I just finished reloading my first 50 rounds of 30-06 ammo on my new Lee Classic Cast Press. I shopped extensively before making my purchase decision. I was down to the RCBS Rock Chucker press and this new Lee Cast Press.

I wanted the look, feel, and durability of a cast iron press. Don't ask me why. I think it has to do with appreciation of heavy metal equipment from an older generation. I'm sure that the aluminum presses do just fine, but my overall feedback from guys in the know was go with the 'Cast Iron'. I did.

I also tracked several Ebay auctions on used RCBS presses and the price was, NOT including shipping, as much, if not more than a new cast iron press from Lee.

My overall opinion, being new to handloading, is quality prevails throughout the Lee Single Stage cast press. The construction standard, quality control, fit, form, and function are flawless. The ram handle is both ambidextrous and adjustable in length of pull. The press is obviously child friendly as my two children have now made their first rounds!

The priming function is smooth as butter (downstroke prime vs. upstroke) and comes with both a small and large primer tool. The Lee Pacesetter Dies are producing consistent quality rounds of 30-06 ammo in all 5 different weight bullets that I am loading. Installation of the three different dies I use is probably standard for a single stage press. Screw in the dies, set your tolerance for resizing, bullet seating, and crimping, and get to work. Very easy to perform and adjust.

However, now that I have seen the Hornady Lock n Load press I definitely think their idea is a better mouse trap for die installation and removal.

I bought everything I needed to get started from MidwayUSA.com. Very professional service from Midway. Uber's Lock and Guns in Pensacola has all of my powder, primer, and bullets readily available.

I have read where some of y'all have stated that once you get started in handloading BEWARE...It can be addictive. I now know what you mean.

Very relaxing, a great way to get away from my wife WITHOUT leaving the house, and theraputic without the cost of therapy. Seriously, how many reloaders are parked in the local therapist's parking lot every week? It's like my ZX-11 motorcycle...1-2 hours a week keeps the spirit rejuvinated and ready for more.

My total outlay for the press, dies, scale, sizing/cutter tool, ammo boxes, 100-new unprimed cases, 2 lbs of different burn rate powders, 200 primers, 5 different bullets, and case lube came to $200. I have figured out my rough cost to load 20 rounds of premium 30-06 ammo at $8.60 with the Nosler Partition 165gr bullets. $7.90/20 with my Sierra Game King 180gr bullets.

I can NOT buy Hornady Light Magnum Ammo for less than $20/box before shipping charges. Am I saving money? The numbers never lie...

Hooked...One Shot One Kill,

JP

Gun Pilots do it in the trees...

Yup - now, you'll never go back to store bought ammo, JP!

Been at it since dirt was new and still find something slightly different every time when reloading. The guys here on the board are a wealth of knowledge in this regard and have given me some new insights as well.

Only unsolicited advice to offer is be consistent, double check everything and enjoy!

JP,

Good review.

BTW, you can use a Hornady Lock N Load conversion kit to add the convenience of Lock and Load bushings to your Lee Classic Cast press. The kit costs about $10.00 and is available from several suppliers. I'd check with www.lockstock.com though, they seem to have the better Hornady prices most times.

Hope this helps,

Dave in Oakwood, GA

When I started reloading in the late 70's, it was so I didn't have to pay factory ammo prices. After the initial outlay, I think the 38's I loaded for the police matches cost me about three bucks a box. I thought, "Wow, I'm gonna save a lot of money!" :p
That never happened.
Instead, for the same amount of money, I shot four times as much, got a lot better at shooting, and beat several guys who were thought to be unbeatable. :eek:
That alone was worth every penny it cost me to get there. ;)
The guy who still beats me sometimes is the one who went out and got his own reloading stuff. I don't begrudge him his victories, because he earns them.
But I still win every now and then. :)
PJ

I got a Lee "CLASSIC" about a month ago!!!! What a great deal! $59 (www.midwayusa.com) I love it. I'm going to use Hornady Lock-N-Load conversion kit soon as I get it from Midway ($15.09) Will be a heck of a set - up!!!

Good move, buying the Lee Classic press.

I've promoted this press on other board sites before it showed up by word of mouth.

Have put the top shellholder screw-on piece in my lathe and cut a 1/4 of an inch out of the middle and inserted the top half into the bottom half and drilled two holes on the side to tap and insert hex screws.

This shortened shellholder allows me to use the Lee Classic as a swaging press.

Here is an attachment showing the press set up for swaging .44 caliber swc bullets.

Jim

Take a look.