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Lee classic loader


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  • 1 month later...

How does it all work then ? Interested as a cheap way to start reloading and see if I'm any good lol

 

Involves a bit extra time, but the way it works revolves around hammering a case into a sizing die, then completing all the operation steps at the same time while it is in the die, then at the end of this you have a complete loaded round.

It IS easier than it sounds though, and involves very little outlay

 

The Lee set was the World Record Holder for a good many decades for the most accurate reloaded .38 Special round

 

My first loading kit was one of these Lee jobs about 30 years ago.

Still have it, and I HAD TO have it at the time as the ammo I was making was not stocked in any shops.

It's still in use now (but not by me as I don't own an M1 Carbine any more) - so 30 years and almost as good as new; the same cannot be said of the Thor plastic hammer as its now on about the third set of faces!

 

Video of one in use. Bloke takes all of 40 seconds to load a round with it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc

 

&

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TAHq2zKqS0

Edited by saddler
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Thank you Saddler, great vids.

 

Apart from the kit for £28 what else is needed ? Just a rubber mallet ?

 

What is the benefit of a press in that case ? Or digital calibres etc etc

 

Also how accurate are the scoops for powder measures ?

 

I don't need one hole groups from my 243 and would be delighted to get 1-2" groups good enough for hunting and a cost reduction in ammo

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Scoops (volume measures) are what the factories use.

 

The advantage of a press is no hammering noise to hack off relatives and neighbours...plus you can do more fine tuning for match grade rounds.

 

Lots of people use the Lee set to make very acceptable deer rounds...

They've not been made for 50 years for ko reason

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I think I will have to get one asap. Thanks for the help.

 

Aside from the kit and a rubber mallet what else would be advisable to acquire and what for ?

 

I imagine since using scoops you can only use the amount t of powder it scoops in 1 go so no need for anything fancy ?

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Kit

Powder

Bullets

Primers

Hammer

Case lube

...a manual may be good but the sets are based around very basic bullet/powder combinations

 

Add a set of scales and some loading manuals later on...as the same die will let you do the sizing & seating still

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Instead of a rubber mallet get a nylon hammer.

A consistant manner is best with the scoops.

Scoop from a receptical the same everytime and trim off with a plastic strip.

Lee do a chart for the volume x weights of differing powders for the scoops.

 

Measured in CC's one can then work out the dimensions to make thier own scoop!

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Why nylon hammer over rubber mallet ?

Not being rude just curious.

 

Also what is the case lube for ? I didn't see it used in the video.

 

Will a need calipers or something to measure the length of the finished bullet to check it's seating depth ?

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If he doesn't need calipers how do you suppose he seats the bullet to the correct depth?

via a blacked dummy round. Then resource a chart for the adjusters thread and work out how much of a turn will give an approx amout of added seating depth.

If he doesn't need calipers how do you suppose he seats the bullet to the correct depth?

besides....just what is the correct depth?

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You would need to check your headspace in order to get the precise depth for your rifle and the use of your blackened round and calipers. However if your just loading to the oal of your reloading manual lets say 2.8" then without the use of calipers to check your rounds oal you may find issues in hammering a round if you make it too long no? Not trying to argue just wondering how else you can do it without calipers.

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You would need to check your headspace in order to get the precise depth for your rifle and the use of your blackened round and calipers. However if your just loading to the oal of your reloading manual lets say 2.8" then without the use of calipers to check your rounds oal you may find issues in hammering a round if you make it too long no? Not trying to argue just wondering how else you can do it without calipers.

not arguing at all matey.

 

The dummy round that clears the rifling becomes the gauge. With the Lee loader the dummy bullet would need to be not to tight in the neck.

Once settled the dummy is off the lands cut a card caliper that the round fits in. Keep making them untill your happy. Now make dummy solid and permernant using the card calpiper gauge.

Next decide wether to adjust in 1/16 or 1/8 of a turn on the adjuster.

Answering the question as to if calipers are needed...no.

Are they usefull? Yes.

U.

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