Lee Classic Loader Kit - Cabela's

[Rail Driver]

I've been thinking about getting into reloading lately, but I don't know if I'm ready to go all out and get a press and a whole setup... Has anyone had experience with these? What else would I need (besides powder, brass, bullets and primers) to begin loading a handful of rounds now and again to get a feel for it? I would likely be loading .223 for my AR.



http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847&hasJS=true

 

[dagger dog]

A lot of reloaders have started with that kit. But if you are loading for an AR , auto loader, you need to go with a full length resize die to eleminate any feeding problems. The Lee classic just neck sizes, and could cause problems in your AR.

You may think about a small press as Lees Reloader and a set of dies with the full length sizer and a Lee Ram primer, it won't cost a whole lot more. The little press is basic but it works well.

If you decide to go farther into the hobby the little Reloader press can do double duty as a stand alone deprimer or even sizer if you get into casting.

 

[Rail Driver]

Could cause problems, or will cause problems? I don't plan on re-using my brass 20 times or anything, nor am I planning on reloading a lot initially. If I end up deciding that reloading is for me I will be investing in a turret press.

 

[dagger dog]

If you shoot an auto loader you will defintely run into feeding problems, the brass usually expands then shrinks a bit on firing, but will most likley bind up on the second or third loading.

 

[Rail Driver]

Will this kit work with a full length resize die? I'm loathe to spend $200+ on something I may or may not end up getting into.

 

[rcmodel]

NO.

The Lee Hammer-Bammer only neck sizes.

Won't work worth a hoot for an AR-15.

Besides it will drive you to distraction pounding on it, and scare the crap out of you when the occasionaly primer goes off in your hand! And it will.

Just get a cheap press and real reloading dies.

rc

 

[Rail Driver]

Thanks rcmodel. Any recommendations? I wasn't really planning on spending more than $100 or so at the most initially which is why I was looking at this kit.

 

[dagger dog]

Rail,

Check Ebay for the little Lee Reloader Press you can find them for under 25 bucks, a set of dies antoher 20, a ram prime 10. I think they sell the smallest press kit with the ram prime and a manual, with a tube of sizing lube for under 50 bucks.

Go to Lees web site www.leeprecision.com and check them out, some times they sell seconds, or remans that are perfectly good to start out with. Then you can invest another 10 bucks on a set of dippers.

 

[Rail Driver]

Thanks, I'm looking at the lee site now. They've got a mess of stuff, and their closeouts page is a bit confusing having to go back and forth to see what each listing means, but basically the lee press, and dies and a ram primer and I'm good to go? (plus powder dippers I guess?)

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=820810

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=423081

One or the other + a set of .223 dies.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=554943

rc

 

[Rail Driver]

What's the difference between the breech lock press and the other?

 

[rcmodel]

The Breach-Lock has a quick-change die function you don't need.

It's an ingenious solution to a non-existent problem.

rc

 

[dagger dog]

Check out the stuff on the Lee site then go over to Ebay you can get more with your money including the shipping.

 

[Rail Driver]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. Any tips for when I actually get going aside from going by the loadbook? Tricks that will help me avoid common errors and whatnot?

 

[ScratchnDent]

The non-breechlock kit is the way to go, IMO, because it includes the book, Lee's Modern Reloading, which gives a very good overview and step by step instructions for reloading.

 

[Rail Driver]

Both of those kits come with the book, but I think I'll end up getting the non-breechlock kit anyway. If I want to switch dies to reload for my SKS or pistol, I don't mind unscrewing them.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I would make sure to read the whole intro to the loadbook before beginning loading. It goes through all the aspects of reloading, and by the time you're finished, you'll understand the fundamentals better than can be explained online.

Always make sure to reload in batches, that way you can check your work against itself.
Start with low (but not lower than listed) powder charges and work your way up. DONT go over max.
BE CAREFUL... reloading is not idiot proof, you can break stuff and hurt yourself if you're not careful.

 

[Rail Driver]

Thanks for the advice, NOLAEMT. I plan to be VERY careful with this (as with anything to do with firearms).

I just want to see if maybe reloading helps me shoot a bit more as being a college student tends to keep my shooting money tied up most of the time.

 

[rfwobbly]

I agree, the best deals for start up is with used equipment. RCBS first made the Rock Chucker in the early 70's. A lot of those presses are now coming up for sale as those owners retire from the hobby. You'd have to spend about $300 on a new press to beat the quality of a used Rock Chucker you can pick up for roughly $75.

And too, even if you own the BEST progressive, you'll still need a single stage at the other end of the bench for special jobs. You'll just never outgrow your need for good single stage. So buy a good one to start with.

 

[Rail Driver]

rfwobbly, thanks I appreciate it. I plan on starting with an inexpensive single stage like has been linked to earlier in the thread, because I don't know if I'll continue reloading or count it as a lesson learned and move on.

If I do decide to continue reloading and upgrade my operation, I'll definitely look into building a quality setup as the funds present themselves.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I think you'll like it.

I got my press as a gift, and now I reload for anything I am going to shoot. I can make cheaper, more accurate ammo than I can buy, and it is rewarding to know that you are capable of doing everything from making the ammo to hitting the target.

 

[Rob96]

I have been using the Anniversary kit for years. Turns out some really great ammo.

 

[rtpzwms]

You could get a Lee Reloader Press 90045 $36.98. 3 dollars more than the classic loader and add a set of die and your set so the total cost difference should be around 40 dollars. But it will give you a wider selection of re-loadable calibers. If you like reloading it would make a great universal de-capping station. And while you add to your equipment you would not be restricted in calibers.

Good luck on your choice.