The Venerable Lee Hand Press

by
posted on September 30, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lee-2.jpg

In 1953, Richard Lee built the first Lee Loader for shotgun shells and has been creating high quality, innovative tools ever since. The advantages of the hand press are its compact size (11 inches long and under two pounds) and easy set-up (no mounting holes or C-clamps). Lee’s Breech Lock Quick-Change Die Feature allows die changes with just a 1/6 turn. Installing a bushing on each die saves time and improves the consistency of die adjustments. An additional pair of the quick change bushings costs about $11.

Lee Breech Lock Hand Press Kit
This kit is not only useful for those reloading at the range, but also for people with limited space available in their apartments, condos or smaller houses.

While many first-time reloaders have “cut their teeth” on a Lee hand press, the diminutive tool has found a niche as a field extension of the fully equipped, home-based reloading bench. As discussed in Glen Zediker’s article “Reloading at the Range,” reloaders can bring primed brass from home and use a field press to adjust powder loads and seating depths at the range, based on real-time chronograph data.

The maximum overall cartridge length supported by the Lee hand press is 3.650 inches. Lee offers a complete list of replacement parts for the hand press, including a replacement handle should you be tempted to use it as a pry bar.

You can download the well-illustrated owner’s manual at this link: leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/90685.pdf

The hand press retails for $50 as a standalone tool, or can be purchased for $78 with funnel, quick change bushing, powder dipper, case lube and primer ram. You’ll need to order a separate die set. Visit the Lee Precision website at www.leeprecision.com

Latest

Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3
Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3

Colt Pro Team’s Justine & Jalise Williams Help Spark Team USA’s Gold Rush At 2025 IPSC World Shoot

Justine and Jalise Williams, representing Colt and Team USA, captured team gold and top individual finishes at the 2025 IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot.

Results: 2025 Hillsdale College World Shooting Para Sport Grand Prix

Zachary Jones and Albert Fiori earn gold medals in respective Para Trap events at 2025 Hillsdale College WSPS Grand Prix in June.

WATCH: Aridus Industries Imperium Handguard For Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotguns

Aridus Industries unveils the Imperium handguard—a lightweight aluminum upgrade for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun with improved grip and modularity.

The True Spirit Of Competitive Shooting

Competitive shooting is more than a sport—it’s a nationwide network of connection and encouragement that supports its members far beyond the range.

NRA Names Kyle Lamb As Brand Ambassador For America’s Rifle Challenge

Kyle Lamb joins NRA America’s Rifle Challenge as brand ambassador, bringing elite tactical expertise to enhance AR-15 competition, training and civilian marksmanship.

Review: Savior Equipment x Tam Specialist Covert Case

This versatile rifle case offers high-level protection and low-profile looks for serious competition shooters and frequent travelers.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.