Review: Lee Anniversary kit (New Reloaders)

T

t/c223encore

New member
The Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit I ordered has arrived and I'm reporting my first impressions for you new reloaders who are thinkin about getting one. Theres 2 things I don't like. First, the load data manual only lists a a few loads per caliber, and the only powder charge they list is the max load, so you will need to get a reloading manual for more complete info. Second, The scale although it works, I don't like that the single grain and 1/10th grain part is 1 piece and it's hard to tell exactly what weight you have, The 10 grain increment is a ball bearing that sits in gooves on the beam, you will neeed to get a better scale such as the RCBS 5-0-5. I did not orer a reloading Manual or a better scale cause I wanted to wait and see what I thought about what was included in the kit first. Now I seen it and this is my report for those that are thinking about starting reloading so you have an idea about what to get so you can start reloading sooner than havin to wait to order better items like I have to.

t/c223encore.
 
so i'd be in pretty good shape if i got the anniversary kit, a good scale, and a manual, correct?

i'm trying to figure out what i want to get for reloading. will be reloading for 308 for now, but will probably add another rifle - probably something in a 22 to 25 cal - when i get my tax return. was originally looking to get started for the cost savings, but i'm most interested now because i need some more hobbies. i live in a dry village, not a whole lot to do after dark here.
 
I've used the Lee scale for about 7 years now and once you get familiar with how it works it is as good as any other out there. I've run comparisons to my digital scale that cost alot more and it always matches grain for grain. I would also suggest getting a Hornady manual and also at least one other depending on the type of reloading you plan on doing. If you're loading a lot of cast bullets, a Lyman manual would be good.If you shoot a lot of Sierra bullets then one of their manuals would be another choice. You get the idea. Don't sell Lee stuff short. I've used most of their equipment for years and with the exception of a few items, they all work and cost less.
 
I've been using the Lee scale now for ten years. If you take the time to learn to use it you'll find it's one of the most accurate scales on the market for a beam scale. I've had several other scales from RCBS and Lyman and have yet to find one that will come close to the accuracy of the little Lee.

If your looking at the Modern Reloading Manual by Richard Lee, that's the one that comes with the Anniversery kit it has both starting loads and maximum loads (never exceed loads) listed. I'm not sure what came with your kit. The loads that Lee lists are actually loads from the Hodgen manual.

I've been loading for 45 years now and have used most of the equipment out there. There is some excellent equipment on the market and most all of it makes excellent reloads. Only thing I can say about getting a better scale is go the Lyman or RCBS or PACT electronic scale/dispenser. Thats the only system I've found that even comes close to the Lee scale.

I sure do recommend gettin as many manuals as you can. Also check out online manuals. Many powder companies have load manuals on line that are basically free.

Here's my bench setup. You will notice I put my scale up at eye level where it's easy to see. Any balance beam scale will benifit from this kind of positioning.

One of the tests of an accurate scale is how low a measurement it will make. Lee's can measure the weight of a pencil mark on a small piece of paper. The test is in Lees reloading book. Try that with any other balance beam scale.

Bottom line is there's lots of good equipment on the market, lord knows I've bought plenty of it. I'm particular about how well my guns shoot and spent a few years chasing the benchrest thing along with lots of years shooting one sort of NRA competition or another.

The Lee equipment though much complained about by some delivers excellent accuate loaded ammo along with being a "best buy" in reloading equipment. Their factory service has been excellent for me and though the little scale does not resemble some of the others on the market once you learn to use it you may find it a very good accurate scale.

Sometimes the most expensive is not really the best.

My scale on mounted at eye level.
LeeSafetyscaleoncustomholder.jpg


My bench with both a single state Lee and a Lee turret press.
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An RCBS powder dispenser/scale combo. Very accurate
RCBSdispandscale.jpg


RCBS, Lee and Redding powder measures. The Lee gets 95 percent of use.
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My grandbabies making varmit loads.
Grandbabiesatbench.jpg


Five shots Ruger 204 handloads at 100 yards.
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The Lee kit I got from Cabelas didn't come with the Lee reloading manual, only some thin paperback with a few loads for each caliber. For instance the 223 lists only 3 bullet types with max loads. As far as the scale, I'm sure it's accurate, but I didn't like that I would have to figure it out or get the hang of it, I perfer to know what weight I'm at the first time without havin to figure it out.

I started this review from a begginers perspective who has only basic reloading knowledge. Theres alot of posts from members wanting to start reloading and since I'm one I wanted to put out my thoughts on the kit. More experianced reloaders posting in this thread will also help those thats thinkin about starting to reload make a more informed decision on what they want to buy. I wasn't trying to sell Lee products short, just posting what I thought about the kit once I got it here and looked it over so others that are in the decision porcess has a fellow begginers opinion.

t/c223encore.
 
i bought the same kit last year and didnt care for the scale at first but after i got used to it i loved it. the directions that come with it are very confusing at first.
 
I just got the Lee scale and would agree that it is very confusing at first, but once you figure it out, it's easy.
 
i wasn't thinking that you were trying to sell the Lee press. i've pretty much decided on getting a Lee, but wasn't sure which one to get, or if i should get a kit or get the parts individually, etc. was kind of worried about getting a kit, and having to replace items in it, or add very necessary items to it.

i guess things just look a little foggy to me still. just trying to obtain further advice.
 
I've been reloading for right at 40 years, I have to admit, I've thrown away every piece of Lee reloading equipment I've ever bought except their universal decapping die, and I know several other people with similar experiences. While some have had decent luck with Lee, there are a lot of people out there that have had the exact opposite experience.
 
Zeroing the Lee Scale

1.Put ball bearing in 0 slot

2.With zero in window.... slide it so there is a thin line at 9,a thin line at 1,and a bold line at zero.

3.move knurled brass adjuster one way or the other till scale levels out.

Example 35gr

Put ball bearing in 30 slot

Slide scale till 5 is in window,a thin line at 9,a thin line
at 1,and a bold line at zero.

Now weigh up a selection of dimes they are the most uniform common coin as most are 35gr or real close.

Keep watching in classifieds and sooner or later you`ll find a good deal on reloading stuff.I got a complete Lyman Kit,7.62x39+44Mag+9mm dies,loading block, 10000 primers of various types,6# of unique,4# of H110,2#Rx7,2#Alliant2400,2#IMR3031,1#IMR4831,tumbler etc for $100.I reckon I`ll have to buy a large pistol now to accomodate the powder,dies and primers.Already have an SKS.

I use a combination of all tools to get what I want.For now use what you have and get the other stuff later.You`ll do well.You can make your own loading blocks with some poplar,oak,ash wood and a drill press,pine is not good if not dried real well.Or you can buy 2 universal or caliber specific loading blocks reasonably.

The kit will serve the average hunter/shooter quite well.Better than any factory ammo in my opinion.
 
The load data in the Lee Reloading manual I have is a compilation of free published loads from powder companies. So if you visit the Hodgdon (now owns IMR also), Accurate, and Alliant web sites, you can get the same data. I like Hodgdon's web site.
The Lee scale is very accurate. I use mine only to verify the powder measure is throwing what I want it to.
 
I am throwing in my vote for Lee...especially the Lee Collet die.
Lee equipment looks cheap and the red color is rather obnoxious to my eyes....but it works and price is very reasonable.

I have RCBS, Lyman, Pacific (Hornady) in addition to Lee. All in all I cannot tell the difference in loaded round quality for casual target shooting and hunting.
 
Quote:
i wasn't thinking that you were trying to sell the Lee press. i've pretty much decided on getting a Lee, but wasn't sure which one to get, or if i should get a kit or get the parts individually, etc. was kind of worried about getting a kit, and having to replace items in it, or add very necessary items to it.

i guess things just look a little foggy to me still. just trying to obtain further advice.



Get the anniversery kit with the loading manual, it's an extra few dollars, but a good manual.

I would also recommend:

A vibratory case cleaner kit from Cabelas's or Midway. There usually around 50 bucks on sale.

A lee case trimmer for each caliber your going to load. There inexpensive, accurate and fool proof.

Several reloading blocks to hold your cases and some plastic fifty round boxes. I've found the ones Midway sells work great and are very inexpensive.

Buy the Lee die delux rifle die sets, they come with both a full length resize die and the fine collet neck size die.

For revolvers I like the Lee four die carbide sets that allow you to seat and crimp in seperate operations. I seem to make better ammo with them.
 
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