Lee Reloader question

[Guest kj4gxu]

Good Morning all, I'm a new gun owner and since I can't seem to find any decently priced ammo out there I think I'm going to start reloading, but I've got a learning curve to get there.

 

I'm looking for a small and relatively uncomplicated setup to get started, most important is I want something that when operated with the proper care and attention to details does a good, safe job of loading quality rounds.  The problem is the budget is not what I'd like it to be.

 

I've done some research online and as much as I'd like to get a good high quality press I think the "Lee Reloader" is going to be the one that fits my near non-existent budget at this time.  I'm not talking about the press, but the hand and hammer tool 

I've looked up reviews which were generally positive, with several videos on youtube that seemed to show a very quick and easy reloading process.

 

the questions I have are

 

1. Does anyone on here have experience with the "Lee Loader" and what's your opinion, what are the strong points and weak points.

 

2. In the videos I saw on you tube they always just used the included "Powder dipper" and just picked up a scoop of powder and dumped it in without any further weighing.  I was under the impression that since different powders and bullets would require different measurements that the process of measuring powder would be more critical than that.  Is just using the included powder an acceptable way to do that, more important than just acceptable is "Is it good practice" or should I invest in a powder scale too.

 

3. Case lube, in some of the videos I watched they used lube before resizing the case, others skipped the lube or did it off camera if they used it.  Is Case lube necessary during resizing with this tool?

 

4. It seems to me that in addition to possibly a more accurate powder measure, a caliper might be a good investment for ensuring completed rounds fit in the appropriate size specs for 9mm ammo, are there any other items that would be a necessity or strongly recommended for a very basic relaoding setup?

 

Any info is greatly appreciated, and if I've proven myself to be even more clueless that I thought with the above questions, flame away, I have thick skin.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply.
Eric

 

 

[Jonnin]

1) I never bought one.  They work, but its slow, going to be difficult to make high quality ammo, and more of a survival tool to put in your bag than the best way to make 10000 rounds of ammo.

 

2) the dippers come in several sizes.  Different powder DOES have different weights AND power levels -- for example some powders load a 9mm with 4 grains, others with 6 or so, and that is a big deal.  You DO have to weigh the average dipperfull and use load data.  Then it is safe to just dip and dump, once you picked the correct dipper. I have used these, but I do not like doing it.

 

3) I would.  Case lube is very cheap: $5 will get you a 5 year supply and it will save wear and tear on your gear and reduce the effort to use it. I do not think it is required.

 

4).  Calipers and a good scale are very useful.  A bullet too deep in a 9mm increases pressure in a HURRY and it is important to seat them to the correct depth.  And, as I said, you want to weigh your dipper charges and figure out which dipper to use.  That is about it for now, with no money to spend.

 

My 2 cents:

this is not the way to go.  Having the lee tool would be awesome for emergencies, but you want to get a press.  I know it costs more, but if you are frugal with your reloading, you will save 50% per box of ammo at the least, often much more.  10 boxes of 9mm saving $5 each is 50 bucks.  20 boxes and you have bought a single stage press & set of dies.  It really won't take long to recover a small investment into a press. 

 

The issue is quantity.  The videos show some guy making 3 or so rounds with it.  The user has had a ton of practice and possibly this is take 47 on the video.   Watch one again, and this time imagine doing that 50 times in a row to make a box to shoot next weekend.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Jonnin

[Guest kj4gxu]

Thanks Jonnin, you make some very good points.  I'll definitely be adding the info you provided into my considerations as I delve deeper into this.

[Jonnin]

Anytime!

I am sure someone who has used one of these will have more details soon :)

 

If you do end up dipping powder, I strongly advise trying to buy small ball powder.  Powder comes in different shapes/textures and small ball is less prone to air-space and more consistent in volume based tools.

[BigK]

I wouldn't go that route either. For $20 more you can get [url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734/lee-reloader-single-stage-press"]this press[/url] and [url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/140349/lee-carbide-3-die-set-9mm-luger"]these dies[/url] and you'll be much happier until you can upgrade.

 

I've seen a handloader used and it's just for emergencies, IMO.

Edited February 6, 2013 by BigK

[Patton]

I have never used one but I have studied them a lot. Expect to make only about 30-40 rounds a hour. If you do this route a hand primer is a must, otherwise you will eventually have a primer detonation scaring you to death.

[Will H]

I own a Lee Reloader and use it for .38 special all the time.

 

I will say I have added other parts to it over time.  

 

I added the Lee auto-prime because as said before I was getting primer detonations as I was putting them together.  I think this is expected when you use a hammer on a primer.  LOL

 

I lube my cases with synthetic motor oil :panic:  it seems to work fine to me.  I resize them all wiping them off as I go.  I then clean out the die so that powder does not stick to the insides.

 

I added a digital grains scale, and the Lee Perfect Powder Measure because the dipper was giving me very uneven loads.  The measure setup is a lot better than the dippers.

 

Now that I look around I have most of the things built up over time that come in the big single press kit.  I ordered the press and die set someone linked earlier.  I ordered it in mid January, and do not expect to get it until early March.

 

Even though I will eventually replace it all, it was still very well worth it as even when replaced I will still have the ability to manually load at the range or in case my press breaks.  That and the experience has been well worth it. 

 

My current process on the cheap for 100 cases:

 

De-prime them all

Put them in an inside out sock and toss in the washing machine with the laundry

Resize them all and clean die when done

expand all mouths

Auto prime them all

powder them all with Powder measure

back into die for bullets and crimp on all

Fin.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Will H

[bikertrash2001]

The problem right now is finding the reloading components (primers, powder and bullets) is getting about as tough as finding factory ammo.

[Guest kj4gxu]

Thanks all for the advice, Bikertrash, I had definitely noticed that the components would require trips to several different places and perhaps a few websites and I could net everything but the brass.  For Brass I figured I could buy a few boxes of the over priced ammo at the range ($20 for remanufactured/reloaded 115 gr FMJ) which has so far been available fairly regularly,  shoot those and then I've got 150 to 200 rounds (plus any that I can pick up with the permission of nearby shooters who don't save their own brass) worth of brass to get started in reloading. 

[Will H]

You can also find shot brass for sale on the site here, usually 1,000 at a time.

[Jonnin]

if you buy explosives online, the price gets a hazmat fee for shipping, which can DOUBLE the price of small orders.  Its only really sensible to pay that for large orders.   Watch for it so you don't get burned. 

[DWARREN123]

I believe Eric you are the guy I gave some ammo to at TN. Gun Country?

 

If you shot it, how did it shoot?

 

It was made on a Lee Anniversary Kit I got 8 or 9 years ago.

 

For the least expensive way to start a kit like the Lee single stage, calipers, dies, tumbler and components.

 

For 9mm I find a case lube makes cases so much easier to deprime/resize and is worth it.

 

Used brass can quite often be purchased at ranges/gun stores.

[Guest kj4gxu]

Don,
Yes that was me. I haven't shot it yet. This past weekend was busier than expected. I'm hoping to get out to the range this weekend but the kids are doing their best to book me solid. I'll deifinitely let you know how it shoots when I do.

Thanks again for that
Eric

[Jason in TN]

Get a press you will be ahead. Good luck finding components to load with every thing is hard to find. I have had a dillon press on order for over three weeks no sign of when it will show up.

Jason

[DWARREN123]

Eric if you can get the reloading kit I can spot you some components. 

[will_reed]

For the money, I would start with the Lee Classic Turret. The price is almost the same as a single stage, and it can be ran as a single while you're learning. Once you learn the ropes, 200 rounds an hour is very attainable.

[Blackhawk64]

I bought a Lee Progressive Turret press years ago. Got the Auto Powder Measure with it. I load .38, .357, and .44. It seemed like a lot of money at the time, but it has paid for itself several times over by now. It works well, and I can load a box of 50 shells in less than an hour, even inspecting at each step. Plus, if you want to add a new caliber, all you do is buy a set of dies ( for about the price of one box of shells ). 

   All you really need to add is a caliper if you're doing auto. calibers, to get the overall length right. Would help to have a scale to check powder charges.

    Revolver shells are easy. Autos are a little more critical on length and powder charges. 

    Remember to get a good reloading manual ( or two ) to get correct info. on these things.

   Had a Lee Loader at one time, too. It was O K, but not as versatile or as consistent. It would be better as an emergency pack tool rather than a regular loading set.

[Guest hogwyyld]

Look at the Lee Progressive.  I inheirited one from Dad about 4 or 5 years ago.  I had never reloaded a single shell in my life but I went on youtube to learn how to operate the press and went online to download some manuals.  At first I messed up a bunch but once I got the hang of it I can reload about 100-150 rnds per hour.  It's not hard and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than buying factory ammo.  Just do your research and take it slow.

[Guest kilo33]

Here is my LEE ste up.  When I need to change calibers I just remove the turret head and drop another in.  All dies stay in turret heads, makes it simple to change over.  Hopefully I'll get the RCBS bullet feeding die installed.  I have over 2000 reloads on this press with no problems.

 

[BigK]

Here is my LEE ste up.  When I need to change calibers I just remove the turret head and drop another in.  All dies stay in turret heads, makes it simple to change over.  Hopefully I'll get the RCBS bullet feeding die installed.  I have over 2000 reloads on this press with no problems.

That's how I loaded everything until my 9mm volume met the needs for a Dillon press. I think it's the most versatile setup out there.