Lee classic reloader

[prostate]

Does anyone have any experience with the "Lee classic reloader"? This is the hand reloader kit that Lee offers

 

[TiminMishawaka]

No, but I can't recommend the autoprimer enough. No matter what kit you get, that tool always was my favorite.

 

[JetGirl]

No, but I can't recommend the autoprimer enough. No matter what kit you get, that tool always was my favorite.

Same here ^.

 

[Joe Williams]

Yes, I get one for each caliber I load, though I don't use them very often. They are handy, work well, and aren't as slow as you might think with a little practice. If you are looking because of money, or space, considerations a Lee Hand Press is faster and easier to use, and doesn't cost all that much more. Still, with the Lee Loader you can have a basic setup that will let you start putting loads together for under $30 or so.

YouTube - Using a Lee Classic Loader

 

[zoglog]

I thought that you are not supposed to touch primers with your hands?

 

[WLW]

I inherited a .38 Special, and 12 Ga. loaders, but have never done a thing with them. I'm intrigued now... may do some banging around this weekend on the .38 Special one!

 

[SSGSAD]

Does anyone have any experience with the "Lee classic reloader"? This is the hand reloader kit that Lee offers

Yes, that is what I started reloading with, 37 years ago. I have one in .410, and one in 9mm. Have progressed to a RCBS, Rock Chucker,
and have been happy with that, since 1979.

 

[DragonGunner]

Used them on 22-250 an .223 back in the 80's, still have the one
for .223. They work great, but can be on the slow side when wanting
to reload alot. Just watch how you scoop the powder each time. I liked
pouring the powder in a bowl an scooping up lightly, then trimming off
the top with a card. I tried overflowing the scoop on the 22-250 to get
some hot faster loads....ha...I got it...the 55gr bullets were disintgrating
after 50yds!!! OOOppps....tooooo hot....I used some on groundhogs under
30yds. They must of entered an exploded because I never got a exit wound.

 

[rimfire_crazed]

My intro to reloading was with a Lee Loader for .44 Mag. I used to to load ~150 rounds and when i'm really in a groove, I can do the complete process from fired brass to completed round in about 45 seconds. I've since gotten setup with a press, but I wouldn't hesitate to load or shoot rounds in any caliber available.

There are also some benefits in the bottleneck cartridge series. Since the Lee loader only neck sizes, your brass is fireformed to your chamber and can increase your accuracy. Neck-size only is all the rage in the benchrest world.

My most accurate reloads in .44 mag was a 240gr Speer JHP loaded over 21.3gr of 5744 and a CCI300 primer. 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards. (4x scoped rifle, 23" barrel)

So yeah. I think they're fun and worthwhile. Might be a bit intensive for autoloading pistols but for revolvers and rifle carts, they're a cheap and accurate solution for someone starting to load.

 

[kludge]

Unless you are backpacking and reloading out in the boonies it's a waste of time and money IMHO.

I thought that you are not supposed to touch primers with your hands?

Bah! That rule is for people who never wash their grimey hands.

Granted you skin produces moisture, salts, and oils, so if you plan on storing your ammo for more than a year or for TEOTWAWKI, then it is worth having a priming method that avoids handling them. - JMO

 

[HICKMAN]

One of those would be a good idea for the SHTF bag

 

[shadow6492]

i'm getting the 223 and 9mm kits, since this is a learning experience and to see if i wanna get into it

 

[zoglog]

I got a 223 one a while ago but had no idea how to use it. Gonna practice this weekend then in the BOB!!

 

[rimfire_crazed]

One thing I forgot to mention. My biggest issue with the Lee Loader is the potential for the primer to go off while seating. I once had three out of fifty go off. Wear eye protection!

 

[ryanrw]

Always wear eye protection! It's easy to assume you don't need it or totally forget.

 

[DragonGunner]

I've loaded literally hundreds of rounds with the Lee Loader
an never had a primer go off!! It sounds like a primer problem,
but eye protection can't be bad.

 

[Joe Williams]

One of those would be a good idea for the SHTF bag

Which is why I buy one for each caliber we carry

As for touching the primers with your hands... been doing it 20 years. Whether with the Lee Loader, or the ram prime on my hand press, I just can't see using tweezers or something to do it. It would be dog slow, and I can just see primers squirting across the room LOL. I've never had a primer problem.

 

[SmileDocHill]

Where does everyone recommend getting them?

 

[ghitch75]

i get my Lee stuff here..Factory Sales LLC

 

[rj3438]

My first reloading experiences were with one for .45ACP. Works fine but just not as fast as other methods.