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Posted: 9/2/2009 5:30:44 AM EDT
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Just got a new Lee Hand Press to try out reloading and see if it's something I want to invest more heavily into. Just wanted to hear form other hand press owners if they have any tricks or tips that will make the process easier, more accurate, etc. I'm starting with .257 Roberts dies and once fired Hornady and Federal brass to work up a deer load for this November. Thanks!
BTW, I have read ABC's twice, Lee 2 twice, Sierra 5, Hornady 7, and Nosler 6 to date so I feel I understand the basics. Just looking to see if there is technique for my little setup that may not be obvious to a new operator. |
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I've never used one, but plan on buying one in the near future. I like the fact that I can take it anywhere and deprime brass. Sit and watch TV, sit outside, wherever. No bench, clamping, or mounting.
I'll still use my bench mounted press for resizing. I think that would become too tedious with a hand press. |
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I use mine mostly for depriming, but it works fine for loading, too, if a good lube is used. Imperial on cases the size of the Roberts case will make the press operation as easy as is possible, and I'm of the opinion that pistol brass should be lubed before sizing with this press, too. Otherwise, the operating force is so high you'll likely abandon it for reloading. Even a 9mm Luger case in a carbide die is a pain to size without lube, and a .30 Carbine case is close enough to impossible (not really, but sizing is so difficult it's absolutely no fun).
The only trick is to keep charged cases pointing up so the powder doesn't get dumped while getting ready to seat a bullet. |
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Quoted:
I use mine mostly for depriming, but it works fine for loading, too, if a good lube is used. Imperial on cases the size of the Roberts case will make the press operation as easy as is possible, and I'm of the opinion that pistol brass should be lubed before sizing with this press, too. Otherwise, the operating force is so high you'll likely abandon it for reloading. Even a 9mm Luger case in a carbide die is a pain to size without lube, and a .30 Carbine case is close enough to impossible (not really, but sizing is so difficult it's absolutely no fun). The only trick is to keep charged cases pointing up so the powder doesn't get dumped while getting ready to seat a bullet. +1 and keep a can of rem oil, I prefer the aerosol kind, nearby to lube the piston on the press it just slides through the other side and can get 'sticky' sometimes. |
| The lee lube is good but it is a CASE LUBE for resizing cases. it tends to get sticky and gummy if you leave it long enough, I sure don't want that on my press. Use rem-oil or axle grease if you want anything to reduce friction and drag. I see no reason to avoid petroleum lubes on the press parts. |
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The thing's really pretty straightforward once you have your dies adjusted properly..........expended primers are caught in the ram body, so unless you want 'em all over the floor just remember to dump into a trash can. I've used mine on a 7.62X54 case with ease in sizing.............some folks, I've read, say it's difficult, but if properly lubed the cases go in and out easily.
Don't know how you intend to prime, I bought the ram primer with mine just for the hell of it. Works well, but it's an extra step in the process so if you've a hand primer it'd likely save you time. Thing has real value if working up a load as it's so easily portable.....unlike other small sets, ie: Lyman's 310, the Lee uses standard dies and to my mind that makes it truly versitle. For the money you simply can't beat the product. Oh yeah, meant to say the I use RCBS's case lube.............slickern' owl shit on a glass doorknob, to quote an old buddy from deeper, darker Mississippi! |
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Is the Lee Lube that came with the kit any good? Why do you use a non-petroleum based lube on the press linkage? The Lee Lube is meant for case resizing. I use non-petroleum oil because I do not want any possibility of contaminating the primers. Maybe it is a bit much, but I got it at Auto Zone. A little goes a long way. |
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Quoted:
I've never used one, but plan on buying one in the near future. I like the fact that I can take it anywhere and deprime brass. Sit and watch TV, sit outside, wherever. No bench, clamping, or mounting. I'll still use my bench mounted press for resizing. I think that would become too tedious with a hand press. I have one for each non mag calibers.and use it to devolop loads while at the range. It's a good start. On the plus side you will learn to make each shot count. 458 |
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I would NOT have recommended a LEE hand press as a first press. Yes, I did own one, many years ago.
Story time:
I started with a used single station press. After years of experience, with the single station I graduated to a Dillon progressive press. Somewhere along the way, I bought a LEE hand press. I thought, I could get some simple re-loading in, during breaks at work. So, having owned and used one (LEE hand press) with .308 Win........well, let's just say it wasn't RIGHT for ME. So, I sold it off. If it's your FIRST PRESS..........I'd stay away from it. That's just, MY OPINION. It's just so much faster and easier to use a regular single station bench mounted press. It can be mounted on a scrap 2" x 8" then C clamped to a bench or table. And, the cost of a single station isn't that much, over the hand press. Then.........there was this guy with "problems" with his hand press. It came down to the FACT that he wasn't re-sizing his brass "all the way." Yes, it takes some MUSCLE POWER to get those handles together all the way, to F/L re-size brass in the larger calibers. I suspect that, if he had used a regular single station bench mounted press, he would have benefited by the extra leverage. And, not to mention, the balancing act while bullet seating can be difficult with the hand press. May I further suggest: Get a good manual (or several) and a mentor. As always: YMWV. So, that being said and since you've already made the purchase............here are some of my thoughts (about the LEE hand press).......... Assuming that you purchased a LEE hand press kit.
Basically (For non-primer crimped, rifle brass): 1) Inspect and clean the cases- a liquid bath in hot water and dish soap, will get them clean. Though, not shiny. IF you want, clean with some shine……Birchwood Casey Case Cleaning Solution is a fast and cheap way. Mix with water (follow the directions on the package) soak the brass, drain and dry. Save the solution as it can be re-used. 2) Set up your hand press with the shell holder and de-capper/FL re-sizer die. 3) Lube the cases. LEE lube can be applied with fingers. 4) Then, de-cap/re-size the brass. 5) Purchase a cheap Wilson style case gauge. Gauge the case(s) to ensure that the proper F/L re-size has been achieved. The headstamped end of the brass needs to be at or between the high and low cuts on the gauge to pass. IF the brass passes, it's on to the next step. IF not, adjust your die setting. BTW, the other end of the gauge, also checks IF you need to trim the brass. 6) Trim the brass IF needed. The cheapest way, is with the LEE case trimmer. You'll need to purchase the cutter & lock stub. And the case length gauge with special shell holder. Once the trimming is done, use a chamfer tool (another new purchase item) to "knock off the edge" on the newly cut case necks. 7) Clean off the lube. A solvent dampened rag or another soak in the case cleaner. Make sure the cases are dry before proceeding to the next step. 8) Re-prime the cases. Use the tools that you got with the LEE hand press kit. Or purchase the LEE auto prime hand tool. You'll also need the special LEE shell holder made especially for the LEE auto prime. 9) Using the supplied LEE dipper w/load data sheet, you can measure out the recommended powder charge and drop the powder into the primed case. *Although the powder dipper method (included in your kit) is usable. For safety and faster production, most folks will purchase a hopper style measure and scale (not included in the kit). Remember to make “spot checks” on your powder throws. 10) Next, screw in the bullet seating die into your press. Place a bullet on top of the opening of the case neck. Careful, don’t spill the powder. Then, run the case w/bullet into the bullet seating die. You're done. _____________________________________________ NOTE: There are many ways to skin a cat. I tried to write this, keeping in mind a CHEAP WAY to do things. To adjust dies correctly.......see the link……. http://www.chuckhawks.com/adjust_reloading_dies.htm Aloha, Mark PS..............Ammo can set up http://www.thehighroad.us/showthread.php?t=363325 |
| I learned to reload on a Lee Harnd Press. The only problems I had were a couple of stuck cases at first––what a pain. Lube the Obama way (liberally), and you won't have that problem. I made a lot of ammo on mine, mostly .223. In retrospect, I think it was a good way to learn the steps of reloading. |
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