Classic Lee Loader for semi auto 9mm?

[Centella]

Hi friends,
I've been handloading for revolvers for about 7 months now with great results, it's been a ton of fun. So far I've done 38sp, 357mag, 44sp, 44mag, and 9mm (9mm for a Uberti single action). Now I've been thinking of getting a Beretta Px4 to get into the semi-auto game. Does anyone have experience handloading for a semi-auto with the Classic Lee Loader, which is what I have? The kit has worked great for my Uberti single action, but I imagine semi-autos can present some challenges, such as feeding, ect.

Let me know your views about this, thanks in advance.

 

[AK Hunter]

It does work but it's very slow. I would suggest going to a Lee breech lock or Lee Challenger single stage press. They are inexpensive & you can get very accurate loads from them.

 

[MarshallDodge]

It can be done but time is money. Years ago, I started loading revolver ammo on a single stage press. When I went to load 9mm, I figured out that it took an hour to make 50 rounds. At that time, 9mm was $10 a box. Components were 3 to 4 dollars of that, so I was making $6 an hour when my real job paid twice that.

Get a progressive or a turret press. It takes me 15 minutes to load 200 rounds on my progressive.

 

[Tilos]

Hi friends,
I've been handloading for revolvers for about 7 months now with great results, it's been a ton of fun. So far I've done 38sp, 357mag, 44sp, 44mag, and 9mm (9mm for a Uberti single action). Now I've been thinking of getting a Beretta Px4 to get into the semi-auto game. Does anyone have experience handloading for a semi-auto with the Classic Lee Loader, which is what I have? The kit has worked great for my Uberti single action, but I imagine semi-autos can present some challenges, such as feeding, ect.

Let me know your views about this, thanks in advance.

I'm not clear on what "press" you have now, but if it's a HAND press, get something that is bench mounted press.
Loading 9mm is no different than loading the straight wall/rimmed calibers you are already loading.
If you have a bench mounted press already, nevermind...
jmo,
.

 

[Centella]

Thank you friends. Yes, I understand that the Classic Lee Loader is slow. But that's not my concern right now. I just want to know if these 9mm rounds will feed properly in a semi-auto pistol, or are they more likely to have issues than the average factory round, such as jamming more often, etc.

 

[Centella]

I'm not clear on what "press" you have now, but if it's a HAND press, get something that is bench mounted press.
Loading 9mm is no different than loading the straight wall/rimmed calibers you are already loading.
If you have a bench mounted press already, nevermind...
jmo,
.

Thanks. The Classic Lee Loader is not a press, it's a "stand-alone" kit that you use with a mallet for resizing, crimping, etc...
I've been reloading 9mm for a little while now with great results for my 9mm Uberti single action (I know, that's not a very typical gun, but it is a lot of fun and it shoots great). So my question is about using this kit for a semi-automatic pistol, and the potential issues that might happen (rounds more likely to jam compared with the average factory round etc...)

 

[mdi]

I like Lee Loaders. I got my first in 1970 and now have 7, along with 4 presses and 1.72 metric tons of reloading tools. Crude, inaccurate? Not any I've used. IIRC a 1K yard accuracy record was held by a shooter that used a Lee Loader. (this maybe internet wisdom, but I read that several places). For learning to reload, there ain't much better than a Lee Loader. But today suggestions run to the "faster, more, faster, more, faster, faster, faster", $$$ tools and equipment. Slow? .

I used a Lee Loader in 45 ACP, and there is little difference form using my 38/357, 44 Magnum/Special or 45 Colt kits. I was careful with the crimping so as to deflare only, no crimp and I plunk tested quite a few. 9mm kit would keep your gun fed just fine...

There's a lot of confusion and ignorance around Lee Loaders (as you can see) and money ain't everything. You may be able to find cheap 9mm factory ammo, but just like any reloading, your handloads can be cheaper and better quality (If you can't make good handloads with a Lee Loader, perhaps look for another hobby). But I like reloading and my Lee Loaders are fun. I have used my 38 Special many, many times with an arbor press for brass prep, sixing, flaring and priming...

The 9mm Lee Loader full length sizes the brass, and I believe a taper crimp is used, although many reloaders do not crimp semi-auto handloads, they just deflare...

 

[MarshallDodge]

Thank you friends. Yes, I understand that the Classic Lee Loader is slow. But that's not my concern right now. I just want to know if these 9mm rounds will feed properly in a semi-auto pistol, or are they more likely to have issues than the average factory round, such as jamming more often, etc.

In a semi auto applicarion, cartridge overall length and the taper crimp are the critical dimensions that you want to be aware of. If a Lee Loader does not taper crimp, then I wouldn't use it.

Another thing to consider is the case bulge near the base of the brass. This happens when the brass is fired in a barrel with less case support, typically in a Glock. If the bulge is not removed during sizing, it can create issues when the brass is rechambered.

 

[Centella]

I like Lee Loaders. I got my first in 1970 and now have 7, along with 4 presses and 1.72 metric tons of reloading tools. Crude, inaccurate? IIRC a 1K yard accuracy record was held by a shooter that used a Lee Loader. (this maybe internet wisdom, but I read that several places). For learning to reload, there ain't much better than a Lee Loader. But today suggestions run to the "faster, more, faster, faster", $$$ tools and equipment. Slow? .

I used a Lee Loader in 45 ACP, and there is little difference form using my 38/357, 44 Magnum/Special or 45 Colt kits. I was careful with the crimping so as to deflare only, no crimp and I plunk tested quite a few. 9mm kit would keep your gun fed just fine...

There's a lot of confusion and ignorance around Lee Loaders (as you can see) and money ain't everything. But I like reloading and my Lee Loaders are fun. I have used my 38 Special many, many times with an arbor press for brass prep, sixing, flaring and priming...

Cool, thank you for the reply!

 

[243winxb]

I loaded 45 acp for semi auto. I had problems seating bullets. Had to buy an expander to slightly flare the case mouth. To much flare, if not remove, causes feeding problems.

https://support.leeprecision.net/en/knowledgebase

I would not buy the Classic Loader for 9 mm, because what Lee has posted on their website.

The Flaring Tool ships inside the 38 Special, 44 Mag & 45 Colt Classic Lee Loader Kits only. This is because the 9mm Luger and 45 ACP Kits are semi auto pistols and the bullets are generally not crimped in place. Because they are not crimped, the flare would not be removed. It is best to use jacketed bullets for your 9mm Luger and 45 ACP when using your Classic Lee Loader as they will seat better without a flare.

 

[CQB45ACP]

If I recall, this is also how @GeoDudeFlorida does a lot of his loading.

 

[deadeye dick]

Get a Lee Classic Turret press , learn how to use it properly. Have fun, you won't be dissapointed. If you are you won't be out a lot of money.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

If I recall, this is also how @GeoDudeFlorida does a lot of his loading.

But not for 9mm.
My opinion is to keep using what you’re comfortable with and concentrate on improving your process. There’s no reason the LL won’t make ammo fit for any self-loader. That’s what they’re designed for.

 

[JerkyFreak]

Used correctly the cartridges loaded will function just fine provided you don't try to load cast bullets.

I do have a problem with S&B cases. Those cases are a few thou bigger than SAAMI case tolerance at the web so is extremely difficult to full-size. Winchester, Fiocchi, Magtec work just fine.

 

[Tilos]

Thanks. The Classic Lee Loader is not a press, it's a "stand-alone" kit that you use with a mallet for resizing, crimping, etc...
I've been reloading 9mm for a little while now with great results for my 9mm Uberti single action (I know, that's not a very typical gun, but it is a lot of fun and it shoots great). So my question is about using this kit for a semi-automatic pistol, and the potential issues that might happen (rounds more likely to jam compared with the average factory round etc...)

OH, OK
You will need to buy the intended gun and use the barrel to plunk test your wack-a-mole reloads.
Chambers vary from gun to gun/mfg. to mfg'er so I cannot answer your question here and anyone who tries to is only speculating.

So, buy the gun, plunk test your reloads, and return here if you have any problems and we all will help you out.
jmo,
.

 

[jmorris]

I don’t have an answer for you but Lee says not for semiautos for rifle and ok, if you use cases you already fired for pistol.

Lee Precision, Inc.. Instructions

Instructions

leeprecision.com

 

[Mark_Mark]

Lee Loader ! wish they made a Tshirt or Hoodie or tang too! they is COOL

 

[Mark_Mark]

if OP want to step up to a hand press $43, or a C-press $70 Lee got Close outs!!!

Lee Precision, Inc.. Closeouts

surplus, obsolete, discontinued or factory second merchandise

leeprecision.com

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

if OP want to step up to a hand press $43, or a C-press $70 Lee got Close outs!!!

Lee Precision, Inc.. Closeouts

surplus, obsolete, discontinued or factory second merchandise

leeprecision.com

Tempting. I wouldn’t mind a second hand press.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Tempting. I wouldn’t mind a second hand press.

that’s a good price for a hand press! always wanted one!

 

[StrykerByte.45]

Absolutely no reason to crimp. Get beveled base bullets to seat easy. You might need slightly larger bullets, .355 might be too small. You will need to plunk test in your barrel. Other than that it should work well. Im loading 45auto no problem with .452 bullets. It might also be a good idea to tumble after sizing.

 

[GooseGestapo]

The 9mm LeeLoader is a little different than the rifle loaders. It’s cut with a reamer much like an undersized barrel chamber, or steel reloading press type die.
I always used an ink pad and a bit of STP oil treatment to lube my .22Hornet cases I loaded on a LeeLoader. It is a “tapered” case much like the 9mm.
The LeeLoader die will even take out the Glock smile if you hammer the case in sufficiently. My H&R Topper single shot would extrude brass into the extractor cut…
You should inspect your loaded ammo in the barrel removed from the pistol. If it drops in with a “plunk”! It’ll likely chamber and fire. Be judicious with powder choices because with the Lee dipper provided with the Loader might not throw a heavy enough charge to get reliable cycling of a 9mm.
But, the LL is, what it is…. A gateway tool to get you “HOOKED”.

First it’s an improved primer tool..(was mine!)..
Then it’s a complete dipper (measure) set… me too!
Then a Powder scale to weigh dipped charges….
Then it’s a basic Jr. press and carbide die set. (My Jr was an RCBS… circa 1974. Still have it!).
Then it’s a Classic press… Next thing you know… You have an entire air conditioned shop to hold all your reloading/casting STUFF…)

It’s a sickness I’m telling YOU !!!!

 

[StrykerByte.45]

I just started using the LL myself recently. Im looking into the dipper set myself also. I also have a digital scale that was given to me and works great for powder measure. I use the dipper so far and it coincidentally has just about the right powder charge but I use the scale to double check. I zero the case on the scale and place the charge to get the difference. The dipper set will come in handy eventually, I thinks.
I seen the same scale on ebay for less than $15, it was suggested to me after looking up dipper prices, which so far Ebay has the best prices for me for them.
I also noticed someone selling 3D printed dippers and I found the files on Thingiverse. I happen to be a great 3D printer. I just dont think that they will fit the case mouths like the LD will, but I might try a small one to make adjustments.
At first, I thought I needed a stump or a heavy table to do this but a heavy brick works great with a rag on top.
A solid surface, even the brick, makes a world of a difference on whacking, so if you think its taking too long you got the wrong surface.

 

[FROGO207]

Yep the propper base will work well. I use a foot long scrap piece of 6X6 spruce stood on end on a low bench or between my legs when sitting on the ground for best results.

To answer the OP's question I have used my 9MM loader to make ammo for several semiautos with no problem. Just takes some setup just like using a press to get it to work.

Loaders are what they are. The most basic form of reloading. Certainly not fast but rewarding to use all the same.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

The 9mm LeeLoader is a little different than the rifle loaders. It’s cut with a reamer much like an undersized barrel chamber, or steel reloading press type die.
I always used an ink pad and a bit of STP oil treatment to lube my .22Hornet cases I loaded on a LeeLoader. It is a “tapered” case much like the 9mm.
The LeeLoader die will even take out the Glock smile if you hammer the case in sufficiently. My H&R Topper single shot would extrude brass into the extractor cut…
You should inspect your loaded ammo in the barrel removed from the pistol. If it drops in with a “plunk”! It’ll likely chamber and fire. Be judicious with powder choices because with the Lee dipper provided with the Loader might not throw a heavy enough charge to get reliable cycling of a 9mm.
But, the LL is, what it is…. A gateway tool to get you “HOOKED”.

First it’s an improved primer tool..(was mine!)..
Then it’s a complete dipper (measure) set… me too!
Then a Powder scale to weigh dipped charges….
Then it’s a basic Jr. press and carbide die set. (My Jr was an RCBS… circa 1974. Still have it!).
Then it’s a Classic press… Next thing you know… You have an entire air conditioned shop to hold all your reloading/casting STUFF…)

It’s a sickness I’m telling YOU !!!!

I use the LL when I only have a few rounds to load or when I want very high precision. The warning about semiautomatic rifles is based on the lack of body sizing - neck only sizing is not recommended for self loading actions because they rely on springs and inertia to chamber cartridges. I full length size all of my brass before it’s stored so that’s not an issue but the warning assumes the handloaders only using a LL.

Like any other tool, when used properly it’s as good as the operator for the task.