OldGunMan
Member
Has anyone used the Lee Classic Loader (the all-in one-kit for about $30) for 9mm? How well does it work? Does the resulting ammo present any feed problems in a semi-auto pistol? Thanks, Bruce
Lee Classic Loader for 9mm
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Thompsoncustom
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ya I have used one the only real down side is the time it takes to do all the steps. I find the hand press is a better option as it is still not fast but is much easier and quite.
FROGO207
Member
As stated above the only thing bad about them is the longer time it takes to load a batch compared to using any type of press. IMHO if you get one of the Lee handheld presses and a set of dies (around $45-$60) instead, at least you can change the dies when needed as well as use those die sets on a bench mounted press should you decide to buy one at a later date. The lee loader will only load that particular caliber round so to load a different one you need to get another lee loader for that caliber also. Not my thing so I use the lee loaders I have for backup if my main dies or presses should all break or get stolen.
Better to get a Single Stage press and a set of dies from Lee if your on a budget like I was.
I think you can get a single stage from Lee for $30? It's a real plain one. Small, I think it was the "C" one? Someone correct me on this matter.
The dies them self can cost you about $25 or about $35 for carbide. If you can, get the carbide dies so you don't have to lube the cases prior to rezising and depriming.
As mentioned above, What you are looking at is very time consuming. For all the work your going to put in, You might as well at least think about the single stage and go from there.
Look on here at the BUY/SELL/TRADE area. People often sell their old ones or those who want to get out.
I think you can get a single stage from Lee for $30? It's a real plain one. Small, I think it was the "C" one? Someone correct me on this matter.
The dies them self can cost you about $25 or about $35 for carbide. If you can, get the carbide dies so you don't have to lube the cases prior to rezising and depriming.
As mentioned above, What you are looking at is very time consuming. For all the work your going to put in, You might as well at least think about the single stage and go from there.
Look on here at the BUY/SELL/TRADE area. People often sell their old ones or those who want to get out.
ChefJeff1
Member
I think for 9mm or any semi-auto, the loader would frustrate you. Kind of like cooking all day on Thanksgiving and eating your dinner in 6 minutes. I like the lee loader for revolver and my 30-30 but i don't use it very often and just use it to load some light fun loads, nothing serious.
The other day i was loading 44 mag and set off several primers in side the house. It was loud. i stopped after about the third or fourth one. I think it was because the log I was using to hammer on was not totally level.
The other day i was loading 44 mag and set off several primers in side the house. It was loud. i stopped after about the third or fourth one. I think it was because the log I was using to hammer on was not totally level.
I have used a lot of Lee Loaders including the 9mm and they are more than adequate for loading up to 50 rounds in an hour or two. If you are the type that wants to try reloading and you don't want to get a lot into it, then get the Lee Loader, some good powder (I like 231) and some copper plated bullets. I think it is quite relaxing once in awhile even though I have lots of presses, ect.
I bought a discounted one in 44 Mag eons ago to try it.
the whole hammering thing will make you very unpopular if you share a house/block, and it didn't treat the brass very well.
In 9 luger, you also need to be more repetitive than with other calibers (brass length, light crimp, etc..) and I don't think it's the tool for it.
overall, whatever the caliber, i's a poor saving.
the whole hammering thing will make you very unpopular if you share a house/block, and it didn't treat the brass very well.
In 9 luger, you also need to be more repetitive than with other calibers (brass length, light crimp, etc..) and I don't think it's the tool for it.
overall, whatever the caliber, i's a poor saving.
Per the last post, I am not sure why the Lee Loader didn't "treat the brass well". I understand that the 44 mag probably takes the most effort to resize in the Lee Loader but with a good lube and a plastic mallet I have never seen brass damage. The 9mm goes ito the sizer with very little effort/pounding.
Regarding consistency. Once you resize the brass remove the barrel of your pistol (if your pistol can do this) and see if the resized brass easily drops and properly headspaces. If so, you shouldn't have any problems feeding if you finish with a properly loaded case including a go OAL. Crimping shouldn't really be necessary or really wanted since the cartridge headspaces on the edge of the case.
Take your time and you can make some very decent and consistent rounds.
Regarding consistency. Once you resize the brass remove the barrel of your pistol (if your pistol can do this) and see if the resized brass easily drops and properly headspaces. If so, you shouldn't have any problems feeding if you finish with a properly loaded case including a go OAL. Crimping shouldn't really be necessary or really wanted since the cartridge headspaces on the edge of the case.
Take your time and you can make some very decent and consistent rounds.
One last thought. The Lee Loaders have been around since the early 60's with very little change. They must work to have survived the market for that long especially with all the razzle dazzle really cool stuff out there to compete against. I really like Dillon, RCBS, and Lee Press systems but the Lee Loader certainly has had and still has its place.
jcwit
member
As Vacek says the Lee Loader has been around for years with little changes other than the box it comes in.
Actually is not a slow way at all to reload cartridges if you do it in batches, as in deprime all, resize all, and prime all. Then complete the reloading process. Maybe not quite as fast as a press but then a single stage press is not quite as fast as a turrent, nor is a turrent press quite as fast as a progressive.
I wonder whether all those who claim or say the Lee Loader is so awful slow have ever owned or used one.
I have a number of them in various calibers and at times take them to the range when working up a load. They are also handy for when one does not wish to change the set they may have in their press, or in my case presses.
Check out E-Bay, one can pick up the common calibers there for as little as $10/15 bucks.
Actually is not a slow way at all to reload cartridges if you do it in batches, as in deprime all, resize all, and prime all. Then complete the reloading process. Maybe not quite as fast as a press but then a single stage press is not quite as fast as a turrent, nor is a turrent press quite as fast as a progressive.
I wonder whether all those who claim or say the Lee Loader is so awful slow have ever owned or used one.
I have a number of them in various calibers and at times take them to the range when working up a load. They are also handy for when one does not wish to change the set they may have in their press, or in my case presses.
Check out E-Bay, one can pick up the common calibers there for as little as $10/15 bucks.
I used a hammer, and it took lots of energy. The brass wouldn't be worked evenly and I often had to trim it because one side would have "grown".
Also some bullets would be seated askew and the rims/heads would thin with the hammering.
But then I was young and foolish,.... might have disregarded the notice...
Also some bullets would be seated askew and the rims/heads would thin with the hammering.
But then I was young and foolish,.... might have disregarded the notice...
Dang Makg,
I wish I could have been young and foolish once. I was born and old grouchy fart, yet foolish....
I hate reading directions... Anyway, I digress. 44 Mag with a Lee Loader is the ultimate test of that system. I had a buddy back in the 80's on a ranch I worked at. I loaded 357 and he 44 Mag. He was able to do it with a plastic hammer and lube but indeed it did take more of an effort but not excessive. When we ran low we would get out the brass and components, sit on the old bunkhouse floor and start pounding. We kept the coyotes at bay.
No doubt the hammer you used would have caused some damage.
I wish I could have been young and foolish once. I was born and old grouchy fart, yet foolish....
I hate reading directions... Anyway, I digress. 44 Mag with a Lee Loader is the ultimate test of that system. I had a buddy back in the 80's on a ranch I worked at. I loaded 357 and he 44 Mag. He was able to do it with a plastic hammer and lube but indeed it did take more of an effort but not excessive. When we ran low we would get out the brass and components, sit on the old bunkhouse floor and start pounding. We kept the coyotes at bay.No doubt the hammer you used would have caused some damage.
jcwit
member
Try a Lee Loader with .30 Carbine, even Lee states it takes excessive effort, I solved it by not hammering the case flush into the die, works just as well without all the effort.
By all means, LUBE the cases.
By all means, LUBE the cases.
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