Well, I just got off of the phone with Lee C/S. I found that you really have to work a bit to get something in warranty. A few months back, I ordered the Lee shell holder set for the hand held priming tool, from Midway USA. I recently started loading light 44 spl rounds for PPC shoots. Some of my older, once fired brass, would get stuck in the # 11 shell holder, about 2-3 out of every 10-15 cases. I had to disassemble the unit to pry/push out the case, not fun when you're trying to load a few hundred rounds. Thinking that the older cases might be damaged somehow, I recently ordered 300 new 44 spl. cases and started loading them in the last two days. Same problem. So now I'm thinking bad casting/stamping on the part of the shell holder. So I call Lee...busy for the first 10 times dialed. I finally got through and explained my situation. They asked me to send it in (no paid shipper offered) with one of the cases that gets stuck and they'll fix it. I said that I need the shell holder to load several hundred rounds in the next few weeks for competition shooing and asked if they could just send one out to me. Then they ask,

"So you want to buy a new #11 holder while you send in the original one". And then "If we open it up and it's too big, well I guess that's your problem".

I mentioned that on their website (that I, at that time, had pulled up to get the phone #) stated "Every Lee Reloading Tool is unconditionally guaranteed for two full years."
I explained that they were just two months old and the #11 had not been used up until two weeks ago. I had to ask her to just send me one out. She let out a sigh and asked for my mailing info.
Really?!?! It's obviously a damaged part, and what, it might cost them a couple of bucks to send out one shell holder. It is their warranty after all.

I know, I'm getting my "customer satisfaction", but did I really need to almost beg for service? Before all of this, I ordered their new "improved" model of hand primer from Natchez...now I'm not so sure that I want any more of their products.

There! That's it for my rant.

Lee Products are pretty good for the price and I expect they do not have the built-in margin dollars to offer the level of service Dillon can supply it's customers...just can't do it.

Most folks sure like Lee stuff...I've had a few of their products...a single-stage press, dies, funnel & a hand-held "auto-prime".

I never had any real problems...but I have moved to other products in most cases.

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

I have a lot of their products, and that is why I hate them so much. I would have saved myself the headache and just got out the Dremel.

This one tool (and the new one on the way) is really the only Lee product that I have. Most people like their Auto Prime tool, and so do I. That's why I ordered the second, newer designed one. But as for my first experience with their C/S goes, lets just say that I won't be putting myself in a position (by buying more Lee products???...not) to deal with them anymore.

I almost did just that.
But I figured that I'd give the manufacturer a try. Most times that works out pretty well.

About a year or so ago I bought a new Lee double cavity pistol bullet mold. After casting about 100 bullets, I noticed the mold was starting to crack near the locator pin. I called Lee and spoke to a guy in tech service, he told me to send it in. I did, and received a new one about a week later. I've been using Lee products since 1981.

__________________
NRA Life Member

I have had nothing but good experience with Lee CS. I usually do everything via email. They allowed me to trade in a very well used set of pacific dies and get a Lee Carbide die set for 50% off.

My shell holders are actually a lil loose rather than tight.

I did have an issue with their Ram Prime" not seating deep enough in 38 special, come to find out the priming die had a line of casting flash on the bottom of the shoulder and it would not seat right. They sent one out ASAP.

Their policy is to replace the part after you send them the defective one. Generally for small inexpensive stuff I just buy new, cheaper than postage and quicker than waiting for the round trip.

However, I've been saving up my "unbreakable" decappers and bad sizer and then I'm going to send them a package. At least that way I'll have spares.

I also had purchased the hand primer and shell holder set a while back from Midway. I had used the small set on 9mm OK, after I smoothed out the seam leading to the seater hole. A couple of weeks ago I started to prime some 45 Colt and could not seat most of them with 2 hands and the tool down between my legs. About every 3rd one would get hung up part way in, thus having to disassemble to get the shell holder out without spilling primers. I thought it may have been the #11 shellholder, as I had difficulty removing each of the cases.
I tried the #9 shellholder with 41 mag and had the same problem.
I emailed Lee explaining the problem. I got an email back from "bill" the next day. His reply was that all the manufacturers had changed the specs on the shell casings the last few years without telling them. That was it.
I emailed him back that the 45 brass was new, unopened brass I had purchased in 1970, and I would like them to replace the seater and shellholders.
His reply to that was "send it back to Midway."
Some of the best tools I have bought came from Lee in the late 60's and early 70's, such as the hand priming tool with the screw in shellholders that primed one at a time. I got this tool out, along with the 45 LC shellholder and the primers seated beautifully.
I had been thinking about a Classic Turrent Press, as I only have a 60's model C-H, but I am probably going to reconsider.
By the way, I ordered the new model of the Lee from Midway and had no problem priming either the 41 or the 45. Haven't tried the small primer yet though.

I have used Lee's customer service and did not have an issue. I presume that I spoke with the same woman as you. She did not even ask how long I had owned the product. The turn around was quick. That was my only experience. I have contacted a number of manufacturers customer service departments over the years from gun manufacturers to reloading equipment. I have not had a bad experience yet. My experience with the industry as a whole has been good.

I decided to go the reloading route, all this is new to me. I ordered a Lee Press and a bunch of components for Cabellas, and have bee trying to contact them (Lee), line is either busy of there is no one to answer the phone, I get a recording to leave a message. What good is there to have a customer service department, with no customer service people... I'm getting a bad feeling, thinking that maybe I made a mistake by selecting Lee as my first choice.

Pete

I called Lee a couple of years ago to inquire about some stock photos for a magazine article I was working on. Ended up speaking with a Mr. Lee who was very pleasant and very helpful. Called a few weeks ago about a broken sprue plate cam on a six cavity mold. New one in the mail in about three days.

The Lee auto-prime works fine in my experience. It uses standard shell holders, not one of a kind hand prime types.

I love my Auto Prime. But the new shell holder set has a #11 that the cases (44 spl/mag) get stuck in about 3 out of 10 times. Other than that, I have no problem with that tool.

I thought that the shell holders were different between the presses and hand held primers. Maybe its RCBS that I'm thinking of.

We are all affected by what is going on in our lives, and our blood chemistry. I've always had good experiences with Lee. Thay have volunteered to alter equiment to address my needs with centerfire rifle stuff. She seems like a nice lady. Give her another try, or ask to speak to a tech, that's where I have learned the most and gotten the best answers. flapjack

I just ordered a shell holder for the .45 auto rim, and spoke with a lady that seemed to be very knowledgeable about Lee's products.

I also ordered the Lee auto prime with the square tray. I think its a major improvement over the older ones I have. Works great.

I'm glad technology continues to improve the products we use.

I've had nothing but good experience ordering products from Lee.

augy

Pete: I have been reloading for 55 years now. I started when I was 16 years of age. While I worked in a custom gun shop I was the 'official' re-loader. I competed in IPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun Matches, and Benchrest Competition and reloaded everything I shot. I have tried most all brands of reloading and casting equipment. IMHO, if it says "Lee" on its side, it is junk. I have a bunch of Lee stuff that I would sell for pennies on the dollar, but I wouldn't want to give a fellow re-loader the same headaches I had with that equipment. ............... Big Cholla

OUCH... I think I'm going to have a headache.

Pete

IMHO,
Pete, Get yourself a Lyman reloading manual, a RCBS Rockchucker single stage press, and RCBS dies (carbide). The Lee handloading primer tool and Powder measuring/neck expander combo are great. Those are the only 2 components I use from Lee.
Stick with a single stage press.
I know you will probably load for a .44 special, so this will work great.
For the .44 special, I use a 200 grain FMJHP bullet in front of 7.3 grains of unique powder, and its a nice load.

Jim (augy)

Most of Lee's stuff is serviceable for the short term but most people that buy it quickly move on to higher quality if they load any quantity at all. In other words, it's money wasted but it's hard to talk someone out of it when all they're looking at is dollar signs. I don't want any of their junk around here.

If you can't get the shell out of the holder is it because you have a high primer?

I couldn't find my lee accuprime (the one with the round trays) so I bought a new one with the square tray.

The square one has lousy leverage, the lever has a beaver tail that makes it difficult to use since I can't push primers in with my thumbs and have to hold the lever against my palm.

Clutch

Jim (Augy) - Do you want to buy a Lee reloading Press?

Pete

I have found Lee to be very nice and helpful. I also had a bad shell holder and they asked me to send it in with some brass so they could adjust it to have a perfect fit. So it cost me a a few stamps. I have also had them send me new o rings and other shell holders with out returning anything.

How many people do you think call them for parts? Should they just send them out free? Some people believe it or not take advantage of companies.

Their phone is always busy as they are a small family owned company. You can also send them e mail and they are very helpful.

I have every handgun die set, 3 rifle dies sets turret press, single stage press, hand primer, perfect powder measure and all kinds of extra turrets, and breach lock bushings and other assorted stuff. It all works and nothing has ever broken. I had one out of spec 9mm shell holder.

The Lee bashing really gets old after a while. Spend 5-10 times the money and buy a Dillion or RCBS as we all know they are like Glocks. Perfect!

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

I have the older Lee hand primer, not the auto version. It works fine, but I do have problems with some .45 auto cases sticking as you say. I found it was always Federal brass doing so. They'll fit if I rotate them slightly, so it's no big issues with me. I haven't measured the rims, but evidently Federal cases are slightly oversized or out of round.

I also use their case trimmer for converting 9mm Luger cases to 9mm Makarov. The cases tend to pop out of the holder (too big) but it's not worth my getting worked up about. Never had to deal with their CS myself.

My first press was a Lee Turret, and I had no problems with it; thousands and thousands of reloads. I really like their 'Powder Thru Expander' die, and the way it works with their powder measures; works perfect. I agree that the more expensive brands have overall better materials/'quality.' Other than replacing the small plastic square washer on the bar that rotates the turret, I did not have a problem with their Turret press, and related equipment. And, the reason I had to replace that part is because I did not properly lubricate the turret, and this made the plastic washer wear prematurely.

As for Lee's customer service, I always had good luck. When I was new to reloading/their equipment, I called a couple of times with questions, and always got through on the phone (I don't call on 'peak' days, or times...). In fact, one time I did leave a message (called after hours), and got a call back from Mr. Lee (also, after hours...), very nice guy. I'm sure they have their issues, but my experience has been great. I like supporting a family run company, and one that produces their products in this country.

I upgraded to the Hornady LnL press, but this was just because I wanted a progressive press. I did hear about a lot of problems with Lee's progressive press, so I did not choose to go with that product. The Hornady press is great, very nice quality, and works without any problems, too.

With my new press, I tend to still use Lee dies, as they are a good price, I get good results. I really like their 'Factory Crimp Die,' and the PTX die. I've got some expensive Redding dies, as well, and they are nice, but the Lee dies work just as well...

The Hornady powder measure is much nicer in terms of materials/quality, compared to the Lee, but I still use the Lee powder measure with the PTX for a lot of my calibers, because I find it to be much more effective in expanding the case compared to the Hornady measure's expander/powder through solution. Plus, I've never had a problem with the Lee measure, plastic and die cast, as it is... Don't get me wrong, I think the Hornady measure is nicer, but the Lee works better for me...

Lee's whole business proposition is to be the value leader. You get a good product for a good price. You do not necessarily get the highest quality materials/best product, and so it is always tough when Lee is compared to those companies that provide that top-line product. In my experience, Lee's stuff is very 'serviceable.'

'Old Fella,' I would not be too discouraged, follow the directions and you should be fine with your new Lee set-up. The money you save reloading will quickly pay back your small investment in the Lee press; anything beyond that is gravy. I also think that Lee products go well with folks that both want to save some money, and are a little mechanically inclined to understand the nuances of the equipment. I have friends that are mechanically challenged, and have had small issues turn into big headaches with Lee equipment.

I found the Dillon, Hornady, Redding, etc. products something that I 'wanted' more than needed, compared to my Lee equipment. They are products you can grow into as you get more experience in reloading... My 2 cents.

__________________
NRA Life Member

Ahh - The last three posts made me feel better. Thanks, fellers.

p.s. - I just got through talking to a very nice and helpful lady at Lee's... very pleasant, courteous...

Pete

Nope! No high primers.
After taking it apart and pushing/prying out the shell, it is perfect and ready to go. I have not been reloading for that long, about five months (give or take) now. But I just got done counting my empty primer boxes (I know, what kinda nut case keeps those) and was surprised to find that I have loaded (and at least prepped to the point of priming) 3600 cases! I will sometimes just de-cap, bell and prime cases to be left in a bag for quick loading at a later time.
In that time, using a hand primer, I can now tell you which brand of case I'm primming based on the feel or force needed to seat the primer. Most times! If you don't believe me, try some out. 38 spl. R-P's are the easiest, almost like one didn't go in. Followed by Winchester, Blazer, Federal, Speer, Starline and Top Brass in that order. There are slight variances between calibers, but not by much, they pretty much follow the same progression. Older brass like Western and Rem-UMC are always tighter. Some of my favorite brass is IK, PMC and S&B. They "feel" solid when primming.

Pete,

Your Lee press will be fine. Just take your time and enjoy the reloading process. You'll be surprised how fast you'll learn.

PS: I've already got a press :-)

Jim

Different strokes I guess.....

I have the new priming tool with the square tray, and I think its a vast improvement over the old ones. I've loaded over 1000 rounds with large pistol primers, and didn't have a single problem.
Haven't tried it with the small primers yet.

augy

Quoted from OCD1:

"How many people do you think call them for parts? Should they just send them out free? Some people believe it or not take advantage of companies."


Yep! Send them out for free...the definition of UNCONDITIONAL GARRANTY. And I don't take advantage of companies. As a matter of fact, I'm the kinda guy that will call and compliment them or their product. I often get a few seconds of "dead air" as the rep is not used to those calls and is at a loss for words.

"Their phone is always busy as they are a small family owned company. You can also send them e mail and they are very helpful."

I know that I made the comment about calling ten times, that was a bit over sensationalized. It really wasn't a big deal, but to have to beg for service after all of the waiting (read several calls to a busy line), it struck a bad cord at that time.


"The Lee bashing really gets old after a while. Spend 5-10 times the money and buy a Dillion or RCBS as we all know they are like Glocks. Perfect!"

I'm not bashing their product! I have only one of their products (soon to be two, both Auto Primes). I love it! But, unconditional means unconditional.

I have an RCBS single stage press, two die sets, powder measure, inertia puller and a beam scale.
All of the RCBS stuff, I inherited. The old RCBS 2 press was missing the handle. I tried finding something around the house that would work. I'm glad that I didn't, it would not have worked correctly and probably would have ruined the press. So, I call RCBS to find out about buying a new handle. The lady asks which style I would like. I didn't know that I had a choice, so I say which ever is the most popular and easy to work with. I then ask about the price. She says that she is sending it out. Again, I ask, the price? Absolutely free! Apparently, they stand behind all of their products no matter who you are, where or how you got it...forever!
I have one Lyman die. Most of my dies are Hornady. I had a problem with a new, scratched 38 spl/357 die, it was damaged to the point of putting heavy scratches on all of my cases. One call to them and I had a new die body in 5 days. No questions asked.

Like I said, I am new to all of this. As you can see, I have a variety of brands of equipment. I haven't had enough time with any of it to establish a bias (other a very positive one for RCBS) or justify any brand bashing. But I can make observations based on the limited exposure that I have had with the manufacturers customer support. And you know what they say about first impressions.


Be safe.

EDIT:

I forgot, I also have the Lee Factory Crimp Dies (6 of them) and love them too!
See, it's not about bashing, just about making a good product and standing behind it.

I called once with a question, the lady passed me on to someone who answered "John speaking how may I help you?" I was kidding around and said" Is this John Lee the president?" and he said "Yes it is" He was extremely pleasant and we chatted for around 15 minutes. I love Lee's products.

__________________
Dom

Agreed.
Like I've already said, I like the few products of theirs that I have too.

Just so some of you that think that I'm being a bit too rough, know, this is what I had to say in response to my post on another forum. Yes, sometimes I put out a question or a general statement on several different forums.



quote:
Originally posted by XXXX:
Strange... A year ago, I broke a hand primer part and called them. They took my address and sent me a new part. We even joked about keeping the parts well-lubricated. The same thing when I broke a deprimer pin. I hope they straighten out that rep.

My response:
Well, I guess the only way they might straighten out the rep is if they monitored or recorded the call. Coming from someone that has been unemployed for the past year, I'm not about to mess with anyones income, I know how that feels. Maybe she was just having a bad day and is really a decent employee...

NRA Life Member

There is nothing in anyone's unconditional guaranty that states they have to send out a replacement product for free before receiving the the "defective" part. Yes some larger companies like RCBS will send out a small part without question. Maybe if and when Lee is owned but ATK they too will send out free parts. But then they will have to double their prices.

So in the overall scheme of things, this whole thread is over what?,a 10 cent item? you got your part and the worst would be you would invest in a stamp to send it back.
As to the bashing, I did not mean to imply that you were the only one or even "bashing" for that matter. Just seems on some forums Lee products are like the worst thing ever. I would bet that more people reload with Lee than any other(no I can not prove it) but I also think Lee has gotten more people into the hobby than any other.
No it's not the best made highest price but it works well.

My reloads work just as well as those made on any other press.

Lee Precision, Inc. Reloading Tools and Equipment: Satisfaction Guaranteed

"repaired or replaced if returned to the factory"

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

I like the stuff of theirs that I have.

That said, .10 is not the point, it's the principle, and how they handled a potential on-going or future customer. Every (smartly run) business builds in some padding into their profits for just such a case. There will be times when you gotta give something back. It may not be right, but that is the cost of doing business. If they choose not to, then they have to be willing to deal with any problems that come up, and it might cost them. It is like driving without insurance, you can do it and save some money, but it's not the best plan.
And, since they want the "offending" case (there are several actually) I need to send it back too. And since 44 spl cases are rare as hens teeth, I too want it back. So now they gotta pay to ship it back to me. Not much of a savings for them.
And before anyone says...hey, it's just a single case! Well, it's my case, that I bought, and need. Look, I'm not trying to get something for nothing. This is a new, non-working or damaged part that they made their money on...my money. So all I want is for it to be made right. I think that I'm entitled to what I paid for. Besides, what am I going to do with two #11 shell holders? Assuming that they both worked.
I don't think that the lady should be reprimanded in any way, given "a stern talking to" or anything else. I hope that she has a long and prosperous carer there, really, I have nothing against her personally.

I too have nothing against Lee. The first two pieces of reloading equipment I bought in about 1967 were the 38/357 and 20ga hand loaders. Learned most of what I know about reloading learning to use them. I did pop several pistol primers while watching TV(black & White) so I purchased their hand primer, and as I said in my earlier post, used it the other day to prime 45 LC when my auto prime would not work.
What I do have a problem with is "bill" sluffing me off with "all the cartridge makers have changed specs recently without letting us know", and then telling me to have Midway take care of my problem.
Having been in business for myself for more than 40 years, I know that people like that are not going to help the company. If I knew where else in the company to send them, I would send them a copy of he e-mails he sent me.

Well, I have only tried it with the small primers so far

Szumi

Not my experience.
You can not even compare reloading company C/S to the computer industry.
Back in the late '80s, I bought a $500 page layout program. During installation, one of the floppies wasn't recognized. I found that my CD#3 contained the CD#1 files, so the program could not find a CD#3.
I called customer service. After they admitted that this was a known problem, they required that I FAX them a copy of the Disk and my sales receipt. I pointed out that that would cost me to make the copies and FAX them. Too bad. Faxes weren't that common so I had to go down to Kinkos (or whatever it was) to make the copies. $500+ and they can't simply send out a CD#3 installation floppy.
I'll stick with Lee C/S, even if I have to talk to them for awhile.

When I started reloading as a teenager in the mid-80's, Lee products were all I could afford. Generally, they were adequate but like a lot of other posters I eventually upgraded to RCBS, Redding, Hornady, Lyman etc. My two disappointments were the Lee progressive press and a 6-cavity 9mm mold. The press broke down and I sent it in. They fixed it and it worked, but that thing would get out-of-whack within a few hundred rounds and need adjustment or cleaning. It was just too high-maintenance for me. I have several 2-cavity molds that have worked okay, but the 6-cavity I ordered as the tumble lube version for high volume casting without having to size and lube. With wheelweights they came out of the mold at .361 to .362, much too large to chamber in any of my 9mm pistols. I sent it back and they promptly replaced it. I thought the first one was just out of spec, but the second one turned out the same way--.006 to .007 oversize. I could size them, but that was what I was trying to avoid in the first place. Lee definitely has a niche in the marketplace, but they have their limitations.

__________________
Elmer Keith is my hero.

Ok, I'll likely get flamed for this but in all honesty, having owned both, I'd say Lee's customer service is on par with he famed service of the "blue" guys. Also , I'd have to say that my Lee equipment has needed CS intervention less than with my square deal.

__________________
Dave

Well, an update.
The new #11 shell holder has the same problem as the old, some 2-3 out of every 10-15 44 spl./mag cases gets stuck in the holder. Some won't even go into the holder. So somewhere along the line, either Lee's specs have changed (since both brand new cases and some from the mid to late 50's have the same problem) or their tooling is wearing and needs to be checked.
Either way, I called to tell them that the new holder didn't solve the problem and asked if they still wanted either of them back. The lady on the phone said; No, keep both and experiment with opening up one of them with a Dremel tool. So that is what I'll do.
I am happy with their service. I feel that they have tried to fix a relatively small, but real, problem. Hopefully they can correct it soon.

I had a similar problem with (of all things) my 9mm shell holder. Did you send your brass with the holder to them?

I did with mine and it worked fine when they returned the holder and my brass,

What I did find was that some of my older brass was sticking as the rims had some scratches and dings on them from falling on the hard concrete.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

I had a lee press way back. it broke and it ended up being such a pain to deal with them that i just threw it away.

i bought a rock chucker about 25 years ago. i've lost some parts to it but never broken or worn anything out. losing stuff certainly isn't RCBS's fault but when i called or emailed to order replacements i've always gotten the same reply as this last one...


''Les, we are sending you the parts at no charge. Have a great weekend and enjoy your reloading.


Technical Service Department/rm
ATK/RCBS Operation
(800) 533-5000
605 Oro Dam Blvd E.
Oroville, CA 95965''


same thing with about anything else that's RCBS that i lost or broke.... that's why i have so many green products. i hear redding is the same way. it's hard to beat RCBS's service except sometimes they're hard to get on the phone.

good luck and enjoy your reloading.

Wow a 2 year old thread from the Twilight Zone that has nothing to due with the topic.

Maybe some Dillon Folks will chime in also.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

I have seven different sets of Lee dies. No problems with any, except I like the RCBS type of combined decapping pin and inside neck sizer button much better than the Squeeze arrangement Lee uses. I have used the Lee autoprime for a great many years with no difficulty (I wore one out). The only problem ever was I got a new FL die set for .303 Savage, and the FL die had a machining burr inside. I returned the die body to Lee and got a replacement die body the same week. For any new caliber (to me) die set, I always try to find a Lee first (usually on eBay). My presses are from RCBS and Lyman, and I have never owned any of the Lee tools or accessories besides the Easyprime and dies. I also have die sets by RCBS, C-H, Herter's, and Lyman, and Lees are just as good (except for my aforementioned complaint about the decapping rod and sizer button design).

I use mostly Lee products and the only thing I ever had break was the plastic covers on the Lee (Auto?) hand primer. Once the second one broke I paid $5ish bucks in freight to send the whole trays (with covers) back and they sent me two new trays with covers. I guess that compares favorably to the $20+ I would have spent for a whole new hand primer with two new trays/covers.

But I'd done a gazillion primers with those two and got the new ones back in about a week.

So I'm cool with Lee's c/s and would probably buy more of their stuff.

Oh man, I just realized this thread is from years ago....

__________________
But then, what do I know?