I have never reloaded ammo yet. I would like to start with my 303. I have read lots of stuff on the subject. I wonder what would be the best to start a leeloader or the lee hand loader and dies? I would like to start cheap to see how I like reloading my own. Is there any difference in the quality of the finished amm form either method? Which is the easiest to use. I live in an apartment so space is a consideration. Thanks
Lee laoder vs. lee hand loader.
- Thread starter hardek
- Start date
Barnes_270
Regular
- Location
- Langley, BC
If you live in an apartment the noise factor might be an issue - the Lee Loader is noisier with all the banging with a mallet.
Also, if you eventually want to load other calibers, the hand loader is a better choice.
That said, the Lee Loader is a very slick all-in-one solution and the cheapest way to start reloading. Just do yourself a favour and use a scale, not the scoop that comes with the kit.
Also, if you eventually want to load other calibers, the hand loader is a better choice.
That said, the Lee Loader is a very slick all-in-one solution and the cheapest way to start reloading. Just do yourself a favour and use a scale, not the scoop that comes with the kit.
I have various presses, Lee's hand press and Lee Loaders. I like them all but I would recommend a normal bench mounted press and dies for most peoples intro into reloading. The hand held press is handy to travel with but a bench mounted press is just easier all around since you don't have to have your hands tied up by it all the time. The Lee Loader with a hammer can be slow and noisy but it does work well. You can only neck size for the calibre it is made in though, and I do recommend a manual with more load data and either a scale or the complete set of Lee scoops as the scoop with the Loader always seems to only work for odd ball powders for that cal.
Lee Anniversary Kit, a manual and a set of dies is a good start.
Lee Anniversary Kit, a manual and a set of dies is a good start.
Go for the hand press as then you can buy die sets and use them when you eventually get a bench press. If you buy the lee loaders you'll probably end up with several of them, then spend more money on dies and a press to replace them when you get into it more.
I use both for different calibers. The lee loader is surprisingly quick to use and does just as good of a job as the hand press. Like someone above said, the lee loader is a bit noisy so if you have neighbours below you, it's not the best choice. I do use a hand primer though, never liked the idea of hammering in my primers.
I use one in 303. It's a nice little unit, and would be great if you were in an "on-the-road" type situation. Be sure to keep your brass segregated though if you're loading for multiple rifles. They will not chamber interchangeably without fullsizing on a press and die.
Like others have said, if you use it, do it in conjunction with a scale because the scoops don't exactly measure out. I have the set of scoops and use the next size smaller to put a charge in the scale pan, then use a powder trickler to get it exactly to weight.
In terms of a loading manual, I would definitely recommend the Lyman 49th edition. The Lee book has mountains of data in it, and can't be laid out on the bench easily due to its size.
Like others have said, if you use it, do it in conjunction with a scale because the scoops don't exactly measure out. I have the set of scoops and use the next size smaller to put a charge in the scale pan, then use a powder trickler to get it exactly to weight.
In terms of a loading manual, I would definitely recommend the Lyman 49th edition. The Lee book has mountains of data in it, and can't be laid out on the bench easily due to its size.
ipscgraz
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
As much as I respect the Lee Loaders, you should probably consider buying what you would eventually end up with and avoid buying stuff that will eventually become unused.
If space is an issue consider mounting the press on a board that can be c-clamped to a kitchen table or desk of some kind.
And +1 on seating the primer with a hand press, if you do go for a Lee Loader...I had a couple go off while being seated. It startled the parents hearing the "bang" downstairs when I was a kid.
If space is an issue consider mounting the press on a board that can be c-clamped to a kitchen table or desk of some kind.
And +1 on seating the primer with a hand press, if you do go for a Lee Loader...I had a couple go off while being seated. It startled the parents hearing the "bang" downstairs when I was a kid.
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
I would invest in a press first time buying. I live in an apartment also and by mounting the press to a piece of plywood , i can take anywhere to reload on the spot . Way less noisy than the hammering for the hand loader and much quicker. and with a set of clamps, set up can be to even a chair to use it.
And full length resizing can be done to the brass.
I have two older single presses and set one up to resize and deprime, the other to set the bullet...hand priming in between stages. if a friend comes over we can run side by side and load very quickly.
And full length resizing can be done to the brass.
I have two older single presses and set one up to resize and deprime, the other to set the bullet...hand priming in between stages. if a friend comes over we can run side by side and load very quickly.
Last edited:
handofzeus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Trout Creekish Ontario.
Take it from me, I rationalized that the Lee Loader would be a great cheap intro to loading. Yes, it was, until I started shooting a bit more. Anything over 50 rounds and the Lee Loader is exhausting! When the hobby becomes a chore it's time to quit! I now have a single stage RCBS and can't believe that I got sucked into the Lee Loader stuff. Sure, if you're out in the woods and NEED to reload and keep it light.....perfect, otherwise start with a single stage and move up to a progressive, or do what I did and get several old single stages and use one per die! Remember that reloading can be every bit as much fun as shooting!
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Back in the stone age when I began loading it was with a Lee Loader for .38/.357. It was an exercise in frustration as more often than not the loaded rounds wouldn't fully chamber. Lee makes a slick little C press which could be attached to a table top or a WorkMate. The problem with the Lee loader rifle sets is that they neck size only, and if you have used brass that was not fired in your rifle . . . well remember what I said about an exercise in frustration. Get a press, some full length sizing dies and a shell holder, a tin or Imperial Sizing Wax, a tin of Imperial dry neck lube, a good scale, not the one Lee makes, a scale check weight set, a Lee case trimmer for .303 Brit and a chamfering tool, a manual or two, a brick of large rifle primers, a pound of IMR or H 4895 powder, some bullets, and you're off to the races.
I have a Lee Handloader and a RCBS Rock Chucker. I use the Handloader pretty much exclusively. Depirime, neck size or full size is easy, reprime while watching tv.(.223 Rem)
The handloader is a breeze in the field or range when load developing and I use a Hornady digital scale, pocket size IIRC it's the model 1500.
The handloader is a breeze in the field or range when load developing and I use a Hornady digital scale, pocket size IIRC it's the model 1500.
I used a Lee Loader many years ago for a 223 and worked really well. Tried one for a 300 Savage and had real bad results. I purchased a Lee Aniversay kit a year ago for about $129.00 and it works fine. Only thing i found was i weigh every charge. Go for the kit and i think you will be happy
