Lee hand press

[runtohunt]

Has any one used one? I am looking for a portable set up and a second press to take with me when I am out and about. Curious to know how well they work, i.e., precise OAL.

I was thinking that I could have brass ready to go including primed and then just measure powder and press the bullet at the range. My closest range is 45 min away. I could certainly save a lot of time.

Or would I be better off buying another full size press?

 

[DrMike]

The Lee Hand Press will work. It does require some effort, but it does work. Another idea that appeals to me, though I have not used it, is something along the lines of the Sinclair Wooden Press Stand (http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=37267/Product/Sinclair-Wooden-Press-Stand).

 

[muleman]

You could also look at an arbor press. They operate from a free standing position. I've seen them used at shoots by guys who tailor the load for the conditions.

Scott

 

[338winmag]

I use the Lee Hand Press on a continuous and consistent basis. For me it is the finishing touch for getting my exact seating depth at the range. I personally love this little tool and seating is pretty dog gone concentric too. :grin:

I still need a few trips back and forth to the range initially to get a really good feel on maximum powder charge. I know that seating depth modifications will affect this (pressure signs) but after usually 2 trips I can concentrate most all on the seating depth.

Notice I said "seating depth". I preload rounds according to powder charge with a decided seating depth (Usually .010 off the lands or maximum COAL per allowable magazine length). I load usually 4 groups of 3 (different powder charges). I best test for pressure with these initial powder charge\seating depths. After either the 2nd trip or sometimes the 3rd, all I am doing thereafter is seating depth.

I don't load powder charges at the range because most often, the wind is to much for my scales. I tried doing this in my van but once the summer heat hits, dripping with sweat in the van is no fun either and the air conditioning agains affects my scales.

The Lee Hand press is rocket science. For the very best low price on Lee products, go to this site. https://fsreloading.com/
They are a few hundred feet from the actual Lee headquarters and manufacturing facility. I have not seen overall prices (including shipping) better anywhere else.

Have fun
338winmag

 

[tjen]

Me too, used just to tune the seeting depth once I have pick the charge weight. Just load up the choosen load long at the OCL I used for the work upto pressure loads. Set 3 rounds back .005" and shoot. Repeat till the group is as small as it can be. Once found set them all to that OCL.