Don't know anything about reloading for rifle.
I don't want to spend a lot of money to see if I like reloading for rifle, so I am considering getting a Lee Hand Press.
Will this press make rifle ammo as accurate as a more expensive bench press ?
Speed is not a factor just looking for accuracy. Thanks

I have one and use it primarily just for de-priming in front of the TV these days. I also use it every now and then for load development on the range. Works as good as my regular press, just slower setting everything up. If you want to get even simpler there's the caliber specific Lee hand kits. All you need is a solid surface and a plastic mallet (and the components). For best results be sure the brass you're loading was last fired in the rifle you are loading for using these, though, and use the loaded ammo only in that rifle. I have several in various calibers and they work OK. Just slow compared to a benched press. I've loaded some very accurate ammo with both.

edited to add: I use these for 5 to 10 rounds at a time for load testing in remote areas. Once I have the load figured out I take the formula to the bench for making batches. Must keep good notes.

I used the Lee Hand loader to load for a Ruger Black Hawk. I liked it. Takes longer to load a cartridge but fun to do. The powder, bullets, and primers cost more than the press.
Before you invest in the loader check to see if the supplies are available at a reasonable cost. It has been a couple of years since I have checked but supplies were scarce back then.

Thanks for the responses, I agree grandpa, about the availability and price of components.

Seems like things are coming back on line.

I have a Tikka T3 .308 that I want to see how accurate it and me can be with some good hand loaded ammo.
Thinking of 165 Game Kings.

As long as you guys think the hand press would make just as accurate ammo as a bench press. I assume that it will but as stated don't know anything about reloading for a rifle. Enjoyed shotgun reloading as a teenager.

I will continue to watch the status of components.

I been meaning to get around and make an order from Chad on his reloads, seems like everyone has had good luck with his ammo.

Anymore suggestions are very much welcomed, Thanks guys.

I don't load a lot but the little I do is with a Lee hand press. Able to get same hole shots out of my sons .243. I'd say it does its job if I do mine.

Have used the same hand press for about 12 years. Probrably loaded a couple thousand rounds of 223,3006,257 bob,375 ruger 30-30 AI, 375 Winchester, 44 mag, and even 458 win mag. Not a fast tool but if used correctly will turn out good ammo. Biggest thing is to be careful with bullet seating to maintain concentric seat.

I have a Lee Hand press I bought off here not long ago. I love the thing, I have loaded a ton of .45 auto, 30-30 and 22-250 with it, works great, just remember to keep it pointed vertical when powder is in the case. You can probably figure out why I recommend this....

A Lee hand press is a great way to start reloading and its a good item to have around even if you expand your reloading equipment.

I got a hand press when I was in college and living in tight quarters, it worked out really nice because I took a large size plastic tackle box and could fit press, dies, and everything else into it and like you said if speed/time isn't an issue than it works just fine and you can turn out some quality ammo.



Its also handy if you want to work up a load, I would just take my tacklebox full of stuff to the range and actually load test rounds on site; also the hand press is pretty handy with a universal decapping die to sit infront of the TV and get cases ready to tumble.

I would not have great confidence in it myself. I bought this when I began reloading, https://leeprecision.com/reloader-press.html, and it had enough play between the frame and the ram that seating depth tolerance was too great (for me). I didn't measure but I'm sure sizing was too. I wasn't positive it was the press until I bought a Rock Chucker Supreme. I know it's not the Lee press in question but you can have it free if you want it. The Rock Chucker seems to be working for me.

Get the caliber specific one using the mallet. It makes you understand each of the procedures you do. It is very slow at first but with time you get in a rhythm and can load a box fairly quick. Get a good balance beam scale though so you are not limited to the powder charges of the scoops. You will have little invested and if you decide it's not for you, should be able to sell the scale. Loaded close to a thousand 45 Colt and several hundred 30-06 with one before getting a single stage press. Another option would be a used RCBS JR.

Get the Lee starter kit. About $125 at Academy. Has all you need but dies.