You bet, it’s great fun! I also like the fact you can customize the loads. I’ve been loading a 148 gr. Berry copper washed full wadcutter over 3.6 gr. Of Unique for about 800 fps. A bit more thump than a standard target wadcutter but still very fun to shoot. Roy
I got in over my head originally and started out with progressives. After all this time ive came back for a single stage press and this is the one. Enjoy all your energy! wish i had it
That press is great. I started reloading for the first time in January 2015 and bought that Challenger set. Even at times of reloading 300-400 rounds of .38 Special a day, I never felt the need to move up as it works great. I still reload on it to this day with no other equipment other than dies and shells holders, and the scale and powder throw it comes with.
A true success story there Sam! I too still like the single stage press. There’s a sort of cadence you get into when loading with one that’s almost peaceful. And it’s always fun to see that final loaded round appear almost magically! Roy
Great review Roy! I’ve always used RCBS but I really think that Lee makes great products and that quick mounting system for the dies is fantastic. I agree that reloading is a wonderful way to spend time and is very satisfying. I started reloading in 1976 and I still enjoy every round that I load to this day. I really enjoy your videos, please keep them coming!
Will do Jeff. I came away really impressed with the Lee press. I did find a dab of lithium grease on the threads of the Breech Lock bushings really made them easy to seat and remove. Roy
It’s perfect timing too so you can get a press and the dies. I like having two presses set up. One is virtually always .38 and the other tends toward .44 Magnum (loaded to special velocities), .45 Colt or 30-30. Roy
@@Bill-jv5eg Look at the Taylors and Company Remington 1885 single action. They offer it in 9mm. I have one and it’s a delight. I like to load re-sized 148 gr. Wadcutters at about 800 fps. Amazingly accurate and would make a great small game round. Plus you don’t have to chase the cases! Roy
Have a .38 kit from decades ago I use for primer only wax bullets for training. A .44 turret press and gave away my 12 gauge LoadAll to get someone started. Got to get another one. It is relaxing 😊
I’ve given a few presses and Lee kits away too to help a new shooter get going. We older shooters tend to do that, eh? Can’t beat the deal on this kit! Roy
I've got a challenger from 2001 . Looks like they made some good changes. I make quality ammo with all my Lee products. Love my 4 hole classic cast turret press. Just found your channel new subscriber. Good video.
Thanks for the cool video, notice the differences to previous model. The lever shape, the way it discharge spent primers and the priming tool now on the left side. I also use an auto disk powder measure and a Lee safety prime tool.
I have started to put together a collection of 32 caliber handguns only to find that 32 S&W and 32-20 WCF ammo seem to be unavailable except at auctions. So occasionally shooting these guns may require taking up reloading out of necessity.
Just do it if you don’t already. If you’re just buying factory ammo that can be a huge drain. The initial press investment and a die set is minimal, plus it’s satisfying and just plain fun to reload. Roy
One thing a newbie might not realize is that you don't actually make one loaded cartridge at a time with die changes each time. One can decap 50 or 100 cases, then change the die and bell them and add powder to the whole batch, and then run the whole batch through seating bullets and crimping. Someone without any reloading experience could easily be confused and wonder why anyone would bother reloading at all if the die had to be changed three times per cartridge. This might seem silly to us, but after more than 40 years of teaching all ages 5 to adult, it's not a stretch to expect a few not to make such a connection on their own.
Great point Scott! Glad you brought that up. I know it's how we all do it. Deprime and resize and prime 50 or 100. Then powder, then finish with bullets and the crimp. Roy
@@fmgpubs Indeed, it's usually how I use my Lee turret press. I leave out the piece that advances the tool plate and turn it by hand to the next die for the next operation on a whole batch. I guess that does what you were doing with the quick change lugs, except all the dies remain in the press. I use a fourth Lee factory crimp die also. Loading in batches just gives me better results.
@@scottmorris3352 That makes sense. I confess I enjoy the turret press and watching a case go through the motions, then presto … a present ejected into the plastic box! Roy
Roy, good show as always, but please include the first thing any new loader should have is at least one manual-well thumbed before loading. Keep the Faith !
Yup, good point. Lee has a note included with the die set with some loads using common powders and the supplied scoop. But you’re right about a few manuals. Roy
thanks . you might want to consider making a video using this press showing how to custom size bullets for custom muzzleloaders . i just ordered this press to use for that purpose for my woodman arms patriot with a .45 brux barrel . i'll be ok , but others may find it interesting or helpful .. thanks again .
I bought the same kit in 38 spcl. it came in yesterday, but I haven't opened the package yet. I mainly just picked it up for bulge busting and bullet sizing...I didn't care for the APP and started using a challenger II for those tasks. I wish they hadn't done away with the bushing lock pin... I'm hoping there's enough real estate to install one on it whenever I do get around to opening it.
JM, install the locks, then using the manual that came with the dies, just adjust each one the way the manual tells you. Once they are set, then you can simply twist out the breech lock and when you re-insert it, it’s dialed right in. Lee may have a video on their website on how to do that. But you bring up a good point and I’ll make a note to follow up with a video later. Roy
That’s the one offered by Lee. You can put it right into the press if you like. But I honestly like to use a separate powder measure (also from Lee) and charge the cases that way. Unless I’m using their turret press, then I use the powder measure I showed. That help? Roy
Caught me here Rodney. I have two. A 148 gr. Berrys Bullets Wadcutter at about 750 fps from a 4” barrel. I just use whatever powder is handy to get that velocity or close to it. Then a 125 Berry’s round nose flat point bullet at about 875 to 900 fps for a bit of a flatter shooting load. I don’t tend to load things hot as these are just for fun. The wadcutter load is particularly accurate too. Roy
Hi Rod, for factory. loads, I tend to simply shoot target wadcutters since my .38 shooting is just for fun. I carry Black Hills Honey Badger in .38 special in my small frame revolvers for defensive loads. But any affordable load would be fine. If you want another premium defense load, go with Federal or CCI/Speer with Gold Dot bullets. Thanks for your kind words too! Roy
I’m honestly not sure as I don’t see how the primer dispenser would work well with the press moving constantly. Perhaps their website will answer that? Roy
I decided to get into reloading probably about the time you posted this video. I got the Lee 50th Anniversary kit and in hind sight i wish I'd have just bought the press by itself. The Lee Quick Trim is hot garbage and never gave me a consistent cut unless i wanted 2" flat; even then you could get 1.8xx depending on how much pressure you applied. The die for it wasn't included either but i didn't expect it to be since it's not universal- they run about $16 on Amazon so I'm not super annoyed about not using it. I've gone to the Lyman universal case trimmer and once you get it set it's great. The beam scale is ok, but it's a beam scale- I'll probably swap it for a digital art some point. It did come with a primer pocket cleaner and a chamfer/deburring tool but there kind of small and if you've got any kind of hand issues (arthritis, trigger finger, prone to cramping, etc) you're going to hate it. The Lyman set is much bigger and fits better in the hand. The powder thrower seems to be pretty standard and consistent so that's a keeper unless you're doing huge amounts- probably better to go with an electronic in that case. It didn't come with a trickler which would've been nice. The lube is good but it doesn't seem to work well with the RCBS pad so i just put a pin head size about on my fingers for each case. When i run through the tube i may go with an aerosol kind and just spray the reloading tray. I haven't used the safety prime system yet but it seems just as easy to place primers in the part that fits into the ram. Sure there's some parts I'm using but was the entire kit worth it? No, but everyone needs to start somewhere and in the beginning you don't know what you don't know.
@@user-sn8wp2ux1y Agreed on the wet tumber. For .38s though, I confess I’m lazy. I just load ‘em. When they eventually give up, I toss ‘em. Although having said that, I can’t remember the last time I wore out a .38 case! I tend to shoot modest loads and I think that helps. The only time I tumble them is if they get real dirty from hitting the groud. Roy
I bought the 223 with the breech-lock bushings and the bushings are not the best that LEE ever made. My breech-locks were aluminum and they are not what I would of expected from LEE. I prefer the real metal ones that I purchased years ago. But that is my honest opinion on the aluminum breech-locks, NOT the dies! The dies and press are great.
I found on my aluminum ones a bit of lube really made a huge difference. They can be a bit “sticky” (aluminum) but a bit of white lithium grease and they go in smoothly and remove as easily. Roy
You can still buy the steel bushings, but they no longer make the steel bushings with built in lock ring as those have been replaced with an aluminum version with built in lock ring. As of now though they sell three versions of the bushings... spline drive, smart lock, and steel quick change.
I remember a test on powder measure/throwers and balance beam scales 25 years, or so, ago. The cheapo plastic Lee versions of each were competing with the big boys!
Roy, ya pinch your fingernail in there? Have one with the primer feed, a classic cast iron for the big stuff, a 12 gauge loader, a progressive. All LEE except an RCBS summit and a MEC .410
The priming system on these new Challenger presses is a fycking JOKE!!! The priming arm falls out, there s not enough clearance below the shell holder and it binds up when trying to enter the slot in the shaft. LEE ABSOLUTELY RUINED A GOOD PRESS BY TRYING TO IMPROVE AND CHEAPEN SOMOETHING THAT WAS PERFECTLY USEABLE. DONE WITH LEE PRODUCTS.
I found on mine some careful set-up got it working fine. Also, evidently some of the plastic holders may need replacing. Contact Lee and they’ll take care of you on it. Roy
Excellent video. You cut thru all the noise. This is something I needed to see. You gave me the final push I needed. Thanks Roy.
Get ‘er done! Roy
My Dad always used a single stage press. I bought this Lee years ago. Loaded at least ten thousand rounds on it. Not a problem. Really enjoy it!
They are really bullet-proof! Roy
Now I understand why my friends reload! It’s not scary at all. Thanks Roy!
You bet, it’s great fun! I also like the fact you can customize the loads. I’ve been loading a 148 gr. Berry copper washed full wadcutter over 3.6 gr. Of Unique for about 800 fps. A bit more thump than a standard target wadcutter but still very fun to shoot. Roy
I got in over my head originally and started out with progressives. After all this time ive came back for a single stage press and this is the one. Enjoy all your energy! wish i had it
Hi Cobbler Maker! Just keep plodding along. That's all I do! I agree starting with a progressive would have been a handful. Roy
That press is great. I started reloading for the first time in January 2015 and bought that Challenger set. Even at times of reloading 300-400 rounds of .38 Special a day, I never felt the need to move up as it works great. I still reload on it to this day with no other equipment other than dies and shells holders, and the scale and powder throw it comes with.
A true success story there Sam! I too still like the single stage press. There’s a sort of cadence you get into when loading with one that’s almost peaceful. And it’s always fun to see that final loaded round appear almost magically! Roy
Great review Roy! I’ve always used RCBS but I really think that Lee makes great products and that quick mounting system for the dies is fantastic. I agree that reloading is a wonderful way to spend time and is very satisfying. I started reloading in 1976 and I still enjoy every round that I load to this day. I really enjoy your videos, please keep them coming!
Will do Jeff. I came away really impressed with the Lee press. I did find a dab of lithium grease on the threads of the Breech Lock bushings really made them easy to seat and remove. Roy
I needed to see this terrific video. I was surprised of the simplicity of the process. Thank you so much Roy.
You’re welcome sir. Now … go get started! Roy
Been running a Lee single stage challenger press since 1989. Really really love it. If I have an issue with a squib it’s all on me!
Ha! That’s the truth. Roy
Thx Roy
You bet. Roy
Very well done Sir, my Lee 25 year anniversary kit,is still going strong. C shape not O, so time to get new one in 9mm, instead of 38.
It’s perfect timing too so you can get a press and the dies. I like having two presses set up. One is virtually always .38 and the other tends toward .44 Magnum (loaded to special velocities), .45 Colt or 30-30. Roy
Great demo, looks easy, thanks
Thanks Bill. It is easy and very affordable. Do it if you don’t already handload. It’s great fun. Roy
I’m thinking just for 38/357, I’m not chasing 9mm cases….now that components are getting easier to find. Thanks…
@@Bill-jv5eg Look at the Taylors and Company Remington 1885 single action. They offer it in 9mm. I have one and it’s a delight. I like to load re-sized 148 gr. Wadcutters at about 800 fps. Amazingly accurate and would make a great small game round. Plus you don’t have to chase the cases! Roy
@@fmgpubs Thanks for the tip!
My Dad taught me to load on this Lee press. The reloading book is a must have
Agreed on reloading book(s). Roy
Have a .38 kit from decades ago I use for primer only wax bullets for training. A .44 turret press and gave away my 12 gauge LoadAll to get someone started. Got to get another one. It is relaxing 😊
I’ve given a few presses and Lee kits away too to help a new shooter get going. We older shooters tend to do that, eh? Can’t beat the deal on this kit! Roy
I have a ton of Lee equipment, I have used their products since the seventies with nary an issue
That’s the thing, great value for the money at every level! Roy
I went out and bought one a few weeks ago and have been getting all the assorted parts and pieces together ever since.
Once you get enough to start loading, get going! If you have questions, email me at editor@gunsmagazine.com Roy
I've got a challenger from 2001 . Looks like they made some good changes. I make quality ammo with all my Lee products. Love my 4 hole classic cast turret press. Just found your channel new subscriber. Good video.
Thanks RK. We’ll keep it up. Roy
Thanks you for this, I'm just about to start and need basic pointers
You bet Jake. Roy
Thanks for the cool video, notice the differences to previous model. The lever shape, the way it discharge spent primers and the priming tool now on the left side.
I also use an auto disk powder measure and a Lee safety prime tool.
I’m always impressed by their light weight and good value for what they can do. Roy
I have started to put together a collection of 32 caliber handguns only to find that 32 S&W and 32-20 WCF ammo seem to be unavailable except at auctions. So occasionally shooting these guns may require taking up reloading out of necessity.
Just do it if you don’t already. If you’re just buying factory ammo that can be a huge drain. The initial press investment and a die set is minimal, plus it’s satisfying and just plain fun to reload. Roy
Nice job Roy !!
Appreciate it Gary! Roy
Use and like the Lee products and the ammo that’s produced is great, plus this prices well 😊
Agreed completely! Can't beat them for value. Roy
One thing a newbie might not realize is that you don't actually make one loaded cartridge at a time with die changes each time. One can decap 50 or 100 cases, then change the die and bell them and add powder to the whole batch, and then run the whole batch through seating bullets and crimping. Someone without any reloading experience could easily be confused and wonder why anyone would bother reloading at all if the die had to be changed three times per cartridge. This might seem silly to us, but after more than 40 years of teaching all ages 5 to adult, it's not a stretch to expect a few not to make such a connection on their own.
Great point Scott! Glad you brought that up. I know it's how we all do it. Deprime and resize and prime 50 or 100. Then powder, then finish with bullets and the crimp. Roy
@@fmgpubs Indeed, it's usually how I use my Lee turret press. I leave out the piece that advances the tool plate and turn it by hand to the next die for the next operation on a whole batch. I guess that does what you were doing with the quick change lugs, except all the dies remain in the press. I use a fourth Lee factory crimp die also. Loading in batches just gives me better results.
@@scottmorris3352 That makes sense. I confess I enjoy the turret press and watching a case go through the motions, then presto … a present ejected into the plastic box! Roy
Roy, good show as always, but please include the first thing any new loader should have is at least one manual-well thumbed before loading. Keep the Faith !
Yup, good point. Lee has a note included with the die set with some loads using common powders and the supplied scoop. But you’re right about a few manuals. Roy
thanks . you might want to consider making a video using this press showing how to custom size bullets for custom muzzleloaders . i just ordered this press to use for that purpose for my woodman arms patriot with a .45 brux barrel . i'll be ok , but others may find it interesting or helpful .. thanks again .
Okie dokie, Jeff. I’ll write it down. Roy
I bought the same kit in 38 spcl. it came in yesterday, but I haven't opened the package yet. I mainly just picked it up for bulge busting and bullet sizing...I didn't care for the APP and started using a challenger II for those tasks. I wish they hadn't done away with the bushing lock pin... I'm hoping there's enough real estate to install one on it whenever I do get around to opening it.
I think you’ll like this new kit. I put a bit of lube on the breech locks and that makes them easy to turn in and out. Roy
Do you have videos on how to set up the dies, meaning, how to get them adjusted properly in those quick connect pices and then lock them in?
JM, install the locks, then using the manual that came with the dies, just adjust each one the way the manual tells you. Once they are set, then you can simply twist out the breech lock and when you re-insert it, it’s dialed right in. Lee may have a video on their website on how to do that. But you bring up a good point and I’ll make a note to follow up with a video later. Roy
@@fmgpubs Okay thank you.
What powder drum was used in the video and what is needed to adapt it to the 40th anniversary press kit
That’s the one offered by Lee. You can put it right into the press if you like. But I honestly like to use a separate powder measure (also from Lee) and charge the cases that way. Unless I’m using their turret press, then I use the powder measure I showed. That help? Roy
Great video thanks. No need to clean or anneal brass?
If you have the carbide sizing die there’s no need to tumble brass. If the brass is cruddy range pick-ups though, I’d wipe ‘em off. Roy
@ Thank you
Would Lee taper style crimp be sufficient for lever actions?
Hmm ... maybe not. I like to put a regular crimp on my 30-30 when I load for it. Which is all the time! Roy
would you please reveal your favorite all around .38sp(not +P) load. thanks!
Caught me here Rodney. I have two. A 148 gr. Berrys Bullets Wadcutter at about 750 fps from a 4” barrel. I just use whatever powder is handy to get that velocity or close to it. Then a 125 Berry’s round nose flat point bullet at about 875 to 900 fps for a bit of a flatter shooting load. I don’t tend to load things hot as these are just for fun. The wadcutter load is particularly accurate too. Roy
@@fmgpubs thanks roy! appreciate it! do you have any favorite factory loads? i don't think i shoot enough to reload. yet.
@@fmgpubs & i like to listen to you'all.
Hi Rod, for factory. loads, I tend to simply shoot target wadcutters since my .38 shooting is just for fun. I carry Black Hills Honey Badger in .38 special in my small frame revolvers for defensive loads. But any affordable load would be fine. If you want another premium defense load, go with Federal or CCI/Speer with Gold Dot bullets. Thanks for your kind words too! Roy
@@fmgpubs yes indeed! & thanks again!
I am running a Challenger II Do they have the option to mount a primer dispenser on that on. The one I have for my II doesn't look like it will fit.
I’m honestly not sure as I don’t see how the primer dispenser would work well with the press moving constantly. Perhaps their website will answer that? Roy
I decided to get into reloading probably about the time you posted this video. I got the Lee 50th Anniversary kit and in hind sight i wish I'd have just bought the press by itself.
The Lee Quick Trim is hot garbage and never gave me a consistent cut unless i wanted 2" flat; even then you could get 1.8xx depending on how much pressure you applied. The die for it wasn't included either but i didn't expect it to be since it's not universal- they run about $16 on Amazon so I'm not super annoyed about not using it. I've gone to the Lyman universal case trimmer and once you get it set it's great.
The beam scale is ok, but it's a beam scale- I'll probably swap it for a digital art some point. It did come with a primer pocket cleaner and a chamfer/deburring tool but there kind of small and if you've got any kind of hand issues (arthritis, trigger finger, prone to cramping, etc) you're going to hate it. The Lyman set is much bigger and fits better in the hand. The powder thrower seems to be pretty standard and consistent so that's a keeper unless you're doing huge amounts- probably better to go with an electronic in that case. It didn't come with a trickler which would've been nice.
The lube is good but it doesn't seem to work well with the RCBS pad so i just put a pin head size about on my fingers for each case. When i run through the tube i may go with an aerosol kind and just spray the reloading tray.
I haven't used the safety prime system yet but it seems just as easy to place primers in the part that fits into the ram.
Sure there's some parts I'm using but was the entire kit worth it? No, but everyone needs to start somewhere and in the beginning you don't know what you don't know.
Like any hobby it’s good to start with a kit, then make changes or build on it as your needs and skills change. Roy
How is the primer pocket cleaned?
Don’t need to clean them Mark. Lots of studies done showing it doesn’t matter. Roy
Excellent. Thank you.
That is easily done by wet tumbling your brass, the Lee APP is the fastest deprimer in the on the market.
@@user-sn8wp2ux1y Agreed on the wet tumber. For .38s though, I confess I’m lazy. I just load ‘em. When they eventually give up, I toss ‘em. Although having said that, I can’t remember the last time I wore out a .38 case! I tend to shoot modest loads and I think that helps. The only time I tumble them is if they get real dirty from hitting the groud. Roy
I bought the 223 with the breech-lock bushings and the bushings are not the best that LEE ever made. My breech-locks were aluminum and they are not what I would of expected from LEE. I prefer the real metal ones that I purchased years ago. But that is my honest opinion on the aluminum breech-locks, NOT the dies! The dies and press are great.
I found on my aluminum ones a bit of lube really made a huge difference. They can be a bit “sticky” (aluminum) but a bit of white lithium grease and they go in smoothly and remove as easily. Roy
@@fmgpubs Thanks, I will try that next time. What powder dispenser are you using on the press?
Never mind about the powder measure. I think the one you show is the Deluxe Auto-Drum Powder Measure. Thanks again.
@@3dtexan890 I think that’s what they call it. It came on the Turrett press I got and I was happy to see it works on this one too! Roy
You can still buy the steel bushings, but they no longer make the steel bushings with built in lock ring as those have been replaced with an aluminum version with built in lock ring. As of now though they sell three versions of the bushings... spline drive, smart lock, and steel quick change.
I remember a test on powder measure/throwers and balance beam scales 25 years, or so, ago.
The cheapo plastic Lee versions of each were competing with the big boys!
It’s funny but you’re right. I think sometimes the “big boys” must hate the fact Lee is so competitive. Roy
Roy, ya pinch your fingernail in there? Have one with the primer feed, a classic cast iron for the big stuff, a 12 gauge loader, a progressive. All LEE except an RCBS summit and a MEC .410
Pinched fingers can happen if you’re not careful! Roy
The priming system on these new Challenger presses is a fycking JOKE!!! The priming arm falls out, there s not enough clearance below the shell holder and it binds up when trying to enter the slot in the shaft.
LEE ABSOLUTELY RUINED A GOOD PRESS BY TRYING TO IMPROVE AND CHEAPEN SOMOETHING THAT WAS PERFECTLY USEABLE. DONE WITH LEE PRODUCTS.
I found on mine some careful set-up got it working fine. Also, evidently some of the plastic holders may need replacing. Contact Lee and they’ll take care of you on it. Roy