Hi All,
I'm new to reloading (Ive tried a few rounds with a Lee Loader set, some case prep tools and a Hornady electronic scale). I'm looking to step it up and buy a press and hand primer (I think!). I've seen the Lee breech lock challenger kit and was wondering if it was worth considering?
Take a look at this video:
The chap makes some very valid points about the weaknesses of some of the kit included, alternatives of better utility, and how putting together your own setup with these alternatives, although costing bit more, will be a better experience.
The "prime on press" arrangement of the Challenger is actually very workable, so don't necessarily think that you must have a separate hand primer.
I do own the Lee Breechlock Challenger press and consider it to be excellent. It's not my main one, but TBH it could serve well as my only one, if I didn't have something else as well. I bought mine on a whim, my local dealer had ordered one in, the full kit, for a customer who never turned up to buy it. So he offered it to me at the trade price he had paid, to clear the space. I am very glad that I did so.
Mine is the setup with the on-press "safety prime" system which works well, though I generally don't use it, simply placing the primers by hand into the seating lever. I have found all of the parts included usable, though I don't care for the Lee scales, other than to have them around to check my electronic ones. And, I suppose, might be useful if the electronic ones ever broke, or I ran out of batteries (most unlikely). Likewise the chamfer/deburr tool is not very good, but that's a trivial detail.
My kit came with the cutter/lockstud trimmer, which is excellent, I see no reason to look beyond that even now. I can't see the point of the hand cranked thing that nowadays comes in one of the Anniversary kits, and requires expensive dies to use, rather than the inexpensive length gauge+shellholder, for each chambering.
I do have a Lee hand primer, the original round tray version, which is highly regarded, unlike later versions, however eventually it might break. Apparently the lever has a weakness. Meanwhile it soldiers on, perfectly. If so I will be looking for a Frankford Arsenal, or RCBS one. Which, BTW, cost more than I paid for my whole Anniversary kit (bargain
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The kit list that the chap in the video recommends would also be a good starting point whatever press you choose.
So, in summary, the complete kit is one way of getting started, but I think you are better off buying bits and pieces separately. More effort certainly to track things down, that are in stock. Or keep an eye on classifieds here for things. Most of this stuff doesn't really wear out. It will also cost more, but worth it. I don't think you would be disappointed with the press itself, even if later you splash out on a better one it will always come in handy. TBH one or other of the Anniversary kits is a good deal, just a few bits that can be easily improved on, as and when you feel the need. But you will want better scales sooner rather than later. And a trickler. And ... and so it goes.
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