Lee reloading kits are known to be among the best on the market.
Anyone who has spent a decent amount of time at the gun range knows how expensive ammunition can be. Luckily, there is a way to lower your ammunition expenditure which is reloading.
Furthermore, most people find reloading to be a joyful and relaxing hobby, and they enjoy manufacturing their own ammunition as much as they enjoy shooting.
If you are a reloading beginner who wants to learn how to reload, the best Lee reloading kits are the ideal reloading kits to kick start your reloading journey.
Best Lee Reloading Kits
1) LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press (Red)
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LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press (Red) comes with the award-winning Turret Press System. This press has a long stroke which makes it easy to load rifle cases over 3 inches long using the automatic index.
The press has a rigid cast iron frame which offers great support to the ram thanks to the 12+square inches of area. When using the Auto-Disk Powder Measure you need to buy the Auto Disk Riser for the Provision of enough clearance for the Lee Safety Prime.
Features
- Solid Steel Linkage
- The Ram which is one of the largest is Drilled Completely Through, this helps to Dispense Primers in an Attached Clear PVC Tube
- Heavy Duty Construction
2) LEE PRECISION 90180 Breech Lock, Hand Press Kit
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As one of the best Lee reloading kits on the market this LEE PRECISION 90180 Breech Lock, Hand Press Kit comes with the Lee convenient Breech Lock System which is very effective and makes it easy and fast to change dies without having to readjust dies.
This is a full-size handheld reloading press. lightweight and affordable.
Features
- Hand Press
- Ram Prime Unit
- Powder Funnel
- Resizing Lube
- Single Stage Hand-Held Press Type
- Aluminum Frame
- C-Frame Design
- 3-1/2″ Frame Opening Size
- Bottom Center handle
- 7/8″ Die Size
- 14 Threaded Die
- Die Bushing
3) LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II
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This LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II is one of the best Lee reloading kits on the market, this kit comes with a strong O-frame press and a 30° opening for utmost hand clearance. Compound leverage is easy to full-length size even on large magnum cases.
Features
- Built-in and easy-to-empty primer catcher
- Power funnel to fill the case
- Complete powder-handling system
- Primer pocket cleaner
- Sensitive Lee Safety Scale
- One Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing
- Cutter and lock stud for cases trimming
- Primer pocket cleaner
- Inside/outside case mouth chamber tool,
- A Tube of premium sizing lube
4) Lee Precision Load Master Reloading Rifle Kit
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The Lee Precision Load Master Reloading Rifle Kit as one of the best Lee reloading kits comes with a 1 3/4 inch diameter ram, the stroke clearance is sufficient enough to handle even the biggest magnum rifle cases. This kit can be used as an automatic indexing progressive press or as a single-stage press. The five stations on this kit work and accept most reloading dies.
Features
- Large 1 3/4 inch diameter ram
- Big stroke clearance
- Automatic indexing progressive press / single stage press,
- 5 stations
- Detachable turret
Factors to Consider when Selecting the Best Lee Reloading Kits
Reloading is a big process that requires one to know what he/she is getting into before they begin shelling out the bucks for the best reloading equipment.
With plenty of advantages that come with reloading, selecting the best Lee reloading kits can be a daunting task, especially for a newcomer. We have outlined for you some of the important factors to help guide you in selecting the best Lee reloading kits.
Number of rounds
Normally, you can find the dedicated shooters at the shooting range most of the time which means that the number of ammunition they end up consuming at the end of every week is high. Such shooters will require to use a high output model such as the progressive press.
A progressive press is capable of loading more than 800 rounds an hour as most of them are designed for mass production. They are suitable for hunters as well as professional shooters.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a reloading kit with small output, a turret press is ideal for you. It has the benefit of being faster than the single-stage press.
Your budget
How much are you willing to spend? This is one major factor that influences the Lee reloading kit you will select. The cost factor is important because the most expensive Lee reloading kits are normally the best ones.
You might, however, have a tight budget and be looking for a low-cost reloading kit. If so, you should go for a single-stage press reloading kit. Even if these presses load one cartridge at a time, they are precise and economical.
The turret and progressive presses in most cases are quite expensive as compared with the single-stage reloading kits. This is because of the complexity that comes with such presses.
Type of press
There are different types of presses to choose from and they include single stage press, turret press, progressive press, and even large scale and industrial. Below are some of the most common ones.
Single-stage press. It is the simplest and least complicated of all. It only does one activity at a time when running through the reloading process. If you are a shooting beginner, this is an ideal press for you.
It will help you learn about what happens and how things work during each step of the reloading process. You will be able to inspect each and every casing as it goes through, and ensure that the powder charge is correct.
It is the best press to help people learn about what happens at each step before they can move up to an advanced press. In addition, the single-stage press is ideal for people who reload small amounts of ammunition or are loading for precision. It also has the benefit of being the cheapest compared with the other reloading presses.
Turret press
Compared with the single-stage press, it is one step above it. It has a turret plate that rotates with 4-5 dies threaded in which allows you to turn the turret plate and finish more than one step on one casing.
With the turret press, you have good control over what happened in the process and therefore ideal for precision loading. They are more expensive than the single-stage press but are still affordable.
Progressive press
It’s a step up from the turret press. They are commonly used by reloaders who need to make large batches of rounds at a go. They normally have nearly all the functions that you could probably require.
However, they are the most complicated to use and their setup can take a while. They are quite expensive but they pay for themselves at the cost of saving money by making your own ammo.
Quality
Lee reloading kits aren’t cheap, therefore purchasing one that is able to stand the test of time is crucial. The repetitive mechanical nature of any reloading kit not only Lee should be able to resist user error as well as the bad materials being pushed through it.
It is difficult to guarantee high-quality materials from the users when they manufacture their own ammo, therefore, it is important to further check at a Lee reloading kit built to take in punishment. Check closely at the warranties which come with the various Lee reloading kits as well as overall customer reviews.
The quality of ammunition which comes out of your reloading kit isn’t just tied to the quality of materials you use, but to the provided instructions. Lee brand is known to provide a digital or physical copy of their instructions book.
With a well-thought-out and clear instruction book, any reloader will produce better quality bullets, which is the ultimate goal of any reloading kit.
Compatibility and Versatility
All ammo loading kits including Lee reloading kits are not universal bullet makers, therefore there will be calibers that just can’t be manufactured. A highly compatible device is essential because it saves you money as well as space.
If the reloading kit has low compatibility from the beginning, the manufacturer tends to provide a conversion kit which improves the usefulness of the equipment.
Such conversion kits are capable of transforming a 22 caliber reloading kit to be able to take on 30 caliber bullets. Conversion kits are not only affordable, but they also fall in line with the rest of the optional accessories provided by manufacturers.
Lee Reloading Kits FAQs
- Which Lee reloading press should I get?
The answer to this commonly asked question is dependent on the type of reloading you would love to do, be it a pistol or rifle cartridges or both as well as the amount of ammo you intend to reload. The three basic styles of presses are single station press, turret press, and progressive press in their order of efficiency. More information about these types of presses has been outlined in the factors above.
- Which is the right die set for my Lee reloading kit?
If you want to produce factory dimensioned ammo that properly fits and feeds in any gun, use Lee pacesetter dies and RGB series. They are the first choice for semi-auto actions. If you want to produce ammunition with the best accuracy, and longest case life with no resizing lubricant, use the Lee Collet Neck Sizing Dies. The neck of the case is the only thing that is resized as the body remains untouched therefore it retains the perfect fit to the chamber of your gun. On the other hand, if you want to reload cases fired in other rifles or you are reloading for more than one gun, go for the Deluxe Rifle Die set. They allow you to restore any case to factory original dimensions so that you can fire from in your gun and then reload using superior collet neck sizing die.
- Does the Lee precision 50th-anniversary reloading kit work on both pistols and rifles plus what else does one require in order to start?
Yes, the Lee precision 50th-anniversary reloading kit works on both pistols and rifles and all you are supposed to do is to purchase a different set of dies. In addition, you will also need some powder, brass, and primers.
- Do Lee reloading kits work with all types of bullets?
No, they don’t. It is therefore important to check properly the types of bullets that the reloading kit is rated to be used with. You will find a Lee reloading kit designed to use a variety of bullets, while others are made to only reload one type of bullet. Normally, the type of bullet the reloading kit uses is normally outlined clearly on it, but still, always ensure that the type of kit you select is rated to be used with the type of bullets you frequently use and reload.
- Can I use the same primer with all rounds?
No, you can’t. It is very dangerous to mix primers. Each and every round has its specific primer, it is not universal. If you change rounds, ensure that you check the manual on specific primer details for that specific round.
- How do I know which components to use with the different presses available?
There must be a manual with each and every Lee reloading kit that you purchase. In the manual, you will find the specific items which you require for reloading. The manual also has a guide on the safety measures you should exercise when reloading. If by any chance you happen to misplace the manual, you can always find one online.
- Are all the accessories I will ever require to be included in the starter kit?
Not really. Different types of Lee reloading starter kits come with different accessories and some come with added goodies. Nevertheless, even the most well-equipped Lee starter kit might not have an accessory or two which you might find yourself in need of later on. Lee reloading starter kits usually come with everything you will need to start, but later on, you will find yourself running to the market to get a certain accessory at some point in the future.
Advantages of Lee Reloading Kits
- Perfect starter kits
Lee reloading kits are the ideal starter kits for reloading your ammo. They are not only cheap and sturdy but also all in one attractive. You will feel like you are getting a great first go at it with all Lee reloading kits.
- Simple to use
One other attractive quality of Lee reloading kits and their accessory set is that they are simple to use. This quality is super essential overall, but especially if you are just learning how to reload. Everything in this reloading kits is study, balanced, and ready for you to use.
- Affordability
Lee reloading kits are one of the least expensive reloading kits available in the markets today. If you are in need of a reloading kit that will perform best and is of high quality all for an affordable price, go for Lee reloading kits.
- High-quality construction
The high construction quality of Lee reloading kits makes them worth every penny. They are built to last longer and are overall powerful and sturdy. With their high construction quality, you won’t have to worry that it might burst quickly and have to replace it. You can reload in confidence with Lee reloading kits.
- Durability
Lee reloading kits are extremely durable and are built to last for years. They have the ability to take a pounding with every reload they do. They should last for several years without giving you any problem.
Disadvantages of Lee Reloading Kits
- Prone to malfunctions.
Lee reloading kits that reload a large amount of ammunition are prone to malfunctions.
- Lower quality accessories.
Certain Lee reloading kits accessories are of lower quality compared with other high-quality reloading kits brands.
- Lee reloading kits are slow and tedious. You end up taking a lot of time reloading a certain amount of ammunition.
Conclusion
To get yourself the best Lee reloading kits that will be able to meet your needs, kindly check out the pros and cons of the various Lee reloading kits available.
Each and every Lee reloading kit comes with unique features different from the rest. Ensure that you have consulted professionals and vendors enough before you conclude on the best equipment.
Also, check on customer reviews on the various Lee reloading kits. Finally, purchase a quality Lee reloading kit that will be able to last for long