R.I.P. Dick Lee

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  • Last Post 07 October 2018
GP Idaho posted this 04 October 2018

I just learned of Dick Lee's passing Sept. the 22nd, . regardless of what reloading equipment you prefer, it's hard for me to think of a man that has done more to bring our hobby to the spot it is today and not just the pastime of the wealthy.  Well done Mr. Lee.  Gp

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fa38 posted this 04 October 2018

Richard Lee by his son.

https://leeprecision.com/userfiles/images/RichardLeeEulogy.pdf

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frnkeore posted this 04 October 2018

I totally agree!

He is the one that ALL USA businesses should model their businesses after.

RIP Mr Lee

Frank

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John Alexander posted this 04 October 2018

Agree. Some of his designs are still unequaled and Lee's designs were always clever.

Additionally the company was always generous with CBA. They passed out tens of thousands of our recruiting cards in their mold boxes.

John

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Dale53 posted this 05 October 2018

Probably fifty years ago, I called Lee Precision. Money was tight for me and the Christmas Holidays were approaching. I wanted a couple of Lee Target Loaders for my own Christmas present. When I tried to order them, I learned that they were out of stock of the one I most wanted. Richard Lee, himself, was put on the phone. He was VERY nice and helpful to talk to. He told me that the loader I wanted was scheduled for restocking in a month or so. However, he stated, he would personally see that the schedule was advanced and personally guaranteed that I would have the item when desired. It happened EXACTLY as he stated. I still have that Lee Target loader, by the way.

A close friend of mine became a Lee Distributor in this area. As a result, I have had an opportunity to check out most of what Lee has offered over the years. I have LOTS of Lee products on my loading benches and they have seldom disappointed me.

I have dies by all makers and I treasure my Lee dies and have LOTS of respect for them. They have loaded tens of thousands (actually over a couple hundred thousand rounds) for me over the years. Dillon's progressive presses are superior (I have two) but, you will not find me slamming Lee. Their modest prices have allowed and encouraged MANY to reload that would have never started this great hobby if it were not for Lee.

Richard Lee, rest in peace!

Dale53

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BigMan54 posted this 05 October 2018

I started out with a great dislike of the "cheap" LEE PRODUCTS.  The only LEE PRODUCTS I ever owned were the large & small hand "punch" decappers, then the LEE hand-priming tool w/tray came out. I wore out 2, and I did lube them very well. I thought LEE was trash.

Then I got three  used 3 2cav 44 molds. WELL HEY, THESE AREN'T TOO BAD.  I was given 3 sets of LEE dies. .32S&W, .38S&W & .44Russian. They worked very well. Except the 44 shell holder Broke my primer decap/eject system on my RC and the shell holders won't fit in my OLD LYMAN press or either of my RCBS  priming tools. Dies work very well. 

Due to the references on this Website,  I bought a LEE 6cav 32RN mold, good advice from you guys got me casting great bullets in a short time.

Thanks to youse guys I am now a believer in LEE PRODUCTS. I must have 12+molds and another dozen asst. LEE Products. 

I THINK Richard LEE was a hard working GENIUS. I AM POSITIVE THAT THE AVALIBLITY OF HIS PRODUCTS HAS INCREASED BOTH RELOADING & CASTING TO A GREAT MANY FOLKS WHO WOULD HAVE JUST LOOKED AT A $500 DILLON OR RCBS SET UP AND NEVER CONSIDERED IT.

GOD BLESS Richard LEE and MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

T

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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Danny posted this 05 October 2018

I'll miss him. He made precision affordable and innovation reality. I hope someone steps up.

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Bud Hyett posted this 05 October 2018

He published a thorough examination of powders in reduced loads in his reloading manual. This chapter should be required reading for CBA membership.

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

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David Reiss posted this 05 October 2018

In looking for an article in a past Handloader's Digest just this week, I re-read an article he wrote about the Lee story. Odd coincidence, but true story. 

I started with a .38/.357 Lee Loader and a 12 ga Load-All, still have them and many more products I have purchased over the past 40+ years. As Bud says, his manual was outstanding in helping me with cast bullet loads. I truly appreciate his products and will continue to buy them. 

Richard, rest in peace, you have given us a lot. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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JeffinNZ posted this 06 October 2018

I certainly would not have done the handloading I have without Lee tools.   

Cheers from New Zealand

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Gregor posted this 07 October 2018

He led a good, productive life that enriched many people. 

I bought a Lee Load-All 20ga press at 16 years old and added a factory second Lee Turret Press w/auto index to load for my high school graduation gift Ruger Redhawk 44 Magnum at 19 years old.  Added additional die sets as my collection expanded.  

His pricing allowed many people to begin handloading that otherwise would have been unable to considered it. I still use my 3-hole turret press 33 years later.

We are diminished.

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SouthDakota4440 posted this 07 October 2018

The written eulogy of Richard Lee is incredible....a man for all seasons.  A very accomplished life.  I too started reloading with a 20 gauge "Lee Loader" in 1966.  Many a shell was reloaded with that loader.  Rest in Piece Mr Lee, and may the Good Lord comfort your family.

Marc

mm

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