Question about the Powder Scoop in the Lee Loader (for .38)

[Life During Wartime]

Hi,
I am looking into purchasing the Lee Loader, a box of tools that lets you reload your ammo with a hammer instead of a press. The caliber I am interested in is .38 Special. I'm really jazzed about it right now, but I have a question about the powder scooper that comes with it. I am new to reloading, but I know that not all brands of smokeless powder are equal in terms of quantity required, so I am baffled as to how a single Scoop could work?
Thank you very much for your help.

 

[243winxb]

The Lee charge table (data) will give a list of powders that will throw a safe amount of powder, out of the scoop provided.

The scoup may provide a low charge of slow burn rate powder. This gives more of a safety margin. For example, compare load data using Alliants Unique (slow) to Bullesye powder (fast). May not be on the charge table? A lead bullet may not be good choice, mine deformed a lot trying to hammer (seat) them into the case. A 125 gr Jacketed bullet should be better?

I started with one for 357 mag. The tool will load ammo.
Do buy a tool to seat primers and a scale to weight every powder charge for safety.

I suggest saving your money to buy a press and regular dies. A better investment in the long run. Sorry.

Dipper chart https://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/Dippers.pdf

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I know that not all brands of smokeless powder are equal in terms of quantity required

Correct, different burn rates and different weights by volume.
I use scoops occasionally when working up a new load or only loading a few rounds. Use a scoop that throws light and trickle up to weight.
You would be happier with a real press or at least one of these; https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/6...725f8202e6a1dd36a9a&utm_term=4585238366685511

 

[beag_nut]

The Lee Loader (aka whack-a-mole) comes with a printed sheet showing how many grains of various powders will fill the included scoop. The entire package is so inexpensive as to be a bargain to determine whether one wants to continue with reloading, or not. I still use components of mine, even though I have a RCBS press, and a drill press acting as an arbor press to mimic another reloading press.

 

[rsrocket1]

You are better off getting a Lee Safety Scale plus a Lee powder measure. The scale (whatever brand but Lee works fine and is inexpensive) is a must and having an adjustable powder measure is far better than a single half cc scoop (I think that's what they usually throw in with pistol dies). What you have will go bang and hit the target so long as you aren't too far from the target, but it won't give you much flexibility and with just a little more expense, you can drop the correct amount of whatever powder you choose rather than choosing your powder based on what scoop they chose to include with your loader. Yes a set of scoops will also work so will a cut down customized brass case with a brass rod soldered to it, but a powder measure is much more flexible and will serve you well if you decide to do more reloading than just the .38 special with the Lee Loader.

BTW if you weigh the powder that the scoop drops, you'll probably find it to be considerably different than what the included chart shows. Usually on the "too light" side. More safety margin built into their thinking but you may end up with very anemic loads.

 

[adcoch1]

I started loading with a whack a mole set, and I currently have several for camping and small batch custom loads. I usually modify the dipper to hold what i want it to of the powder i plan on using. Fill with epoxy, or drill out to adjust volume, get a hand primer to go with, and stick with a single type of bullet and go. It'll work great for ya, but a scale to set up your dipper is pretty necessary at the start. I would get a good loading manual also, the lee card doesn't give you a great amount info on the process. Pm me if you want some help...

 

[Dudedog]

It will work and make ammo, but it will be slow.....
I used a friend one time and I forgot how long it to to load 50 rounds, years ago but a long time...

If you look there are threads here on getting a "basic" setup to get started.
Something like this plus a set of dies would be faster and make reloading a lot more fun.
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-...e-breech-lock-challenger-50th-anniversary-kit
$120

Dies about $45

Good price on the first kit from Titan at the moment.
edit (pretty sure it has the Lee manual)
Something like this
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-...oading-kits/lee-classic-cast-turret-press-kit
would be faster still but it would be about $80 more.

Both options are more money for sure but I think you would be a lot happier.

Either would be fine to learn on.

How much do you plan on reloading and shooting and how much spare time do you have?

I would compare the whack a mole vs a single press as say walking vs riding a small motorcycle.
Both will get you there, one will get you there a lot quicker with a lot less effort.

Scoop-
The same volume of different powders will weigh a different amount.
Different powders will require different charges so even though the scoop is the same size it may give say 3.6gr of powder x and 4.5gr of powder y both of which might be ok for you purposes, or might not.
If you go that way make sure you get a powder that is on the list that comes with the tool.
(you can probably get the instructions from Lees site)

 

[243winxb]

More on the loader from Lee.
http://leeprecision.net/support/index.php?/Base/Search/Index

See instructions -https://leeprecision.com/instructions.html

 

[Grumulkin]

I started with a Lee Loader as a poor high school student who had parents with no interest in shooting loading for a 7X57 Mauser I bought from Montgomery Ward for, I think, $8. For those with limited funds and/or limited room, it's nice there is the Lee Loader option.

 

[thomas15]

I have retired from my part time volunteer position of barking at the moon on THR.

But here is some good advice....

I suggest saving your money to buy a press and regular dies. A better investment in the long run. Sorry.

You are better off getting a Lee Safety Scale plus a Lee powder measure.

Surprised no one has instructed the OP to buy the ABC book! Also purchasing a load manual and reading it cover to cover 2 or 3 times!

Thank you very much for your help.

My pleasure!

 

[Stumper]

It is amazing how many powders make a useful load in any given cartridge at the same charge VOLUME even though the weights differ widely. If you know someone with a powder scale it is quite easy to develop some custom scoops for additional loads. Fired cartridge cases with a wire handle wrapped into the extractor groove make good scoops and can be trimmed to exactly the charge you wish......but just as the Lee dippers cover a lot of ground with incremental size increases it is pretty easy to get different custom charge scoops using 25, acp,32 acp case 380 case , 9mm Luger case etc. Even though I have adjustable measures, I still pull out the Lee set for certain load development work.....and a 9mm case happens to throw the precise charge I use in a couple of calibers/hunting loads that I load in limited numbers so I don't bother to set up a measure for them.

 

[sparkyv]

The Lee Loader (aka whack-a-mole) comes with a printed sheet showing how many grains of various powders will fill the included scoop. The entire package is so inexpensive as to be a bargain to determine whether one wants to continue with reloading, or not. I still use components of mine, even though I have a RCBS press, and a drill press acting as an arbor press to mimic another reloading press.

This was how I started. I was quickly hooked using the Lee Loader that in no time I was sure that I wanted to do so much more than the tool could do that I upgraded my equipment and never looked back.

 

[SASS#23149]

altho it never happened to me, I've read a lot of reports of folks setting off primers when seating them with the Lee kit.
Be sure to wear eyes and ears .
If you can buy a whole set of scoops you will be able to use any powder that you want to,and the set is usually like 15 bucks.

 

[mdi]

I think Lee Loaders are the best thing to come along since smokeless powder (I still have six). As noted above the kit comes with an instruction/data sheet and although one can make safe reloads without a scale, I would suggest using a scale to learn how to use a powder dipper. Charges can vary greatly depending on how a dipper is used, Lee suggests pushing the dipper through the powder backwards then "striking" the top of the dipper with a straight edge to level out the powder. I started reloading with a 38 Special Lee Loader in '69 using a dipper only. No Kabooms!. I soon afterward got a Lee Safety Scale and "tweeked" my dipping method and with a little practice I got very, very repeatable powder charges, and just like I do today with my $$$ powder measures, only had to weigh one out of five or six dips. The key is to dip as consistently as possible; dip the same speed, same direction, same method...

For those that think Lee Loaders are sloooooow; https://www.google.com/search?q=lee...7j69i65j0l4.8937j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[thomas15]

Back when I was a wee lad, my mother took me to what was even then an old tyme dentist. This was around 1965, so dentistry was primitive by todays standards but our particular dentist was stuck in the late 40s early 50s.

But it was such good times that I recommend that everyone take that walk down memory lane. You and the good Dr. can raise a ruckus talking about the fun of the Lee Loader!

 

[Life During Wartime]

Thank you all for your answers. You've given me some things to think about.

A lead bullet may not be good choice, mine deformed a lot trying to hammer (seat) them into the case. A 125 gr Jacketed bullet should be better?

I was planning on using these flat point bullets https://www.berrysmfg.com/item/bh-38-357-125gr-fp
The local gun shop sells jacketed bullets for about a dollar or two more, but they are hollowpoints, so I am not sure if this would be any better or worse. They also come in 100 bullet boxes instead of the 250 count with the flat points. I used to shoot at an outdoor range but at the moment, indoor is more convenient, so accuracy only needs to be good enough for about 50 feet or less.

How much do you plan on reloading and shooting and how much spare time do you have?

Well, I have about 300 empties and don't shoot all that frequently, maybe once or twice a year (I wish it were more than that). When I go to the indoor range, I can easily go through 200 rounds and I typically go with my father who likes to shoot too. I have a lot of spare time at the moment due to a taekwondo sparring injury.

 

[Steveo_1704]

I'd get some sample packs to try out. A sample pack is usually 100 bullets or 1 lb. That way, if you don’t like them, you don’t have a ton of them sitting around.

I've tested bullets from:
http://www.snscasting.com/
http://missouribullet.com/
http://www.cheycastbullets.com/

 

[thomas15]

I have a lot of spare time at the moment due to a taekwondo sparring injury

I feel your pain. fractured 4 bones in my foot sparring one fine evening in TKD. Took my high red belt test 5 weeks later LOL!

That was about 15 years ago. These days....forget it.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Don’t worry about using the Lee loader to load .38spl.

My older brother got us started reloading with a .38/.357mag Lee loader.
The only mistake he made was choosing #2400 as first powder. That prompted the immediate purchase of a set of Lee dippers. 50yrs hence, most of my basement/garage is dedicated to shooting/ hunting/reloading/bullet casting.

We started using Speer and Zero brand lead semi-wadcutters and full wadcutters. Just be sure to use the case mouth expander before attempting to seat the bullets. I still have those original Lee loaders and occasionally use them to introduce others to reloading. Ironically, I have four permanently mounted presses, two of which are progressive loaders, but still occasional revert to a Lee loader (.410 shotgun ).

Your first additional purchase should be a loading block to hold the cases for powder dispensing, unless you can find a .45acp case divider at range garbage can.

My best friend from then still laughs about coming over and hearing my brother seating primers: tap, tap, whack, WHACK, BANG! SxxT!
It does require development of a “feel” for when the primers are fully seated...

 

[WestKentucky]

I too started with a whack-a-mole at 12 years old. I progressed to a single stage at 18 and a turret at 33. They make ammo, but there’s a lot to be desired in consistency, and in energy use. I gave away a 38spl set recently or I would send you one.

 

[splattergun]

batch loading (doing the same step on the entire batch before moving on to the next step) would be the quickest way to use the Lee loader.
Get yourself a loading block to hold the shells as you work through the batch. A funnel for pouring your powder would be handy, too.
Step 1- deprime and size all the shells.
2- set new primers.
3- measure and pour powder
4- seat the bullet
5- shoot your new handloads then attempt to wipe the grin off your face.

 

[Average Joe]

You can use the scoops, but I wouldn't trust them entirely. Get a scale, and weigh each load from that scoop, that way you will know exactly how much powder your are putting in your case.

 

[greg_r]

I collect the Lee Loaders. To include the shotshell loaders and Zero Error Target Loaders. while the Lee Loaders are somewhat slow, they can make surprisingly accurate ammunition. I like to use a mini arbor press with my Lee Loaders, it replaced the hammer and MoMA dosen't get upset because I am banging on her furniture with a hammer!

The Lee Dippers are also surprising accurate and very repeatable if the operator uses them correctly. First and foremost, they are Dippers, not scoops.

I have multiple RCBS single stage presses, a Lee Classic Cast Turret, a Lee Hand press, and I have the new Lyman 8 position turret press on backorder. I think I am going to really like the Lyman turret, but the Lee Loaders will always have a place on my shelf. There is something to be said about shooting that groundhog at 300 yards with a cartridge you made with nothing more than a handheld die and a hammer( or a mini arbor press).

 

[Walkalong]

so I am baffled as to how a single Scoop could work?

It's a compromise, pick a powder listed that will be safe at that volume and get whatever velocity you get.

If you also get a scale, you can get the whole set of Lee scoops or make your own scoops and be much more versatile.

 

[ATLDave]

My suggestion would be to get a scale to verify what you are getting with the scoop, if nothing else. You don't have to go all-in with beam scales or other fancy stuff... the small digital scales have gotten more than good enough for the purposes of making safe, reliable pistol ammo. I've been using one of these for many years: https://www.amazon.com/MTM-DS-750-M...=1527860971&sr=8-4&keywords=mtm+digital+scale