TheAvenger
Member
I am new to reloading and considering buying the Lee Classic Loader for .308 Winchester, I realize this is considered low tech but is it a good place to start?
The Lee Loader does not full length size. It only neck sizes.Not sure how full-length resizing thicker military .308 cases is like with the Lee Classic Reloader and a hammer (perhaps someone with experience can post) but I would highly recommend any "O" ring type single stage press for reloading rifle cartridges.
Have you considered used? I usually see used single stage presses for $20-$40 in classified/Craigslist/gun shows.
Lee breech lock press is $59 - https://fsreloading.com/lee-breech-lock-challenger-90588.html
And the kit is $106 - https://fsreloading.com/lee-breech-lock-challenger-kit-90030.html
If you are referring to the Lee LOADER KIT, which needs a hammer and uses a single die body to deprime, reprime, load, and seat the bullet, yes, it can load excellent ammo. It is S-L-O-W, needs a hammer to resize the case, does not full length resize rifle cases (neck sizes only for the most part) so you normally can NOT use them in a lever, pump or auto, and will drive you nutz after awhile. If you absolutely MUST have the absolute minimum of cost and size, then yes, go for it. They do cost the same as the Lee die sets, which I recommend by the way, and you will need a different kit for each cartridge, but they can get the job done.
Everybody can have a bad experience with something, and they're welcome to their opinions, but my personal experience just doesn't match up with paragraph/soapbox 1,2 & part of 3 of Legion's post. The library was a good suggestion.