Classic Lee Loader Opinions?

[rimfired]

I want to start getting into reloading 7.62x54r for better accuracy than milsurp ammo, and also for ranges that don't allow steel core ammo. I've been eyeballing the Classic Lee Loader, which I can get a round specific set for $40 or so. The problem I'm having is that when I ask around my local shops or buddies that reload they all tell me to stay away from Lee products, but then I look online and there are so many positive reviews for the Classic Lee Loader.

So what's your guys' opinions on the Classic Lee Loader? Sometimes I feel that some people think if you don't spend $600 on a press you're not doing it right.

[Bill Steele]

If you are talking about the Lee Loader where you use a mallet to pound the case through the die, etc. You can get one of those for like $25.

It would not be my recommendation if accurate ammo is your goal, but it certainly is a low cost way to get to know the process and get you started. If you go this way and decide you like reloading, you will likely want to move to a bench mounted press, an accurate powder scale, etc. etc.

Good luck, have fun.

[Tanner68]

I think they are nifty and cool as hell. The first time I ever reloaded was with a Lee Loader in 243. I was impressed with how easily I could produce accurate rounds.

This is my favorite Lee Loader video....

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

[sniper5]

Reloaded a lot of ammo with one when I was a kid and I was broke most of the time. They produce totally functional ammo, and with good technique, pretty accurate. If you get a good system going, you can also produce ammo faster than you would think. I have several different sets and every so often I will break one out to remember the good old days.

[rimfired]

Good to hear guys! Another BIG appeal of the system to me is that if I go to the range I can take it along and tinker with loads there. If you don't mind me asking, why did you guys move on if it worked so well? Is it just the nature of the hobby, always moving to bigger/better equipment?

[Divernhunter]

Moved on because: better quality of equipment, being able to adjust dies, more production, loading more(different) cartridges so changeable dies and a press is better, using a powder scale and adjustable measure and a number of other reasons.
I would suggest a press kit and dies. I would suggest even a cheap one over the mallet type of system.

BUT FIRST I would suggest you buy the Lyman #49 reloading manual and read it. It will answer most questions and is a great source of info and data for the future as well as for right now.

Also remember those mil rifles were just that and as so many will not be extremely accurate. They were built in a hurry with M.O.M.(minuite of man) in mind not benchrest shooting.

[stand125]

I started with a Lee loader in 45 ACP. It produced excellent ammo. Once I realized that I would be shooting alot since the price of ammo was no longer an issue I decided to move up to a Turret press because of speed. I would rather spend $28.00 on a LEE loader and realize that reloading was not for me than spend a couple hundred on a press and find out the same thing. A single set of dies in actually more than the Lee loader and it has everything but the mallet to load a complete round as long as you use the given powder load chart included. I definatelty think that you are looking in the right direction with the Lee loader. You learn each step in the simplest way and once you get going you can load a round in under a minute with no problem. I still take my 45 ACP kit with me to the range to show others how simple it is to reload.

[rimfired]

BUT FIRST I would suggest you buy the Lyman #49 reloading manual and read it. It will answer most questions and is a great source of info and data for the future as well as for right now.

Also remember those mil rifles were just that and as so many will not be extremely accurate. They were built in a hurry with M.O.M.(minuite of man) in mind not benchrest shooting.

I already have the Lyman 49th coming in the mail as we speak. If it's one thing I've learned in the past week or so since I decided to start reloading it's that I should read, read, and read some more. I've also decided to get an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. I still plan on getting the Classic Lee Loader for loads at the range, but the Rock Chucker just looks like a great press that will last me a lifetime.

Thanks to everyone, I'm sure you'll see me around the ammo and reloading threads while I'm still learning this great hobby.

[Bill Steele]

I already have the Lyman 49th coming in the mail as we speak. If it's one thing I've learned in the past week or so since I decided to start reloading it's that I should read, read, and read some more. I've also decided to get an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. I still plan on getting the Classic Lee Loader for loads at the range, but the Rock Chucker just looks like a great press that will last me a lifetime.

Thanks to everyone, I'm sure you'll see me around the ammo and reloading threads while I'm still learning this great hobby.

Great decision on the RC Supreme. My first press as well, still using it for all sorts of things, decades later.

[SPR18]

GTG! Genius design, I have been loading 223 with it ...no problem

[xrMike]

The Lee Loader will probably make ammo that is more accurate than you are, for now anyway.

[bohoki]

lee makes some good stuff

lee dies
lee bullet molds
lee bullet sizers
perfect powder measure


but there are a few things i hate
lee trimmers
lee ziptrim
lee deburring tool
lee scale


the little loader is ok for small volume manually operated firearms loads but i dont like them for selfloading firearms

[Sunwolf]

The LEE Classic cast press is one of the best single stage presses in it`s price class.

[p2rider426]

so I am looking into picking up a Lee classic loader also for my new .243, what would the first upgrade to the classic loader kit you guys would do? Powder scale and thrower sound like a smart choice? Or case prep equipment? Don't mean to hijack, just feel like I would get flamed for starting a new thread just to ask this. Lol

[EmmaGoldman]

I'd add a hand primer and a scale. No need for a powder dispenser when working at this kind of pace.

I would also suggest something like this to replace the mallet:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/486489/bald-eagle-mini-arbor-press