Lee pot and mold, NOW I'm in bizness !!
Pot and mould very reasonable price - damn lubresizer cost a fortune !!!
Progressed through a 3 hole turret, a LoadMaster (LoadDisaster !)
Now mostly run a Dillon 550; but still use the Pacific and Lee turret for specific things.
Things I don't load enough of to justify the 550 conversion cost.
All Lee dies.
Got an APP last year, runs great for sizing powder coat.

[35 Rem]

I started casting with the Lee 10lb pot and two Lee molds. Still use nothing but Lee pot but mostly use a 20lb version now. Prefer the valve on the 10 lb but like the thermal stability of the larger capacity. Even now when I'm looking for a new bullet, I always look to see what Lee offers 1st.

[Crash_Corrigan]

Wife alloted $1000 for me to start reloading for my Smith 586. Went whole hog and got a Lee Loadmaster. It was a disaster as the primer device was trash. In '95 I upgraded to a Dillon 550B. Then over the years to a xl 650 and 3 square deals. Along the way picked up a Rockchucker, Lyman Square T, Lee Turret and a Lee hand press. A Star luber and a RCBS Pro Furnace along with about 50 different Lee molds amongst others have all given me many hours of enjoyment and a way to keep me grounded and away from bars and women. When I started to cast with a Lee 6 banger it had no handles (see classics way on top) but I persisted for two years to mold 38's and 45's wearing two pair of gloves until one day I saw a lee mold with handles at a gun show. I got another Dillon Square Deal for 9 mm's. Will it ever stop?

[Gunslinger1911]

Crash Corrigan : "Will it ever stop?"

No

[upr45]

1985 Lee challenger

[Wooserco]

Lee "Whack a Mole" in 1972. Over the years I've had a number of their moulds, powder measures and other sundry items. I've never come to grips with their powder scale. I have two, new in the box. If anybody wants them, they are yours free for the cost of shipping. Otherwise, in May the are going into the dumpster, as is anything that I haven't used in the last 20 years.

[Wooserco]

Interesting... I purchased a Lee Loadmaster in the early nineties. It took some tweaking, as all processes do. Result: I was producing 500 round of ammo a week to feed my kids' shooting habit. One pull on the handle, one round in the box. Result? I'm now feeding my grand daughter's shooting habit from 5 hours away. She's only 12, so I have a few years to go. Her Momma feeds her own shooting habit now. It's on her husband's dime.

[NWPilgrim]

About 1988, Lee Challenger to initially load .44 magnum. Gradually added .45, .40, .30-06, .357/.38. Upgrade to the Classic Turret when it came out. Loaded everything on it either in single stage mode or auto index. Added 9mm, .308, 9x18 Mak, 6.5x55Swede.

This year after our big move I decided to change up my reloading. Going progressive for handgun cartridges on a Lee Auto Breechlock Pro and rifle on a Rockchucker with Hornady bushing conversion. Going to try a Hornady powder measure on the ABLP, and got a ChargeMaster Link for rifle (very impressed with initial tests ). I’ll see how on the press priming goes but leaning toward just doing all priming with a Lee Auto Bench Primer or something independent.

[gnappi]

Sometime in the late 70's or early 80's? with the original Turret press, and once I tried a friend's Dillon I gave the Lee stuff to a friend and never looked back, and I have 5 Dillon presses now.

[barnabus]

always heard lee was junk by the folks who started with it and moved on to other brands.never owned anything lee.

[one-eyed fat man]

1962, a second hand Lee Loader in .30-30. A single cavity Lee C308-170 mould came with the deal. The local gun shop sold me IMR-4895 weighed out into a small paper bag.

[Bookworm]

Around 1986 or 87. A Lee handpress (the ThighMaster) and a set of Lee dies (with the data sheet/instructions included). A pound of Clays powder rounded out my equipment.

No scales, no tumbler, no manual. Loaded thousands of rounds with no problems.

[Tall]

Around 1984 I bought a new Model 19 S&W Nickel plated for about $319 including tax. I was at a big Dallas Market Hall gun show. I bought some new 357 Magnum ammunition for about $29. I bought a new Lee 1000 reloading kit in 38 Special / 357 Magnum for $129 and from the same guy I bought a pound of Bullseye powder and 1000 Winchester small pistol primers and a couple boxes of Sierra 158 grain JHP bullets. I think the whole bill including the reloading press, powder, primers and bullets was less than $200.

[hawkeye1]

I started in about 1988. It was a Lee 3 hole turret press, still have it and still use it. Added a Lyman 8 hole turret press about a year ago. Many die sets later, it still gets used regular.

[35 Rem]

I already responded but didn't go into much detail. I started casting in about 1978 more so to sell bullets for money to buy all my loading components rather than just making bullets to shoot myself. I was a broke college student at the time, so Lee was the only choice. A 10lb bottom-pour lead pot and 2 molds put me in business. I got two of the pan lube sizer kits at first. A 30 and 44 caliber. Also got a couple of the manual case trimmer kits. Not too much later I got a RCBS Lubrisizer as it is way too slow pan lubing 1,000 bullets. I started loading metalic cartridges in 1978 using a RCBS Rockchucker but when Lee came out with their 1st Progressive, whatever it was called, I got one set up for 45 Colt. The little piece that locates the shell plate on the twisted hex rod got crapped up the 1st time I used it. Got a new piece from Lee and loaded a lot of ammo on that press. It was tedious as could be though to keep primers feeding properly. It has finally given up the ghost and doesn't index correctly anymore. I have another one set up for 9mm that should still work but hasn't been set up or used in over 30 years. I used the Lee shotshell loader that my college roommate had a fair amount and while it felt cheap and flimsy, I was always impressed with how fast it was and how well done the shells were that it produced. For my personal shotshell loading I had a MEC 600 JR. There is no doubt that LEE has played a big role in making reloading more accessible to the average shooter by producing good products at affordable prices. Someone who is trying to decide if they want to load their own can give it a try with Lee without breaking the bank.

Over the years I have accumulated something like 2 dozen Lee bullet molds.

[NWPilgrim]

I already responded but didn't go into much detail. I started casting in about 1978 more so to sell bullets for money to buy all my loading components rather than just making bullets to shoot myself. I was a broke college student at the time, so Lee was the only choice. A 10lb bottom-pour lead pot and 2 molds put me in business. I got two of the pan lube sizer kits at first. A 30 and 44 caliber. Also got a couple of the manual case trimmer kits. Not too much later I got a RCBS Lubrisizer as it is way too slow pan lubing 1,000 bullets. I started loading metalic cartridges in 1978 using a RCBS Rockchucker but when Lee came out with their 1st Progressive, whatever it was called, I got one set up for 45 Colt. The little piece that locates the shell plate on the twisted hex rod got crapped up the 1st time I used it. Got a new piece from Lee and loaded a lot of ammo on that press. It was tedious as could be though to keep primers feeding properly. It has finally given up the ghost and doesn't index correctly anymore. I have another one set up for 9mm that should still work but hasn't been set up or used in over 30 years. I used the Lee shotshell loader that my college roommate had a fair amount and while it felt cheap and flimsy, I was always impressed with how fast it was and how well done the shells were that it produced. For my personal shotshell loading I had a MEC 600 JR. There is no doubt that LEE has played a big role in making reloading more accessible to the average shooter by producing good products at affordable prices. Someone who is trying to decide if they want to load their own can give it a try with Lee without breaking the bank.

Over the years I have accumulated something like 2 dozen Lee bullet molds.

Great point about Lee making reloading more accessible. Whether due to budget or just wanting to test the waters first, Lee makes it possible for many. Also, even those of us that have mixed brand benches, some things just don’t require costly equipment. Like the Universal decapper die. Lee makes a simple, robust one cheaper than any one else. Why pay more? And pistol taper crimp die—why pay more? I’ll gladly pay more for powder measures and scales and seating dies. But at least Lee gives a much less expensive option.

And it really depends on your shooting. A lot of folks just enjoy plinking and casual target shooting. Why pay more in that case? We are lucky to have such a wide selection of brands.

[LAKEMASTER]

Not sure, used my dad's load all when I was a teenager. Maybe 2005ish.

Now I have 2 loadmasters, classic beech lock, the ACP and the APP. The only time I ever have issues with them is when I don't use them for 2 years and then I start reloading.... Which is exactly what I'm doing lol

[WILCO]

If you started reloading on Lee equipment, share what year it was, and what the equipment was.

Around 1992, a friend's Lee Challenger.

1994. Bought the Lee Precision Challenger kit. :)

[SSGOldfart]

early 60's And took a wack-a-mole to Vietnam with me,it was a 30-06.

[Green Frog]

In the late '70s I was renting a farmhouse ind Cumberland County, VA. I got an invitation to hunt groundhogs on a local farm, so I borrowed Dad's Krag Sporter and went to Green Top near Richmond and got a Lee Loader set and a box of really lightweight 30 caliber bullets. only ever shot one GH with this combo, but that's another, longer story!

Froggie

[Bill M]

Mid 80's, my brother in law had a Lee turret press, had to feed primers one at a time! It took a few hours to load a couple of hundred 44 Mag cases to empty on Sunday!

[Jack Russel]

1972 Lee Load All. I'm 99% still Lee

[john.k]

Well ,there s a funny thing ...a Lee cast iron press is now $100 more expensive than a RCBS........when I bought my Lee ,they wernt quite $100,and the RCBS was $400.............yeah ,I know ...inflation .......Lee double cavity moulds were $12 ,now they are just about $100 here .

[GWS]

Amazing.....3 pages and only one picture...so think I'll add 3 more! I still have my first loader....a Target Lee Loader in .243, bought it 50 years ago in 1974. Here's a picture of it today.....;)

https://i.postimg.cc/Qd5qWdcJ/Lee-Target-Loader.jpg

Then green presses for the next 45 years, 2 RockChuckers, a Pro 2000, a Summit, and a ProChucker 7. Then my final two, a Lee APP, and a Lee 6000! So my reloading room is now crowded and colorful. :).....and I'm still enjoying all of them.....just slower.....

https://i.postimg.cc/8PYjXvS6/IMG-4112.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/rFsD9JvT/IMG-4113.jpg

See....colorful! 3D printer helps with that.....

[WILCO]

Lee Precision has always been my first choice.
God Bless Richard Lee.

[vrod1023]

2021 Lee Pro 1000 9mm.

Sent from my SM-A505F using Tapatalk

[70sdiver]

1989 bought a lee anniversary kit.the next year a lee nut cracker for loading at night when out of town.Still have it all and use it some, most stuff know is on one of the 4 dillion pressed I have.

[K43]

1975 with a carboard boxed Lee Loader for 8x57 Mauser. Winchester primers, Winchester once fired brass, IMR4895, a small hammer, and I don't remember what bullet, probably splurged on Sierra 150g.

[Baltimoreed]

Whack a mole in .45-70 sometime in the ‘70s. Have their aluminum molds, a couple Auto Primes, a few of their dies and bullet and bulge buster dies but no presses. I use Dillon, RCBS and Lyman presses. The few actual Lee tools that Ive used have proven fragile imo. Read somewhere that Lee was the Harbor Freight of reloading. At least thats my experience.

[forwardgunner]

Started in 1958 with a Lee Classic loader in 12 gauge. I'm 80 years old now and have moved on to better equipment over the years.

[gwpercle]

Started in 1958 with a Lee Classic loader in 12 gauge. I'm 80 years old now and have moved on to better equipment over the years.

:goodpost:
LIKE LIKE LIKE !!!
Gary

[2TM101]

1977, Lee Loader for .38 special. Later got one for .45acp and .44 special. Didn't have an actual press until 2015, didn't cast until 2019

[porthos]

i have several old;. the original lee priming tools with the screw in shell holder. love them. other than that i have nothing. i don't think much of lee other than that they are cheap.

[max it]

my first reloader: Lee Pro 1000; its the three hole one. about 16 years ago.
I bought it from a retiring bullseye shooter. he did Colt 1911 and SW41 both of which i subsequenty bought also. Then O'bama got in and there were no components anywhere. so i bought his casting eq. now I am deep in. four presses, led by my RL450 Dillon. and no casting currently. where is O'bama when i need him :)

[RogerDat]

Lee "wack a mole" Loader around 2012 followed by a Lee 2 cavity tumble lube Lee 38 bullet mold. Moved up to a Lee Classic Cast turret press once I had the endless supply of my own cast bullets :D

I passed the Lee Loader onto a co-worker a few years back, along with a box of 500 bullets, a hundred cases, jug of powder and some primers. Last I heard they were hitting gun shows to stock up on brass to keep their 38 revolver well supplied. And thus the madness spreads.

[curiousgeorge]

1978 - Used my Dad's 12 guage Lee loader from the 1950s with Federal paper hulls so that I could make shells for my 870. We were 18 yrs old with a child on the way. Rabbits both fresh and frozen appeared on our table many times to stretch the budget. I liked squirrels, but the wife wouldn't touch them.