how much pressure do I need to apply to press?

[dacaur]

When reloading, do I just need to press the handle down till it stops, or do I need to give it a good heave downward after it stops?

[bootsmcguire]

I am running Lee Presses and all of mine have stops on the handles. Would do no good to heave.

If your dies are set to contact the shell holder (with the exception of the Lee Collet Die) then once your stroke is to the top and the shell holder has made contact with the base of the die then there is no more travel possible.

[dacaur]

oh yes, I am using a lee turret press.
I figured that was it... when I first started reloading, I was giving a good heave, but lately I've just been pressing down till it stops, and haven't noticed a difference in the cartridge measurements or shooting... thanks....