opinions on Lee loaders

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fenelon

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Brand new to the idea of trying some basic reloading. Checked out the Lee site and was surprised to see you can get basic "Lee loader" kits for under $40. Is it worth buying something like this to start with, or would you guys suggest getting one of the single stage press kits instead? I'd be loading for one gun only - .308 tikka varmitter, using store -bought ammo brass, shot through this same gun once.
 
I've tried them once. Worked great loaded very accurate ammo. I use a lee challenger press. Much faster as I reload for 4 different calibers now its much easier with a press. And the gf hated the constant hammering in front of the tv. But they do work
 
Lee products work but if you have used better there is a definite difference.

Dies: Decapping pin/neck expander will keep slipping and drive you nutz. RCBS etc dies are solid.

Presses: Flimsy but functional. Try sizing some larger rounds or reforming brass and things might start breaking. An all steel press with some beef to it holds up and won't bend.

Everything else: Cheaply made.

If you are going get into loading seriously then spend the money and buy good equipment. ( RCBS, Redding, Dillon...... ) It will last your lifetime and your kids as well.


I would at least get a single stage press. Look for a decent used one. If you find out you hate reloading you can sell it for pretty much what you paid for it so no money lost.
 
lee products work and ive never had a problem from them i love my classic loader for
.303 i think i have one in 7.62x54r too they neck size only witch for both in my bolt guns i like

the poster above me is what we call a brand snob :p ive never had a problem with any of my lee products press's(i have the little c style press thay make for around $35 and a lee classic cast press),dies,scale,trimmers nothing and im reloading everything from .32 acp to .577-450 martini henry(i also have formed some brass from 24ga on the classic cast with the lee dies for the martini henry)
 
Get the Lee Loader.
It will get you involved in reloading.
Then you will find out about all the other stuff you "need"
to make it easier/faster/more accurate.

We got one on the edge of the abyss, boys.
Let's push him in! :)
 
Yeah, you're going to want a press, not those hand held devices for serious loading.

Most kits there are pieces missing that you have to get anyway. Like a digital scale.

You'll only be loading for the one rifle NOW.

Once you get the hand of loading and see the cost benefit, you'll be loading for every gun you shoot. Hell, if I can't reload for a gun, I'm not interested in it.
 
I started with a Lee Loader and it served me well for starting out. Gets you started for minimal $, and you can use it at the range for load development later.

Note: they only neck size, so they won't work for anything other than a bolt gun, and you need to use brass that has been fired in your rifle.
 
I started loading on a Lee Pro 1000, in 9mm. Took a bit to set up, but I have cranked out 1000's of rounds with only a few issues. I enjoyed it so much I bought another one for .45 acp. Having issues with priming, but again made several 1000 rounds with no major malfunctions. You get what you pay for indeed, pay attention, be gentle, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, and enjoy a hobby that will only grow. P.S. Does your signifigant other shoot? Good time to start.
 
I have The RCBS Rock Chucker Press and all the other equip. is Lee except for the scale. I use the Lee Handloader over the RC to FL resize, neck size and seat.

Never had a problem and it makes excellent and accurate target and yote ammo. The RCBS is rusting away.:D
 
Barnes_270 said:
I started with a Lee Loader and it served me well for starting out. Gets you started for minimal $, and you can use it at the range for load development later.

Note: they only neck size, so they won't work for anything other than a bolt gun, and you need to use brass that has been fired in your rifle.
Click to expand...

My experience also.
 
I bought the lee 50th kit for $130 ish. I load .308 just like you and am happy with my set up. I am happy with the lee press. I am happy with lee dies. I don't load match grade ammo but the stuff I make is more accurate than I am. I started at easter thinking I would use my old brass a box of 100 bullets a pound of Powder and I would be good for a year of shooting. I have now used up 3 box of bullets and have tryed 3 powders, hurry up and start!!! Lol
 
The Lee Loader is a perfect match for your .308 bolt gun. Lot's of fun to use too. They take more time , but that is the fun part. I reload on long winter evenings when there is no hunting to be done. Lee equipment rules.

Darryl
 
I started with a Lee Loader in Jan. for 7mm RM Works fine. After reading Lee Manual, I now have a press, collet neck size die, factory crimp die, etc.
I was forced to get a press to reload 204 Rem., as they do not make a Lee Loader in 204.
 
I use the lee 50th anniversary kit and lee dies. Works great. The only thing i don't like is the case trimmer so I'll be getting a nicer one soon.


*EDIT* yeah I don't use the powder scale either. I bought a digital when I bought the set.
 
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yep never had a problem with lee gear the only thing im buying thats not lee not to long down the road is a rcbs ammomaster 2 because i need a press with 1 1/2" thread i will also have to upgrade my press for a bigger one that can handle charges of more then 100gr
 
lee stuff

I just bought the lee 50th set and really like it. the only problem I had was with the powder scale, it would never zero right. I bought a digital scale. I haven't fired my homemade ammo yet but I look forward to it. Lee stuff works well for me.
 
I use them but bought a scale recently because I had borrowed a scale to check the scoop loads and found the scoop loads to be very inconsistent.

With a scale and a Lee Loader and some previous experimenting, yesterday I got 1.5 inch groups out of my 270 at 200 metres.

I'm not complaining.
 
mine work great! lots of exercise to hammer, and its certainly slower then a single stage or a progressive, but for 35 bucks it loads accurate ammo for just as well, its just a speed thing.

I will likely go to a progressive myself eventually, but thats because I intend to do a couple thousand a month or so, but for now these work.
and they work well
 
I started with a Lee Loader, too. It turns out perfectly good ammo but is less flexible and involves more 'sweat equity'. I eventually moved up to an RCBS single stage press, but have not a single regret about the Lee Loader.
 
I have a press and a few classic lee loaders and enjoy using the classic loaders , it's a inexpensive way to get into reloading, just pick up a scale and forget the included scoops. Now here is the problem, as mentioned it only neck sizes so itsbest to have fireformed brass from that particular rifle and eventually you will need a press to full length size your brass, I was lucky because I had saved all my brass for each particular rifle. You can also look into the hand press which fl size and is inexpensive also.
 
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