Product Information

Larry E. of Kirkland, WA

Date Posted: 6/6/2007

I’ve loaded about 1000 .45 ACP and several hundred .223 cartridges with this kit. Accuracy of these loads has been excellent, outperforming commercial ammo. My only complaints with the press, and these are minor, is that about one in ten primers jumps out of the catch bin. This was solved by extending the backstop with a piece of sheet metal. Also, the mounting holes are situated such that it can be difficult to get a wrench or socket on the bolt head. The hand priming tool was rough at first but after applying some grease to the right places smoothed out nicely. With a little practice, priming goes quite fast and you can actually feel how well the primer is seating. I’ve not experienced the powder measure leakage problem that some people have reported but then I’m not loading ball powder, only flake and tubular. Kit instructions are thorough so you shouldn’t have any problems with setup.

Johnathan Johnson of Beaver falls, PA

Date Posted: 4/22/2007

Buy far, the best value in reloading PERIOD!!!!!!! I had everything I needed to reload 30-06 and 45-70 including both die sets and all components for about $200!!! You cant get get any of that from any other company, other than Lee. It also performs excellent. The only thing about the whole kit I really didnt care for is the scale. It is supposed to lock in place after you set the wheight, but it doesn't and you have to pay attention you dont bump it or jar it very hard. If you do, you better make sure you set it back on the proper weight. Thats the only flaw I found with this whole kit!!!!

Michael Kitsch of New ulm, TX

Date Posted: 10/20/2006

If I had known I could reload this easily and at such small cost, I would have started years ago. Instructions are great, the press is much faster than I had anticipated and it is simply a pleasure to use. The Perfect Powder Measure works beautifully, load after load. Get one of these kits and start loading now, you won't be sorry.

Jeremy Richardson of Westminster, MD

Date Posted: 9/7/2006

The best kit for the money for loading rifle calibers. Solid press, good scale and includes everything but dies to start reloading. I also have some RCBS equipment. It feels more solid, but costs 3 times as much and can't do anything this kit doesn't do. If you are just beginning to reload, this is the best to start with, and is still useful if you choose to upgrade equipment.

John McGlaughn of Ft. Walton Beach, Fl

Date Posted: 7/31/2006

I purchased this kit about 2 months ago. The price was right and the kit is all you need except maybe a loading block or two(and of course, your ingredients). I have reloaded .45 Colt, 30-06, and 8x57mm Mauser using the Lee Pace setter Die sets. I have never reloaded before this and Lee could not have made it easier. Complete, clear instructions and easy to use, sturdy equipment. I have purchased another Lee single-stage press and use it mainly for decapping. The only non Lee product I have is my tumbler. I eventually will go up to the Lee Classic Turret press, but for now I am extremely happy with the Lee Equipment I am using. If I had to pay RCBS or Redding prices, I probably wouldn't be reloading the volume I am now. The price of the equipment would have meant less powder, primers, bullets and brass. A single stage is a lot slower than a turret or (gasp) a Progressive, but half of reloading is the fun of doing it, not "how quick can I get done." Kudos to Lee Precision for letting us regular folk get in on hand loading without breaking the budget!

Albert Nalven of Bluffton, SC

Date Posted: 7/11/2006

Although I have been reloading for my shotguns and my handguns with a progressive press. I was advised to use a single stage press by experienced friends. I loaded and shot my first box of .243 WIN and was amazed that I produced 100 yard groups of .68" on my first try. I bought the Deluxe Lee die set and glad I did. Great kit. I do prefer my old Hornady scale in lieu of the scale provided with the kit as it is easier to set up and read.

A. Eidson of Lebanon, MO

Date Posted: 7/1/2006

Wanted to get into reloading for cowboy action shooting so I thought I would give this a try. For a beginner it is an EXCELLENT start up kit. VERY East to use and Very User Friendly. Was going to upgrade to a more expensive kit when I got tired of this one but I think I will keep this one and see NO reason to buy anything different. If you have never reloaded before this is the way to go!!!!

Michael S. of Irvington, AL

Date Posted: 5/30/2006

For the price you really can't ask for more than this. Just add the dies (and case-length gauge and shellholder if you are reloading rifle or hotter pistol rounds) and you are ready to start reloading. The scale is very accurate. The press has held up to sizing, depriming, etc. thousands of rounds so far without a problem. The priming tool is convenient since it is portable, but it takes considerable force to seat the primer for some types of casings. The powder measure is extremely accurate for smaller ball type powders, and it is reasonably accurate for bigger cylindrical powders. Obviously you won't crank out hundreds of rounds an hour with this kit, but it does what a single stage press is supposed to do very well.

hank loehtsen of seattle, wa

Date Posted: 1/2/2006

This kit is a tremendous value and I recommend it to anyone who wants to try reloading. I think the press is a tad weak for large rifle cartridges (8mm Rem. mag.) but is an all-around great deal.

Michael Beckham of Wood river, IL

Date Posted: 11/15/2005

I bought this setup three years ago to get back into reloading on a "beer budget".It supplies all the essentials for loading virtually any caliber just by purchasing the additional dies and an inexpensive case trimmer tool.I particularly like the auto-prime tool (included) because it allows me to feel the primer seat using my thumb pressure.The scale is accurate to a 1/10th of a grain, and the powder measure is convenient when loading a large number of shells.(I still scale-weigh every 10th charge.)I have used this outfit to load several thousand rounds of .38, .357, .44mag, .30-.30, and 45/70 without a failure.My quality reloads shoot just as well as factory loads.As usual,it is a heck of a deal from Lee and Midway.

Jim Smith of Scottdale, PA

Date Posted: 5/31/2005

Great for a beginner like me. I have loaded a good bit of 41 mag shells and I made my first couple 243 shells today. The shells shot as good as the factory ammo. The scale is a bit hard to use but for $ you cant beat it.

John Hirdler of Colleyville, TX

Date Posted: 2/14/2005

A friend of mine bought one of these kits recently. I helped him set it up in his shop. I am impressed with the ease and precision the powder measure throws charges.The remainder of the kit is an excellent value for anyone that is interested in turn-key reloading without the expense. Combined with a Lee Reloader press for decapping only/seating, this setup competes with the Big Greens.

Tyler P. of Bellevue, WA

Date Posted: 9/21/2004

I've reloaded shotgun shells for a long time now, but recently I've felt the need to make a few special loads for my CX4 Storm. Never having loaded pistol cases before, I looked around. I've always been dubious of LEE products because of their low price, but I decided to give it a shot. Hey, for 70 bucks you can't go wrong. And you get pretty much everything you need to load metallic cartridges, and for a beginner like me, that’s a good thing. The press seems more than solid enough for pistol ammo, and it should hold up to limited rifle resizing. Anyone who doesn’t know how to work the scale should take chemistry again. It's very simple and very accurate, and looks to be of quality manufacture. And would you rather the scale not be accurate enough? When my safety is at stake, I'll take accuracy over speed any day. The powder measure works well with flake powder, it's accurate to about +/- .1 of a grain. I still hand weigh each charge, but as I develop the correct technique I should become more accurate with it. The auto prime is wonderful. Great feel, and I could prime a case every couple of seconds. The kit also comes with a chamfer tool, primer cup cleaning tool and a case cutter for rifle cases. Also included are a couple of manuals for Hodgdon and Accurate powders. Although I use Alliant, still, it's pretty neat. Throw in a set of carbide dies and you'll be loading in no time. Beginners: GET THIS KIT!!

Scott L. of Evansville, IN

Date Posted: 1/14/2004

The Lee Anniversary Kit is definitely the best buy for someone starting up. I have had mine for nearly three years now. I have loaded a minimum of 10,000 handgun cartridges and 500 rifle cartridges (mostly 7.62x54R). I originally planned to upgrade when I outgrew it. So far, I have not felt the need to do so. I am looking at buying a Lee turret press soon, since I mostly shoot handguns. No matter what you may decide to do later, I guarantee that you will still have a use for everything that comes with this kit. The only things that you will actually need to buy in addition to this kit are dies, case blocks, and whatever you will use for case cleaning (even if it’s only a bucket and some liquid cleaner). There have been some negative comments about these products that I think should be addressed. First, the powder scale is accurate, if you read the instructions and use it correctly. I have checked it against a variety of reloading scales, and it is accurate within 0.1 grain (industry standard). It is not the easiest scale to use, and it usually cannot be used for weighing bullets, since it only goes up to 100 grains. I do not doubt that many people eventually buy another scale. However, there are many obvious benefits from owning two scales. Second, the Perfect Powder Measure does leak with ball powders. It will throw powder consistently if you do your part. You have to develop a technique and pull the handle the same way each time. In my experience, this is true of all brands of drum measures. The volumetric settings are not exact, but they are a handy reference point. This measure does not use bushings or the like, and I see this as a major advantage. There is nothing else to buy. Third, any tool or mechanical device has X life in it. In the case of the old Pacific presses, no one person may be able to wear one out in a single lifetime. Obviously, the Lee Challenger press is not as heavy and sturdy as some of the massive presses of past decades. If you caseform or size magnum rifle cases, you can probably wear one of these out. I have mostly used the Lee press for handgun cases, and it is just as tight and accurate as it was on day one. I do clean and lubricate the press, which is considered normal maintenance. You can buy better equipment than Lee, at least in some cases. The question is: do I need a $200 case-trimmer, etc.? Most people go into reloading to save money, and it takes some practical experience to distinguish necessities from luxuries.

Sean Conway of Homestead, IA

Date Posted: 11/24/2003

I bought this kit about three years ago and at my best estimate have loaded close to 5000 rounds with it. Most of these have been pistol calibers but I have also done a lot of rifle shells including resizing a lot of surplus .308 into .243win. I have never had any problems. I use IMR 3031 and unique and have never had any of the powder leakage problems that some others have mentioned in the reviews. I lost some of the parts to the priming tool and bought a much more expensive one from another maker that I don't like nearly as much. This is a great kit and I'm glad that lee makes it so inexpensive because I probably never would have started reloading if I had to buy a $250 Rockchucker kit.

Robert Anderson of Gainesville, TX

Date Posted: 10/15/2006

Overall press does as it is supposed to do, only part that seems to be of poor quality is the scales. Get a good electronic scale. been using this press for 5 yrs now, will be upgrading to a turret press soon, just because I am shooting more and need to reload a little faster.

Brandon Ward of Los angeles, CA

Date Posted: 8/19/2006

This kit has ALMOST everything you need. I love mine. Don't forget you need the dies, the shell holder for the press, shell holder for the case trimmer and the length gauge. But don’t forget it, because I know how it feels to have your kit all set up and not be able to use it for 7 days while you're waiting for your shell holder to come in the mail that you forgot to order.

Dave Johnson of Madison Heights, va

Date Posted: 12/12/2005

I purchased this kit when I started reloading ammunition. I began with .38 special, .357 magnum, and 30-30 Winchester. The press has never broken, even though it has an aluminum frame. The powder measure is very repeatable with many powders, although it has trouble with some light flake powders like IMR 800X. The scale is accurate, but takes a little patience (something anyone needs while reloading). All other items have preformed quite well. Although I have been upgrading to higher end equipment as time goes by, I still think that this kit is a great value and is perfect for those that wish to learn to reload ammo. Oh, and you have to love the fact that all of this kit is made in the USA.

Mick Durango of Harrisburg, PA

Date Posted: 6/27/2005

4 OUT OF 5 BECAUSE IT HAS WORKED GOOD FOR ME, AND I HAVE NO NEED TO TRY THE REST. USED FOR 1500+ ROUNDS. A BIG ADVANTAGE OF THIS SET IS THAT THE PRESS CAN BE MOUNTED ON TOP OF A PIECE OF PLYWOOD SECURED TO THE TOP OF A STEEL TOOLBOX FOR PORTABILITY. THE POWDER MEASURE CAN ALSO BE MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE PRESS, AND BY CUTTING OFF THE TOP 3/4 OF THE RED FUNNEL AND USING THE BOTTOM PIECE, POWDER CAN BE DROPPPED RIGHT INTO THE SHELLS. THIS TAKES SOME HANDYMAN WORK, BUT IT DOES WORK GREAT! THE ONLY FLUKE OF THE SYSTEM IS THAT THE PRIMER BOX WALLS ARE NOT HIGH ENOUGH, BUT A PIECE OF CARDBOARD FOLDED INTO THE PRIMER BOX, LIKE A SOCCER BALL NET, WILL DEFLECT AND DROP THE PRIMERS INTO THE BOX. THIS PORTABLE UNIT DOES REQUIRE A 2 HAND OPERATION, BUT I ENJOY IT! TAKE YOUR TIME, BE CAREFUL, ALWAYS IN RELOADING. TEST THE BULLET SEATING DEPTH BEFORE LOADING WITH POWDER. IT TOOK ME AWHILE TO TRUST THE SCALE, BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE A TOY, BUT IT IS ACCURATE.

B. C. of Fort Worth , TX

Date Posted: 11/17/2004

This is a great kit for those getting started reloading it has everything you will need. But get rid of the not so perfect powder measure! The one I received in my kit was not worth having. After much adjusting and trying to figure out why it was leaking so bad, thinking I didn't have something tight, I decided to get a PACT digital despenser & digital scale. (By the way using digital is like going from stone age, to Star Trek.) My only advice is please do yourself a favor and upgrade the measuring device. In my opinion this is the most important step in reloading and accuracy down range, not to mention safety.

M G of Miami, FL

Date Posted: 4/19/2004

After getting the kit, I was doubtful of the buy. I just started reloading with borrowed equipment that included a Lyman Orange Crusher and I thought the Lee was too flimsy and would not hold. I was so wrong, after installing it, I was amazed how well it held and how easy the whole process was. The scale, amazingly is very accurate although it is not very user-friendly. I did not like the Perfect Powder Measure at all and bought something else. Overall, it almost has all you need to get going safely and it is a good buy compared with other systems if you do not intend to load 5,000 rounds a week. For beginners like me, it is almost the perfect set.

Jeff Clemons of Cheyenne, wy

Date Posted: 2/22/2004

I bought this kit as I was looking to get into reloading and trying to find a cost effective way to start...this is definitely it! I sat down my first night I had it, got it all set up, and cranked out about 200 great rounds of .40 S&W in a decent amount of time. It's not the fastest press in the world, but it does make some great ammo! I do wish it was a little easier to mount as the mounting holes are a bit on the small side, but it's just a minor annoyance. Overall the press seems very strong and held up great even during a bunch of .30-30 rounds. The primer tool works great and have no complaints about it. The powder measure and scale do their job, but I will definitely be upgrading the measurer. It's pretty constant, but I found myself having to tap a time or two after every charge to make sure I got every bit of powder out of it...again a small problem, but easily overcome. The scale is nice...pretty accurate(verified with a digital). Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase of this kit. If your looking to get into reloading without breaking the bank, look no further because this kit is for you.

Ben Liebersohn of Williamsport, PA

Date Posted: 7/3/2007

I bought this kit about two years ago to load .308 ammunition. This is the first press I've owned and it was my first attempt at loading. First off, I found it to be a really easy to use and understand system... the movement was smooth enough and I saw immediate improvements to my group sizes. About a month into using it (less than 100 rounds, as I don't have much free time) the wooden ball on the end of the handle fell off. This was a little frustrating, but a dab of epoxy fixed that easy enough. About a month after that, the handle itself worked loose and fell out of the press... this was a problem I had several times. Last week, the entire piece that holds the handle broke apart... just sheared off. Given that I only neck size and have not really abused the press, I found that a bit disconcerting. Though I could send this back to lee for a replacement, I found that it was cheaper ($10 with shipping) to just buy a new one from lee. While this leaves me wondering about the quality of the item, for the price... it would be hard to beat this kit. I also own the smaller lee reloader press which I use for seating only... it works well, but the whole handle is made of the same crappy cast metal as the part that broke on the challenger. I'm thinking next time I might buy an RCBS partner press... the mechanical parts look a little stronger... but I can't say that I'm really too let down by this press... hoping it was a fluke. The scale is ok... a little slow to use, but accurate enough (I double check weight routinely on a digital scale. The powder measure is handy, but does not provide nearly enough accuracy or consistency for my applications... though it gets me close enough to finger in whatever I'm short. The biggest let down of this whole system is the hand primer. Though I have found it can be used if primers are loaded one at a time from the top before placing the brass, this press does not work with federal 210m primers... they just don't fit. The deburring tool and primer pocket cleaners work well enough (though a Dremel works better in the primer pockets) but they are a little rough on the fingers... other than these few things, it's a decent little kit. Good way to get started into loading better ammunition without shelling out a small fortune.

Tim M. of South East Area, OH

Date Posted: 5/30/2007

Good beginners kit but...expect the press to break. My toggles (the linkages holding the handle) snapped when neck sizing 6.5 Swede brass!! I questioned experienced reloaders on a popular firearms forum about this. I counted 16 instances of broken toggles. Lee should make a better leverage mechanism! This problem must be common, or Midway wouldn't offer spare toggles for this press!! As long as you break it within the first two years, Lee will replace it...if you ship them the broke ones. Again, good starter kit, poorly constructed press.

Ladin Skeem of Spray, Or

Date Posted: 4/12/2007

I would advise anyone who wants to reload, but can't buy top of the line to get it. I have produced ammo for my .308 which shot sub minute angle groups. The press broke on me the first lot of ammo I built. Where the handle meets the press is weak and slides up and down during strokes, if the handle slides to much towards you, the pot metal will break and you will have to secure the handle with a clamp. The powder measure will get you into the general area +or- 1 or 2 grains. That ain't a problem if your not precision reloading. The highlight the the kit is the priming tool, absolutely love it. I have no way to check the scale I think its close. It is priced good for the beginner, and especially for ammo that don't have to be dead on , like pistols, and plinking ammo.

Ed Moore of York, sc

Date Posted: 4/7/2007

The powder scale is JUNK. The locking pin does nothing. The slightest bump and the adjustment slide will move. I really thought Lee would make better quality equipment, especially the powder scale. The rest of the kit is good for the money spent.

Stan R. Webb of Hannibal, MO

Date Posted: 9/18/2006

I write this having bought this kit 12 years ago. After loading thousands of .38 Spl. and .44 Mag. rounds and hundreds .30-30 rounds the arbors that hold the loading lever broke. Bad service for a "2nd rate" press. $10.00 worth of parts had me up and running again. The powder charger is accurate, consistent and almost impossible to set using the included instructions. Tinker with it until you get it right (confirming with the powder scale) and leave it alone, it will throw the same charge from now till Judgment Day. Take the impossible to zero and even harder to read powder scale and trade it for ANYTHING the gun shop is willing to swap you for. Everything else in the kit works well, it isn't fancy, but it works.

Dave E of Tucson, AZ

Date Posted: 1/10/2007

If you just want to save money, then this 'kit' will do it. It isn't worth the wasted money to me, because after a couple months of using it, I see why so many people told me to get a RCBS press and piece together parts as needed instead. If you get the 'bug' like I have, you will be buying better components later. Why buy twice? My advice is first buy at least two reloading manuals. Lyman and Sierra are good, or the new Hornady is good. Get some idea of what is involved, and then save a little more money for a better kit. The scale is junk(not repeatable and constantly loses zero), the press is ok, but not very durable, and the auto prime tool is sticky, even after lubing it per directions. All told, I plan to replace every piece of this kit, maybe use the press for deprime/resize only, but it wont be used more than a couple more months. If you just want to save some bucks and reload pistol ammo or .30-06 for deer season, I guess it is ok, just watch the scale, or better yet, get a 505 scale like I did ($40 new at a gun show), because being off by .2-.4 grain just isn't acceptable for small pistol cartridge loads.