I'm a noob who is about to start handloading. I got a Lee Loader for .357 Mag, a Zip Trim, wooden handled cutter and .357 case gauge, and chamfer tool. For extra kicks later I also got the Lee expanded powder measure set and the Loadbooks .357 book, but for now I just plan to make some basic rounds using the small charge table that came with the loader using unfired Winchester brass and Rainier Leadsafe 158gr plated RN bullets. A pound of Red Dot and some CCI small pistol mag primers have been acquired, so I'm pretty much set for now.
With that, a couple questions.
Did Lee ever make a .380 version of the Lee Loader?
Some time recently I think I read about some kind of loading manual or chart from Lee. This book or chart included not only the usual grains of powder, but also mentioned which measure from the Lee Improved Powder Measure kit to use to measure the powder. Does anyone have any idea what I'm referring to? Is this Lee's big Modern Reloading book or something else? Is it the expanded load chart that is mentioned on the small load chart included with the Loader that I can send away for?
Has anyone had any success loading .357 Mag ammo with .38 Special grade charges? I assume that you would need to work up the .38 Special charge a bit to account for the extra room in a .357 Mag case. I'm asking beause I would like to make .38 Special grade loads for my revolver, but am too cheap and lazy at the moment to bother with ordering another Lee Loader and .38 Special brass.
Lastly, while going through the Loadbook and checking the powders specified against the quick ref chart in the Lee Improved Powder Measure kit that for some loads I could measure to grains called for by using two different sized dippers. For example, dip a charge with the .3cc dipper, add that to the case, and then dip a charge with the .5cc dipper and add that in. Is that an acceptable way to use the dippers or is it patently stupid and I'm just asking for trouble?
With that, a couple questions.
Did Lee ever make a .380 version of the Lee Loader?
Some time recently I think I read about some kind of loading manual or chart from Lee. This book or chart included not only the usual grains of powder, but also mentioned which measure from the Lee Improved Powder Measure kit to use to measure the powder. Does anyone have any idea what I'm referring to? Is this Lee's big Modern Reloading book or something else? Is it the expanded load chart that is mentioned on the small load chart included with the Loader that I can send away for?
Has anyone had any success loading .357 Mag ammo with .38 Special grade charges? I assume that you would need to work up the .38 Special charge a bit to account for the extra room in a .357 Mag case. I'm asking beause I would like to make .38 Special grade loads for my revolver, but am too cheap and lazy at the moment to bother with ordering another Lee Loader and .38 Special brass.
Lastly, while going through the Loadbook and checking the powders specified against the quick ref chart in the Lee Improved Powder Measure kit that for some loads I could measure to grains called for by using two different sized dippers. For example, dip a charge with the .3cc dipper, add that to the case, and then dip a charge with the .5cc dipper and add that in. Is that an acceptable way to use the dippers or is it patently stupid and I'm just asking for trouble?