Polymer tips and lee classic loader.

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270squib

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Hi,

I am starting down the path of reloading. I don't shoot a lot, but would like to start some load development. I think the best bullet for my needs would be an 87gr with a polymer tip.
Does anyone know if you can use the lee classic loader with Polymer tipped bullets?
I have searched many threads.
Thank you for your help in advance.
 
I kind of don't want to spend $40 on polymer bullets that I may not be able to use - and then have to try and sell an open box.
I was also wondering if it might deform it, but not enough that the eye could see.
Thank you for taking the time to answer though.
 
I can’t speak to that bullet in particular, but I’ve used the lee classic to load various poly tipped 30 cal bullets.

(With no deformation)
 
Unless a bullet has a weird shape the bullet seater contacts the ogive not the tip of the bullet so there will be no damage to the polymer tip.
 
kodiakjack said:
I can’t speak to that bullet in particular, but I’ve used the lee classic to load various poly tipped 30 cal bullets.

(With no deformation)
Click to expand...

My experiences here as well. Started with that kit. Gonna make my 17yr old son load some this way for nostalgia.

Regards
Ronr
 
270squib said:
Hi,

I am starting down the path of reloading. I don't shoot a lot, but would like to start some load development. I think the best bullet for my needs would be an 87gr with a polymer tip.
Does anyone know if you can use the lee classic loader with Polymer tipped bullets?
I have searched many threads.
Thank you for your help in advance.
Click to expand...

What calibre are you loading? And by "Lee Classic Loader", you mean the things that you use with a hammer or mallet, right? Just want to make sure.

I just slapped together a round round of 223 and 308 with Hornady V-Max and A-Max bullets. The Lee Loader bullet seater leaves tiny marks on the bullets but does not damage the polymer tips. See below.

34dke47.png
 
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270squib said:
I'm loading a .243 - I can't believe you took the time to do that - Thank you so much
Click to expand...

The other thing to consider is even if the polymer tip gets a bit dinged up, it'll still fly fine. If your looking for 1/2 moa accuracy it'll matter, but considering your tools I'm assuming you are trying to save money over factory rather than make the world's most accurate ammo. Look at how ugly the tips of some cheap factory soft points can get(with the exposed lead), and they still shoot 1-1.5moa in a lot of guns.
 
270squib said:
I'm loading a .243 - I can't believe you took the time to do that - Thank you so much
Click to expand...

No problem and you're welcome. I love the old Lee Loaders. They are very underrated.

Now, about those polymer tips: just be careful you don't run afoul of your local range wanker.

Was lining up a shot with my HIGH POWER SCARY BLACK RIFLE (an H&R single shot break-action Handi Rifle) when I hear a voice screaming behind me

WHOA! STOP RIGHT THERE! PUT DOWN THE GUN! YOU CAN'T SHOOT ARMOR PIERCING ROUNDS HERE!

He's pointing at my box of 223 loads with V-Max bullets with one hand and waving over the other RSO's with the other, glaring at me with eyes the size of hubcaps. Well, at least one eye was glaring at me. The other one was twitching furiously from left to right in glorious indignation.

I and the other RSO's assured him that the Hornady polymer tips were not, indeed, armour piercing.

Took a bit of effort but we got him there.

I can only imagine what this guy would have said if I brought my 223 Lee Loader to the range and he saw it.

WHOA! STOP RIGHT THERE! PUT DOWN THE ZIP GUN! THAT THERE IS PROHIBITEDLY ILLEGAL!
 
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