Lee Reloader Single Stage Press question

tlo7mm

I was curious if anyone here had a helpful thought on this lee press. I am considering buying it for one use only. I am going to pick up a Lee universal decaping die and purchasing this press for that die only. This way I can decap my cartridges before cleaning them and cutting down on the wear to my sizing dies. The majority of the reviews I have read about it say that it is an adequate press as long as you are not trying to use it for to much (such as resizing my 7 mag brass). I figure for the price of $28 and the cost of the die it would be cheap enough to give it a try but I was curious what you guys and gals had to say on the subject.

gelandangan

Not much pressure required to decap, the press should be adequate for the use you envision.

MacD

I use a Lee single for rifle. It works just fine. I also swage primer pockets on this press.

SingleShotLover

I've had one for quite a few years with no complaints. I have even used it to form 7mm BR brass from .308 Basic cases in the past with no problems. The only change I made was to flat-file a raised spot on the die flat that looked to have been missed during the frame casting process.

Suzanne

I don't use one, but I'd say use it for de-capping or anything else. I use a Lee "0" frame press and swear by it. Can't beat that price, I just checked E-bay and there's one for $50 (Lee sells them for $39), so someone must really really like them. I've considered buying one for just crimping.

Bushmaster

Are we talkin' about this press? If so...This is a very good LIGHT duty press. It will do great for decapping, resizing pistol and revolver cases and priming all cases. BUT do not use it to resize rifle cases. You will break it. I know, for I have broken two of them before I went to the Lee cast iron "O" single stage press.

tlo7mm

That is indeed the press I am talking about. I have considered going to the next one up in price but I am trying to keep the cost down to a minimum especially since I am still going to have to pay shipping.

MacD

Good call Bushmaster. I have the breech lock challenger press which is much sturdier. I am glad u clarified the type.

SingleShotLover

OOOps...I was referring to the "O" frame...sort of forgot that the "C" frame was around. I wouldn't put a lot of stress on the "C" frame.

MacD

While on the subject of presses, has anyone tried the Lee hand press? Teamed with a universal decapping die it would allow decapping at the range or while sitting near the beer cooler watching the tube. No more worries about scratching up your die with dirty brass. I clean my brass after decapping.

Bushmaster

Hummm...I, always, cleaned (tumbled) my brass before I decap.

TRBLSHTR

MacD wrote:

While on the subject of presses, has anyone tried the Lee hand press? Teamed with a universal decapping die it would allow decapping at the range or while sitting near the beer cooler watching the tube. No more worries about scratching up your die with dirty brass. I clean my brass after decapping.

Yup-I got one and they are definately a range type of press!Or if you have a long weekend "at the cabin"-because they are sure not quick!

MacD

I don't tumble and trying to get the water out of a bottleneck case that is sonic cleaned is a PITA. I neck size most of my rifle brass except range finds or donations. My pistol isn't a problem as i can clean and more easily dry any dirty cases before decapping. I chose sonic cleaning with citric acid after consideration of noise issues with SWMBO and the pacification that the sonic solution provides.

After my last post I ordered a universal decapping die although the retailer said none in stock and Lee is months behind in deliveries.

gelandangan

MacD wrote:

While on the subject of presses, has anyone tried the Lee hand press? Teamed with a universal decapping die it would allow decapping at the range or while sitting near the beer cooler watching the tube. No more worries about scratching up your die with dirty brass. I clean my brass after decapping.

I got two hand press, those are great to use for away from the benches load trials.
By ensuring that your brass never fall to the ground, the only dirt left are usually soot from the gun powder, which generally can be wiped off easily before sizing and decap.

English Mike

MacD wrote:

I don't tumble and trying to get the water out of a bottleneck case that is sonic cleaned is a PITA. I neck size most of my rifle brass except range finds or donations. My pistol isn't a problem as i can clean and more easily dry any dirty cases before decapping. I chose sonic cleaning with citric acid after consideration of noise issues with SWMBO and the pacification that the sonic solution provides.

After my last post I ordered a universal decapping die although the retailer said none in stock and Lee is months behind in deliveries.

Natchez have them in stock: Lee decapping die

I've always had good service from them - even sending stuff to the UK.