Lee Classic Loader Kit for .30-06?

[Regolith]

I'm thinking about getting into reloading, and given that I'm a college student and want to keep associated costs as minimal as possible, I was thinking about getting the Classic Loader Kit, since Cabela's is currently selling them for something like $19. I'm not really interested in high volume at this point (I don't shoot enough for it to be necessary), so I figured that this would be the cheapest way to do it.

Is there anything else besides the kit and components (bullets, brass, powder) that I'd need to get? Any problems with the kit itself?

 

[qajaq59]

If it were me I'd add a loading manual, a scale and a funnel. But I've known guys that used those Lee loaders who have been quite happy.

 

[mallc]

30-06 is a big round

It depends on what you are shooting. If you are hunting with a bolt action, you are probably ahead to buy a box each season. If you have Grandpa's M1, you need to build your own ammo. On the other hand, gun powder doesn't store well in dorm rooms.

Your success also depends on how badly your rifle beats up the brass. Classics neck size bottle neck brass so you might find that the round gets hard to chamber after a while. Although, I'vr used a LEE Classic for the 30-30s I hunt with for several years.

Scott

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I"m not sure which press comes with the kit you mention, but if it's not the Lee Classic Cast, I would plan my own kit and come up with the extra cash to buy the Classic Cast press. The smaller presses do the job, but it's not nearly as fun and the Classic cast also handles spent primers much better.

Just a thought,

Dave

 

[The Bushmaster]

I would go a lot higher and get a bench mounted press and for .30-06 I would get one of the "O" press kits...You will be much happier...

 

[Virginian]

I started out with a Lee handloader in 25-06 while I was in college, and never produced more accurate ammunition in the 30+ years that followed. I would say with that and a decent powder scale, you will be all set.
P.S. When a primer goes POW and the priming rod is sticking in the ceiling be advised you are not the first.

 

[Eagle103]

It'll work as long as your neighbors don't mind the pounding and occasional primer pop.
I bought one for my 30-06 just for the fun of it. It makes pretty decent ammo but the powder scoop provided with the kit was way too small for the powders I use. To get the most out of it you really need to get a scale and either the full size kit of powder dippers or a regular powder measure.

 

[Phil A]

While it is an inexpensive way to get into reloading, it is not a good way to stay interested in reloading. I still remember dreading tapping in the primer and that was over 30 years ago. Just one more tap to get it to be just under flush and Pow! I was a lot happier reloader when I moved up to a single stage. I have seen used single stages in good condition for not much money. - Phil

 

[don]

I've used a Lee handloader for years. Slow but does all I need for my .270 bolt gun. Keep in mind that the record for the smallest group at 1000yds was held by a shooter using a Lee handloader. The record held for seven years. you would be wise to get scales and perhaps a powder trickler. The scoops are ok but for precision shooting your loads should be checked with scales. For hunting I just use the scoop. With practice you can get pretty accurate loads.

 

[Regolith]

I'm probably not going to be entering into any shooting competitions any time soon, so precision isn't too big of a deal. If I can get it close to standard factory loads (or maybe a little better), I'll be happy. Mostly it will be used for target shooting/practice and sometimes hunting.

Just for clarification: The firearm is a Remington 700 SPS, and I live in an apartment, not in the dorms (escaped those three years ago...). Noise shouldn't be too much of an issue, considering how much my neighbors love their bass speakers (especially at 2:00AM).

Eventually after I graduate and get a better job I'll probably upgrade to a press, but right now I don't have the money for all the equipment I'd need to buy to go along with it.

 

[Vacek]

First off. "REGOLITH"???? Are you a soil science major????

Second. The Lee will work just fine if you are shooting a bolt action. I have used them for years. The scoop is plenty precise for general work. It results in a less than max load. If you want more choices then for $8 you can get the whole set. I would scrounge the internet for loading info. My guess is your library has a manual or two. Once I am set up, I can build one in less than a minute.

 

[mgregg85]

for .30-06 I would at least get the lee hand press, its $29.99.

 

[Regolith]

First off. "REGOLITH"???? Are you a soil science major????

Computer Science/Multimedia Studies, actually. Astronomy is a hobby of mine, though, and "regolith" is also used to denote the soil type on many rocky planets.

Second. The Lee will work just fine if you are shooting a bolt action. I have used them for years. The scoop is plenty precise for general work. It results in a less than max load. If you want more choices then for $8 you can get the whole set. I would scrounge the internet for loading info. My guess is your library has a manual or two. Once I am set up, I can build one in less than a minute.

I'll have to check the library...although I'd be surprised to find a loading manual in there. We're a small school, so we don't have as big of a collection as most colleges do.

for .30-06 I would at least get the lee hand press, its $29.99.

[strike]Yes, but then wouldn't I have to buy all of the various instruments needed along with the press? If so, all of the associated costs would rise fairly quickly.[/strike]

[strike]Edit: N/M. Looked it up. That does seem like a better alternative, and it looks like I wouldn't need to do all of the tapping, and only $11 more...[/strike]

2nd Edit: And after doing a bit more research, it does look like I'd have to buy several other devices in addition to the die sets (which cost an additional $20) in order to use that kit. Costs are starting to pile up again...

 

[Eb1]

While it is an inexpensive way to get into reloading, it is not a good way to stay interested in reloading. I still remember dreading tapping in the primer and that was over 30 years ago. Just one more tap to get it to be just under flush and Pow! I was a lot happier reloader when I moved up to a single stage. I have seen used single stages in good condition for not much money. - Phil

Single stage is a better more efficient way to reload, but I have loaded several hundred 30-30 rounds with a lee loader. I have never had a primer go off. It makes a distinct sound when it is seated properly. When you hear it stop.

Also what I used was a club. I cut a square post (pine) about 14" long. I used this, and it worked much better than any hammer. It was soft enough not to crush cases, and allowed for good control of all the processes involved.

But I soon graduated to a digi scale, funnel, hand press, rcbs dies, calipers, rcbs bullet puller, lee auto prime hand primer, case tools (primer cleaner, trimmer) and other nic-nacs. This made a huge difference in the control I had over reloading. I can now load reduced loads easier, etc, etc. I still have my Lee Loader handy, and in my camping pack.

 

[BoilerUP]

I use a Lee Classic Loader in 22-250 for my Ruger No.1-V. Like you I live in an apartment and wanted to ease my way into the hobby without a huge cash outlay.

I picked it up used at a gun show for $10, for an additional $56 I got the Lee reloading book, 100 Remington bullets, a pound of powder, 200 primers and some case lube. I have since been given a loading block and picked up a Lee Safety Scale and a powder funnel...you WILL want a powder funnel. I already had a small dead-blow hammer and scrap 1"x6" piece to use for the "work".

Using the dipper I can work pretty quickly, and probably do 40 rounds or so per hour. The dipper I have throws about 34gr of Win760, whereas in the Lee book 37gr is the starting load...so its a nice, conservative charge. Using the scale to measure out each charge and pour with a powder funnel, it takes me just under an hour to do 20 rounds.

My results were somewhat mixed with my very first handloads, but I did find two recipes that were far more accurate than factory Remington loads. I also find I can reload a box of 22-250 with V-max for around $8.

I'm looking at probably getting a small case trimmer and a primer pocket cleaner, along with a bullet puller...which of course adds cost but I think will 1. improve accuracy and 2. improve safety.

Good luck...this stuff is addicting!

 

[scrat]

like others i would still recomend either the hand press or a c press. however i would still get the lee loader as those things are getting pretty scarce now as i believe lee is starting to phase them out. just last year they cut down on the calibers they are making them for again.

 

[BoilerUP]

Speaking of the Lee Classic Loader, anybody have a WAG on when you really need to start consider case trimming using one of these things, assuming mild loadings?

My brass has been fired 3 times (one factory, two mild reloads), and I don't yet have a caliper to check case length.

 

[Quoheleth]

First, order from here: http://www.wideners.com/itemview.cfm?startrow=13&dir=210|212|386 Wideners has 3 in stock at $12.50 each.

Second, down the road spend a few bucks and get the Lee hand prime. It'll make the priming job a little less...volatile.

Third, here is a good review of how the Classic Loader works: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

I got started loading .38 Specials with the Loader. Yes, it can be done. Don't recommend it for pistol, but for rifle - esp. one that is not semi-auto - it should be OK.

FWIW, I would say get one pound of powder and a box of 100 primers at the local hunting/gun store. If you're not going to shoot much, there's no need to "save" money by spending 8x as much on an 8lb can of powder. I buy a pound at a time (don't know if rifle = pistol on price) for about $20, and 3 boxes of 100 primers (small pistol) for about $10 for the three. A pound of powder is about 7000 grains; figure out how many grains your load will need and that'll tell you approx. how many shots you'll get (YMMV).

Q

 

[fernie kazam]

You will also need:
Saftey glasses!!!
Lee lock stud, length gauge & case trimmer. (your cases will need trimming)
lee chamfer tool (cases need chamfering after trimming)
You may also want a lee powder dipper kit so you can change your loads and calipers to measure overall length, case length ect

 

[Vacek]

Hey Regolith....Defined in my world as unconsolidated debris within a soil profile.

Anyway. Good information above...unconsolidated but not debris.

While a hand or C press is nice you will spend a lot to get dies...etc. The Lee Loader is a great place to begin and teaches you the steps to reloading in a very concise way. Everyone get's hot and bothered over the primer, but if it were truly dangerous, why is it still being marketed after 40 years. Yes, you may set one off once in a while...Big deal...Wear safety glasses, and enjoy a great hobby.

 

[Sgt.Dusk]

P.S. When a primer goes POW and the priming rod is sticking in the ceiling be advised you are not the first.

...not even the second...

My opinion (I started my reloadings with classic loader too) is that youre climbing up the tree with your ass first. The truth is that soon youll get tired of all that banging with hammer and then you buy some more stuff to help reloading, maybe a hand priming tool....then everything seems fine for a while till you get tired of that too and you buy yourself a powder measurer. Then after a while you buy this and that and you realize that the money you put in all that stuff actually ate more money than just simply buying (for example) Lees anniversary kit that had it all and maybe more.

....well thats what happened to me

 

[Regolith]

First, order from here: http://www.wideners.com/itemview.cfm?startrow=13&dir=210|212|386 Wideners has 3 in stock at $12.50 each.

Second, down the road spend a few bucks and get the Lee hand prime. It'll make the priming job a little less...volatile.

Third, here is a good review of how the Classic Loader works: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

Thanks for those links, particularly the second one. It cleared up a lot of lingering questions about the process and what exactly I should get and the associated costs.

Hey Regolith....Defined in my world as unconsolidated debris within a soil profile.

That sounds about right. As far as I know, the astronomical definition is the same as the geological one; the definition I gave for it was fairly off-the-cuff. The surface of the moon, for example, consists of a very fine powder mixed with larger rocks and debris, which is caused by multiple asteroid and meteorite strikes. Mars has a somewhat similar surface, except it tends to be a bit more rocky, and the forces at work there are meteorite/asteroid impacts as well as wind and geological processes.

My opinion (I started my reloadings with classic loader too) is that youre climbing up the tree with your ass first. The truth is that soon youll get tired of all that banging with hammer and then you buy some more stuff to help reloading, maybe a hand priming tool....then everything seems fine for a while till you get tired of that too and you buy yourself a powder measurer. Then after a while you buy this and that and you realize that the money you put in all that stuff actually ate more money than just simply buying (for example) Lees anniversary kit that had it all and maybe more.

Perhaps, but I've also got space constraints and the fact I'll probably be moving in about 15 or so months to think about in addition to the cost issue, which makes a larger more complicated kit less desirable. I'll eventually get a larger kit, but that will most likely be after I've graduated and obtained a full-time job (right now as a student working at the university I'm limited to about 20 hours a week).

Thanks for all the info, guys.

 

[Vacek]

Hey Regolith,

Funny you should mention Mars...bought my first Lee Loader Kit there...No seriously, if you want to load up some shells and make them go bang and go bang accurately a Lee Loader and something to pound with (even a 2X4) is all you need. You can always get more stuff later. Don't worry about the naysayers. Yes, you will probably get hooked and start buying more stuff, but at the end of the day get a Lee Loader to start with.

 

[243winxb]

Lee loader = waste of money and time.

 

[BoilerUP]

Lee loader = waste of money and time.

Care to elaborate any on that?