Lee Classic Cast reloading press

I started reloading back in 1976 and was pretty much self taught with the help of some manuals. Over the years I have owned all types of equipment from the seemingly humble, single station machines right up to the high capacity progressive types. One name that was always at the forefront of this industry is Lee Precision, as they offer some very cost-effective kit.

IRON CLAD

Yes most of their presses use aluminium frames but they work well! But a few years ago Lee decided to step up and introduced their cast iron, Classic Cast, single station machine. This O-frame design shows a onepiece build with integral straps front and back so offering greater rigidity and consistency. Operation is by a compound leverage system, which can be set up for right or left hand use to handle the biggest re-sizing and case forming tasks, right up to 50 BMG. It has a positive travel stop that prevents press toggle cam over. The operating handle with wooden ball end mounts on a 48-tooth, ratchet-type clamp to allow it to be set as required for long or short stroke use.

The top section (planten) has an adaptor screwed in to accept the industry standard 7/8”x14 TPI (threads per inch) dies. However, when removed it reveals a 1 ¼”x12 TPI thread for large series (50 BMG) dies. It is also drilled and tapped to accept Lee’s Safety Primer Feed LGSM system. Basic priming is by a bottom-of-stroke, drop-in arm; two are supplied for large and small sizes with cups and springs to suit. The ram is 1 1/8th inches in diameter and offers over 12 square inches of bearing surface, again improving consistency!

CHANGES

The latest version of the press shows a number of changes. The ram is no longer hollow, which was done to allow the spent primers to fall through and be collected in a plastic tube underneath for easy disposal. If this was not kept clear it could fill up and jam. Now primers are ejected though the side of the ram and fall into a chute, which uses the same tube collection/disposal system. Now incorporated is Lee’s Breech Lock, quick change die system. The 7/8”x14 adaptor in the planten is now retained by an interrupted screw thread and spring plunger.

Lee supply Breech Lock sleeves that replace the adaptor with a quick 1/6th turn. All you do is fit it then wind in, adjust and lock the die in the normal manner, which means faster and more efficient die changes and probably more consistency too. The interrupted, three-start thread assures dies will return and lock into the exact same position. With a wide, 3-hole mounting plate the new Classic Cast with Breech Lock system and improved primer ejection is probably now one of the best O-frame designs around and will not break the bank!