Store Bought Hand Tools No Advantage

Q: My mate reloads for his hunting rifle with a set of Lee Hand Tools and claims his ammo is better than my reloads (which are assembled on a Redding T7 Turret Press). That can’t be true, can it?
Alan Harding

A: Maybe it can, but not necessarily because he uses straightline tools. Most benchresters who are the world’s fussiest handloaders, use hand-held straightline tools exclusively, but they are custom-made dies especially matched to the chambers of their individual rifles. The Lee straightline hand tool your mate has certainly can’t be guaranteed to deliver “better” ammo than your turret press with high-quality dies. A precision bench press will produce ammo as good as the handheld tool

Nick Harvey

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The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.