The only thing that hasn't been mentioned is durability, and/or longevity.....which I believe is the line of seperation.
Lee Reloading Equipment is designed and marketed for the reloader on a budget. Nothing wrong with that, I'll admit. I can understand the niche, and I see it's utility. Richard Lee built his business on that premise.
I don't necessarily agree with the thought process behind it though. I feel a lot of it is marketing, as the term "budget" never surfaces much.
I've been handloading for probably 35+ yrs., and casting maybe a bit longer, and I have used Lee's casting & reloading equipment with an inquisitively open mind throughout most of that time. But mainly so in the earlier years. Having no "axe to grind", the more I used their products, like anything else, the more I formed an opinion of them. I felt this was a pretty fair assessment.
Currently, and needless to say, I'm with Jack, in that I only own the Lee Auto Prime's presently, and I use them quite often. Although cleaned and greased regularly, the link rods on them have failed a few times over the years, but Lee replaces them free, and has admitted that previous designs were weak. They were a small investment, and I'm out very little if they totally fail.
I have several presses. Of the two I use more often are the Lyman Orange Crusher, and the T-Mag. I prefer much of Lyman's line based on design, but I'm split in many area's between them and RCBS. I have 3 Dillon's on my bench as well, and they have been "top notch" progressives for me....no complaints whatsoever.
Redding's Equipment is (again, in my opinion) top of the line when it comes to much of their stuff, but mainly their presses. Their price is up on the high side as they are to date, but their designs are meant for lifetime strengh and durability. Their die sets are considerably the best in the business regarding tolerances & design.
Yes, I agree, much of today's equipment will load ammo, and do it pretty well. Maybe some a little better than others. But how long that equipment will do it, maintain it's tolerances, or what it's planned obsolescence level's are is another issue.
Out of the realm for most, I case form, and swage bullets requiring a press of considerably good strength.
Most "O" framed presses are designed to be able to accomplish these functions. It does put a much higher psi load on the press, and in turn, cut's down on the presses longevity somewhat I'm sure. But, the Lyman Orange Crusher has been with me since 1982 and has seen a steady diet of it, creating slightly accelerated wear, but still no major ill effects or malfunctions.
I'm a 110% postive that a Lee of any configuration would've never accomplished this based on the materials used in production.
My opinion parallels Jack's experience with the Lee press he had.
"Buy it right, and you'll buy it once. Buy it wrong, and you'll get a second chance."
Not a disparaging reference to any other's choice, but an opinion based on my personal experiences.
Take care,
Bob
