Howdy:
Got back into reloading as I had some dead time due to travel and kiddo obligations. Instead of reading my phone, I figured that was a fine time to do some batch processing off/near the truck's tail gate.
I already had a Lee Hand Press and Lee C-style Reloader press. Used them both successfully in the past and they still work, though my shoulder does ache a bit after heavy Hand Press use (due to recent shoulder surgery). I also have an older RCBS Rock Chucker, but it is too heavy for a portable setup.
Looking at my portable setup (everything but B&D Workmate fits in a 12 gal flip top box) I figured I cold afford (space & weight wise) a slightly larger aluminum frame press. The Lee Challenger Breech Block has done the trick.
I remove the lever arm for storage and the little parts go into a small plastic container. I already keep an adjustable wrench, so assembly/disassembly is no whoop.
For loading .357mag and .38special it has thus far done great, 250 rounds loaded in the last week during dead/wasted/lost time waiting around for the kiddos. I arrive early to avoid rush hour traffic. It almost seems like somebody just dropped ammo in my lap, I did not have to give up my evenings.
The Challenger is heavier than the Lee Reloader, but more robust and with better spent primer handling. The Challenger is not as robust as the Rock Chucker, but much lighter and handles spent primers much better. Love my Chucker, but it is a bit 'tarded when it comes to spent primers.
The cherry on top is that I bought it as a factory refurb deal from Lee. Instead of $100+shipping, it was $40+shipping. More factory refurbs in the future, please! I recall years past I passed up Pro1000 refurb deals in the neighborhood of $100.
Oh, the load:
.357mag brass, no matter the brand
Hornady 148gr HBWC
3.2 grains Winchester 231 powder
Small pistol primer, but will use a SP magnum if standard not available
Very light crimp
Very mild target load for .357mag revolvers.
Got back into reloading as I had some dead time due to travel and kiddo obligations. Instead of reading my phone, I figured that was a fine time to do some batch processing off/near the truck's tail gate.
I already had a Lee Hand Press and Lee C-style Reloader press. Used them both successfully in the past and they still work, though my shoulder does ache a bit after heavy Hand Press use (due to recent shoulder surgery). I also have an older RCBS Rock Chucker, but it is too heavy for a portable setup.
Looking at my portable setup (everything but B&D Workmate fits in a 12 gal flip top box) I figured I cold afford (space & weight wise) a slightly larger aluminum frame press. The Lee Challenger Breech Block has done the trick.
I remove the lever arm for storage and the little parts go into a small plastic container. I already keep an adjustable wrench, so assembly/disassembly is no whoop.
For loading .357mag and .38special it has thus far done great, 250 rounds loaded in the last week during dead/wasted/lost time waiting around for the kiddos. I arrive early to avoid rush hour traffic. It almost seems like somebody just dropped ammo in my lap, I did not have to give up my evenings.
The Challenger is heavier than the Lee Reloader, but more robust and with better spent primer handling. The Challenger is not as robust as the Rock Chucker, but much lighter and handles spent primers much better. Love my Chucker, but it is a bit 'tarded when it comes to spent primers.
The cherry on top is that I bought it as a factory refurb deal from Lee. Instead of $100+shipping, it was $40+shipping. More factory refurbs in the future, please! I recall years past I passed up Pro1000 refurb deals in the neighborhood of $100.
Oh, the load:
.357mag brass, no matter the brand
Hornady 148gr HBWC
3.2 grains Winchester 231 powder
Small pistol primer, but will use a SP magnum if standard not available
Very light crimp
Very mild target load for .357mag revolvers.