I was given a single stage Lee press a number of years ago by someone on a local forum. After using that press for a bit, I discovered a crack on the original cast aluminum connecting link and a few other things like the lever clamp. Went on their site and ordered all the parts to repair the press and update it with newer non-cast pieces. A day later, I get a phone call from a really nice lady at Lee who wanted to ask me what I was doing with the parts, then told me I had actually missed a few critical pieces on my order. She added them to the order and I had parts in hand a couple days later. Have always had excellent experience with Lee. Yeah, I certainly understand they're not the gold standard... but their stuff gets the job done!
Great video, thanks for the insight! I have a large number of reloading dies from RCBS, Lyman, Lee, Redding, and Hornady and for the most part have had excellent service and results from all of them, especially Redding. When I first acquired a set of Lee dies with the O-ring locks I thought this was a step in the wrong direction. I have since found out that the O-ring lock rings, if just turned slightly snug, will help achieve better over all cartridge and bullet concentricity. The O-ring allows the dies to float slightly thus assuring better over all alignment of not only the case to sizing die but also case to bullet concentricity is improved during the seating process. If used properly they will be a blessing, not a curse.
I used to shoot IPSC many years ago and had a Dillon Square Deal for loading my 45 and 10mm stuff. Was a good press except that it had a cast aluminum (or pot metal, or whatever it was) lever arm. I broke two of them. Seems the upward stroke pressure for seating primers eventually cracked it near the base. Dillon replaced the first one no problem, but after it happened again, I ended up making one out of steel and never had another issue. Fast forward to recent years, I now use a Lee Classic Turret press. Love it. I take the drive rod out so it doesn't auto index so I can run loads through each die sequentially, then just rotate the next die I want by hand. When/if I acquire a new caliber and dies, I just order a new turret top plate ($12.99) so I don't have to pull all the dies out to use the new ones. I've been using Lee dies and have had no issues with FL or neck sizing and once bullet depth is set, seating bullets has been incredibly consistent. I did buy the Lee universal decapping die to pop out primers and will mount that on either the little Lee Breech Lock press ($45) so it's task specific, or considering that new APP press they have that can auto feed cases, use dies in either the top or bottom, great for bullet sizing too and more automated prep work...and it's a reasonable $110. The Lee bench mounting plate system is also great for quick changing out the press for the priming tool, or another press, or whatever. I guess what I'm saying is, overall, I'm pretty happy with the Lee stuff.
Both are good companies! I honestly just buy the best any company has to offer. I have Hornady, Lee, RCBS, Frankford Arsenal, and Lyman reloading equipment. Only company I have dealt with is Lee and they are excellent! Bought there cheap single stage press for like 35$ on amazon. Got it and took it apart, cleaned and lubricated it, and put it back together and mounted it to my table only to discover it was missing a bushing to put a die in. I know for a fact I never messed with that part of the press so I checked the box and had nothing in it. Emailed lee customer service I just provided pictures and an explanation and they were nice enough to send me a bushing for the press for free! Really refreshing to see a company take responsibility and make things right!
used to use a lee pro 1000, friggin thing broke more than once, warrenty replacements ONCE after that I was told I had to BUY the replacement parts. RCBS Rock Chucker, NEVER broke it. Dillon 550b, Awesome, I Love it. warrenty replacements for non-consumable items (once I had to pay shipping in a flatrate box) btw, I bought my Dillon used at a yardsale for less than I paid for the lee pro 1000 new.
I have been reloading for over 50 years. I have used RCBS dies, presses and other equipment. I have never had to use customer service, and I think that their products are well made and I like them. I have some Lee dies and other equipment. I did have a problem with a case trimmer, and Less sent me a replacement, not charge. Also, Dillon gives great service, and they have give me good advice over the phone. I purchased a Frankford Arsenal device to load primer tubes. When I tried it out, the vibrating unit didn't work. I changed batteries, but no luck. I called the factory and the man asked me the code on the box, which I gave him. He said he would send me another unit. I told him all I need is the vibrating part, but he sent me the whole thing. I have had really good service with all of these reputable companies, and I tell everyone. When a manufacturer stands behind their product, it makes you want to patronize them.
Just received a new 2 die set of RCBS dies for reloading 223. Started using the resizing/primer removal die today in my Lee Loadmaster press and it worked well for about 20 cases until the decapping pin broke. Not sure why it happened, but called RCBS and their customer service rep immediately said she would send me several replacements for no charge...not even shipping ! That was a pleasant surprise as there was no hassle whatsoever. It is great to see RCBS stand behind their products and provide such good customer service. The small base die resized cases perfectly and I checked them with the Sheridan slotted case checker...headspace right on the money. Can't beat that. Thank you RCBS !!
Been using RCBS since my Dad taught me to reload and never had an issue, but it is very nice to know that if I ever do have an issue it will be taken care of.
I use Lee, RCBS, & Lyman tools and I enjoy them all. but I reload on a budget and most are used and all three have awesome warranty & customer service.
I've been reloading for a little over a year and I have a lot of Lee dies, and I've had no issue like you said just paying shipping for the mandrill. However if you have a problem with your press and they have to replace the casting due to failure they charge you $80. Plus shipping. RCBS no questions asked they'll just send you whatever you broke and if you have an issue with the Press they will send you via email a shipping label to return it and though either fix it or replace it for free.
Makes me feel good since I just bought the RCBS Rock chucker kit and 300 blackout dies. Today I painted my reloading bench I built. Can't wait to start reloading. Thanks for making the video.
The brass set screws on my RCBS carbide die locking rings stripped. I called them and they sent me a whole new set of 3 die rings for free. That said , I don't like the RCBS locking rings. The set screw dinged up my threads a little and as I mentioned the brass set screws stripped. So I replaced the RCBS Die Rings with Hornady Die Rings that have the pinch style rings instead of the set screw rings. Haven't have any troubles since. Nice video , thanks for sharing. JT
I had a bad set of RCBS 30 30 dies years ago. The neck runout was absolutely ridiculous and noticeable just holding a case in my hand. Got them replaced, but it proved to me that at least at that time, their die machining process was faulty, to put it politely. Lee and Lyman, never a problem.
That was a problem with RCBS dies a long time ago (the 70's), because they made their dies in a two step process that bored and finished the neck portion of the die separate from the body. They have since changed the process. The last two digits of the year of manufacture is stamped on the top of the die.
I have had the same exact pleasurable experience from both these companies on different parts that were actually more expensive than pins. Both companies were stellar. But I will tell you that Wilson, Forster, and Whidden all have very similar scenarios. So you can't go wrong with any of these companies. All five companies are fantastic! I also have to give a shout out to BAT and Dave Manson. Both of these are stellar as well.
Two days ago I called RCBS for an issue with a case trimmer that was given to me as a gift. I swear that I spoke to the same guy on your recording. He was amazing! Knew what I wanted before I was done explaining it. Same story. I know what you need, just need your address. I am new to reloading but WOW! RCBS, you have me hooked on your products and service.
Informed and interesting narrative......thanks. Another way of looking at reloading equipment occurs when you realize that each brand makes certain items that really stand out from the pack. Therefore, using brand x press with brand y dies and brand z powder measure, not to mention case prep equipment, is most likely going to be the best overall setup and perhaps even the best value. Maybe not always but, for the everyday loader I think it likely applies.
Howard Birch... Well said. This is exactly how I reload... I use the best parts from each company. I don't hold any of them on a pedal-stool. And as far as LEE shipping... it is free if you call them. I had a few gouge marks on my press ram and they replaced it free of charge, including shipping. Shoot lots and stay safe.
I recently learned that RCBS has started manufacturing some of their presses in China. Another win for Lee who to the best of my knowledge is still 100% made in the USA.
Honestly I have had great luck with several manufacturers of reloading equipment. Lee which i have many sets of dies and RCBS also. Redding service is also very good. I have ordered set straight from RCBS and they arrived ok but looked as if the shipping guys played football with them in the warehouse, box was shattered inside , RCBS sent me a new box and offered new dies also. The dies were not damaged and being a rather hard to get caliber, frequently out of stock I kept them.
Yesterday I emailed Lee because I was missing a little plastic part I needed to install an autodrum upgrade. I asked how I get one. I was notified it was on the way. No charge.
Great great video as always! I was looking into lee reloader kits and now i think i will look into rcbs also! Thanks again Deuce. Keep up with the videos please Sir.
Lee Precision parts page: leeprecision.com/parts RCBS website: rcbs.com The RCBS 300 blkout Dies I use: amzn.to/2Vt1t6F FYI - This is a 100% unsponsored and unaffiliated video. Both Lee and RCBS only know me as an average Joe paying customer.
Work brought me to McMillan sniper school for a few weeks, we got to walk the manufacture floor and I was surprised to see Dillion presses being machined there. They are sent back to Mike Dillon and sold under the blue label. McMillan machined is what your buying. It’s all great US made products,!
I'm in Australia so we don't enjoy the excellent service you guys do. The only trouble I have had with reloading equipment (since 1981), for the 13 years prior to that I just used Lee Loaders ) is a Lee 44Mag shell Holder which had a small chip out of the part that holds the rim and occasionally let a case escape. I just chucked it and bought another. The other problem I have had is with an RCBS FLS die in 222 (the first die set I ever bought along with my Rockchucker Press in 1981) and a Redding FLS Die in 223. Both stick a case every now and then, probably a half dozen times over the past 30+ years. I have solved the problem by buying a couple of new sets of Lee RGB dies. The amount of reloading I have done over those years, never ceases to amaze me so I have no complaints. I didn't like the Lee Lock Rings at first and was forced to use them when I bought a Dillon 550 press. There wasn't enough room for the traditional style lock rings. They work fine if you adapt to them. When Unscrewing the die or finally screwing it into place, hold the ring and the die body together. Once the ring is free of the press surface, you can just turn the die using the die body. The patent for these rings is shared with Dillon. Their posh rings are the same. Good video, thanks.
Every case I have stuck in a die was in an rcbs die. If rcbs was the only option I would buy their dies. Go cheap or expensive, the middle of the road is where you get run over. You'll either be happy with how little you paid for lee or you'll be happy with how awesome dillon or redding dies are. With rcbs you'll be pissed you bought them and pissed that you still have them.
I don't know what prompted you to compare these two. RCBS is in a different class all together. I wouldn't give up my RCBS single stage press for anything. I love single stage because I enjoy being involved in every step of the reloading process. RCBS means quality, reliability and goodness. My RCBS Rock Chucker will serve my great grand children.
Good equipment for sure. Keep a check on the Ram. It can get worn. I come across them pretty regularly. If the ram has wiggle I pass. If the ram is tight. I just buy it.
Good video you are very right about Dillon I’m sure I have a 550C and just started reloading 357Sig and Dillon wants 235.00 just for the 3 set of dies so I’m going Hornady and lee on my RBCS turret press going to be less for the hole set up then the Dillon dies.
I've used Lee presses and dies since the mid 1980's. I've only had to replace 1 die because I stripped the locking ring on the de-capping die. Actually, I just replaced the locking pin. The part was free and I paid no shipping charges. Maybe it was because I spoke to a customer service rep, who handIed everything. I was given a set of RCBS 270 dies along with a 270 rifle I purchased from an individual and have had to replace the de-capping pin on several occasions. In my experience, the Lee dies seem to hold up better than the RCBS. Sure, I've had to call and replace pins, etc. on both RCBS and Lee and both excelled in customer service. I am still using the same turret press and other Lee products today. Lee products get my recommendation.
Just to let you know Dillion stands a 100% behind their products. You break anything on the press just call tell them what is broken and they send it out. I have only had to use the customer service once so far. I am looking at a new set of Dies and I'm thinking of going with the ribs dies. Tyvm for your video. Very informative.
dont have a ton of die sets 4 lee's and one rcbs. But i did notice that my rcbs die set rusts like hell, i oil all of them when i use them and when i put them away.
Ive heard they both are excellent customer service! They have done this for a longtime! I have mostly Lee products because they do what I need for my money!
That's the same reason I have mostly Lee products. I will say that recently Lee dies have gone up in price while RCBS has stayed about the same so do some shopping next time you're looking to reload a new caliber.
Actually I ship lots of products all over the world, shipping cost can vary for nothing if the company has enough profit margin to cover the shipping cost which is also but not always in some instance added to the cost of the product or the company works out a low cost deal per package for shipping with the shipping service. RCBS customer service is second to none, as far as Lee, when I have to order parts I get several and don't mind paying the low shipping cost.
I have used both, prefer LEE. If LEE doesn’t have it my second go to is Lyman, their products are extremely well built, work well and Lyman has been building reloading equip,Ent longer than anyone.
Lyman is one company I don't have much experience with outside their excellent reloading manuals. I may have to keep them in mind for my next purchase to diversify my tool budget.
I know the reputation of "Dillion" for THE BEST quality products. BUT, not all of us need (or can afford) the Rolls Royce of reloading gear! I've used RCBS, Lee, Lyman, Hornaday and others that cost WAY LESS, but seem to get the job done in a quite satisfactory manner!(For me, my family, fellow shooters at the range and other Club members!)
Thanks for the video, I am glad you shared this with the world. Two good companies IMO. They both make quality products and they are each unique. Great to see good customer service. Have watched tons of your videos and really like your channel. Subbed today.
I like it when the service person on the phone knows what they are doing. Usually I get some guy in a call centre in India. When you ask for someone who speaks English, they say “I speak berry good eng-a-lish sir”.
I had two times that I needed warranty repair parts from Lee. Both times, I contacted them about the problem, and they shipped me four of the part at no charge.
I wouldn't complain about either brand, but I have always just bought new items that have broken. I've never even thought to use the warranty. The lee pistol dies are hard to beat for the price.
I like my Lee dies better than the RCBS dies, but the one time I called RCBS about my old case trimmer that was out of production & they shipped me a new part, express delivery, free. I've never needed to call Lee CS, so far. Then again the only Lee products I have are dies. The reloading kit I bought when I got started reloading on my own was RCBS so I have a bunch of RCBS stuff.
I like lee dies,, never had any problems with any lee products,, lee works great, user friendly,& they come with dippers,& shell holders,& load data, lee dies do a very nice job for my needs...
I guess the time has changed. It seems that replacement parts are no longer free from Lee. But their customer support is still great. I always get very fast email responses from Lee.
Well damn, great minds think alike. I use a Lee turret press and most of my dies are now RCBS due to the superior lock ring. Most of my casting equipment and dies are Lee too.
First comment? Lol. I wouldn't call RCBS budget, but overall I can agree RCBS has helped me no issues when I called them. Also, I find that RCBS has more options if you want more options (cowboy dies, small base, things like that)
And I think Redding is better than Dillon, Dillion makes the best for bulk/progressive but Redding makes incredible competition dies. The Redding micrometer seating die is the industry standard. I would also call Hornady American the "budget" besides Lee. Love your videos, keep being awesome.
@@funigui I guess that's why all my long range friends like Redding. Me being from the action pistol and 3-gun life style have always been more concerned with sustained bulk production.
@@deuceandguns hey just an opinion, if I was loading 3 gun, no questions asked I would be all over Dillon. And their customer support is basically the same as RCBS if not better (faster shipping, no hold times)
Lee s/h is high. That said, rcbs costs alot more to begin with, so your still paying. I wanted a Lee .17 dipper. It was free, but they wanted $10 to ship a tiny piece of plastic that could have been mailed in a .42 envelope. But I have had great experiences with Loading with Lee products.
I fucked up my Redding 223 decapper which is part of the sizing die due to my own incompetence (I don't remember how but it bent) and I asked her if I could order a new one and they just sent me a new one free of charge. That was neat.
I've used Lee for 30 years with zero complaint on either qaulity, design, performance or cost. Spares easily available when and if needed. Budget bullet seaters are all questionable, but that's what Redding are for.
I have a few Lee die sets (with Hornady locking rings), but most of my sets are RCBS or Hornady. I've never felt the need for spending the bucks for Dillon when RCBS and Hornady are so good. BTW, if you use a Hornady press and have LnL bushings on your dies, you've probably discovered that they won't fit in Lee die boxes. Midway sells empty Hornady die boxes that accommodate the bushings.
Lee has some really innovative products, and in a great many cases, I'm surprised that other companies have not sought to match some of Lee's extraordinary products. That being said, RCBS has never, ever let me down; there customer service is unmatched. I can't agree with you about Lee's presses, though. Several people have reported that RCBS presses produced hoity-toity level results (in terms of concentricity and general precision) without the extra equipment and high price tag. Most conclude that this is attributable to their fixed-base shell holder philosophy. I shot competition for a couple of years, and bought a lot of the gauges and other precision equipment common to that level of reloading. I don't know about Dillon, but comparing run-of-the-mill RCBS presses and dies to top-of-the-line Redding press and dies, the RCBS press produced superior concentricity without any extra alteration after bullet seating. The RCBS press did better even when used with the Redding dies. There is, however, a caveat to all this: now days you have to be concerned about whether you will still be allowed to buy reloading dies in the future. Increasingly, the anti-gun people are focusing on restricting ammo purchases; they are bound, some day, to get around to restricting the purchase of reloading equipment and components. Keeping this in mind, I am now trying to determine who makes the most indestructible dies, for I fully expect that the day will come when customer service won't matter. THANKS FOR A GREAT VIDEO!
@@tkarlmann Where have you been? For the past couple of decades, there is an increasing realization that there is nothing quite so worthless in today's business world than the lowly patent. Even if you have the money to defend it, that well usually come up dry.
@@Wen-ve8nx Well, OK, you are right. I recall a Motorola Patent Lawyer who once said to me that the court kinda looks at the stack of papers each guy has, and the one with the most BS-on-paper wins. That was many years ago. However, Lee is coming out with a new type of press, and the top Lee guy says, right on their website, that he is waiting for patents to be finalized.
Wen0110 In my area they are already restricting reloading material and the catalogue companies I buy from always are out of stock on items especially bullets.
I like lee and RCBS they are both great companies and they both are very important to the reloading industry. There are products by lee that are better than RCBS, dillon and Reading but no one talks about that, on the other hand RCBS has products that are better than lee,hornady, Reading and others ,they all have place in this industry. Brian at RCBS is one of the best people that I've ever talk to about reloading dies and questions. Remember we have raw Freedom in the USA. Thanks
RCBS is an awesome company, great quality products and their customer service is par none. I have to deal with lots of companies with the various things I do and RCBS has the best customer service of any company in the world. That is not to slam LEE in any way.
My experience with RCBS customer service was every bit as good as yours, and my experience with Lee has been even worse. That said, my worst experience was with Wilson. They told me I would have to return a product to Midway, because I had bought it from Midway instead of directly from Wilson (at a much higher price).
Exactly! So 6.50 for unlimited parts is wt you get! So the $20 difference in price - $6.50 = $13.50 that rcbs made from ur pocket! Easy math, lee is the way to go, if u want better product get Redding dies! It’s that simple
, Hornady is ranked with RCBS, for the cost and replacement, Lee however is cheeper and charges shipping on their replacement parts. I get better accuracy out of RCBS and Hornady than what i get out of Lee by a large enough margin to avoid buying certain Lee products such as their presses that do not cam over, or rifle dies that are so rough inside that your brass looks like hell after resizing. However that being said, Lee pistol dies are very good and their hand primer is as well as the bullet sizing dies and bullet molds but for warranty and precision for the value RCBS and Hornady is the way to go.
Iv had lee dies for a couple years. Never needed the warranty, just used them... so kind of a moot point in my mind. Broke a decapper once, my fault, bought a new one. If I can't afford a $6 pin, you shouldn't be reloading. Also I add hornady rings to all my dies, so rings are moot
I have not experienced the famous RCBS warranty or guarantee. I bought a Rockchucker reloading kit as a Christmas present for myself in December 2013. It came with their entry level powder measure. I did not use it immediately, stored it away for several years. I was a beginning reloader and used the press and some of the other stuff but did not use the powder measure that came with the kit. When I finally broke the powder measure out to use it, it had rusted. I called RCBS expecting they replace it based upon "how great" the RCBS warranty is. The RCBS customer service person was a d*ckhead. He told me they would not replace it. Since then Ive become unenamored with RCBS and I buy mostly Hornady, with a few Lee specialty items. Ive also found Lyman reloading gear good, especially for brass prep. I reload mostly for service rifle. I like how Hornady has catered to the expansion of service rifle target competition in the last ten years, Hornady has really expanded their game in the last ten years. RCBS has IMO, sat on their laurels. Why should I buy reloading dies from RCBS that cam over when I can buy Hornady dies that dont cam over and work the brass the same? Its less work on me and less stress on my bench and press. Lee stuff is OK and I have some of their stuff, my impression of Lee is they have an old school approach which is cool. RCBS...they make some good stuff but their time has passed and they have an attitude.
Lee and RCBS might be Low to Mid Range but then there is Frankford Arsenal. Now some people love F-A stuff and they are usually sub Lee prices but I've heard their customer support is nonexistent.
Not mention RCBS has better quality products. I am getting rid of my lee dies. No matter how much I tighten the screw for the decappimg pin always slips after just a few rounds. Also like you mention about the washers. RCBS for the money, hands down better customer service and better product. I have that LEE torrent press and love it. Just not thier dies.
What's your opinion on the cheaper Hornady dies? They seem to be really nice, but I notice, by the time you order a shell holder and die box (cheapest set come in bubble pack) your at the mid grade sets price point.
I only have one set of Hornady dies which are in 300 Win Mag so I don't have a ton of experience with them. They seem similar to the RCBS in quality but I've not had the need to test their warranty service.
My only issue with RCBS dies is that they don’t have a powder through setup like Lee has. My lee 9mm set has the mouth expander die and on top of it sits a lee auto drum case activated powder measure. RCBS doesn’t have anything like that.
in the usa you get unlimited warranty on your lee dies ! here in the uk we get 12 months warranty so i break my decapper pin after 13 months i now have to pay full whack for the new pin ! guess lee dont mind upsetting us in the uk ! guess who has started moving to RCBS dies...
I have tried RCBS email it does not work, I tried three times to get a order number for a cover for the primer tool, and was never contacted, so I bought a Lee priming tool
Not to any site that primarily sells firearms equipment. I also can't show actual reloading going on in the videos so talking about the equipment is about all I can do now.
For small parts Lee used to let you order free small parts straight from the website so no call was needed. I did call them in another video which I recorded here: ruclips.net/video/1W_t7daXITY/видео.html
I was given a single stage Lee press a number of years ago by someone on a local forum. After using that press for a bit, I discovered a crack on the original cast aluminum connecting link and a few other things like the lever clamp. Went on their site and ordered all the parts to repair the press and update it with newer non-cast pieces. A day later, I get a phone call from a really nice lady at Lee who wanted to ask me what I was doing with the parts, then told me I had actually missed a few critical pieces on my order. She added them to the order and I had parts in hand a couple days later.
Have always had excellent experience with Lee. Yeah, I certainly understand they're not the gold standard... but their stuff gets the job done!
I'm so happy. My dad just bought me the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit, for Christmas. I couldn't be happier!!!!
DEUCE AND GUNS... LEE replacement shipping is free, if you call them. Shoot lots and stay safe.
Great video, thanks for the insight!
I have a large number of reloading dies from RCBS, Lyman, Lee, Redding, and Hornady and for the most part have had excellent service and results from all of them, especially Redding.
When I first acquired a set of Lee dies with the O-ring locks I thought this was a step in the wrong direction.
I have since found out that the O-ring lock rings, if just turned slightly snug, will help achieve better over all cartridge and bullet concentricity. The O-ring allows the dies to float slightly thus assuring better over all alignment of not only the case to sizing die but also case to bullet concentricity is improved during the seating process.
If used properly they will be a blessing, not a curse.
I used to shoot IPSC many years ago and had a Dillon Square Deal for loading my 45 and 10mm stuff. Was a good press except that it had a cast aluminum (or pot metal, or whatever it was) lever arm. I broke two of them. Seems the upward stroke pressure for seating primers eventually cracked it near the base. Dillon replaced the first one no problem, but after it happened again, I ended up making one out of steel and never had another issue. Fast forward to recent years, I now use a Lee Classic Turret press. Love it. I take the drive rod out so it doesn't auto index so I can run loads through each die sequentially, then just rotate the next die I want by hand. When/if I acquire a new caliber and dies, I just order a new turret top plate ($12.99) so I don't have to pull all the dies out to use the new ones. I've been using Lee dies and have had no issues with FL or neck sizing and once bullet depth is set, seating bullets has been incredibly consistent. I did buy the Lee universal decapping die to pop out primers and will mount that on either the little Lee Breech Lock press ($45) so it's task specific, or considering that new APP press they have that can auto feed cases, use dies in either the top or bottom, great for bullet sizing too and more automated prep work...and it's a reasonable $110. The Lee bench mounting plate system is also great for quick changing out the press for the priming tool, or another press, or whatever.
I guess what I'm saying is, overall, I'm pretty happy with the Lee stuff.
One of the reasons my reloading bench is covered in a sea of green.RCBS for the win. Thanks for sharing
Both are good companies! I honestly just buy the best any company has to offer. I have Hornady, Lee, RCBS, Frankford Arsenal, and Lyman reloading equipment. Only company I have dealt with is Lee and they are excellent! Bought there cheap single stage press for like 35$ on amazon. Got it and took it apart, cleaned and lubricated it, and put it back together and mounted it to my table only to discover it was missing a bushing to put a die in. I know for a fact I never messed with that part of the press so I checked the box and had nothing in it. Emailed lee customer service I just provided pictures and an explanation and they were nice enough to send me a bushing for the press for free! Really refreshing to see a company take responsibility and make things right!
used to use a lee pro 1000, friggin thing broke more than once, warrenty replacements ONCE after that I was told I had to BUY the replacement parts.
RCBS Rock Chucker, NEVER broke it.
Dillon 550b, Awesome, I Love it. warrenty replacements for non-consumable items (once I had to pay shipping in a flatrate box)
btw, I bought my Dillon used at a yardsale for less than I paid for the lee pro 1000 new.
I have been reloading for over 50 years. I have used RCBS dies, presses and other equipment. I have never had to use customer service, and I think that their products are well made and I like them. I have some Lee dies and other equipment. I did have a problem with a case trimmer, and Less sent me a replacement, not charge. Also, Dillon gives great service, and they have give me good advice over the phone. I purchased a Frankford Arsenal device to load primer tubes. When I tried it out, the vibrating unit didn't work. I changed batteries, but no luck. I called the factory and the man asked me the code on the box, which I gave him. He said he would send me another unit. I told him all I need is the vibrating part, but he sent me the whole thing. I have had really good service with all of these reputable companies, and I tell everyone. When a manufacturer stands behind their product, it makes you want to patronize them.
Just received a new 2 die set of RCBS dies for reloading 223. Started using the resizing/primer removal die today in my Lee Loadmaster press and it worked well for about 20 cases until the decapping pin broke. Not sure why it happened, but called RCBS and their customer service rep immediately said she would send me several replacements for no charge...not even shipping ! That was a pleasant surprise as there was no hassle whatsoever. It is great to see RCBS stand behind their products and provide such good customer service. The small base die resized cases perfectly and I checked them with the Sheridan slotted case checker...headspace right on the money. Can't beat that. Thank you RCBS !!
Been using RCBS since my Dad taught me to reload and never had an issue, but it is very nice to know that if I ever do have an issue it will be taken care of.
I use Lee, RCBS, & Lyman tools and I enjoy them all. but I reload on a budget and most are used and all three have awesome warranty & customer service.
I've been reloading for a little over a year and I have a lot of Lee dies, and I've had no issue like you said just paying shipping for the mandrill. However if you have a problem with your press and they have to replace the casting due to failure they charge you $80. Plus shipping. RCBS no questions asked they'll just send you whatever you broke and if you have an issue with the Press they will send you via email a shipping label to return it and though either fix it or replace it for free.
Makes me feel good since I just bought the RCBS Rock chucker kit and 300 blackout dies. Today I painted my reloading bench I built. Can't wait to start reloading. Thanks for making the video.
The brass set screws on my RCBS carbide die locking rings stripped. I called them and they sent me a whole new set of 3 die rings for free. That said , I don't like the RCBS locking rings. The set screw dinged up my threads a little and as I mentioned the brass set screws stripped. So I replaced the RCBS Die Rings with Hornady Die Rings that have the pinch style rings instead of the set screw rings. Haven't have any troubles since.
Nice video , thanks for sharing.
JT
I had a bad set of RCBS 30 30 dies years ago. The neck runout was absolutely ridiculous and noticeable just holding a case in my hand. Got them replaced, but it proved to me that at least at that time, their die machining process was faulty, to put it politely. Lee and Lyman, never a problem.
That was a problem with RCBS dies a long time ago (the 70's), because they made their dies in a two step process that bored and finished the neck portion of the die separate from the body. They have since changed the process. The last two digits of the year of manufacture is stamped on the top of the die.
That’s real solid service ! Glad to hear this was your experience
I have had the same exact pleasurable experience from both these companies on different parts that were actually more expensive than pins. Both companies were stellar. But I will tell you that Wilson, Forster, and Whidden all have very similar scenarios. So you can't go wrong with any of these companies. All five companies are fantastic! I also have to give a shout out to BAT and Dave Manson. Both of these are stellar as well.
Two days ago I called RCBS for an issue with a case trimmer that was given to me as a gift. I swear that I spoke to the same guy on your recording. He was amazing! Knew what I wanted before I was done explaining it. Same story. I know what you need, just need your address. I am new to reloading but WOW! RCBS, you have me hooked on your products and service.
Informed and interesting narrative......thanks. Another way of looking at reloading equipment occurs when you realize that each brand makes certain items that really stand out from the pack. Therefore, using brand x press with brand y dies and brand z powder measure, not to mention case prep equipment, is most likely going to be the best overall setup and perhaps even the best value. Maybe not always but, for the everyday loader I think it likely applies.
Howard Birch... Well said. This is exactly how I reload... I use the best parts from each company. I don't hold any of them on a pedal-stool. And as far as LEE shipping... it is free if you call them. I had a few gouge marks on my press ram and they replaced it free of charge, including shipping. Shoot lots and stay safe.
I personally only use LEE due to the fact that the LEE dies come with a shell holder and a factory crimp die.
I recently learned that RCBS has started manufacturing some of their presses in China. Another win for Lee who to the best of my knowledge is still 100% made in the USA.
I've had excellent results from both brands, along with Redding. Never had any warranty claims with any.
I've always used RCBS. Never had an issue with them. Ever.
I love this video! Exactly what I needed to hear, LEE TURRET PRESS RCBS dies. Liked, Subscribed and hit the notification bell. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tom Goffnett I have the same press. I love it
Honestly I have had great luck with several manufacturers of reloading equipment. Lee which i have many sets of dies and RCBS also. Redding service is also very good.
I have ordered set straight from RCBS and they arrived ok but looked as if the shipping guys played football with them in the warehouse, box was shattered inside , RCBS sent me a new box and offered new dies also. The dies were not damaged and being a rather hard to get caliber, frequently out of stock I kept them.
great over view of the 2 budget brands I have a mix of the two and do find I like the handles on RCBS products a little more
Thoroughly agree and even my lee press has broken... the casting around the mounting bracket broke... guess what press is replacing.... rock chucker
Yesterday I emailed Lee because I was missing a little plastic part I needed to install an autodrum upgrade. I asked how I get one. I was notified it was on the way. No charge.
I've delt with rcbs customer service people several times, great service and people are the best.
Great great video as always! I was looking into lee reloader kits and now i think i will look into rcbs also! Thanks again Deuce. Keep up with the videos please Sir.
Lee Precision parts page: leeprecision.com/parts
RCBS website: rcbs.com
The RCBS 300 blkout Dies I use: amzn.to/2Vt1t6F
FYI - This is a 100% unsponsored and unaffiliated video. Both Lee and RCBS only know me as an average Joe paying customer.
Work brought me to McMillan sniper school for a few weeks, we got to walk the manufacture floor and I was surprised to see Dillion presses being machined there. They are sent back to Mike Dillon and sold under the blue label. McMillan machined is what your buying. It’s all great US made products,!
I'm in Australia so we don't enjoy the excellent service you guys do.
The only trouble I have had with reloading equipment (since 1981), for the 13 years prior to that I just used Lee Loaders ) is a Lee 44Mag shell Holder which had a small chip out of the part that holds the rim and occasionally let a case escape. I just chucked it and bought another. The other problem I have had is with an RCBS FLS die in 222 (the first die set I ever bought along with my Rockchucker Press in 1981) and a Redding FLS Die in 223. Both stick a case every now and then, probably a half dozen times over the past 30+ years.
I have solved the problem by buying a couple of new sets of Lee RGB dies.
The amount of reloading I have done over those years, never ceases to amaze me so I have no complaints.
I didn't like the Lee Lock Rings at first and was forced to use them when I bought a Dillon 550 press. There wasn't enough room for the traditional style lock rings. They work fine if you adapt to them. When Unscrewing the die or finally screwing it into place, hold the ring and the die body together. Once the ring is free of the press surface, you can just turn the die using the die body. The patent for these rings is shared with Dillon. Their posh rings are the same.
Good video, thanks.
Every case I have stuck in a die was in an rcbs die. If rcbs was the only option I would buy their dies.
Go cheap or expensive, the middle of the road is where you get run over. You'll either be happy with how little you paid for lee or you'll be happy with how awesome dillon or redding dies are. With rcbs you'll be pissed you bought them and pissed that you still have them.
I agree with this! Middle of train trax is where you get ran over ! Applies to most things in life, especially when buying a product
@@reddawng43x91 nice!
I don't know what prompted you to compare these two. RCBS is in a different class all together. I wouldn't give up my RCBS single stage press for anything. I love single stage because I enjoy being involved in every step of the reloading process. RCBS means quality, reliability and goodness. My RCBS Rock Chucker will serve my great grand children.
Good equipment for sure. Keep a check on the Ram. It can get worn. I come across them pretty regularly. If the ram has wiggle I pass. If the ram is tight. I just buy it.
Just what I needed, thanks for the vid man. I just picked up a RCBS rock chucker, guess I'll stick with RCBS dies.
Good video you are very right about Dillon I’m sure I have a 550C and just started reloading 357Sig and Dillon wants 235.00 just for the 3 set of dies so I’m going Hornady and lee on my RBCS turret press going to be less for the hole set up then the Dillon dies.
I've used Lee presses and dies since the mid 1980's. I've only had to replace 1 die because I stripped the locking ring on the de-capping die. Actually, I just replaced the locking pin. The part was free and I paid no shipping charges. Maybe it was because I spoke to a customer service rep, who handIed everything. I was given a set of RCBS 270 dies along with a 270 rifle I purchased from an individual and have had to replace the de-capping pin on several occasions. In my experience, the Lee dies seem to hold up better than the RCBS. Sure, I've had to call and replace pins, etc. on both RCBS and Lee and both excelled in customer service. I am still using the same turret press and other Lee products today. Lee products get my recommendation.
I lean toward RCBS dies but I'll agree that the Lee Turret Press is by far the best value in the reloading world.
Just to let you know Dillion stands a 100% behind their products. You break anything on the press just call tell them what is broken and they send it out. I have only had to use the customer service once so far. I am looking at a new set of Dies and I'm thinking of going with the ribs dies. Tyvm for your video. Very informative.
dont have a ton of die sets 4 lee's and one rcbs. But i did notice that my rcbs die set rusts like hell, i oil all of them when i use them and when i put them away.
I use lee they are more user friendly.
Ive heard they both are excellent customer service! They have done this for a longtime! I have mostly Lee products because they do what I need for my money!
That's the same reason I have mostly Lee products. I will say that recently Lee dies have gone up in price while RCBS has stayed about the same so do some shopping next time you're looking to reload a new caliber.
Actually I ship lots of products all over the world, shipping cost can vary for nothing if the company has enough profit margin to cover the shipping cost which is also but not always in some instance added to the cost of the product or the company works out a low cost deal per package for shipping with the shipping service. RCBS customer service is second to none, as far as Lee, when I have to order parts I get several and don't mind paying the low shipping cost.
I have used both, prefer LEE. If LEE doesn’t have it my second go to is Lyman, their products are extremely well built, work well and Lyman has been building reloading equip,Ent longer than anyone.
Lyman is one company I don't have much experience with outside their excellent reloading manuals. I may have to keep them in mind for my next purchase to diversify my tool budget.
I have a mix of Dillon and rcbs. Never had any issues. My father had a business reloading in the 80s and 90s and these were the brands he used.
I know the reputation of "Dillion" for THE BEST quality products. BUT, not all of us need (or can afford) the Rolls Royce of reloading gear!
I've used RCBS, Lee, Lyman, Hornaday and others that cost WAY LESS, but seem to get the job done in a quite satisfactory manner!(For me, my family, fellow shooters at the range and other Club members!)
Thanks for the video, I am glad you shared this with the world. Two good companies IMO. They both make quality products and they are each unique. Great to see good customer service. Have watched tons of your videos and really like your channel. Subbed today.
I love my Lee presses, but I’ve always been kinda wanting more with my dies, gonna get rcbs next.
I like it when the service person on the phone knows what they are doing. Usually I get some guy in a call centre in India. When you ask for someone who speaks English, they say “I speak berry good eng-a-lish sir”.
I use Lee mostly. But have a couple of small based RCBS die sets.
I had two times that I needed warranty repair parts from Lee. Both times, I contacted them about the problem, and they shipped me four of the part at no charge.
Good to know. I'll try and contact them directly next time. Thanks for the input.
I wouldn't complain about either brand, but I have always just bought new items that have broken. I've never even thought to use the warranty.
The lee pistol dies are hard to beat for the price.
I like my Lee dies better than the RCBS dies, but the one time I called RCBS about my old case trimmer that was out of production & they shipped me a new part, express delivery, free. I've never needed to call Lee CS, so far. Then again the only Lee products I have are dies. The reloading kit I bought when I got started reloading on my own was RCBS so I have a bunch of RCBS stuff.
I like lee dies,, never had any problems with any lee products,, lee works great, user friendly,& they come with dippers,& shell holders,& load data, lee dies do a very nice job for my needs...
I use both with no problems since the mid 1970’s on and off.
I guess the time has changed. It seems that replacement parts are no longer free from Lee. But their customer support is still great. I always get very fast email responses from Lee.
Well damn, great minds think alike. I use a Lee turret press and most of my dies are now RCBS due to the superior lock ring. Most of my casting equipment and dies are Lee too.
First comment? Lol. I wouldn't call RCBS budget, but overall I can agree RCBS has helped me no issues when I called them. Also, I find that RCBS has more options if you want more options (cowboy dies, small base, things like that)
And I think Redding is better than Dillon, Dillion makes the best for bulk/progressive but Redding makes incredible competition dies. The Redding micrometer seating die is the industry standard.
I would also call Hornady American the "budget" besides Lee. Love your videos, keep being awesome.
@@funigui I guess that's why all my long range friends like Redding. Me being from the action pistol and 3-gun life style have always been more concerned with sustained bulk production.
@@deuceandguns hey just an opinion, if I was loading 3 gun, no questions asked I would be all over Dillon. And their customer support is basically the same as RCBS if not better (faster shipping, no hold times)
@@funigui Thanks, I appreciate the input. 👍
Enjoyed your video... keep them coming!
Lee s/h is high. That said, rcbs costs alot more to begin with, so your still paying. I wanted a Lee .17 dipper. It was free, but they wanted $10 to ship a tiny piece of plastic that could have been mailed in a .42 envelope. But I have had great experiences with Loading with Lee products.
Both great companies
Nice to know, thanks.
Thanks for sharing!
I fucked up my Redding 223 decapper which is part of the sizing die due to my own incompetence (I don't remember how but it bent) and I asked her if I could order a new one and they just sent me a new one free of charge. That was neat.
Don’t say, “cheap.” Say instead,”less expensive.” I’ve both, each have slight differences that work too the better of circumstances.
I've used Lee for 30 years with zero complaint on either qaulity, design, performance or cost. Spares easily available when and if needed. Budget bullet seaters are all questionable, but that's what Redding are for.
I have a few Lee die sets (with Hornady locking rings), but most of my sets are RCBS or Hornady. I've never felt the need for spending the bucks for Dillon when RCBS and Hornady are so good. BTW, if you use a Hornady press and have LnL bushings on your dies, you've probably discovered that they won't fit in Lee die boxes. Midway sells empty Hornady die boxes that accommodate the bushings.
Thank you very much! Sir!
Lee has some really innovative products, and in a great many cases, I'm surprised that other companies have not sought to match some of Lee's extraordinary products. That being said, RCBS has never, ever let me down; there customer service is unmatched. I can't agree with you about Lee's presses, though. Several people have reported that RCBS presses produced hoity-toity level results (in terms of concentricity and general precision) without the extra equipment and high price tag. Most conclude that this is attributable to their fixed-base shell holder philosophy. I shot competition for a couple of years, and bought a lot of the gauges and other precision equipment common to that level of reloading. I don't know about Dillon, but comparing run-of-the-mill RCBS presses and dies to top-of-the-line Redding press and dies, the RCBS press produced superior concentricity without any extra alteration after bullet seating. The RCBS press did better even when used with the Redding dies. There is, however, a caveat to all this: now days you have to be concerned about whether you will still be allowed to buy reloading dies in the future. Increasingly, the anti-gun people are focusing on restricting ammo purchases; they are bound, some day, to get around to restricting the purchase of reloading equipment and components. Keeping this in mind, I am now trying to determine who makes the most indestructible dies, for I fully expect that the day will come when customer service won't matter. THANKS FOR A GREAT VIDEO!
Those 'reasons' are otherwise known as "Patents".
@@tkarlmann Where have you been? For the past couple of decades, there is an increasing realization that there is nothing quite so worthless in today's business world than the lowly patent. Even if you have the money to defend it, that well usually come up dry.
@@Wen-ve8nx Well, OK, you are right. I recall a Motorola Patent Lawyer who once said to me that the court kinda looks at the stack of papers each guy has, and the one with the most BS-on-paper wins. That was many years ago.
However, Lee is coming out with a new type of press, and the top Lee guy says, right on their website, that he is waiting for patents to be finalized.
Wen0110 In my area they are already restricting reloading material and the catalogue companies I buy from always are out of stock on items especially bullets.
That was an excellent video. Thank you for sharing.
I like lee and RCBS they are both great companies and they both are very important to the reloading industry. There are products by lee that are better than RCBS, dillon and Reading but no one talks about that, on the other hand RCBS has products that are better than lee,hornady, Reading and others ,they all have place in this industry. Brian at RCBS is one of the best people that I've ever talk to about reloading dies and questions. Remember we have raw Freedom in the USA. Thanks
Great video and information! Thank you
RCBS is an awesome company, great quality products and their customer service is par none.
I have to deal with lots of companies with the various things I do and RCBS has the best customer service of any company in the world.
That is not to slam LEE in any way.
What are you talking about, Dillon hand delivers replacement parts and gives me hugs all the time 😜
My experience with RCBS customer service was every bit as good as yours, and my experience with Lee has been even worse. That said, my worst experience was with Wilson. They told me I would have to return a product to Midway, because I had bought it from Midway instead of directly from Wilson (at a much higher price).
Just got the new Lee breech lock pro. In the manual it says the warranty is only good for 2 years.
I was looking at that press as a replacement for my very tired pro1000. How do you like it so far?
However, you pay much more for RCBS so, $6.50 shipping occasionally seemed wise.
Exactly! So 6.50 for unlimited parts is wt you get! So the $20 difference in price - $6.50 = $13.50 that rcbs made from ur pocket! Easy math, lee is the way to go, if u want better product get Redding dies! It’s that simple
Thank you for this video!
Thank you, Awesome video
, Hornady is ranked with RCBS, for the cost and replacement, Lee however is cheeper and charges shipping on their replacement parts. I get better accuracy out of RCBS and Hornady than what i get out of Lee by a large enough margin to avoid buying certain Lee products such as their presses that do not cam over, or rifle dies that are so rough inside that your brass looks like hell after resizing. However that being said, Lee pistol dies are very good and their hand primer is as well as the bullet sizing dies and bullet molds but for warranty and precision for the value RCBS and Hornady is the way to go.
Iv had lee dies for a couple years. Never needed the warranty, just used them... so kind of a moot point in my mind. Broke a decapper once, my fault, bought a new one. If I can't afford a $6 pin, you shouldn't be reloading. Also I add hornady rings to all my dies, so rings are moot
I have not experienced the famous RCBS warranty or guarantee. I bought a Rockchucker reloading kit as a Christmas present for myself in December 2013. It came with their entry level powder measure. I did not use it immediately, stored it away for several years. I was a beginning reloader and used the press and some of the other stuff but did not use the powder measure that came with the kit. When I finally broke the powder measure out to use it, it had rusted. I called RCBS expecting they replace it based upon "how great" the RCBS warranty is. The RCBS customer service person was a d*ckhead. He told me they would not replace it. Since then Ive become unenamored with RCBS and I buy mostly Hornady, with a few Lee specialty items. Ive also found Lyman reloading gear good, especially for brass prep. I reload mostly for service rifle. I like how Hornady has catered to the expansion of service rifle target competition in the last ten years, Hornady has really expanded their game in the last ten years. RCBS has IMO, sat on their laurels. Why should I buy reloading dies from RCBS that cam over when I can buy Hornady dies that dont cam over and work the brass the same? Its less work on me and less stress on my bench and press. Lee stuff is OK and I have some of their stuff, my impression of Lee is they have an old school approach which is cool. RCBS...they make some good stuff but their time has passed and they have an attitude.
You must always store your reloading equipment in a dry environment. Rust is not a warranty issue
Lee and RCBS might be Low to Mid Range but then there is Frankford Arsenal. Now some people love F-A stuff and they are usually sub Lee prices but I've heard their customer support is nonexistent.
Not mention RCBS has better quality products. I am getting rid of my lee dies. No matter how much I tighten the screw for the decappimg pin always slips after just a few rounds. Also like you mention about the washers. RCBS for the money, hands down better customer service and better product. I have that LEE torrent press and love it. Just not thier dies.
That is a solid press. No doubt about it. And it will last forever.
I love my Lee Precision
What's your opinion on the cheaper Hornady dies? They seem to be really nice, but I notice, by the time you order a shell holder and die box (cheapest set come in bubble pack) your at the mid grade sets price point.
I only have one set of Hornady dies which are in 300 Win Mag so I don't have a ton of experience with them. They seem similar to the RCBS in quality but I've not had the need to test their warranty service.
The cheaper hornady dies are same price as rcbs and way more than lee dies! Use lee for budget or Redding if quality is a concern
If you want a really rough set of dies buy the cheapest ones starting with L. Buy RCBS. Much smoother.
Thank Q Sir. God Bless.
I'm a bit late, but customer service representative cost money and for the most Lee Precision is cheaper than RCBS. It's cool, either way honestly.
My only issue with RCBS dies is that they don’t have a powder through setup like Lee has. My lee 9mm set has the mouth expander die and on top of it sits a lee auto drum case activated powder measure. RCBS doesn’t have anything like that.
Both seem pretty good...free shipping is pretty nice
I prefer the split type lock ring over the RCBS type.
I like them both
Good review
Nice video
Good stuff
in the usa you get unlimited warranty on your lee dies ! here in the uk we get 12 months warranty so i break my decapper pin after 13 months i now have to pay full whack for the new pin ! guess lee dont mind upsetting us in the uk ! guess who has started moving to RCBS dies...
I have tried RCBS email it does not work, I tried three times to get a order number for a cover for the primer tool, and was never contacted, so I bought a Lee priming tool
So you can't put links to sites in the description?
Not to any site that primarily sells firearms equipment. I also can't show actual reloading going on in the videos so talking about the equipment is about all I can do now.
@@deuceandguns RUclips is a bit tyrannical twards it's creators. Someone needs to start a rival platform that is not as restricted
I Also keep spare pins and rods at my bench
You mentioned you spoke with a real live person at RCBS but you did not call Lee?
For small parts Lee used to let you order free small parts straight from the website so no call was needed. I did call them in another video which I recorded here: ruclips.net/video/1W_t7daXITY/видео.html