ok right now i have a 30-30 and a 300 win mag to load for, not sure i'm keepin the mag, just too much gun for island blacktails, anyways would i be better off getting a classic loader for the 30-30 and the 308 i plan on getting later or go for the 50th kit to do all kinds of stuff.
lee classic loader or 50th anniversary kit
- Thread starter vitaminb
- Start date
Probably best answered by what your budget will allow .
It would do no harm to shop around and price some other kits not only for cost comparison but also for quality of tools in each kit.
Some kits may be more complete than others also.
While you are at it, put on your flame suit.... the Lee bashers are lining up..
Probably the 50th kit as loading with a press is so much nicer than using a lee loader. Check out Factorysales.com as they have the best Lee prices...shipping is a bit high but worth it for any reasonable sized order.
That being said the Lee Loaders work just fine as well if you want to spend the time to load with them. Recommend a scale with them as well since you'll want to tweak your loads a bit off of the measure that comes with it depending on powder choice.
That being said the Lee Loaders work just fine as well if you want to spend the time to load with them. Recommend a scale with them as well since you'll want to tweak your loads a bit off of the measure that comes with it depending on powder choice.
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
Ditto 50th
Getting the 50th kit is the way to go. It will get you addicted quick. It is the best way to get into it without spending tons of cash. Also it is the least intimidating way to go for the novice. You don't want to piece together your first setup.
colonel3006
Regular
- Location
- Ayton,ontario
I have the 50th and love it just dont like the scale (probably just dont know how to use it properly)I bought a lyman digital scale instead.
classic loader for small batches
I load .45-70 with a lee classic loader. I use an RCBS hand primer because I've always been scared of the suspicious priming method in the classic loader (I live in an apartment and don't want the people upstairs panicking if I blow up a primer). I also use a digital scale for my powder charges. The classic loader works fine for me but I do small batches, 50 rounds at a time tops. The Lee priming method DOES work though.
Another thing to consider is that the classic loader (at least the one I have for 45-70) only neck sizes. The cases run fine in my guide gun, but if you are planning on reloading .308 for an M14, word is you HAVE to full length re-size.
It's funny how I got the classic loader at first to save money, digital scale, caliper, then the tumbler, the bench case trimmer, bullet puller, moulds, bullet sizing dies, hand primer, then a hand press... And the fact is I will probably get a bench mounted press sooner than later (I don't load large amounts). In the grand scheme of things I saved very little by getting the hand loader. But it DOES work, and it makes excellent loads.
Benoit
I load .45-70 with a lee classic loader. I use an RCBS hand primer because I've always been scared of the suspicious priming method in the classic loader (I live in an apartment and don't want the people upstairs panicking if I blow up a primer). I also use a digital scale for my powder charges. The classic loader works fine for me but I do small batches, 50 rounds at a time tops. The Lee priming method DOES work though.
Another thing to consider is that the classic loader (at least the one I have for 45-70) only neck sizes. The cases run fine in my guide gun, but if you are planning on reloading .308 for an M14, word is you HAVE to full length re-size.
It's funny how I got the classic loader at first to save money, digital scale, caliper, then the tumbler, the bench case trimmer, bullet puller, moulds, bullet sizing dies, hand primer, then a hand press... And the fact is I will probably get a bench mounted press sooner than later (I don't load large amounts). In the grand scheme of things I saved very little by getting the hand loader. But it DOES work, and it makes excellent loads.
Benoit
Leatherstocking
CGN Regular
- Location
- BC Rockies
Actually the Lee loader is not particularly slow once you’ve used it a few times.
It only neck sizes, though, and eventually your brass will need full length resizing, so a press and dies will be needed. After several firings the case will not chamber, as the shoulder will move forward.
I saw a 14 year old one last week, so nope, not quite. lol
