The Lee Precision Progressive Reloading Press has earned a reputation as a cost-effective and surprisingly capable option for serious reloaders. But is it the right press for you? This in-depth review will explore its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall suitability for various reloading needs. We'll delve into what makes it a popular choice for beginners and experienced reloaders alike, and discuss potential alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
What Makes the Lee Progressive Press Stand Out?
The Lee Progressive Press distinguishes itself primarily through its affordability and surprisingly robust build quality considering its price point. Unlike some single-stage or turret presses, the Lee Progressive aims to streamline the entire reloading process, significantly accelerating cartridge production. This is achieved through a series of linked stages, each performing a specific function in the ammunition-making sequence. This efficiency is a major draw for those looking to reload large volumes of ammunition.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Affordable Price Point: The Lee Progressive Press is significantly cheaper than many competing progressive presses, making it accessible to reloaders on a budget. This lower cost of entry is a significant advantage for beginners wanting to explore progressive reloading without a substantial initial investment.
- Simple Design: The press boasts a relatively straightforward design, making it easier to understand and maintain compared to more complex models. This simplicity also translates to easier troubleshooting.
- Versatile Capabilities: While designed for progressive reloading, the Lee press can also function as a single-stage press, providing flexibility for specific tasks or smaller-scale reloading projects.
- Large Community Support: Lee Precision enjoys a large and active online community, offering ample resources, troubleshooting advice, and modifications for their presses. Finding answers to questions or resolving issues is generally straightforward.
- Upgradeable System: Lee offers a wide range of dies and accessories specifically designed for their progressive press, allowing you to expand its capabilities as your needs evolve.
Understanding the Drawbacks:
While the Lee Progressive Press offers many advantages, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations:
- Slower Speed Compared to High-End Presses: While significantly faster than single-stage presses, the Lee Progressive's speed is generally lower than top-tier progressive presses from brands like Dillon or RCBS. This difference becomes more noticeable when reloading large quantities of ammunition.
- Requires More User Attention: Compared to fully automated systems, the Lee Progressive press demands more hands-on attention from the reloader during operation.
- Potential for Jams: Like any progressive press, the Lee model can experience jams if not properly set up and maintained. This necessitates careful attention to detail during the reloading process.
Is the Lee Progressive Press Right for You?
The suitability of the Lee Progressive Press hinges on your individual reloading needs and expectations. It's an excellent choice for:
- Beginners: Its affordability and relatively simple design make it an ideal entry point into the world of progressive reloading.
- Reloaders on a Budget: The lower price point allows you to enter progressive reloading without breaking the bank.
- Reloaders with Moderate Volume Needs: For those reloading a considerable amount of ammunition but not needing the ultimate speed of high-end presses, the Lee Progressive offers a good balance of speed and cost-effectiveness.
However, it may not be the best option for:
- High-Volume Production: Those needing to reload extremely large quantities of ammunition might find the slower speed limiting.
- Users Seeking Fully Automated Reloading: The Lee Progressive requires more manual intervention compared to fully automated systems.
Alternatives to Consider:
Several alternative progressive presses are available, offering different features and price points. Researching options from Dillon Precision, RCBS, and Hornady will provide a broader perspective on what's available in the market. Consider comparing features, speed, and price before making a decision.
Conclusion:
The Lee Progressive Reloading Press offers a compelling combination of affordability, versatility, and capability. While it might not match the speed or fully automated features of high-end models, it remains a strong contender for budget-conscious reloaders and those seeking a manageable entry into the world of progressive reloading. Carefully weigh your needs and expectations against its strengths and limitations to determine if it's the right press for your reloading journey.
