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<h1 align=center>An Unofficial Lee Reloading Site</h1>
<p align=center>
Not to be confused with the official
<a href="http://www.leeprecision.com>
<img src="http://www.leeprecision.com/graphics/leesmll1.gif" alt="Lee Precision Inc." align=center></a>
web site.
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<td><font size=-1>Last updated:</font></td>
<td><font size=-1>December 1, 1999</font></td>
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<td><font size=-1>Times viewed:</font></td>
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<h3>About ammunition handloading/reloading</h3>
People break down handloading (constructing your own ammunition for firearms, typically from new components) and
reloading (making your own using previously fired cases) in several ways.
Most divide it into metallic cartridge reloading and shotshell reloading.
They further subdivide metallic cartridge reloading into handgun and rifle reloading.
<p>
My experience is primarily with reloading/handloading handgun ammunition using Lee equipment.
I have used various single-stage and progressive presses and have loaded several different calibers for plinking,
target shooting, and self defense.
I see no reason not to share my experiences with others in the shooting community.
Because these pages are unaffiliated with Lee Precision Inc. (or any other commercial enterprise),
you will see my honest opinions (pro <em>and</em> con) of Lee equipment.
You will also find some tips and tricks I use when reloading.
<h3>Why reload?</h3>
The most common answer is undoubtedly "To save money".
That's why I got started.
The cost of materials for manufacturing your own ammunition can be significantly less than new ammunition.
Half the price of new is common (depending on the caliber) if you simply reuse the case.
<p>
Another good reply is "For accuracy".
It is very common for handloaders to produce more accurate ammunition than is commercially available.
The simple fact is that different guns shoot best with different loads.
Even two firearms, one after the other off the same production line can shoot differently.
Minute differences in machining, fitting, and finishing can lead to noticable differences on the firing line.
If you make your own ammo, you can "tune" your loads to match your gun.
With a little experimentation, you will probably find a combination that is more accurate than you can buy.
Of course, you can take this as far as you want.
Competition shooters spend a tremendous amount of time tuning their equipment as well as honing their skills.
<p>
Some people might say "To get unusual ammunition".
If you shoot an uncommon caliber firearm, then factory ammunition may be hard to find.
The local Wal-Mart only carries the most popular calibers and gun stores may not be much better.
Or, the particular bullet style and weight you want may not be available.
Then again, some of us just like to make odd combinations for particular purposes
(like my 100 grain wadcutter load in 357 Magnum).
If you can't buy it, handloading allows you to make it.
<p>
And don't forget the answer "For fun".
Reloading can turn into an enjoyable hobby all by itself.
I never expected to find assembling my own ammunition to be so relaxing and rewarding.
It is a Zen-like experience for me (one that requires constant attention to detail but little actual thought).
I also get great satisfaction from producing a consistent, high-quality product.
In fact, I enjoy it as much (maybe even more) than shooting!
<h3>Why Lee?</h3>
Again, a common answer is "To save money".
Lee Precision makes some of the least expensive reloading equipment on the market.
Don't let the low price fool you, though.
It is capable of producing fine ammunition, just like the other brands.
I got started reloading when a friend recommended a Lee Pro 1000 progressive press at a gun show.
Ever since, I've been buying tools and supplies, constantly increasing the number of calibers I load
and expanding the types of ammunition I produce.
Shopping around, and buying Lee equipment has allowed me to do it all economically.
I'm not a Lee fanatic, by any means (and I do own and use other brands),
but they do make quality products for much lower prices.
<p>
Lee also provides some features that the competition just doesn't have.
The bullet feeder, for example, dramatically increases cyclic reloading rates on their progressive presses.
Lee is justified in calling the Loadmaster the fastest press on the market.
The Factory Crimp Die is another very popular Lee exclusive.
<h3>Some administrative notes</h3>
I apologize for the Geocities pop-up avertising banner.
I know it is very annoying (I hate it too).
Nevertheless, Geocities does give me this space for free.
Without it, this page wouldn't be here.
Just hide it behind another window and it won't bug you anymore.
This may not work if you use AOL (and you have my condolences as well as my apologies).
<p>
These Lee pages are under constant construction.
Expect the content and presentation to change over time.
<p>
If you have any constructive comments or suggestions, email me at
<a href="mailto:sylvander@geocities.com">sylvander@geocities.com</a>
<h3>Now for the good stuff!</h3>
<ul>
<li>
Lee product descriptions and reviews
<ul>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#presses">Presses</a>
<ul>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#handpress">Hand Press</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#reloader">Reloader Press</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#challenger">Challenger Press</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#turret">Turret Press</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#pro1000">Pro 1000 Press</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#loadmaster">LoadMaster Press</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leepresses.htm#loadall">Load All Shotshell Press</a> </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> <A HREF = "leedies.htm#dies">Dies</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="leeaccessories.html#accessories">Press components and accessories</a>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="leeaccessories.html#casecollator">Case collator</a> - a must have!
</li>
<li>
<a href="leeaccessories.html#proautodisk">Pro auto disk measure</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="leeaccessories.html#doubledisk">Double disk kit</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="leeaccessories.html#chargebar">Adjustable charge bar</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="leeaccessories.html#bulletfeeder">Bullet feeder</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> <a href="leeproducts.htm#other">Other reloading equipment</a>
<ul>
<li> <a href="leeproducts.htm#scale">Safety scale</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leeproducts.htm#autoprime">Auto prime</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leeproducts.htm#autoprime2">Auto primeII</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leeproducts.htm#crimpdie">Factory crimp die</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leeproducts.htm#book">Lee reloading manual</a> </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm">Where to buy Lee products</a>
<ul>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm#wideners">Widener's</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm#midway">Midway</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm#lockstock">Lock Stock & Barrel</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm#fmreloading">F & M Reloading</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm#ebay">eBay</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leesellers.htm#lee">Lee Precision Inc.</a> </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> <a href="leeservice.htm">Comments about Lee</a> </li>
<li> <a href="leemisc.htm">Other miscellaneous notes</a>
<ul>
<li> <a href="leemisc.htm#goldensaber">Comments on using the Remington Golden
Saber bullet</a> </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> <a href="leelinks.htm">Links to reloading information and equipment manufacturers</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Disclaimer</h3>
I have no affiliation whatsoever with LEE Precision Inc. (other than being a customer).
This site is not sanctioned by Lee Precision (which is why it is called "Unofficial").
Everything presented here is my own opinion and does not not necessarily reflect the opinion
of any other human or corporate being.
<p>
These pages are not intended as a replacement for a good handloading manual, nor for reloading education.
Read, understand, and follow manufacturers instructions.
Always follow safe reloading practices and use common sense.
<hr>
<p>
Thanks for visiting.
Enjoy your stay,
<br>
<a href="mailto:sylvander@geocities.com">sylvander@geocities.com</a>
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