You need to understand that Lee loaders only size the neck, of a fire-formed case, from the outside. So you could compare them with e.g. a bushing neck die. Unsurprising that they can give great results.
The downside is that they are not a complete substitute for a press and dies. Eventually any bottleneck rifle case will need the shoulder bumping back, or a full re-size, which the Lee loader cannot do.
The modest powder charges mandated by the scoops and allowance for operator error, mean the reloaded ammo is very consistent, but relatively low pressure.
Brass lasts very very well if you don't load it to the max.
One box of factory cartridges, one tub of powder (7000 grains), 150 primers, 150 bullets, one Lee loader, used to cost much less than 8 1/2 boxes of cartridges. (To use your 30-06 as an example). Actually it still does, even at UK prices. After that initial investment in the tool it was even better.
They were developed in an era of thrift and austerity. To which we are returning.
If Lee are discontinuing them, then I think they may have mis-timed things. Unless there is a Mk II version in development....
Charge weight variation is less important than some might imagine.
If you are using a load which is modest in pressure, small variations have minor effect on velocity, which is what really does matter in external ballistics.
It is only those who push the ragged edge of pressure, or use unsuitable powder, where "spiking" can cause large velocity variations for tiny variations in powder weight.
Muzzle energy is directly related to powder weight. Velocity to the square root.
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