Armory Sponsor
|
I started with that kit just about two years ago. I only reloaded 9mm and it did the job. I did add a digital scale, but otherwise stuck with that kit.
After about 5000 rounds, I was comfortable enough with reloading and had saved enough to justify getting a Dillon 550b. (Yes, reloading 9mm is a significant savings even though you will hear people question that. I was reloading it at just over $5 for 50 when a box of factory ammo was tough to find under $20, but that is a reply to an entirely different question) Even after I got the 550b, the Lee remained mounted to my bench for the odd time when flawed case shows up and I need to run a single round to whatever point that station was. I happened to come into a free RCBS Rock Chucker, which is also now mounted to my bench. The Lee had pretty much become the home for my universal depriming die, because it handles spent primers better than the Rock Chucker. The 550b runs the 9mm and I am going to set it up to run 223 as well, but the single stage presses are still what I prefer for larger rifle like 30-30 and 30-06. Over all, buy that kit and start reloading. It is very true when you hear that with reloading, you wont save any money, but you will shoot more. Shoot with a buddy and he shows up with two or three boxes of ammo while you show up with a surplus ammo can. |
|
I have an old Challenger, I have no idea how many rounds it has loaded, a few thousand by me, who knows how many by my grandfather, it works ok.
I think were I buying I would try for a cast iron press, the Challenger deflects quite a bit, it bothers me, although once adjusted for seems to have no impact on quality of ammo. There's also a lot of play in the linkage, doesn't seem to affect anything, but the Rock chucker I learned on didn't have that problem. Neither of these "faults" have caused me to replace the press, probably will someday, years from now. I do not like the Lee Safety Scale, I inherited one with the press, I bought something else, you might feel differently. You really should get a caliper, you'll probably want a powder trickler, and I would suggest another manual, Lyman is my favorite. |
|
Quoted:
Kit is really worthless. Press isn't bad and the play in the linkage doesn't seem to have any ill effect on my ammo so far. I've loaded a few thousand 9mm on it and over a thousand "match" 223 on it and it works alright. Slow but steady. |
| I got one about a month ago and think it's great. All components work just fine. I only reload handgun ammo on it. If you're not a competitive shooter and don't need to bust out a couple thousand rounds a week then it is all you really need. I used to reload on a friends progressive and actually like how more attentive to quality and safety I am on the single stage. As a starter kit it really is a great value. |
| I got one as my first press. I have loaded 223, 45, 380, and 243 on it. As a starter kit it is a decent set up I feel. Is there better out there? Sure. For the money though I think it does a good job. I would recommend getting a digital scale as others have said. The beam scale is decent but it takes way too much time. I would also get some spare bushings for it as it is a pain taking your dies out of the bushings every time you load a different caliber. Another add is the lee ram prime which allows you to prime on the press instead of using the hand primer set up. |
|
I bought the kit for my start at reloading .223. with rifle requiring more case prep for me single stage is fine I do each process in larger batches.
Been loading pistol on progressives for years. No single stages for shotgun or pistol for me! I already had a better scale and use the Lee scale for backup, it is not real user friendly although once you get the hang of it it is accurate. I used the case trimmer for a while and upgraded, it does work but slow and can be hard on fingers with or without cordless drill. Not up on the value trim thing not available when I got mine. Press and dies GTG IMHO. Hand primer GTG way better than using the press. need to add a primer pocket swag device or reamer to the bench for 223/556. Powder drop crude and cheap, but does work mine is not real smooth. I up graded for rifle and now have it dedicated to a low production 9MM Mak die setup. So all in all it will get you started and make decent ammo as is but you will probably upgrade alot of the stuff along the way so you can make your choice now or later. 
|
|
That's a useable kit that will get you started. Scale is ok, but many upgrade soon. For more money, RCBS and Hornady kits offer a little more quality. Only you know your budget, get the best quality you can afford is my advice. Keep in mind you will have to buy dies, primers, powder, reloading manual, and maybe cases if you don't have any. |
|
I strarted with a Challenger after I decided the Lee Loader was not for me. It will work well for straight wall pistol case loading. I moved up to a Lee Classic Turret press which I really like.
The Challenge will definitely get you started and help you understand each step in the process and it's not bad for the money. I think hindsight being 20/20 I probably would have gone with the Turret press and be done with it... Good luck |
Armory Sponsor