History
Brief History of Lee Reloading Equipment
The Lee reloading business began in the home workshop of Richard Lee in 1958 with the invention of the famous Lee Loader for shotgun shells. Lee Loaders, for rifle and pistol ammunition, were invented in the early sixties. These highly effective and economical tools introduced over one and a half million shooters to reloading.
The seventies saw the first lathe turned aluminum bullet molds along with melters and sizers. These make casting bullets easy and more precise than ever before possible. The molds are so precise that most Lee bullets do not require sizing. Toward the mid decade, the enormously popular Lee Load-All for shotgun shells was invented.
The huge following of Lee Loader users enthusiastically upgraded to new Lee presses and dies when they were introduced in the eighties. Many owners of other brands of dies and presses were easily won over because of the innovative features offered only by Lee. During this period, tens of thousands' of reloaders enjoyed the speed and fun of reloading with the Lee Turret Press and the most popular of all progressive presses the Lee Pro 1000.
Initially, every Lee product is distinctly different from products offered by other companies. Soon however, other companies imitate our inventions and offer products almost as good, but at higher prices. Dies, presses, crimpers, powder measures, priming tools, scales, bullet molds, melters, bullet sizers, lubricants, turrets, trimmers and many accessories are all inventions introduced by Lee and copied by others.
Every Lee product must always pass the Lee three question tests:
- Does it fill a real need or is it better than any other product available?
- Can it be produced at an affordable price?
- Would I buy one?
A yes to all three is required before we introduce a product.
The most outstanding and daring features of Lee products are these unusual guarantees
- Every Lee product is unconditionally guaranteed for a full two years and a conditional lifetime guarantee.
- You may get a full refund within 30 days if you are not 100% satisfied, from all participating dealers.
- Lee dies are guaranteed to produce ammunition with less bullet run-out than any other brand. Ammunition loaded with Lee collet dies are guaranteed to shoot the smallest groups, even when matched against custom bench rest equipment! Not so daring as they have already broken one world record.
Serving the reloaders of the world for sixty years, Lee Precision is 100% family owned.
On a personal note, my Father, the inventor of the Lee Loader and more than 30 other patented reloading products passed away September 22, 2018. Without Dad, I wouldn't be here, and reloading your own ammunition would have been an expensive hobby for a wealthy few.
Sincerely,
John Lee
President