I've checked out similar inquiries for a while now, and am really grateful for the advice I've recieved. I've always believed that you get what you pay for, but budget concerns will keep me from the top-quality stuff. However, the Lee Anniversary Kit is really looking good price-wise and from the opinions of the more experienced. Is the press of solid metal construction? Anybody have anything bad to say about it? Any better options for comparable prices? I'm open to anything you guys have to say. Thanks.

I've checked out similar inquiries for a while now, and am really grateful for the advice I've recieved. I've always believed that you get what you pay for, but budget concerns will keep me from the top-quality stuff. However, the Lee Anniversary Kit is really looking good price-wise and from the opinions of the more experienced. Is the press of solid metal construction? Anybody have anything bad to say about it? Any better options for comparable prices? I'm open to anything you guys have to say. Thanks.
Cause,
I am not a big Lee Fan.
When I was going through the 'lean years' there was no Lee;there was Ideal .I bought a Tong Tool.It was slow,but got the jobdone.There are Folks still using them;I still use the dies.
The same goes for Leetools. Some Folks prefer them,and in any case,they get the job done.
You can use the Lee tools to get started,and determine for yourself,what you would prefer in a more expensive tool.
You will have the same confusing choice to make.Everyone has their own favorite;Mine is RCBS.That's just one Man's opinion.
Frank

Causeforalarm...

I really like your UserName! As to your questions... the Lee Challenger Press has a cast aluminum body and handle. The linkage is steel. I use the Lee Turret Press but there are a lot of Challenger presses out that turning out ammo. A good place to read what the user's say about a product is through the MidwayUSA’s Product review for the Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit (http://www.midwayusa.com/midwayusa/applications/eproductreview.exe/GetReviews?productid=820810). You can also look up the individual components of the kit and see what the feed back looks like. This kit shows a zero rate of returned products. That's a pretty durn good rating!

I truely don't think you can go wrong with the kit.

Michael

Causeforalarm, I own both Lee and RCBS tools. The RCBS presses will last a lifetime.....the Lee's will last for years.

Always buy carbide handgun dies.

Lee's Collet Dies are great for bolt guns and single shots.

Lee Factory Crimp dies make a .22 Hornet shoot like a bench rest gun.

Lee dies are easier to adjust.

The Lee hand priming tool is a great tool for the money and produces perfectly primed cases, 99% of the time.

Lee has a new cast iron press, but I know nothing about it. I would try it.

Thanks for the info about the different dies. I'm looking at the Pacesetter dies for 18.99, as well as the Case Trimmer for 3.99. The kit itself is 65.99 or $77, depending on whether I include the "Modern Reloading" guide. How does this guide stack up compared to the others available? In addtion, do I need to purchase a case tumbler and other possible accessories? Let me know if I'm missing something, I appreciate all you guys' advice very much.

I'm not too sure just what all is included in the LEE kit, but I would advise you to get a set of calipers. At LEAST one more reloading manual,(Speer,Hornady,Sierra,Hogdon), there are others, but these are a few of the readily available.

A tumbler is nice to have, but for small lots of brass, it isn't needed,(I wouldn't be without mine). And if not included, a powder scale is a must have item. And don't forget to get and WEAR safety-glasses.

And do not be shy about returning to the forums with more questions. Everybody has to start somewhere, and the folks here are full of good advice.

----"Good Shooting"----

CFA...

I think Lee's Modern Reloading is a great reloading manual. It features a wide range of bullet weights and powders for every cartridge. It will also give you a starting load based on a volume cc for quickly setting up the Perfect Powder Measure. You will choose a powder from the tables for the bullet weight you are using and then adjust the drop tube on the PPM to the indicated setting. You drop a sample of powder, check it on the Safety Scale, and then load several cases with that powder and setting to do your initial range work.

The manual has extensive instructions on the components of the kit and a great bullet casting info if you ever get interested in that activity. I'd buy the kit with the book.

Here are some additional items to consider...

Digital Calipers (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47257)... $19.99

The Lee Cutter with Ball Grip (http://www.bosesguns.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=739) is a great addition to the Lee Case Trimmers especially if you have a lot of cases to trim or large hands... $2.99

There are several ways to clean cases if you can't afford a tumbler but if you can... get one. I have a Frankford Arsenal Tumbler (http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/668307) that I purchased through MidwayUSA after spending a bit of time studying all the popular choices… $69.99

If you are going to be tumbling brass, the Lee Universal Decapping Die (http://www.bosesguns.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=747) will help you deprime the cases prior to tumbling. They also have a hand tool to accomplish this task but the price difference between the two is minimial.

That's about all the stuff I can think of right now. It's really easy to want to jump in and just turn ammo out once you get the kit. Please take the time to read the set-up instructions swith each item. The set up is real important to successful reloading and is very straight forward and specific on most of the Lee equipment. Looking at the components in the kit, the only item that takes an amount of "adjusting" will be the Perfect Powder Measure and that depends on the type of powder used. Remember that the drum is meant to be adjustable to successfully deliver a dependable and accurate drop of any powder. Just follow the instructions on adjusting the drum tension.

I use a large range of powders through mine and simply place a glass mixing bowl beneath it and dump the powder in the hopper with the drum tension fairly loose. I then start dropping powder while adjusting the tension. I'm looking for the point where the drop is very easy to operate and no powder leaks through the seems of the drum and measurer. Once you take the time to adjust and use it properly, you will find that it delivers extremely accurate charges.

Michael

I started out with the Lee kit many moons ago. My equipment is split about 50% Lee and 50% RCBS with the odd Hornady & Redding thrown in.. Set it up and go with it. Your own preferences will determine your likes & dislikes.
Lot of good advice in this thread,,,the Lee hand priming tool is A#1 best in the business and will save you much time.
Get a Sierra manual...has the biggest variety of bullet weights and powder choices. They also have an accuracy load and a hunting load worked up for each bullet weight combination. After a lot of years, I feel that this manual is the best value. The Lee manual is very informative and has a great section on bullet casting as Ranchdog says, however my experience is that their max loads end where everyone else manual has for starting loads. I feel that they are too conservative and have lawyered down their loads manual. ( I am not bashing Lee...I love their products and their customer service is great...I just dont care for their manual.)
The best advice I can add is to get some Hornady One-Shot spray lube. You can lube your cases in the tray...it is easy and there is no messy pad or rolling the case around. Best thing since popcorn in IMHO.
Calipers are a great investment...dont get crazy though...you dont need electronic unless you are a tech head...basic calipers run around $15. It is not like they wear out unless abused. I have had mine over 15 years and still going strong.

My $.02

swede

I also have had and used both Lee and RCBS tools. I have always really liked both and until it left, thought that the uniflow powder measure was designed and built by God. Since my return to reloading I have purchased a different brand of measure and discovered that God has been pleanty busy. Back to your inquiry; I relly like all of the Lee stuff I have ever used and completely agree that the auto prime is the best, fastest, and lends itself to developing good seating "feel" when you become familiar. I also am partial to cst iron presses because I made the move to include some wildcat calibers, will probably add more and with a good cast press theres no worries for case forming. I have not used a Lee cast press but I am confident it will do the job quite well.Double Double absolutely on taking the time and care to read and adjust. Clean and tidy is good and lets you stay focused and efficient. This is a fun and satisfying sport/art, rolling out your own consistent loads in calm reserve is one of the best parts. BE SAFE "Breathe deep, squeeze light, Drive nails..."

CFA, welcome, I too am a new reloader, I picked up a Lee Deluxe pistol kit with the 3 hole turret press. The kit comes complete with: the Auto Disk Powder Measure. Lee Safety Scale, a primer pocket cleaner, cutter and lockstud, and a chamfer tool. All you need to start loading is a set of dies. On that subject pick up a second turret and load em with another set of dies for another caliber.
I updated to the 4 hole turret and added the factory crimp die. Also picked up a Lee Auto primer works great. One of the recomendations here was to disconnect the auto index and turn the turret manually until you get a hang for the whole reload process, then hook up the auto index when you feel comfortable and rock and roll. I'd also advise you to get a second set of auto disks for ease of measuring powder and some Lee adjustable charge bars. Take your time and read read read. I had my press all set up for a month before actually reloading any ammo. Be safe, wear your goggles.
Enjoy.....mack