dad wants to get into basic reloading for our hunting rounds.

[junior40er]

He said he wants a classic Lee loader for his birthday. I looked into it and seems more than good enough to load 30-06 and 30-30 for hunting. Since we won't be loading hundreds at a time this will suffice.

Besides this loader I'm assuming cleaning and trimming case first is a requirement? If so, what's the cheapest route here? Efficiency is not key....keeping cost down is.

I will be ordering Lee loader classic for our calibers....what else should I add to my cart?


Remember...This will be single loading...Low cost and I don't care if it takes 5 minutes to do a round.

[Cowboy T]

Nothing wrong with the classic "whack 'em" Lee Loaders. They've been working well for 50 years, and ammo made with them has set world records before. Richard Lee did a YouTube video where he loads a round in less than a minute with one of those.

Not sure about the .30-30 Loader, but the ones for most bottleneck cartridges are neck-sizers. They don't typically full-length size. Not sure if that's an issue for the .30-30, but it's perfect for a bolt gun like a Rem 700 in .30-06. Semi-autos, you want to full-length size (e. g. M1 Garand).

Assuming relatively top-end loads, case trimmers will probably be needed by about the 4th or 5th shooting. It's a good idea to clean your cases, just so you can more easily detect any defects, i. e. the case wearing out. A damp Scotch-Brite-type green scouring pad will do the trick. A kinetic bullet puller (looks like a plastic hammer) is also a good idea; these are about $15. This is for any mistakes that you will inevitably make (we all do).

A scale of some sort is also a necessity. Since you're talking about keeping cost down, I'd suggest Lee's "Safety Scale". It works and is quite serviceable for weighing your powder charges. I wouldn't weigh bullets on it 'cause it goes only to 100-grains, but powder's just fine. You won't ever get close to 100 grains unless you're doing the Weatherby Magnums or the RUM's.

[emptybottle151]

Scale

http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-205205-Arsenal-Reloading-Scale/dp/B002BDOHNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392605933&sr=8-1&keywords=reloading+scale

Caliber

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A-Extra-Large-SAE-Metric-Conversion/dp/B000GSLKIW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392606224&sr=8-1&keywords=digital+caliber

Bullet Puller

http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Quick-N-Ez-Impact-Bullet/dp/B001B7ZB4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392605946&sr=8-1&keywords=kinetic+bullet+puller

Trimers

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Cutter-Lock-Stud/dp/B000NOQIOU/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Win-Gauge-Holder/dp/B000N8MUX4/ref=pd_sim_sg_20

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Springfield-Gauge-Holder/dp/B0013Z3Z3A/ref=pd_sim_sg_13

Got a classic reloader in 45 Long Colt for the girlfriend plus the extras minus the trimers. Use a toothbrush and some soap to clean the cases.

[junior40er]

Thanks for the post fellas. I'm really reading each post more than once because I want to get it right prior to ordering. So much info available on reloading that I felt I had to create a thread on keeping it as cheap as possible while still making a safe, accurate round.

So is the calipers to measure over all length of case? I'm guessing it gets trimmed only flatter few shots? If used on only same rifle then length won't really get stretched. ...right?

What about crimping the bullet to case? Seems like Lee loader doesn't do that?

[CSACANNONEER]

It's not how long it is going to take for each round that matters. I suggest getting a press and regular dies because, you'll have more control, better repeat-ability and the ability to adjust your loads easier. The bottom line is that you are looking to find a load that works well in one particular rifle and then make each round as close to that as possible. CONSISTENCY is the key and the wack-a-loads are not going to be as consistent as a decent press and dies. Look at a Lee hand press and quality scale if you're out to save money but don't want to have an inconsistent round ruin your hunt. Also, the wack-a-rounds don't have any way to trim brass. Your gun can BLOW UP if your brass is too long! It grows every time it's fired. EVEN IN THE SAME GUN. What part of the state are you in? We are having reloading clinics in various parts of the state on a regular basis. I strongly suggest you take a class or, at least, find a mentor to help you get started. I don't want to hear about your gun blowing up and putting you in the hospital or worse.

BTW, to crimp or not to crimp depends on the gun and your personal preference.

[emptybottle151]

Thanks for the post fellas. I'm really reading each post more than once because I want to get it right prior to ordering. So much info available on reloading that I felt I had to create a thread on keeping it as cheap as possible while still making a safe, accurate round.

So is the calipers to measure over all length of case? I'm guessing it gets trimmed only flatter few shots? If used on only same rifle then length won't really get stretched. ...right?

What about crimping the bullet to case? Seems like Lee loader doesn't do that?

Yes, calipers are to measure COAL. You can separate your brass into batches base on case length as long as they are within tolerance. If not then trim them or trim them all for uniformly. Your call. Also yes they will stretch even if fired in the same firearm.

You really don't need to crimp unless your using a semi auto firearm and even then not unless your dropping ammo crates off of trucks and suppressing enemy advances with continuous fire in the trenches of war Im assuming your reloading for a bolt action and a lever, so no you don't need to crimp unless you want to in case of world war three

Like I said my GF uses a lee classic loader for her 45LC lever action even with range brass from other firearms without a hitch.

[stilly]

He said he wants a classic Lee loader for his birthday. I looked into it and seems more than good enough to load 30-06 and 30-30 for hunting. Since we won't be loading hundreds at a time this will suffice.

Besides this loader I'm assuming cleaning and trimming case first is a requirement? If so, what's the cheapest route here? Efficiency is not key....keeping cost down is.

I will be ordering Lee loader classic for our calibers....what else should I add to my cart?


Remember...This will be single loading...Low cost and I don't care if it takes 5 minutes to do a round.

Lee CLASSIC CAST press is the most HD press you can get and very affordable.

Digital Scale:

http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-GEMINI-20-Portable-MilliGram/dp/B0012TDNAM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1392610478&sr=8-4&keywords=gemini+pro

BTW, I had mine out today at the reloading clinic and about 4 people were wanting to use it. That is how awesome it is...

HF digital calipers OR these:

http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-147-Digital-Fractional/dp/B000UCIGCW/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392610772&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=american+general+digital+calipers

Hornady Lock N Load powder dropper

RCBS Powder Trickler

CTS trimmer + LE wilson chamfer/Debur

Good things to have...

[knucklehead0202]

invest in a set of powder dippers. once you've got the powder you plan to use, practice with dippers at home and use a scale to determine which one makes the load you're looking for, or very close and you don't have to weigh each charge if you're out somewhere. with a little practice, dipped loads can be very consistent, but do NOT use them when close to max loads, as a little can mean a lot at that point.

[MrElectric03]

Hey junior40er, I know you are local to me in the high desert, if you want to take a look at my setup sometime. I'm really only available on weekends though. I have a dillon xl650 but load rifle on a single stage. I don't load 30-06 yet but I do load 30-30.

I deprime/size in my rockchucker, tumble in corncob media and new finish in my harbor freight tumbler, prime with a lee hand primer, then charge with a uniflow powder measure(bought used), seat and crimp in the rockchucker using a lee factory crimp die.

[Capt.Dunsel]

Since your only loading up a few at a time try the Lee hand press. Uses regular dies , if you like reloading after awhile you got the dies just need to
upgrade to a full size press.

And if you get the Lee die sets they come with Dies, shell holder , primer set ,
and a powder dipper, and pet load manual .

Can get you started for a song and dance till you upgrade the press since you'll
have everything else to start.

And once you start there is no turning back on your new hobby.

I still use mine on hunting trips , gives me something to do when the sun goes down and your not tired enough to sleep.

[NorCalFocus]

You can pick up the Lee Breech Lock kit off ebay to your door for about $130.

Other things I'd add after that....
the Gemini Scale stilly posted $25
Lyman case prep hand tool $20
Lee trimmer gauge for each caliber $5
Harbor Freight tumbler $55
Lee shellholder kit $20
Dies for each caliber $35

[ElDub1950]

Scale

http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-205205-Arsenal-Reloading-Scale/dp/B002BDOHNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392605933&sr=8-1&keywords=reloading+scale

Midway had this one on sale a couple weeks ago for $19.95. I bought 2 of them. Sooo much easier that using a balance scale.

[ArmedCMT]

It's not how long it is going to take for each round that matters. I suggest getting a press and regular dies because, you'll have more control, better repeat-ability and the ability to adjust your loads easier. The bottom line is that you are looking to find a load that works well in one particular rifle and then make each round as close to that as possible. CONSISTENCY is the key and the wack-a-loads are not going to be as consistent as a decent press and dies. Look at a Lee hand press and quality scale if you're out to save money but don't want to have an inconsistent round ruin your hunt. Also, the wack-a-rounds don't have any way to trim brass. Your gun can BLOW UP if your brass is too long! It grows every time it's fired. EVEN IN THE SAME GUN. What part of the state are you in? We are having reloading clinics in various parts of the state on a regular basis. I strongly suggest you take a class or, at least, find a mentor to help you get started. I don't want to hear about your gun blowing up and putting you in the hospital or worse.

BTW, to crimp or not to crimp depends on the gun and your personal preference.

I didnt see anyone link to it so here. I highly recommend the hand press, Im useing mine right now I'm depriming x39 brass while watching WSOP in my living room. I dont plan on using the hand press to size or seat but its nice to know I could if I wanted to. Some people take them to the range and do load development.

[junior40er]

wow...lots of info here. Thank you.

1)I know some are not suggesting this kit because it does not have a way to trim. Can I buy a seperate trimmer of some sort?

2) Some here are suggesting I dont need to crimp but from what I have learned it looks like we do. the 30-30 will be shot out of my dads marlin 336 which is a lever action tube fed. Tube feb can push the bullet into casing if not crimped from what hear. I wont need to crimp my 30-06 since it will be boxed fed.

[NorCalFocus]

You can buy this (which comes in the Anniversary Kit)



and one of these for each caliber you want to trim.



You just use it off your drill. I personally like this trimmer setup, its fast, easy to use, and cheap.