Lee Reloaders. A few questions.

[Spyder]

So I've been thinking about getting into reloading for a long time now. Not very many calibers and at this point, not a real high volume kind of setup.

What's the story on these Lee reloaders? I'm thinking of buying one in .30 carbine to feed my Automag III and my M1 Carbine. All of the reviews seem to say that it isn't a good option for a semi-auto firearm because it doesn't full length resize.

I'm also interested in getting the loader for .243, for my Model 70.

Not sure just what I'm asking, other than "Should I buy them since they're in stock and learn the basics?"

Hmmmmm...

[buffybuster]

Is this what you're referring to?

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/cleeloader.html

If so, pass on it. Generally an exercise in frustration.

[JAGGUY]

Actually, those Lee loaders referenced above work fine to load 20 rounds or so at a sitting. I used them to load hundreds of loads when I was a kid.
However, the 30 carbine is a full length setup and very hard to resize with a plastic hammer. I would pass on that one but for the 243 it will work fine.
-greg

[Spyder]

I chastise myself. Most recent post, two weeks or so ago.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=135522&highlight=lee+classic+loader

Still, any insight is appreciated.

What about 50 AE? (Will have to see if that is even available, but I've got a crapload of 50AE brass and bullets available.)

[Rem222]

I have used the Lee Loader for years, I load for my .222/.243 and .308...
I have a few extras that make it a lot easier...

A powder scale
A Lee auto-primer
A Lee case trimmer and locking stud
A Lee chamfer tool
A Lee primer pocket cleaner

[Spyder]

Will I need lube, deprimer, etc etc etc or is it all with the Lee kit?

[Darklyte27]

i got the lee kit 5 months ago. its not worth loading bulk 223/5.56
its worth loading 20-50 rds of match stuff.

[buffybuster]

I have used the Lee Loader for years, I load for my .222/.243 and .308...
I have a few extras that make it a lot easier...

A powder scale
A Lee auto-primer
A Lee case trimmer and locking stud
A Lee chamfer tool
A Lee primer pocket cleaner


Add a basic Lee press for $30 and a set of dies for $15. You'd have your basic single stage reloading setup. Load additional calibers for the cost of the dies ($15).

[Rem222]

With the Lee Loader you will be neck sizing the brass and will not need to lube the cases. As long as you only load for one rifle (your .243) neck sizing is fine. The kit has a deprimer. The other items I listed you will have to get seperate. The kit contains everything you need to load, but you really need the extras in my experience.

[mif_slim]

people who say those such either are brand people, too caught up in high volume reloading or lazy. those people forget that some people only need to load a few rounds. these loader kits are excellent tools for those who dont shoot alot. i have loaded thousands of .223 with the kit. you dont need to lube the cases but you need a plastic hammer. hehe