Get your self a Lee classic loader.

[stand125]

When I started reloading I was not looking forward to spending 200.00 for the minimum required items ( press, calipers and dies, scale ). So I did some research and watched some videos on You tube of the different set-ups. I decided to go with the LEE classic Loader in 45ACP sice I would only be out about $30.00.

So my buddy was down for the weekend and we where talking about reloading. He mentioned how much he spends on 357 Magnum. He does not have alot of extra funds and I mentioned the Lee Classic Loader. So he ordered the kit in 357 and Saturday evening we loaded up some ammo. We could have just thrown in some dies and loaded up some ammo on my press, but he really enjoyed learning all the steps and he can now load in his living room untill he can save enough money for a press. If you use the recommended powder for the included scooper you can throw powder just as accurate as any powder drop. After about 15 scoops he had his technique down and the consistancy of the scooper was dead on. We filled the powder scoop with a heaping charge to see if it was possible to throw a dangerous charge with the scooper and we where not even close to max.

I really enjoy my turret press, but it is cool to occasionally go old school and knoch out a box.

[thenodnarb]

Might be kind of cool as a SHTF kit, or when developing loads at the range. For the latter, some sort of precision scale would be necessary.
Seems kinda slow, but actually looks pretty fun.

[stand125]

I knock out about 1 round per minute. Once you get you scooper shaved to what powder you want to throw you will throw consistant charges everytime as long as you scoop the same each time. I dip my scooper in my powder , shake lightly side to side till it is level. I can throw 20 charges and never be off +/- 1/10 grain. I use it like a single stage and will deprime 50 cases and then size and prime 50 cases, and then charge 50 cases and then seat 50 bullets. Once I get my bullet depth set, I will drop some nail polish on the lock collar to keep it from wondering.

[hkdad]

it's a good press to learn with, but if you are a high volume shooter, nothing beats the Blue machine!! Dillon Press FTMFW!!!! 600-800 rounds in 1 hr!

[Lead Waster]

I knock out about 1 round per minute. Once you get you scooper shaved to what powder you want to throw you will throw consistant charges everytime as long as you scoop the same each time. I dip my scooper in my powder , shake lightly side to side till it is level. I can throw 20 charges and never be off +/- 1/10 grain. I use it like a single stage and will deprime 50 cases and then size and prime 50 cases, and then charge 50 cases and then seat 50 bullets. Once I get my bullet depth set, I will drop some nail polish on the lock collar to keep it from wondering.

You should do it like how chefs measures dry stuff in teaspoons. Scoop the powder then using a flat edge, just push off the "heap".

If you ever buy baking powder, you'll notice that the lid is a semicircle, so you can reach in with a teaspoon measure, scoop the powder, then scrape off the excess as you pull the spoon out of the can.

That would be a bit faster than shaking the scoop side to side I'd think. Not that it's a huge time saver, but ... every bit helps!

[Tanner68]

I never understood why these aren't more popular. I have used it to load rifle ammo for some of my bolt action calibers. The simplicity is its' greatest virtue.

[stand125]

You should do it like how chefs measures dry stuff in teaspoons. Scoop the powder then using a flat edge, just push off the "heap".

!

It would actually take more time to pick up the flat edge and shave off the heap then a few quick side to side shakes. I threw 10 throws and every one was dead on and the one that was not was off by +.1 grains. The scoops are amazingly consistant as long as you dip the same way every time. Like I mentioned before, even if you scoop as much as you possibly could you would still be under max load by a comfortable margin if you used the recommended powder.

[artichokie]

When I started reloading I was not looking forward to spending 200.00 for the minimum required items ( press, calipers and dies, scale ). So I did some research and watched some videos on You tube of the different set-ups. I decided to go with the LEE classic Loader in 45ACP sice I would only be out about $30.00.

I thought about picking one of these up, but not sure if they work for a semi auto. For 45 acp, would the reloads work with a semi auto? I'm currently shooting a 1911.

[BajaJames83]

i got a few of them thats how i started loading... made probably a few thousand rounds over the years.
yes, they will work for a semi auto. ive reloaded 223, 38/357 and 45 acp

[stand125]

My 45ACP230 gr lead round nose loads where extremely accurate.

[semperfidelis354]

I never understood why these aren't more popular. I have used it to load rifle ammo for some of my bolt action calibers. The simplicity is its' greatest virtue.

case prep is still followed even when using the classic loader though right? I'm referring to the case trimming, de-burring and so forth... may be a stupid question I guess but hey I gotta ask

[ejhc11]

Yes, the Classic Lee Loader just neck sizes, deprime, prime, and seat bullet. You measue powder thru the dipper or scale, measures. You still need to follow standard case prep procedures.

I like my .303 British Lee Loader, use it to load Prvi brass shot from my Enfield. Hey I have Lee Loader 7.62x54R for sale here..... Just don't own a Mosin Nagant anymore.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=462018

[Bart1]

It's how I started loading 308s. I think it is a very good way to slowwwwly learn how to reload.

[Fishslayer]

it's a good press to learn with, but if you are a high volume shooter, nothing beats the Blue machine!! Dillon Press FTMFW!!!! 600-800 rounds in 1 hr!

You & the g**** fanbois... you just show up everywhere... go away...

[Lead Waster]

It would actually take more time to pick up the flat edge and shave off the heap then a few quick side to side shakes. I threw 10 throws and every one was dead on and the one that was not was off by +.1 grains. The scoops are amazingly consistant as long as you dip the same way every time. Like I mentioned before, even if you scoop as much as you possibly could you would still be under max load by a comfortable margin if you used the recommended powder.

What I meant was a flat edge fixed horizontally above your powder can. So you scoop the powder, then as you are bringing the scoop out of the can, just scrape it so the excess falls back into the can.

Just a suggestion. I think making a custom scoop (out of a cleaned and cut cartridge case) might be faster than the powder drops that require you to rotate a handle.