The Lee Precision Progressive Reloading Press has earned a reputation as a reliable and affordable option for serious reloaders. This in-depth guide will explore its features, benefits, and drawbacks, helping you decide if it's the right press for your needs. We'll cover everything from setup and operation to common modifications and troubleshooting. Understanding the Lee Progressive Press, and its nuances, is key to maximizing its potential for efficient and accurate ammunition reloading.
Understanding the Lee Progressive Reloading Press
The Lee Precision Progressive Press is designed for high-volume reloading, significantly speeding up the process compared to single-stage presses. Its progressive nature allows you to complete multiple steps of the reloading process with each press stroke, including:
- Sizing: Resizing the spent brass to its original dimensions.
- Priming: Seating a new primer into the resized case.
- Powder Charging: Dispensing a precise amount of powder.
- Bullet Seating: Seating the bullet to the correct depth.
- Crimping: Crimping the case mouth to secure the bullet.
This system dramatically reduces the overall time investment in reloading, making it an excellent choice for those who reload large quantities of ammunition.
Key Features & Benefits
- Affordability: The Lee Progressive Press is significantly more economical than many competing progressive presses. This makes it an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Ease of Use: While initially requiring a learning curve, the Lee press is generally considered user-friendly, especially after mastering the setup and routine.
- Versatility: With the right dies, the Lee Progressive Press can handle a wide variety of pistol and rifle cartridges.
- Durability: Lee presses are known for their robustness and longevity, with many reloaders reporting years of reliable service.
- Large Community Support: A vast online community of Lee press users offers ample support, troubleshooting advice, and modification ideas.
Setup and Operation
Setting up the Lee Progressive Press correctly is crucial for efficient and safe operation. This involves:
- Die Selection: Choosing the correct dies for your chosen cartridge caliber is paramount. Ensure they're compatible with the Lee press.
- Die Adjustment: Properly adjusting each die is critical for accurate and consistent reloading. Refer to Lee's comprehensive instructions for detailed guidance.
- Case Feeding: The Lee press utilizes a case feeding system that requires careful adjustment to ensure reliable and smooth operation.
- Primer Feeding: The primer system needs precise adjustment to ensure consistent and correct primer seating.
- Powder Measure Calibration: Calibrating the powder measure to dispense the correct powder charge is essential for safety and accuracy.
Troubleshooting: Common issues include case jams, inconsistent powder charges, and primer failures. Careful attention to die adjustment and regular maintenance is key to mitigating these problems. Online forums are great resources for resolving specific issues.
Lee Progressive Press vs. Single-Stage Presses
The choice between a progressive press and a single-stage press depends on your reloading volume and priorities.
Feature | Lee Progressive Press | Single-Stage Press |
---|---|---|
Speed | High | Low |
Cost | Lower | Lower |
Complexity | Higher | Lower |
Ideal for | High-volume reloaders | Low-volume reloaders, beginners |
Modifications and Upgrades
Many reloaders enhance their Lee Progressive Presses with aftermarket upgrades to improve functionality and efficiency. These include:
- Improved case feed systems: These can increase the reliability of case feeding, particularly with difficult brass.
- Enhanced powder measures: Some aftermarket powder measures offer improved accuracy and consistency.
- Auto-indexing systems: These automate the indexing process, further increasing reloading speed.
- Custom handle: Replace the standard handle for enhanced ergonomics and comfort.
Safety Considerations
Reloading is inherently dangerous. Always prioritize safety:
- Follow all manufacturer instructions meticulously.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Never mix different types of ammunition components.
- Regularly inspect your equipment for wear and tear.
- Double-check your powder charges.
Ignoring safety precautions can lead to serious injury or even death.
Conclusion: Is the Lee Progressive Press Right for You?
The Lee Precision Progressive Reloading Press offers a compelling blend of affordability, versatility, and efficiency. While it requires a learning curve, the rewards are significant for those who reload large volumes of ammunition. If you're a serious reloader on a budget, the Lee press represents a highly capable and cost-effective choice. However, beginners might find a single-stage press easier to learn on initially. Weigh your needs, budget, and experience level before making a decision.