Lee Single Stage Presses

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frjeff

New member
Returning to reloading for .380ACP only.
Debating between the Lee “C” press and the Challenger.
Both I believe have the breach lock system, which is important to me.
However, it appears that the “C” model does not have the bushing button lock and unlock feature.
Has anyone here had any problems with the “C” model breech lock press (shifting, loosening, etc.) or does it stay in a fixed position without having the lock button?
The Challenger costs more, but worth it to me to go with it if the “C” bushing does not stay secure.
Thanks!
 
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Scorpion8

New member
Why Lee? Lots of single stage presses out there used and many can be fitted with the Lee system of the Hornady system.
 
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jetinteriorguy

New member
I have a Lee C-press, the original threaded type. I bought it and only use it as a powder measure stand. Honestly, I wouldn’t use it as a press. First of all, the ram isn’t quite aligned with the die and you’d have to be very careful using it and I’m sure it wouldn’t produce the most concentric ammo. Second, it is really lightly built and wouldn’t handle much heavy use for very long. Now take this with a grain of salt, I’ve never actually loaded any ammo with it and this is just conjecture based on my observations using this press for such light duty work. It does work fine with my Lee Improved PPM though and has a very small footprint on my bench and at the time I purchased it cost less than a purpose built powder stand and in a pinch could double as a light duty press.
 
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jpx2rk

New member
I have the Challenger version and have no issues with it for the smaller rifle calibers (20 & 22 cal). I have used it for necking up 223 brass to 6x45 and making 20 Practical brass as well out of 223 brass. I also size 6BR on it, all work done w/o issue.
 
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wild willy

New member
I can’t recommend the Lee C press.I’ve had one since they first came out used it for decapping,pulling bullets and other stuff don’t know if I ever sized and loaded on it.When new it had a lot of play only got worse as it wore.Replaced it with a Lyman C press much better press costs more but worth it.For other than sizing I like the open front of a C Press
 
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berettaprofessor

New member
Breech Lock Challenger was my first press and I still use it for almost all rifle loads. I use a Lee Classic Turret for pistol. I have a Lee Classic single stage but don't load anything large enough to need it (i.e. 338 Lapua for example).
 
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Unclenick

Staff
Either of the Lee presses you mentioned, or their hand press will work and meet your criteria. The 380 doesn't take a lot of strength to reload. The only thing you may regret is how long it takes to load handgun cartridges as compared to how quickly you shoot them up. For more volume, Lee's turret press is a good choice, as you can use it as a single-stage press to learn on and then start cycling the turret to speed things up a little.
 
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gwpercle

New member
Unclenick said:
Either of the Lee presses you mentioned, or their hand press will work and meet your criteria. The 380 doesn't take a lot of strength to reload. The only thing you may regret is how long it takes to load handgun cartridges as compared to how quickly you shoot them up. For more volume, Lee's turret press is a good choice, as you can use it as a single-stage press to learn on and then start cycling the turret to speed things up a little.
Click to expand...
Unclenick brings up a good point ...
The Lee Hand Press is a great little press for loading handgun ammo .
I have two of them and Love them for the many places I can sit inside my a/c'ed house and reload handgun ammo ... works fine on 30-30 rifle too .
I have found the Hand Press and a little Ram Prime priming unit (it comes with the Hand Press Kit) to be the best hand priming tool for any caliber .

Think about the Lee Hand Press ... one of the handiest tools Lee ever came out with .

Gary
 
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Hammerhead

New member
I bought the Lee C press for decapping duties. Very poor quality, mis-aligned ram, was tough to work empty, bound up terribly with brass.
I recommend anything else.
 
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THEWELSHM

New member
Rock chucker or Hornady mate not enough more money than the Lee, but better options. LEE Dies will work for all of them I'm not brand loyal but offering my advice.

Thewelshm
 
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Mike / Tx

New member
I have several of the small Lee presses that are used for various operations. I have one set up expressly for sizing bullets and another dedicated to mobil reloading as can be seen here,
Portable Presses

I have used it to load a multitude of calibers up to a 300 RUM but that one was tricky. For handgun calibers it works great at the range or in the shop.

That said, it isn't the strongest or most accurate by any stretch. But it has served a purpose and for the price and size has been great. I would have to say that if you are looking specifically for something like this, look at the RCBS as well. It doesn't have the breech lock like the newer small Lee's do, but when you are loading batch rounds your doing the same steps for 10, 50, or a hundred rounds anyway. Changing a die takes about a minute and you're going on to the next step.
 
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tangolima

New member
I don't like C frame and I don't need the breach lock. That narrows down. Challenger is made of aluminum, is it not? Don't care about that either. Classic cast iron is better, with breach lock upgrade if you need it.

Nothing wrong with Lee. It has the job done and good value. RCBS rock chucker is good too.

But I didn't pick either one when I was looking for single stage press while back. I need better spent primer recovery system. I don't want the powdery primer residue floating in air. I ended up getting a Forester coax. Frankfort arsenal also makes similar product.

Coax is a quirky design. Its primer recovery system is the best I could find.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 
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Unclenick

Staff
The original Lee Classic Cast press has a through-ram primer drop with a tube you can set into a can or simply cork the opening and let it fill until you want to dump it. I bought one of those presses when they first came out, just to try it, and it works fine. At the time, Midway had them for $57 as an introductory special offer.
 
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tangolima

New member
Unclenick said:
The original Lee Classic Cast press has a through-ram primer drop with a tube you can set into a can or simply cork the opening and let it fill until you want to dump it. I bought one of those presses when they first came out, just to try it, and it works fine. At the time, Midway had them for $57 as an introductory special offer.
Click to expand...
You are right. I almost bought one, and was contemplating what sort of contraption to attach to the tubing while waiting for a promotion to come along. Then I saw this almost brand new coax on consignment for $250 at a local shop. I jumped on it. Its primer recovery is still better.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 
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Unclenick

Staff
Yes, it is better. The drop through the press is a lot shorter, and it isn't building up dust in a long, hollow press ram.
 
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