Lee Loading .308 not recommended for Semi's?

Turkinator

Turkinator

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Hi guys I've become very interested in reloading the last week so I've been doing a little bit of digging on Kijiji etc. eyeballing used equipment. Id like to start off simple so when i found out about the cool little Lee Loader kit I got excited but the website says its not recommended for semi autos which is primarily want i want to reload for. I read a little more into it and as far as i can tell this is because it "neck re-sizes" the casing only? My question is if i were to get a full length resizing die like the 308 Win Match™ Grade Full-Length Size Die to compliment the lee loader if that would allow me to reload for semi auto etc. or is there more to this that I'm missing? Any input would be great, if I'm on the wrong track let me know.
 
"The Lee Loader neck sizes only, use only with brass fired through your gun. You can reload a round in 30 seconds. Recommended if you’re loading for a bolt action rifle in small quantities."

It's just not made for semi auto.
If you want to reload for a semi auto, you will need a press with leverage.
And a full length size die.
If you want to carry it to the range, you could get a http://leeprecision.com/breech-lock-hand-press.html
But FL resize needs lube, and then wiping the lube, etc etc.... better just do that at home on your press.

My suggestion is that if money is tight, start with a breech lock challenger kit at least. cheapest effective way to start reloading.
I just put mine aside because I bought a forster co-ax press (but just the press is close to 400$ with accesories)
If you can afford it, get a classic cast turret kit.
 
Yes, you need to FL size for semi in most cases. Same with pumps, levers etc. A bolt action has the camming power to extract neck sized brass after firing. An FL die requires a press, you can't just hammer the case into it like with the Lee loader. I would suggest picking up a reloading manual and read it thoroughly. The Lee loaders work but are slow and a bit painstaking. After reading a manual I would look into either a reloading kit or piecing together a setup to suit your needs. A press, FL die set with shellholder, scale, trimming and priming tools and a set of calipers is a good start. Its more money to spend but will load safe ammo for your semi and serve as a solid foundation to start reloading with.
 
The first ever experience I had with reloading was a Lee Loader in 30-30 that my cousin and I split on. We reloaded for our model 94's and had a blast doing it. Seemed to work fine back then.
 
Alleycat said:
The first ever experience I had with reloading was a Lee Loader in 30-30 that my cousin and I split on. We reloaded for our model 94's and had a blast doing it. Seemed to work fine back then.
Click to expand...
And it might work fine today as well, however, a lever, a pump, or a semi isn't a bolt action and for smooth, reliable operation, semis need F/L resized brass. Lee Loader only neck sizes.
You don't need a scale for powder, the dipper that comes with the Lee die set will make accurate enough ammo in a semi. Trimming becomes important so you will need one.

For .308, you don't need much leverage to resize that case, so, as suggested, a hand press kit would suffice although a less expensive option is one of their "C" presses... Plenty to process .308. However, this would be your best buy:

https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-breech-lock-hand-press-kit-90180.html
https://fsreloading.com/manufacturer/lee-precision/lee-rifle-reloading-dies/lee-pacesetter-die-sets/

ALL you need for what you want.
 
if you can afford it, get a lee classic cast turret kit... you will not regret it.
If I had bought a lee classic turret I probably would not have replaced my breech lock challenger press.
Worth it investing a bit more in a press because it will last you forever.
Going a bit cheap will make you want to replace it later on.

If you can afford it, the forster coax single stage is awesome.
Collects all primers, no shellholders, lots of leverage.
Priming system is easy to use and fool proof (but hand priming smaller batches is still easier and faster).
 
Kryogen said:
If you can afford it, the forster coax single stage is awesome.
Collects all primers, no shellholders, lots of leverage.
Click to expand...
What is your fascination with leverage? What the hell are you loading, anyway, you need that much leverage? I have F/L resized 300 RUM cases on a Challenger without difficulty. What are you doing?
 
Kryogen said:
if you can afford it, get a lee classic cast turret kit... you will not regret it.
If I had bought a lee classic turret I probably would not have replaced my breech lock challenger press.
Worth it investing a bit more in a press because it will last you forever.
Going a bit cheap will make you want to replace it later on.

If you can afford it, the forster coax single stage is awesome.
Collects all primers, no shellholders, lots of leverage.
Priming system is easy to use and fool proof (but hand priming smaller batches is still easier and faster).
Click to expand...
If you can afford it...why reload at all? Just buy custom rounds for all your shooting and don't waste it on reloading equipment.
 
I've never had an issue running neck sized brass through a lever but have had issues with them in a semi.
It wasn't that bad and only about 1 in 10 caused a malfunction. When I cleared it and ran the round through again it worked.
Some people say you MUST use small base dies (size a bit smaller than regular full length dies) when reloading for a semi but I've never found that to be true.
 
Don't forget to use the right powder. My neighbour had some issues with his .308 semi. He was using a powder that was a bit faster (or slower, I can't remember) than what most semi's need to function the gas port for reliability.
When he reloaded some new loads, he used something like varget or 4895 (the "old reliable" standby's), and the gun runs fine now.
Please don't quote me on the exact powders, I'm going from memory, and a conversation I had a little while ago.
Do a bit of research on reloading for semi's, and you will see what I am talking about. The only semi I have is an sks, and I don't bother to reload for it. Somebody who loads for one will be able to help you find the right powder.
 
Thanks all for the info, I think im getting pretty close to trying this out! I want to reload .308 for the m305 and ive read to use a medium powder, and 4895 does seem to be the most common used. Couple more questions while I'm learning stuff:
-When it comes to brass is it neccesary to FL resize virgin brass or are they good to go out of the bag?
-Of the cheaper brass ive read that Winchester has a longer life span over Remington etc, would you guys agree?
-How often do you guys anneal, and when full length resizing how much of the case do you heat until blue?
Also if anyone could suggest any sites they find decent with reloading materials that would be awesome. Ive been just perusing my local shops and www.budgetshootersupply.ca so far
Thanks!
 
Just wanted to mention I reload for my semi 308 (m305) all the time and use lee dies (full length though) with great success.
Something that needs to be mentioned too about semi's, a lee factory crimp die really does help out alot if you are loading for semi's as the actions tend to be a bit more violent and abusive than a smooth bolt and if you are loading for a military style or older surplus semi, please look into sinking the primers a bit lower than with a bolt and using a bit harder prinmer as there is a danger of slam fire with these (free floating firing pin). I love loading for my semis and use nothing but lee :) have fun :)
Turkinator said:
Hi guys I've become very interested in reloading the last week so I've been doing a little bit of digging on Kijiji etc. eyeballing used equipment. Id like to start off simple so when i found out about the cool little Lee Loader kit I got excited but the website says its not recommended for semi autos which is primarily want i want to reload for. I read a little more into it and as far as i can tell this is because it "neck re-sizes" the casing only? My question is if i were to get a full length resizing die like the 308 Win Match™ Grade Full-Length Size Die to compliment the lee loader if that would allow me to reload for semi auto etc. or is there more to this that I'm missing? Any input would be great, if I'm on the wrong track let me know.
Click to expand...
 
-4895 will do you just fine
-Cover your ass, re-size any unknown brass including new brass. Good time to trim brass too
-M305 the one to stay away from is Federal brass. M305 are rough on brass due to their over-sized chambers and / or excessive head space. 2-3 reloads is generally the max. watch for signs
- send me 3 fired cases(with gas port closed) I can tell you what your head space is
-annealing, lots of good videos on youtube, but see my third point. These cases stretch a lot, annealing might not do much for you

Budget is great!

for for about $170 you can buy the challenger kit, money well spent

http://leeprecision.com/reloading-kits/single-stage-reloading-kits/
 
rookie wildcat said:
What is your fascination with leverage?
Click to expand...

You have to admit that "3x more leverage" makes you want to buy another press even if you don't need it. I could not resist that.

Honestly I just wanted to buy a better press. No specific reason. Mine was fine.
I wanted to try a better one, just to see.
 
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rookie wildcat said:
If you can afford it...why reload at all? Just buy custom rounds for all your shooting and don't waste it on reloading equipment.
Click to expand...

Because reloading is a hobby, and I do it because I like it, not really just to save money.
I am probably never going to reload enough to justify all the money I spend on reloading equipment. I don't care. I am having fun. If one day I don't need it anymore, I'll sell it all for half the price, and make someone else happy.
 
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