Lee Classic Loader for different weight bullets?

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Scott Bear

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I was just wondering if the Lee Classic Loader contains different powder measures for different weight bullets?

For example: I would like to get one to load for my 45-70 Guide rifle and have been given 350 grain bullets. Normally I would have chosen the 300 grain, but these were a gift. So instead of trading them I figured I should just use them.

Does the kit recommend different powders for different bullets, does it use a different powder measure or do you use the same powder measure and have a lower velocity bullet?

Thanks for your help.
 
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It only comes with one scoop. I have a couple of them but usually load on a press with dies.

If I wanted to just use the loader, I would buy the Lee Powder measure set with all the sizes/and or a scale. The next step would be a Lee manual, but a lot of this info can be had online as far as powder charges for your specific Calibre (.45-70). In the case of .45-70 I found I liked the 2.5cc scoop for IMR 4198 powder (405gr cast) when loading with just the Loader set as opposed to the 3.7cc one that is included.

You will need a way of measuring different powder levels, just one dipper alone is not enough unless you luckily use and like the one or two powders that may fit for your bullet weight. Multiple scoops and or a scale will be much more useful. Scale will be the most helpful, but the dippers do work too.
 
Lee sells a package of different sized scoops as well. I used them when developing loads to get an initial charge and then used a powder trickle to add as needed.
 
I have the complete set of Lee scoops I got in 1973, to be truthful you would be better off getting a scale. This way you are not limited to the amount or weight a scoop can throw.

With scoops you can not work up a load varying the powder in fractions of a grain of powder. When you have scales you are not limited to the reduced charge weights in the Lee Loader.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Lee Loader but scoops prevent you from expanding your reloading capabilities. I have scoops that I dripped wax into to throw my favorite charges BUT a good scale is mandatory for good load development and accurate reloads.

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Ditto on the scale. I just got a nice little one with the Lee 50th anniversary kit. They sell this powder scale seperate, and it's a good, inexpensive way to start. Lee loaders are a great way to load cheaply for one calibre, just remember you are only neck sizing, so you might have trouble if you are trying to use the ammunition in more than one rifle.
 
If you have access to or own a scale, you can work up your favorite load for your rifle then making your own powder scoop by trimming a cartridge case and soldering a handle on. I have seen this done, and plan to try it myself. Though normaly I reload with a press I love my lee loader, carried it recently on a hunt far from home and enjoyed the ability to reload whenever I chose. (One guy on the same hunt ran out of ammo and had to 'borrow' from some-one else) I find the reloads accurate, and the lee loader is fun and fast!
 
I use Lee Classic loaders for .223, .243 and .303. Sometimes I use the dipper that's supplied and sometimes I use my electronic scale, depending on which powder and bullets I'm using.
 
I thought that my post implied the use of a scale when I mentioned a powder tickle. If it wasn't clear, I used the Lee powder dips to get a certain amount in the scale pan and then tickled up from there as needed to develop loads.
 
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