Challenger III single stage reloading press - Lee
The Challenger has been the world's best-selling single stage press for forty years. The Challenger III is the third generation. Lee kept everything that made the press great and improved it on the few points that really matter.
The base is a cast aluminium O-frame. That is by far the strongest and most popular press shape, and Lee does not call this frame unbreakable for nothing. The linkage is all steel. There is enough stroke, clearance and power to size even the largest magnum cases, so the press does not run into its limits quickly.
What stands out on this generation is the lever. It is ergonomically formed and adjustable in length. You no longer have to stoop at the bottom of the stroke, which makes a long reloading session a lot more pleasant.
Fast die changes
The Breech Lock Quick Change system is built in as standard. The press comes with a Smart Lock Bushing and a lock ring wrench. You thread your die into the bushing, set it up once, and after that you take it out with a quarter turn and return it to exactly the same position. No re-adjustment, and no tools or lock rings needed. The splined drive surface on the bushing makes threading in and out fast and accurate. The system works with dies from all brands.
Priming and primer collection
The Lee Lever Prime System lets you prime on the press. On this generation the priming position has been moved up front, to where you are already looking and working. Switching between the small and large primer arm takes no tools. If you prefer to work with a separate primer feeder, the press is compatible with the Safety Prime feeder for small and large primers. That is not included with the press.
Spent primers fall straight down through the ram into a collection tube. That keeps dirt and grime away from the frame and ram, and your bench stays clean.
Specifications
• Type: single stage O-frame press
• Frame: unbreakable O-frame, cast aluminium
• Linkage: all steel
• Capacity: stroke and power for the largest magnum cases
• Die system: Breech Lock Quick Change, with Smart Lock Bushing and lock ring wrench included
• Die thread: 7/8"-14, fits dies from all brands
• Priming: Lee Lever Prime System, on-press, small and large arm
• Optional: compatible with Safety Prime feeder (not included)
• Primer collection: through the ram into a collection tube
• Lever: ergonomically formed, adjustable length
• Origin: Made in USA
Who is this press for?
The Challenger III is an excellent choice if you are just starting out with reloading. Strong, simple and affordable, with enough comfort to keep you going for years. As an experienced reloader it also works well as a solid second press for separate tasks or brass prep. It handles both handgun and rifle calibres, right up to the big magnums.
Not sure whether this press fits your setup? Email us at vragen@hop.nl. We reload ourselves and are happy to think along with you. You can also browse our other reloading presses for the full range.
