Lee Loader ???

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Itsa Bughunt

New member
I was just made aware of this device and would like to know more about it. I saw a youtube video of one being used. I'd like a way to inexpensively reload .308s.
 
Well, what exactly do you want to know about it that the Utoob video didn't explain?

They neck size only. They're slow. They work.
 
Not familiar with the rifle loads (although I did see a guy on YouTube load some...) but I loaded 9mm and 45acp pistol loads with Lee Loaders. They work. If you have an abundance of time, they can turn out decent ammo. Yes, the loader is fairly slow.

AND ...... there's a reason they're called "whack-A-Mole"!:D You'll be using a hammer to do most of the job. If you want/need quantity, this unit may push some limits.

I bought an RCBS Rock Chucker press a few months after starting with the LEE units. Much better but depending on your needs, the Lee might be useful.
 
That's how I got started in reloading way back when. It's fine if you are not reloading but 20 or 40 rounds a week. Gets very tedious after a while tho. I started with .243, then bought one for .45 Colt. Never could get used to hammering the primer in. After the first one went off, I bought a Lee hand primer.

Using the scoops didn't seem precise enough, so I bought a scale. Eventually, I just said to heck with it and bought an RCBS Rockchucker.

You can get an RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit for under $300. Might as well start with that in the first place.
 
I started out handloading in the sixties with the Lee tools. I had one for .44 Magnum and one for 9MM. The only problem I had with them was in priming the .44 Magnum...it took excessive force to get the casing out of the sizing die and subsequently would sometimes set the primer off. Luckily, Lee also made a little hand primer that solved the problem, on primer at a time. Without those inexpensive Lee tools, I doubt that there would be as many handloaders that there are today.

I later years (middle seventies), I had their Target Model for the 6MM Remington. It included an inside neck reamer that was used when the case was in the neck-sizing die. I don't think they make the Target Model tool anymore.
 
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I think Lee Loaders are great. I started with one and even though I have 4 presses (and a new Co-Ax) I still on occasion dig out one of my 5 Lee Loaders and pound out a few rounds. Slow? There's a youtube video of a complete reload of a bottle necked round in less than fifty seconds. Inaccurate? The 1,000 yard group record was, at one time held by a shooter using a Lee Loader.

I too have one in .44 Magnum, and yep they can be a bit harder to size the case than other calibers, so I just lube the cases. Just like any steel die, lube works wonders. I also eliminited the rare primer pops. I just chamfered the primer pockets like I do with military crimped primer pockets. No more having to change my skivvies after a failed attempt to prime a case...:o
I know nothing about reloading. NOTHING. I just want to lower my ammo cost, but not blow up myself or my gun.
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All you gotta do is read the instructions and you can reload safe accurate ammo just like any reloading equipment. It's all dependent on the user. Sloppy, careless reloader = sloppy, dangerous ammo. Conscientious, attentive reloader = safe, accurate ammo.
 
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Thanks for the replies though. I can only shoot 10 rounds of .308 before my shoulder says "Enough", so I think I'll start with the Lee Loader.
 
I love Lee Loaders. The quality of ammunition which can be produced with them is great. I haven't ever found the speed to be too troublesome, but that may depend on technique. However, don't try to use them to load for an autoloading .308. If you have a bolt action, go for it and you won't ever be sorry.
 
"...They neck size only. They're slow. They work..." Yeah. Lot of us started with one. Only other thing is that the scoops are calibrated in CC's and can vary the powder charge + or - a full grain. If you opt for a Lee Loader, buy a scale too.
"...I know nothing about reloading..." You're in a good place to start. Buy and read a loading manual's How-to chapters. Suggest the Lyman manual(your local gun shop, Amazon or direct from Lyman. About $30.) for its versatility. And do not hesitate to ask questions here.
 
Your decision on the Lee loader is a wise one. The loader functions in every capacity that a press does, just as well. The only shortcomings are that it does not full length resize the brass, or expand the inner surface to exact specifications.

I started out with a Lee loader, and found no improvement in accuracy when I upgraded to a Redding press. Both sets of equipment got +/- moa results.

You should buy a good scale and a hand primer, and a trickler to add precision, safety, and convenience.

I think that it took me about two minutes a round, certainly not more.

You are going to be making a significant investment up front in powder, bullets and other supplies. The loader and equipment as well. By the time you have used your first two hundred rounds, comparing the cost to a top brand ammo, you might be breaking even.
 
If you ever get tired of smack wacking that thing all day long lee makes a hand press that works great.

Lee Loaders can be fine but I have 4 and I won't be using them unless it's life and death. Sometimes I smack up a quick dummy but many have problems priming them. I got mine from my grandpa and he also included a Hand Prime.
 
I'll see how it goes with the Lee Loader and if I get more interested in reloading I'll be wanting to do it in a more efficient manner. During the coming months I'll be seeing a lot of estate/garage sales and complete re-loading sets are sometimes common.
 
You can also aquire a Lee hand press for around $50 if you want to start cheap. I was going to get the lee loaders for mobilized reloading until I caught fancy on the hand press. It's small, easy to carry, has a bushing system for quick die changes, fairly decent leverage. Definitely a tier above the wack-a-mole.
 
I'll see how it goes with the Lee Loader and if I get more interested in reloading I'll be wanting to do it in a more efficient manner. During the coming months I'll be seeing a lot of estate/garage sales and complete re-loading sets are sometimes common.
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You have a good plan despite the posts that want to lure you into spending more than you have to. Many of us started the very same way you are...with the very inexpensive Lee Loader. If you decide that handloading isn't for you (perish the thought!), you can sell that stuff and will not be out much.
 
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