Lee Classic

[Chester32141]

Has anyone ever heard of anybody hurting themselves w/ an accidental discharge using the Lee Classic loader (basic $21 model) ? I'd like to get one for use at the range.

Chester

 

[loadedround]

I was given one for doing a friend a favor. I used it at first for my Universal Depriming Die until I found out how bad the tolerances were on that press. It ended up in my recycling bin. It was a POS!
Additional comment: My error, thought you were referring to the cheap pot metal C press.

 

[jcwit]

Are you talking about the Lee loader where you use a mallet?

 

[Chester32141]

Yes, the one that requires the use of a mallet ...

Chester

 

[lgbloader]

I have suprised myself with the primer going off but other than that, they make great ammo and I have never heard of any thing going boom before it's proper time when using them.

LGB

 

[SquirrelNuts]

I have a .30-06 Whack-A-Mole kit. I have never had any problems, but I have read experiences from other users of setting primers off.

 

[jcwit]

Thats what I started reloading with years ago. Great little tool and makes excellent ammo. Once in a while a primer might pop when seating it but there's nothing to worry about even then, just wakes you up. After seating the primer most everything else is just pushing, ie; the bullet, might use a slight crimp but then nothing is touching the primer.

Here's one way to look at it, if it was dangerous the lawers would have but Lee down years ago. More dangerous going to Wal-Mart on a Sunday afternoon.

 

[Chester32141]

Thanks for the input ...

Chester

 

[tiders]

I have loaded many hundred rounds on my 38/357 lee loader. Not one primer going of other than at the range. But I grew tired of the whacking, and when we moved I found out that using it in an apartment was impossible. I got the handpress and auto primer instead. I feel less safe with the auto primer in fact. I had less than 1 % failure to seat a primer on the loader, but maybe 3 - 5 % failure on the auto loader.

This was with S&B brass and Federal primers. I now I know, no federal primers in the auto primer...

 

[mcdonl]

I love loading for my Mosin with the classic loader. It makes for a nice, easy to shoot load. And, considering the cost of 7.62x54 brass loading one at a time like that is no problem.

Wouldnt want to do .223 that way though.

Leroy

 

[tactikel]

I've loaded thousands of rounds with the Lee, a few primers went off until I learned some touch (sounded like a cap gun going off) no problems much less injuries. They are perfect for a caliber that you dont shoot to much, and make very good loads.

 

[ranger335v]

The only "problems" with a Lee Loader is that it's slow and it can only neck size rifle cases.

I've never found the "tolerances" on any Lee press to be other than very good. Properly used, they do a great job for a lot of reloaders. Improperly used....maybe not. ??

Can't imagine anything better for a dedicated decapping station than my little Lee "Reloader" press. In fact it is so good I got another for a dedicated repriming station with the Lee AutoPrime II. Love them!

 

[Mal H]

I'll add one more for the data curve.

In the early days, I used the Lee Loader for two calibers and had my share of primers pop, but never felt a thing. The primers were loud of course, but not ear ringing loud.