Lee Classic Cast Press (Single Stage)?

[batex]

Does anyone have an opinion on this press? I am interested in getting a good, but low cost single stage press to suplement my Dillon 550. Mainly it would be used for low volume rifle loads (35 Rem, 270 Win, 223 target). In some of the reviews I've read it seems to be a decent press. Anyone with first hand experience?
Thanks,

 

[dynamike]

i've got one and use it often (my only press). does all i need it to do

 

[bogman]

I have one & I love it. very sturdy & reliable. great value .

 

[Erich]

This one?

Works great.

 

[gregintenn]

I use one exclusively. I love it.

 

[bogman]

My Lee Classic is cast iron ! the one in the pic looks different from mine. is it cast iron or aluminum ?

 

[batex]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I am referring to the cast iron "classic" version. It does seem that lee has quite a few models.

 

[Dale53]

I have an RCBS Rockchucker for "single stage tasks" in addition to my two Dillon 550B's. However, my "second" reloading press for small batches is the Lee Classic Turret Press. In fact, for those just starting out, I believe that the Lee Classic Turret (4 hole) is the best press value for a new loader. He can shortly get "up to speed" and reload 150-200 rounds per hour. Time is precious to everyone these days and I look at this as a value driven time saver. Since I can change calibers so fast on this press it is a natural for small batches (my "break off point" is 200 rounds). Over that I run the Dillons. Under that I use the Lee Classic Turret. If I were forced (through economics) to only have one press, that is the one I would choose.

Dale53

 

[Cary]

Originally posted by batex:
Does anyone have an opinion on this press? I am interested in getting a good, but low cost single stage press to suplement my Dillon 550. Mainly it would be used for low volume rifle loads (35 Rem, 270 Win, 223 target). In some of the reviews I've read it seems to be a decent press. Anyone with first hand experience?
Thanks,

I have had one for several years now and think it is great. It is solid built and the design is well thought out. I don't see how you could go wrong with it for the use you intend to use it for.
Cary

 

[rewster]

I can only echo the preceding sentiments. Mine works great !!!!

 

[norad45]

I used one for years and it always worked great. But a couple of years ago, due to space limitations, I semi-retired it in favor of a Lee Hand Press . In truth, the LHP does everything for me that the Lee Classic ever did, and has the added advantage of being portable. But you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[gregintenn]

Lee makes some really good stuff at really attractive prices. They must have some very talented engineers.

 

[wheelgun1958]

Lee classic cast is cast from surplus iron here in the United States. Most, if not all of the others are cast in - China.

 

[technosavant]

Originally posted by Dale53:
In fact, for those just starting out, I believe that the Lee Classic Turret (4 hole) is the best press value for a new loader. He can shortly get "up to speed" and reload 150-200 rounds per hour. Time is precious to everyone these days and I look at this as a value driven time saver. Since I can change calibers so fast on this press it is a natural for small batches (my "break off point" is 200 rounds). Over that I run the Dillons. Under that I use the Lee Classic Turret. If I were forced (through economics) to only have one press, that is the one I would choose.

Dale53

I agree with this. I began reloading on a Lee Breech Lock Challenger and quickly moved to a Classic Cast Turret. The caliber changes are a piece of cake- 4 hole rotors are the same price as three bushings for my BLC single stage. I get the dies dialed in and don't have to touch them again.

The price differential between them is not that much, but the extra utility of a turret is easily worth it.

 

[frosty]

I just bought a used Lee Anniversary kit that has the Lee Classic and came with the hand loader and scale & dies(9mm & 45) & autoloader & powder & that's it for $50

I have already loaded 100 rnds - it's great for a beginner or anyone

 

[JoeHatley]

Anyone with first hand experience?

It's my only press. I load 200 --> 300 rounds per week.

I've been using it for a few years now, and love it. It replaced an RCBS.

Joe