LEE PRECISION - Lee Classic Cast Press

My first brass reloading press, I can compare to a shotshell reloading press I have. First thought was hefty, then no visible flex or slop and was lubed on unboxing. I found it easy to mount and set up and simple to use. Comes with large and small priming arms for priming one case at a time. One less tool to purchase if on a budget. Easy to clean and lube after use. Packaging from factory was sufficient and solid. This comes in a small but hefty box. It is heavier than it looks. Simple instruction manual was acceptable. This can use the spline bushings that drop in and turn. Nice feature, but not an absolute necessity. When not in use I keep it covered with an old T-shirt to keep it clean. I have and will be using this for small pistol and small rifle reloading for practice ammunition. So, maybe once or twice a month for 50-200 rounds. Overall a solid worthwhile investment for a first time or budget reloader doing small runs. Probably the last press I will buy because the materials and construction should last. I am comparing this construction to industrial equipment I have worked around over the years. It looks and feels like I can easily get 5,000-10,000 hours of use with minimal maintenance.

The Lee classic cast single stage press is affordable, solid and well made. The ram fits into the the cast iron housing with very little play and the operation is smooth. I chose this press because I noticed there is a significant amount of play in the breech lock system which seems like it might affect consistency.

I bought this press to assist me in sizing cases, mostly rifle cases since my progressive reloader was not sizing cases like I wanted. I needed something with less flex. I also bought the Lee bench plate to attach it to my bench. It reduced the flex from the bench. I added several upgrades from another vendor to increase the use ability and speed of the press. I went thru about 250+ 223/5.56 cases quickly with no flex in the press and it is now my dedicated resizing press. I will also swage cases with this press. I contemplated getting much more expensive presses, however the Lee has all of the features I desired and it will outlast me easily. Brownells had excellent delivery times and I will be a return customer.

This will be my second Lee Classic Cast press. I use it for rifle ammo as well as sizing powder coated bullets with the Lee push through sizers. I use it all the time as I shoot cowboy action events (SASS) and it is always in use for something. It does everything well but is not a high-output press--progressive presses can turn out a much larger amount of ammo. That being said it is versatile machine that is rock solid, simple to use and a great value. It is ideal to use when teaching the new reloader. I also use mine when I need to take apart cartridges for components or when I question the quality of the rounds. Everyone should have at least one single stage press in their reloading room and this is a winner in both quality and price.

Have used one of these for years and loaded literally thousands of rounds with this press from 222 Rem to 270 Win and have not replaced a part in it. Very durable. Very dependable.