Stinger4me
Member
I would like to get some input on the Lee Handpress. I plan on loading for the .38/.357 and .45 ACP and Auto Rim. It will require less room than setting up a reloading bench. Thanks for the input.
Lee
- Thread starter Stinger4me
- Start date
sunday bill
Member
I remember two gentlemen who loaded on the press you mention. One was pressed for space. The other was recovering from injury at the time and loaded mostly for recreation. Neither loaded in great volume, but both reported producing very satisfactory loads. If I recall correctly, both loaded .38 Special.
guesser
Member
I used the Lee Hand Press for two years while I was in a state of flux. I loaded several hand gun cartridges and 270, 243, and 30-30 with it. Still got it stashed under the bench.
I just bought the handloader and find it convenient for resizing and flaring cases (9mm Mak, .45 ACP) while leisurely watching TV. It also builds some monster pecks! (That's a joke, son.) I still use my press for seating bullets because I'd probably dump powder in my lap otherwise.
I feel it was well worth the $25 investment. You need to dump the ejected primers about every 15-20 cases or the space fills up. If you don't have spce to set up a press, the Lee Handloader will certainly get the job done, although a bit slow.
I feel it was well worth the $25 investment. You need to dump the ejected primers about every 15-20 cases or the space fills up. If you don't have spce to set up a press, the Lee Handloader will certainly get the job done, although a bit slow.
You can set up a small single stage press of any make in very small space without the need for a "bench" A heavy microwave cart or similar works just fine and you can roll it into a closet.
Much easier than the Lee hand press IMHO.
I have taken my Lee single stage and bolted it to a piece of 3/4 plywood. It then can be clamped to any table,desk, bench, tail gate of a truck or whatever.
Much easier than the Lee hand press IMHO.
I have taken my Lee single stage and bolted it to a piece of 3/4 plywood. It then can be clamped to any table,desk, bench, tail gate of a truck or whatever.
Chuck Jones
Member
I've loaded quite a few .44 specials and .44 mags with a lee hand press, lee auto prime (really should be called "lee hand prime"), carbide dies, wood loading block, scale, caliper, powder funnel, and a set of dippers. Does a great job.
As others have said it's slow, and not as convienient as even a single stage press bolted to a bench, or as mine was when I lived in an apartment, a wheeled tool cabinet.
Case prep and de-priming you can do easily while watching TV, but anytime you're measuring powder or priming, loading should receive your full undivided attention.
The trade off is you can do it almost anywhere. Hunting camp, the bench at the range, anywhere.
/c
As others have said it's slow, and not as convienient as even a single stage press bolted to a bench, or as mine was when I lived in an apartment, a wheeled tool cabinet.
Case prep and de-priming you can do easily while watching TV, but anytime you're measuring powder or priming, loading should receive your full undivided attention.
The trade off is you can do it almost anywhere. Hunting camp, the bench at the range, anywhere.
/c
It will work fine, but be slow. I used one when living in latin america. It did the job, and was fine. I had the lee hand press, so I used it, but if I was gonna do it again, I'd set up a small single stage press.
I think they call the lee auto-prime that, because it has the primer feed. I used to have a lee hand-prime, which was a one primer at a time proposition.
I think they call the lee auto-prime that, because it has the primer feed. I used to have a lee hand-prime, which was a one primer at a time proposition.
oldfella
US Veteran
I'm going to start reloading. I bought the Lee Classic Turret Press, It's still in the box. Now on sale as a kit at Cabela's and at Kempf's:
http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/05/02/lee-classic-turret-roller-handle/
Pete
http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/05/02/lee-classic-turret-roller-handle/
Pete
Pete,
Did you buy they aftermarket roller handle? Curious as to how well it works or helps.
Did you buy they aftermarket roller handle? Curious as to how well it works or helps.
oldfella
US Veteran
I just ordered it about 3 hour ago - I think I'm going to like it!
Pete
Pete
Please let us know. Not sure if I would like it $56 worth however.
Wonder if I can make one???
Wonder if I can make one???
oldfella
US Veteran
Sure you can make one. I have a metal shop here in town, they will make anything, if I give them the dimensions. When I get it I will see if they can make it for much less, but doubt it. Looking at the shape of it, not only does it clear the primer feeder, but the lever stroke will not have to go way down. I'll let you know how it works.
Pete
Pete
dwhite53
Member
Hand Press
I've used one for 3 years now. I load .38 Special, 357 Mag, and 40 S&W. While it is a little slow I can do 50 to 60 rounds per hour which suits my needs. I really like the feel when you're seating primers.
I've loaded .30-06 on it neck sizing only and it worked well.
I have no complaints with it.
When I get more room, I'll get a conventional single stage. Until then I'll use my hand press.
All the Best,
D. White
I've used one for 3 years now. I load .38 Special, 357 Mag, and 40 S&W. While it is a little slow I can do 50 to 60 rounds per hour which suits my needs. I really like the feel when you're seating primers.
I've loaded .30-06 on it neck sizing only and it worked well.
I have no complaints with it.
When I get more room, I'll get a conventional single stage. Until then I'll use my hand press.
All the Best,
D. White
bamacisa
Member
A hand press works fine for most applications. It is very slow compared to a bench mounted press. One good thing about a hand press is that you can take it with to the range, on a hunting trip or wherever. You can even use them in a hotel room. They work best for pistol or small cases. With care, you can not tell the difference between bench press made rounds and hand press made rounds. If you don't need a lot reloads (like on a hunting trip or experimenting at the range) they are great to have. Just remember that it is not as fast or easy to use as a bench mounted press. On the plus side, they are kind of neat and fun to have. Image riding a horse or hiking into the wild, setting up camp and being able to reload right there. Having said that, I use a bench mounted if I am at home.
Last edited:
Hook686
US Veteran
The Lee Hand Press is essentially a single stage press. It also happens to be a portable one that takes up little space. Yup it is slower than a turrent press, or a progressive, but it does just fine for putting out 50-75 rounds per hour for me. I use the Lee Carbide Speed dies for .357 magnum, and .44 magnum. It does not replace my Classic Turret Press, but it does have room in my portable reloading box. I bought a 2nd one just to hold the Lee Factory Crimp Die.
Last edited:
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Lee makes a very cheap small press you can mount on a piece of wood and clamp it anywhere to load ammo. when you're done you remove the clamp and it's gone. A handloader is slow going and difficult to use compared to a press. I'm talking about the Lee Reloader Press, Part #90045, You can buy it for ~$30 and do much better than a handloader.
I like the Classic 4 Hole Turret Press I use a lot and feel it's well worth the money but it is bigger than I think you want.
I don't doubt for a minute that this has been your experience, but mine has been just the opposite. I found that I could load handgun ammo much faster with the Lee handpress than with a single stage bench mounted press. Much better economy of motion. I still keep one around for when I travel.
