Lee Classic loaders- 1st time

[Deen Macheen]

I have never reloaded before. I shoot mostly 38 SPC and 9mm. I am thinking about getting one on the Lee Classic loaders in 38 spc just to see how it works. I have heard that 9mm is harder to hand load and 9mm is cheaper anyway. Any thoughts?

THANKS!

Deen

 

[sniper5]

I started with them, still have several, and they work fine and are capable of loading decent ammo. A little slower, although you'd be surprised how fast you can be with practice. For the price, if it interests you get one and try it out. They can be fun and definitely give you a hands-on feel to reloading. Pretty rare but every so often you will pop a primer while seating. Not a big deal, it will make the rod bounce a little and scare the crap out of you. Just so you know.

 

[Funshooter45]

I think they are kinda cool. From a historical and novelty aspect I think they are interesting. But I wouldn't think of getting one to actually reload with. If space is truly at a premium, the Lee hand press is more practical and about the same price. With just a tiny bit more space you can get a Lee "C" press for the same money or a Challenger press for a few dollars more and a bit more space.

 

[mdi]

I have a bunch of Lee Loaders. I started loading with a Lee Loader in about '69, and learned quite a bit. If volume isn't a concern, Lee Loaders are a great way to start as you do one step at a time and see/feel what is done. I would load up 60 to 80 rounds at a setting (3 hrs. mebbe). I have heard of guys using an arbor press to speed things up, but haven't tried that yet. Occationally I'll feel "retro" and drag out my L.L. in .44 Mag and load up a few...

 

[RandyP]

the goofy things work, slowly, but they do produce safe ammo. I reckon they would be near the ultimate in SHTF bug-out bag additions along with a can of powder, bullets and primers. Though I guess a spam can of Herter's would also be handy? lol

 

[jcwit]

Very good way to start and practical also. I use a set yet to reload .223 at the range, but I use an arbor press to size and seat.

 

[Deen Macheen]

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone know if the Lee Loaders in 9mm are difficult to use? Would 38 spc be my recommended choice to start up?

 

[jcwit]

Not hard at all, the only one that requires some extra effort is the 30 cal. carbine, because of the long tapered case.

If you wish to make using them easier spray the cases with teflon spray before resizing, I do this anyway just to make work easier. Has something to do with arthur in the joints.

 

[Deen Macheen]

Cool and thanks

 

[Deen Macheen]

Space is not the concern, $$$ are. I went ahead and ordered the 38 spc version. Talked to a buddy of mine in Nevada who reloads everything for primer and bullet recommendations.

 

[357 Terms]

I learned alot by starting with the classics. I stopped using them when I wanted a press and I got sick of hearing the wife (now ex) complain about the mallet pounding coming from the basement.

 

[Smaug]

I have one for 45. Interesting, but not the way to go.

No one is really mentioning the downsides here, except for the lack of speed.

I'm no speed demon reloader. I tried a turret press, but liked single stage better. Now, I don't have room for a bench press, and I use the Lee Hand Press.

To me, this is a better option, all around, than the Lee Loader. Faster and easier. You can get started with it for less than $150. Probably closer to 100.

Lee Loader costs what, $30? For that money, I agree, it is the single most cost effective way to get your feet wet in reloading. Resizing non-necked brass is a bear though. It takes a LOT of hammering, and a lot of time, if you're going to load a whole box.

Richard Lee invented it for reloading rifle rounds one at a time while at the range. Great way to fine tune on the go. But not so great for loading any quantity over about 10 rounds.

Anyway, go for it. I think it will plant the seed in you. Just a sponge under the parts when you're hammering. Search youtube for "lee loader" and find the video with the older guy loading a rifle round in 40 seconds. That guy has got some practice.

 

[Smaug]

I forgot to mention, but I implied it. The hammer is REALLY loud. They only way I was able to do it at an acceptable volume was on the concrete floor of my garage.

But it did plant the seed in me.

 

[jcwit]

Lee Loader costs what, $30? For that money, I agree, it is the single most cost effective way to get your feet wet in reloading. Resizing non-necked brass is a bear though. It takes a LOT of hammering, and a lot of time, if you're going to load a whole box.

Lee loader kits are available for $19.95. I can reload almost as fast with my kit as with my 2 press set up and batch loading. Its a good inexpensive way to get started and they make very accurate ammo if you do your part.

Cut the noise down with a rubber or soft plastic dead blow hammer.

 

[Asherdan]

I always think of Marshall Stanton's write up when the classic loader comes up. Covers most of the advice I'd have about using one. I like 'em just fine, recently passed on my 45/70 one to a guy who wanted to get started.

 

[Uniquedot]

Search youtube for "lee loader" and find the video with the older guy loading a rifle round in 40 seconds. That guy has got some practice.

He should have practice since the old guy is Richard Lee.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I have one for every caliber I shoot. They are the last reloading component I would sell if I had to liquidate them. They are too handy not to have around.

You really need a better priming option and powder delivery option though. These can be simple though. Just get a hand primer and the dipper set.

 

[ChefJeff1]

I'm glad you got one. I got one for my 30-30 and then ordered one for 38 and 270. They're fun. I hammer mine on a large round of firewood with a rubber mat underneath because I share a wall with my neighbor. The beartooth review has to be the best review ever. Their bullets are good too.
Have fun, Jeff

 

[Deen Macheen]

I have one for every caliber I shoot. They are the last reloading component I would sell if I had to liquidate them. They are too handy not to have around.

You really need a better priming option and powder delivery option though. These can be simple though. Just get a hand primer and the dipper set.

I have to agree. They seem too handy to get rid of once you have them. I was looking at bullets yesterday too. $26 for 250 158 grain jacketed hp (Wholesalesports) is a great value. The powder I found is only $18. So for about $60 I can reload 5 boxes of 158 grain JHP and still have a ton of powder left over.

 

[BleysAhrens]

I wanted to try reloading but thought the press would be way to much for a few years, so today my youngest daughter asked how a bullet was made so I search on youtube, and what comes up is a guy using a Lee Classic Loader... Don't know how I missed this before when looking at reloading videos, but damn! So now I want one, but can't find it in .40 S&W. Does it exist in .40?

 

[Deen Macheen]

I wanted to try reloading but thought the press would be way to much for a few years, so today my youngest daughter asked how a bullet was made so I search on youtube, and what comes up is a guy using a Lee Classic Loader... Don't know how I missed this before when looking at reloading videos, but damn! So now I want one, but can't find it in .40 S&W. Does it exist in .40?

I do not think so. The only auto pistol kits I have seen are 9mm and 45 ACP.

So I have loaded about 25 rounds, but I'm so slow, takes about 2 minutes each. Using HSM 158 grain JHP bullets and IMR 800x powder. so cool!

 

[BleysAhrens]

Found this

Lee Loader calibers

For more than 40 years,more shooters have chosen the famous Lee Loader for their first
reloading tool than any other tool.They realize it is all they need good accurate ammunition.

The Lee Loader held a world record listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for over seven years. Millions upon millions of rounds have been reloaded with the famous Lee Loader. Unfortunately, we don't expect to expand the line as the sales of this great loader have declined over the years. The current sizes consist only of the following:

22 Hornet
223 Remington
22/250
243 Winchester
6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
270 Winchester
7mm Rem.Magnum
7.62x54 Russian
30 M1 Carbine
30/30 Win (30 Rem)
308 Winchester
30/06 Springfield
303 British
45/70 Government
9mm Luger
38 Special
357 Magnum
44 Magnum
45 ACP
45 Colt

The 44 Mag, 45 ACP, 45 Colt and 30 M1 Carbine all require considerable force to size the case.

Guess I will have to get that .357 I wanted...And maybe reload some 9mm. And one of these days get a single stage press for the .40

 

[aerod1]

I have one that I use regularly. It's a great press.

 

[Palehorseman]

I started out with the LEE Classics in apt. in Chicago, still got some, including for 12, 16, and 20 guage.. Around 1962 I sent Lee a 30-06 die and asked could they open it up for 8mm-06 and to let me know the price? Got it back in a week at no charge and free shpg. I have used a lot of Lee gear since then.

 

[earlthegoat2]

The Classic loader has been made in other calibers than those listed above but you can only find them used.