Just got my Lee hand press. Looking forward to getting kicked off here reloading. At least til I can get set up with a good reload table to mount my other press on. Finally glad to get the ball rolling here!

riverrat,
let us know how that press works out. What cartridges will you be loading with it?

Now, go load some ammo!

According to Lee, just about anything! Mainly though .270, .30/30, and .308!

I use a Lee hand press, too. Exclusively. I love it. It's a great tool...and I have no intentions of ever getting a bench press. The ONLY drawback I have noticed is a bit of a tendency to spill powder when pulling bullets (from heavily crimped cartridges) - because of a lack of stationary mounting of the press. (I use a collet-style puller, with the hand press). However, since I now handload every round that I shoot, this is no longer an issue. Other than that, I have had NO negative issues with the hand press. Resizing is easy (the effort required is not excessive, IMO)....seating bullets and crimping is also easy...and pulling bullets is easy also, (with the exception of the scenario mentioned above).

Before I chose to go with the hand press, many handloaders tried to discourage me from it - saying that I'd grow to hate it, very soon after starting with it. Nope. This is the same thing that people have said about using the simple little Lee manual case trimmer tools...that it would be a terrible burden....and that I'd want to change to something more mechanized, soon after. No, wrong again. To each his own...and I do value all opinions - especially from those who have lots of experience. I just do not concur on these matters. Of course, if I was doing 200 - 300 rounds at a sitting (as some people do)...I might feel differently. To date, I have done about 60 rounds (complete, from start to finish) maximum, at a sitting....and probably in future will do only 20-30 at a sitting. So, I can't see any problems with keeping my equipment as is.

It all packs up into a plastic box....the size of a large tackle box...and stows in the closet, as well. So what's not to like ?

I really like Lee's Hand Press. Simple to use and sets up quick, stores easily, and it can go to the range with me if I like.

For bullet pulling I got an impact puller from MidwayUSA.com. It beats the collet pullers for control of the powder when using the hand press.

hows it going riverrat,
can you let me know how you go with the hand press, as i am thinking of getting one to reload 25/06 and 303 rounds. could you tell me how hard or easy you find it to reload your bigger cases.
thanks. have fun with it

I'll start next week Leroydazz! Be patient with me, as deer season begins here Monday and only last til January 1, 2006! Yes, I love our deer season! I'll get back with ya soon!

That little hand press can do everything you need done to load rifle or pistol ammo. Is a very good solution for people with sapce problems or with intentions of staying mobile.

Even later on, when you get a differnt press (and you will) often find having the little Lee press around solves some problems.

Is kind of nice to be able to store everything in a shoe-box sized container.

I used one for 12ga. shotshells. By getting the same brand shotcup & reloading the hulls to the original factory load specs, you only need the Lee, a box of primers, powder and one size shot...You do develope a rythem using the Lee. I always had good results, even when using wads & paper shotshells!

I haven't used the Lee Hand Press but I do have a quite a collection of the Lee Classic Kits despite having a complete reloading bench. I agree with everything positive these fellows have said concerning having a small reloading outfit. Some folks just aren't going to reload enough to benefit from the complete setup or they don't have the space to dedicate to the bench.

I really enjoy carrying my kits for the caliber I will be shooting on my hunt. I carry a small amount of primers, powder and the lube in zip locks and will reload in camp just to entertain others if nothing else. A majority of hunters don't reload and this is another area that you can share your passion of the shooting sports.

I use my Hand Press for everything from 22 Hornet to 416 Rigby. Mostly I neck size but I full length too with it and I find that even then I am not having to work hard to resize cases. The toughest ones I had to resize were some old WW 30-40 Krag cases that my new bride's grandfather had passed down to her that were pretty swollen. They resized full length with a little bit of oomph on my part but nothing spectacular. Im no tearing phone books in half giant he-man either. :D

It will handle the cases you are thinking of reloading without a hiccup. I'd do it in a heartbeat. Wait, already did. Just keep adding more cartridges to my list.