opinions on Lee loaders

hardek said:
I just bought the lee 50th set and really like it. the only problem I had was with the powder scale, it would never zero right. I bought a digital scale. I haven't fired my homemade ammo yet but I look forward to it. Lee stuff works well for me.
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I have found that Lee products work but do not last as long as more expensive ones do.
the one exception is the powder scale which not a very accurate or easy to read scale. our local gunsmith/gun store will not sell the Lee powder scale because of the poor quality.
Brownie
 
I use a lee loader tool as well.

I only have one bolt gun right now, but I only use it to neck size without lube. I use the brass about 3 times then I full length size on a lee hand press to get everything back into proper dimensions. Works for me and it is just one more tool that I can use as part of the reloading process.

Cheers

Snake88
 
I spend months on end in the bush,I love the fact I can pack a reloading kit in a small tool box and crank rounds out as needed if developing loads in the bush, if your thinking permanent a table mounted press is a must I use two rockchuckers there both going strong after 27 years the rcbs green paint is better than JDGreen
 
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I would recommend them. I had one for .303 and now loading .308 They don't come with a case trimmer or chamfer tool though. I'd spring for a hand primer for sure. Certainly not the fastest way, but kind of relaxing. Pay attention to seating depth carefully. The die can lose measurement with the hammering, plastic or rubber mallet please. But it's a great way to learn about and understand reloading. Enjoy it is fun.
 
brownie said:
I have found that Lee products work but do not last as long as more expensive ones do.
the one exception is the powder scale which not a very accurate or easy to read scale. our local gunsmith/gun store will not sell the Lee powder scale because of the poor quality.
Brownie
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Yeah that powder scale is like herding cats.
You have to re-zero it before every before every measure, and you need to measure the same powder drop like 5 times to make sure it's right. It's pretty lame.
 
The Lee Loaders are like crack for reloading; the first one is ALMOST free... I bought one in 7.62x54r to load for my 1934 M91/30, and next thing I knew I've got a turret press with a set of dies for every calibre firearm I own (.22LR and 12g excluded). The Lee Loader doesn't get used much (unless I'm neck sizing a bunch of brass), but I think it's a fantastic way to get your feet wet and see if reloading is something you'll get some enjoyment out of.
 
Lee Loaders work well and you can always buy a press/kit later and still neck size with the loader. You will likely find your brass needs a Full Length sizing and trimming after several firings and the Lee Loader alone won't do this.

Lee dies work great and most of their presses are very good too Classic Cast/Turret, Breech Lock Challenger etc. I really like the case trimming system for most of my loading.

The powder dippers can be very consistant but it requires a technique as describbed in Lees book.
 
Wonderfull easy system to learn on, but remember to always wear safety glasses!
After loading several hundred .270 win with mine I had a primer fire off while seating it. Still not sure what happened, no dents or imprints in the primer. Scared the hell out of everyone in the house!
 
I'd say a Lee Loader would be fine for a hunter, but if you're more of a shooter as in, hundreds of rounds a year or more, get a press. The Lee anniversary kit is a good starter set. Then you can get a powder trickler, some case trimming equipment, some dies and components and still come in around $300-400.
 
I started with 30-06 Lee Loader and it taught me basic reloading. I loaded a lot of good ammo with that little loader, and I'd say you can't really go wrong with one for $40.
 
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If I had to do it over again I would start with a single stage. One thing about the Lee Loader is you get your money back quickely.
 
LEE loaders are sssslllloooowwww, as molasses, and they can only neck size. As well, you still should have a scale, to make accurate powder charges. Once your cases stretch a bit, you will require a real press to bump the shoulders back, and a trimmer to trim the cases.
 
Barnes_270 said:
I started with a Lee Loader and it served me well for starting out. Gets you started for minimal $, and you can use it at the range for load development later.

Note: they only neck size, so they won't work for anything other than a bolt gun, and you need to use brass that has been fired in your rifle.
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I wouldn't want to count how many rounds I fired through a 30-30 Model 94 that were loaded with a Lee Loader. Neck-size only is true. They will usually work with brass fired in the same gun you are loading for, but not always.
 
I loaded a 30-30 with a Lee Loader and the powder dippers for a long time.I used the powder dippers for a lot of other calibers also and they gave me as good a rounds as with a scale.
 
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