Classic Lee Loader .357

[SPGuy]

Looking at getting Classic Loader for a .357. My question is does it full lenth or just neck size? I have read conflicting information and was hoping people could help me out. How can you just neck size a straight wall cartridge? I can understand it with a shoulder like my .308 but if its straight? Is it just a blanket statement or what?

Thanks for the help

[Whiterabbit]

you can "neck size" by simply not running the brass case all the way into the die.

not sure how that would work with the classic loader. Just go halfway? somehow? Not sure how you'd be consistent. I am darn sure its possible though.

[BigBronco]

There is no neck sizing straight wall cartridges as there is no neck on the brass.

[SPGuy]

Thanks all i wasn't looking to just neck size but on the websites i went to it said sizes neck only...must be a blanket statement.

[Whiterabbit]

ive never used the lee loader, but it might only partially resize your cases. If you have a big chamber, your loads will look fat at the bottom, like a slim 22 hornet or the like.

As long as they chamber, that's OK. If you have more than one 357 and the chamber is smaller, that might be a problem.

[stand125]

The Classic loader will neck size rifle cartriges that have a neck. It resizes the whole case in pistol cartriges since the case is straight the whole lenth. They are a great way to learn to reload on a budget and you will always have it as a back up or if you choose to reload right there at the range.

[Whiterabbit]

The Classic loader will neck size rifle cartriges that have a neck. It resizes the whole case in pistol cartriges since the die is straight the whole lenth. They are a great way to learn to reload on a budget and you will always have it as a back up or if you choose to reload right there at the range.

fixed that for you. They could have tapered the die so it only sizes down the top half of the case. It's not the brass inherrently that gets fully sized, it's because of the die design it does.

I wasnt sure if LEE tapered the bottom half of the die at all, since it's not for a press. Not till you confirmed it.

[stand125]

One thing that I have noticed with my Lee Classic Loaders in pistol caliber is that they do not work as well with FMJ bullets since FMJ bullets are usually a little smaller than the Lead bullets. So in 45, a .452 lead bullet loads much tighter in the case than a .451 bullet. I am just guessing, but I bett they where designed around lead bullets that most reloaders used 30 or 40 years ago.

[SPGuy]

The reason i am asking is because i am looking to get a .357 revolver and lever gun. It says "neck size only not fit forsemi autos, pump, lever rifles"...but if it resizes the dies why say it...or is it like I said a blanket statement? Anyone with any experience?

[wtkaiser]

Well now hold on, big Bronco. I used to shoot 38/.357, and used a Lee hand loader for a couple of years before I finally got a real press. I eventually got to the point where my cases would not chamber, even though it was all for the same gun, and I believe it was because they got so "fat" (for lack of a better term) as the brass got towards the head end.. The first time I sized them fully in a friend's press, they got back to minimal specs and seated like they should. It was quite the revelation and hurried me along getting a press of my own. We are probably talking neck resizing them only, 2-5 times (memory is really shaky, this happened 30 years back or more).

[SPGuy]

Checked with lee they said the .357 neck sized only but did not explain any further

[Whiterabbit]

ill bet it sizes the top 3rd or top half of the case only.

[wtkaiser]

You can put it in and take it out with a light hammer and a small rod, and no lubing necessary, so it can't full-length resize.