How to use the Lee Classic Loader

[TNTitan]

Well - it was recommended to me by several loaders when I decided to get into handloading ammunition that I pick up a Lee Classic Loader. This is the most basic form of reloading ammunition and really teaches the noobie every aspect of the process. It is not as efficient as a nice progressive press, but when it comes to learning the ins and outs of reloading, it cant be beat. Not to mention the ability it gives to be very detailed with each round made.

Since I have made a few .45 ACP rounds and shot them with success, I thought I would make a quick video to help out the other new guys who are just getting into handloading ammunition.

Basic Tools:

Loading kit in your caliber

Plastic headed mallet (or other non-marring hammer)

Reloading Scale (.1 gr accuracy or better)

Calipers

Case lube

Cleaned Brass

Primers

Powder

Bullets

Case tools (Chamfer, deburring, case trimmer) optional

Hope this helps.

[Guest SMZRU275]

Great video.

[Mike.357]

the Lee classic loader is great.

The only thing I did not like about it is setting primers. I bought a primer tool for that step. I managed to set off a few primers while seating them with the Lee loader. No troubles since upgrading to a better tool for that.

[TNTitan]

Thanks. I try to be careful with the primers, and also have a hand prime tool.

I've gotten it down so I can do about 12 rounds in 15 minutes.. of course.. I'm a lot faster on the Hornady Lock n Load, but this aint about speed!

This is also a really good tool to take to the range to test your powder loads/bullet combinations. Its small and travels easily so you can really hone in on what powder charges work best for your setup.

[Mike.357]

the educational video was pretty good. Pretty much to the point.

The handprimer is the way to go. I don't kow exactly how many I set off but it had to be about a dozen. Never knew when it would happen. I about had a heart attack every time, LOL.

I can do about 50 rounds in 75 minutes.

I found it better for me to complete each step for all fifty rounds before moving on to the next step.

[TNTitan]

hah! i bet. bang! keep the defibrillator nearby, right?

agreed on completing each round individually. I think that makes things easier and you dont miss steps.

[Oh Shoot]

... I found it better for me to complete each step for all fifty rounds before moving on to the next step.

... agreed on completing each round individually. I think that makes things easier and you dont miss steps.

(independent observation upon reading):

I think you both actually suggested opposite work flows.

- OS

[TNTitan]

Ohshoot.. I think you're right. I see your point tho Mike.. deprime 50, then size 50, then charge and seat 50, etc.. right? That might be faster.

[Mike.357]

I was not very clear in my post.

Yes I deprime 50 rounds, resize 50 rounds, prime 50 rounds, powder 50 cases, then seat 50 bullets.

The actual final step it to run every round through a micrometer to make sure there are not any bad finished product. I also wipe down the finished round to get lube off.

[TNTitan]

do you powder charge rounds like I do in the video, or do you put the powder through the die? I found that quite a lot of powder gets stuck to the lube in the die if I do it that way.. so I leave the die out. Just curious.

[Guest MERRILL]

do you powder charge rounds like I do in the video, or do you put the powder through the die? I found that quite a lot of powder gets stuck to the lube in the die if I do it that way.. so I leave the die out. Just curious.

I put the powder through the die. I load .270W and since that is neck sized only there is no need for lube and even if you used a small bit of lube after you prime the case the case is inserted far enough so that the powder never touches the lube. If after priming you remove the case from the die, simply push it back in. This applies to rifle dies as for pistol cartridges I do not know.

[TNTitan]

I put the powder through the die. I load .270W and since that is neck sized only there is no need for lube and even if you used a small bit of lube after you prime the case the case is inserted far enough so that the powder never touches the lube. If after priming you remove the case from the die, simply push it back in. This applies to rifle dies as for pistol cartridges I do not know.

yea.. the pistol dies are full length resizers so lube is necessary.