Need a stronger press

[MrSlippyFist]

The other night I broke 3 of the cast toggle link pieces for my Lee Challenger press. After the first time I broke one of these links (2 months ago), I split up the depriming/sizing process for the 308 brass that I'm prepping. Never had a problem with this press until recently, even after 1k-2k of the same LC 308 brass.

Is the Lee Classic Cast single stage a bit stronger? I'm looking fro something cheap but strong.

[EmptyBrass]

doesnt lee warranty those for life?

Not cheap but I'd go RCBS or hornady.

[romer522]

Ryan recommended it to me, and i haven't had any issues with it, nor has anyone else i know with one.

[MrSlippyFist]

Well those toggle link replacements are $4 a piece, so it's obviously the weak link and easier to stock up on those then keep sending them back to Lee.

[MrSlippyFist]

Any experience with the Lee Challenger Breech Lock? It appears to be an updated design of the classic cast, with steel articulation rather than cast aluminum toggle links. It's got really good reviews on midway, FWIW.

[apache]

I have the Challenger Breech Lock and have had no problems with it. Just sized and decapped a couple hundred rounds of 5.7 two days ago. The cool feature is the breach lock. Allows you to keep your die in a collar that removes easily so you don't have to adjust it each time.

[tejohnson]

I have the challenger breech lock as well. I have had to tighten down the linkage after about 2000 rounds or so. I am in the middle of loading up 500 rounds for the Appleseed shoot this weekend...

[Grantness]

Slippy, you have a Challenger thats not the breech lock?

I have the Challenger breech lock, and so far have no complaints. Its certainly not as hefty or strong as the classic cast. From reading reviews on Midway, it seems that the toggles are a frequent problem. Just to be safe, I ordered extra toggles when I got my press. Are you sure the linkage is all steel? My toggles appear to be cast aluminum. The connecting link appears to be steel and should be sturdy enough. Anyways, i cant really say how strong it is since Ive only loaded 5.7x28 and .40S&W w/ it. However, it has held up to some pretty tough bullet pulling sessions.

I particularly like the breech lock feature. Switching out dies is a breeze (make sure to order extra quick change die holders) and saves a lot of time. I also love the primer catcher. The EZ prime system is pretty cool and convenient as well. Plus, you cant beat the price.

[fatherfoof]

Fly rigged his for grapes. We buy our eucharist wine from him. :laugh:

[apache]

:lmao: That fatherfoof, made me laugh.. thanks for the smile!

[Cyberfly]

He wasn't joking... :skep:

[jmz5]

:lmao:

[gw45acp]

+1 for the Lee Classic Cast Press. It's very rigid and I size .303, 308 and 7.62x54R with no problems. It's the only model of Lee presses I'll own.

[moparmaniac69]

I also have a lee classic cast and use it mostly for 50BMG. It does just fine sizing machine gun fired brass too. :thumb:

[MrSlippyFist]

Got the new breech lock - very nice press! I really liked it, until this happened:

[f3rr37]

Oh snap. That looks like you took MSPAINT to it :laugh:

[Grantness]

Wow that sucks. I knew this was a problem and purchased spare linkage when I ordered the press. Its funny though, I've put mine through a lot of abuse (like when I pull SS197) and have never had a problem. Im sure Lee will replace if for you, but they could take a while (I noticed a few months ago they said there was a wait). Midway ought to have what you need, but I suspect it might be the cast aluminum version.

I look at it this way. The press is really cheap, and for such a great deal you can afford to have a couple spare parts on hand. IMHO, the breech lock is such a convenient feature that it makes up for its other shortcomings.

[Grantness]

What were you doing at the time it broke?

*EDIT* Looks like Midway has plenty of them in stock:http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=281260 I'd get a couple if I were you.

Lee has them for $3.00. http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... 5357=90588" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Product# OF2853.

[MrSlippyFist]

Here's the page for that press:

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... tml#breech" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I couldn't find the linkage arm in the parts list page:

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... tml#breech" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I specifically upgraded to this press to avoid the issue of breaking the arms. I don't mind keeping the extra parts on hand since they are cheap and easy to change out, and I looked to see if I could get some before ordering this press but there were none available for the breech lock. So you can imagine how pissed I was when I felt the snap. I know they are warranteed and will be replaced, but I was hoping for one that was near indestructible.

[MrSlippyFist]

Sizing .308

[Grantness]

You've got to click on the little link that says serv. parts next to the link for the press/press kit. Check out my Edit above...

[gw45acp]

The only Lee press strong enough for large rifle brass sizing or forming is the Classic Cast Press. I've done a lot of .223, .308, and 7.62x54r and it hasn't broken.

EDIT: And thousands of rounds of 5.7x28 brass

[MrSlippyFist]

So it's called the 'toggle', eh? Thanks G!

I might send them an email with that pic to see If I can get some warranty replacements as well.

[MrSlippyFist]

The toggle part that you referenced at Midway is the same one I was breaking repeatedly on my old press.

[romer522]

Holy crap slippy, sure you weren't trying to fit some BMG into a 308 die? Looks like press MFGs should start sending you free samples so they can stamp "Slippy Approved" on them. :lmao:

[Cyberfly]

Crap Slippy...you can't win for losing!

[f3rr37]

Slippy, I think you need to quit going to the gym.

[MrSlippyFist]

Slippy, I think you need to quit going to the gym.

HA! Aside from lacrosse training, my press is my gym!

[MrSlippyFist]

In all seriousness, I expected the (3) 1/4"Ø, 4" long low-grade anchoring bolts to snap before that toggle arm.

[jmz5]

Rock chucker all the way.

[Wollychop]

Rock chucker all the way.

Yup. The RCBS rock chucker I learned to reload on as a kid is still going strong.

[jmz5]

I got mine used a long time ago, still going strong as well.