Lee Reloaders

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Does anyone use or have used a Lee classic reloader. The one I am talking about is the small kit that contains a die and powder measure, etc. Don't these things require a press or do you use a vise or something? How easy or fast would this be? They seem cheap enough. I can probably get one real cheap for 9mm.
Thanks
 
I have used the classic lee loader for reloading 20 to 50 rifle rounds. Pounding out a couple of hundred pistol rounds would be a pain. It may not be worth your time considering factory 9mm is cheap. A bench vise is not needed.
 
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they're neither fast or easy compared to a real press- it's hammer the primer out, hammer the case in the die, hammer the primer in the case, pour in the powder and hammer the bullet in to seat- get the idea- hammer, hammer, hammer- that's the one with the dipper- any solid surface will do - no vise or something- you grip the die in one hand and hammer with the other, just like driving a nail- be advised that if you're going to do 9 it needs to be lubed before you resize it as well, as they're steel dies, not carbide unless things have changed-but it's a good way to use up that castor oil left over from when you were a kid
 
I just got a press for $60 and works pretty good..its my First time reloading ammo. all I got to say is its quite fun.....
you can even get the handheld presses for around the same as a bench mount press..... I think it would save you some time and effort with a press...

Vince
 
In my opinion the LEE LOADER as it is called, is a cheap way for a hunter to make 20 cartridges to sight in and take a deer or two every year. IF IT TAKES 2 OR 3 HOURS TO RELOAD FOR YOUR YEARS SHOOTING THATS PRETTY GOOD . But most people that shoot 9mm shoot 50 to 100 per session and if it takes 1 to 2 hours to do 20 rounds of hunting ammo, how long will it take to load for one pistol shooting outing. Keep your eye out for a used single stage press (just about any brand will do) it is pretty hard to wear them out. Check the online prices to see what they are new and you will know if it is a good deal or not. CHECK OUT Russels, Wholesale sports and SIR Wholesale for the prices. Check the exchange here AND ALSO THE BULLETIN BOARDS AT YOUR CLUB there is always someone selling something. GOOD LUCK.
 
target said:
Does anyone use or have used a Lee classic reloader. The one I am talking about is the small kit that contains a die and powder measure, etc. Don't these things require a press or do you use a vise or something? How easy or fast would this be? They seem cheap enough. I can probably get one real cheap for 9mm.
Thanks
Click to expand...


They are a waste of time for your purposes

If you need cheap for handgun, get a small press and ides.

Even better, get a LEE handpress, dies and a Autoprime tool.

Sit in front of your TV, resize, prime, expand. Then charge and seat.

Just turn the tv off when you are charging the cases.;)
 
it will if you start using the depriming tool instead of the priming rod- that first primer snap and the smell of the castor oil will bring you to your senses- esp if you don't wash after using the stuff- i never did figure out how to roll my cases without absorbing some of that"scent"- but that's what lee said to do at the time-"take an uninked stamp pad, saturate it with castor oil, and roll your cases between the thumb and forefinger so there's a thin film of oil all over"- yeech
 
It works well enough I suppose, but once you do a dozen or so rounds, its shortcomings become self-evident. As do the advantages of a progressive press...
 
I used one for 30-30 and 7mm rm, They neck size only so in my 30-30 it was a real pain to load into the chamber. For single shot breach loaders they are good and the accuracy is good, but I just got a press, these loaders are a good way to start out if you want to see if it is something you'll enjoy, if it doesn't work out you're only out a few bucks.
 
Yap I've used 'em. I have 1 for my .308,.303 aaaaaaand .45. They are good for a few rounds but if you pound lots then they suck. I think you can buy them at Wholesale Outdoors for $ 20 !
 
These are wonderful little self contained reloading kits. I would highly recommend one for occasional rifle reloads but I would recommend a bench press for 9mm reloads.
 
The Lee Loader was my first venture into reloading for my 94 30-30 back in the late 60's. I loved sitting at the kitchen table with the little box, a can of 3031, and making up a few rounds. I had a set of Canadian Centennials, rifle and carbine, that I loaded for. Now, I even try to collect these little kits. The only step I now avoid is the priming. I use a hand held primer tool for that job.
 
Lee loader Zerro error Target

The zerro error Target model made in 70s where well made preccission bullet seater, micro-adjustable, inside neck reamer you could produce some fine loads with this system not fast but every thing you need to reload, saw a couple on ebay about $60.00 my stock Rem 700 HV wood shoot under 1/2" groups using this loader
 
I bought one in .444 marlin used it to load a few boxes, got a press. A buddy gave me one in 30-06 I haven't taken it out of the box. They work but a press is the way to go.
 
I too started reloading back in 1972 with one of these Lee hammer kits for 9mm. I still have this kit, and I will keep it for nostalgic sentiment; but a decent press is by far the way to roll.
 
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