Is the lee classic loader a good starter loader?

Whitetail99 · August 2, 2012, 12:49 AM

Never reloaded in my life... Ammo ain't cheap so there ya go. Would the lee classic loader work to start with? I know the accuracy record was held for awhile by a load out of it so...

mohr308 · August 2, 2012, 12:57 AM

My first press and only press is the lee challenger breech lock. I love it, the only draw back is having to buy lock bushings for it which make the cost of your die sets an extra $10, but it's really nice when you want to swap out! If I were to buy another press today, I would buy the same one. Midway has is having a sale on the kit for that press. I wish I could have bought all this stuff for that price!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121...tage-press-kit

here are the bushings, O would buy a set for each die set +1 extra!

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/219...r-package-of-2

Whitetail99 · August 2, 2012, 01:14 AM

Cool... But I'm talking about the classic loader. The "wack-a-mole" set. It costs like $20 plus Materials obviously. I was just wondering what I need to make it more complete. Like scales or what ever.

mohr308 · August 2, 2012, 01:23 AM

I started with the classic also, for my .308. a scale, case trimmer, deburring tool, funnel, calipers…. I can't think of everything at this moment. But you will soon realize that the cost of a kit like the one above will pay off in 1 year if you shoot a lot. What are you reloading for? Bolt action, single shot, semi auto?

warnerwh · August 2, 2012, 02:29 AM

Get on Craig's list and you can find used single stage presses for cheap. The old RCBS junior series are very good presses and can be had for 30 bucks. Those presses are heavy duty and are strong enough to load rifle cartridges. Using a press is so much easier and faster than the little kit. Save yourself some agony and just get a press. The costs of everything else are still the same. If you use a lee auto disk powder measure on a single stage it speeds things up considerably. Just something to keep in mind as you get more money.

Besides dies the next necessity is a scale. You can't load without one, period. Be sure to read and reread a reloading manual. Read here as well. There's a bit to learn but reloading isn't too difficult especially if you are mechanically inclined. You can always depend on getting help here.

You will enjoy reloading besides the fact it saves quite a bit of money.

rebs · August 2, 2012, 05:43 AM

Yes he is right any bench press is way better than the classic loader. Lee classic turret is an excellent press.

1stmar · August 2, 2012, 06:21 AM

The lee Hand press is better then the classic loader and not a whole lot more. If you don't have room for a bench press or want to minimize initial investment I would get the hand press. I love mine and use it all the time, and I have an rcbs single stage.

ATPBULLETS · August 2, 2012, 06:23 AM

Those portable classics are cool....but i would not spend 20 there when you can get a bench mount kit for the sale prices going on for the lee presses...
i bought the challenger last year and could not be happier with it.
and then i started reloading the pistol calibers and now am amazed by the turret press that lee makes...very good product for the price.,,,,mv 02c.

Like this Kit...

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...sku=0000690050

jcwit · August 2, 2012, 06:48 AM

The Lee Reloader is a very handy tool to have and loads as accurate ammo as anyone can no matter what the equipment except mayhap for bench rest equipment. L.E. Wilson dies which are popular precision shooting equipment work in the same matter as the Lee Loader.

Many claim the Lee Loader is very slow, I find that not to be the case unless one is comparing it to a progressive press. I reload in batches and can easily load "almost" as fast as using a bench mounted press.

With all that said I do normally use a bench press and would suggest you look closly at a Lee Turrent Press, more money but very good press.

mohr308 · August 2, 2012, 08:26 AM

One other thing you should consider is noise, the hand loader is much louder than a press. Seeing I live in an apartment and work second shift, a press was necessary, can't hand load with a whack a mole at 2am! I learned that fast

lee n. field · August 2, 2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Is the lee classic loader a good starter loader?
Never reloaded in my life... Ammo ain't cheap so there ya go. Would the lee classic loader work to start with? I know the accuracy record was held for awhile by a load out of it so...

Two different questions there. Is it a good starting loader? No. Would it work to start with? Yes.

The Lee Loader makes sense, if you have severe money and space constraints, and you don't mind something that's inflexible.

mikld · August 2, 2012, 12:12 PM

Absolutely! The Lee Loader is a good tool to learn reloading. My first use of one was in 1969. Using this simple tool you will learn what each step/operation does, how to do it, and why. It isn't fast (although there's a youtube video of Mr. Lee loading a bottle necked rifle round in about 45 seconds), but you get good, safe, accurate ammo from one. Here's a link to an older page about starting "on a shoestring" http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech...h_notes.htm/51 Prices are higher today, but still a way to get involved in reloading. Even if you soon upgrade to a press, your Lee Loader is still usable for short runs or if you don't want to set up your press. I have 5 Lee Loaders, along with three presses, and I still use them when I feel "retro" or just because...

jcwit · August 2, 2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

One other thing you should consider is noise, the hand loader is much louder than a press. Seeing I live in an apartment and work second shift, a press was necessary, can't hand load with a whack a mole at 2am! I learned that fast

Well No, not really, depending.

I use a Lee Loader in .223 using a Sinclair Arbor Press. Its used exactly the same way a set of Wilson dies would be used. And there is no noise involved. However this would not be possible with straight walled pistol cases.

Whitetail99 · August 2, 2012, 03:39 PM

I'm reloading for a bolt action 270 wsm thanks for all the info!

jcwit · August 2, 2012, 03:54 PM

Quote:

I'm reloading for a bolt action 270 wsm thanks for all the info!

So there you go. The Lee Loader neck sizes only and you have no need to full length resize for a bolt action rifle.

Frankly I'd start with the Lee Loader, in time you may wish to move on to a bench mounted press but the Lee Loader will still be useful for working up loads while at the range.

Whitetail99 · August 2, 2012, 10:09 PM

Ok thanks!

Whitetail99 · August 2, 2012, 10:59 PM

Ok just to clarify. What do I need to go with the lee classic?
Thanks for baring with me! I've prob. Really got on y'alls nerves asking some really stupid questions.

mohr308 · August 3, 2012, 01:05 AM

Its better to ask then blow something up because you didn't!

CreamPup · August 3, 2012, 03:05 AM

Get the hornady. Seriously. I have 2 lee presses. They are okay. If you are serious, get the one that has quality. A hornady is like a Volvo 450. A Lee is like a kia rio. No exaggeration. If you want to avoid alot of frustration, Hornady is the way to go.

jcwit · August 3, 2012, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Ok just to clarify. What do I need to go with the lee classic?
Thanks for baring with me! I've prob. Really got on y'alls nerves asking some really stupid questions.

A manual, Lees, The Lyman or something similar.

Actually not much other than some components! No need to lube the cases, the dipper will work for measuring powder, so you should be pretty well set. Oh Ya! I would be advantagous to get a set of calibers to measure the length of cases and loaded cartridges.

Down the road if you find reloading is something you enjoy I'm sure you'll find the wants and wishes you need.

Whitetail99 · August 3, 2012, 11:25 AM

Kool and yea I guess I would REALLY suck to get blown up because I didn't ask a question,lol

fishbones182 · August 3, 2012, 12:32 PM

check out www.fsreloading.com they have by far the cheapest prices on Lee loading equipment and accessories. If the cases were not originally fired from your gun they will need to be full length sized then after firing in your gun you can skip the full length size and just size the necks. When sizing the necks no case lube needed when doing full length sizing lube will be needed or youll get your cases stuck.

jcwit · August 3, 2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

check out www.fsreloading.com they have by far the cheapest prices on Lee loading equipment and accessories. If the cases were not originally fired from your gun they will need to be full length sized then after firing in your gun you can skip the full length size and just size the necks. When sizing the necks no case lube needed when doing full length sizing lube will be needed or youll get your cases stuck.

If the cases are previously used check to see if they freely chamber in your rifle. If they do, reload them and fireform the cases, no need to full length resize them. If perchance they do not freely chamber in your bolt action rifle then yes they will need to be full length resized.

For a 270 wsm I seriously doubt you will have any problem.

jcwit · August 3, 2012, 02:26 PM

Just noticed something, where did you find a Lee Loader in 270 WSM caliber? There is a total difference between 270 Winchester and the 270 WSM cartridges.

fishbones182 · August 3, 2012, 04:24 PM

[If the cases are previously used check to see if they freely chamber in your rifle. If they do, reload them and fireform the cases, no need to full length resize them. If perchance they do not freely chamber in your bolt action rifle then yes they will need to be full length resized.]

Learn something new everyday.

August 2, 2012, 12:49 AM	#1
Whitetail99 Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Tn Posts: 42	Is the lee classic loader a good starter loader? Never reloaded in my life... Ammo ain't cheap so there ya go. Would the lee classic loader work to start with? I know the accuracy record was held for awhile by a load out of it so...

August 2, 2012, 12:57 AM	#2
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	My first press and only press is the lee challenger breech lock. I love it, the only draw back is having to buy lock bushings for it which make the cost of your die sets an extra $10, but it's really nice when you want to swap out! If I were to buy another press today, I would buy the same one. Midway has is having a sale on the kit for that press. I wish I could have bought all this stuff for that price! http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121...tage-press-kit here are the bushings, O would buy a set for each die set +1 extra! http://www.midwayusa.com/product/219...r-package-of-2 Last edited by mohr308; August 2, 2012 at 01:29 AM.

August 2, 2012, 02:29 AM	#5
warnerwh Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2009 Posts: 329	Get on Craig's list and you can find used single stage presses for cheap. The old RCBS junior series are very good presses and can be had for 30 bucks. Those presses are heavy duty and are strong enough to load rifle cartridges. Using a press is so much easier and faster than the little kit. Save yourself some agony and just get a press. The costs of everything else are still the same. If you use a lee auto disk powder measure on a single stage it speeds things up considerably. Just something to keep in mind as you get more money. Besides dies the next necessity is a scale. You can't load without one, period. Be sure to read and reread a reloading manual. Read here as well. There's a bit to learn but reloading isn't too difficult especially if you are mechanically inclined. You can always depend on getting help here. You will enjoy reloading besides the fact it saves quite a bit of money. __________________ Portland, Or

August 2, 2012, 06:23 AM	#8
ATPBULLETS Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Land between the Lakes Posts: 267	Those portable classics are cool....but i would not spend 20 there when you can get a bench mount kit for the sale prices going on for the lee presses... i bought the challenger last year and could not be happier with it. and then i started reloading the pistol calibers and now am amazed by the turret press that lee makes...very good product for the price.,,,,mv 02c. Like this Kit... http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...sku=0000690050 __________________ http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/y...e/photo-25.jpg Last edited by ATPBULLETS; August 2, 2012 at 06:41 AM.

August 2, 2012, 12:12 PM	#12
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	Absolutely! The Lee Loader is a good tool to learn reloading. My first use of one was in 1969. Using this simple tool you will learn what each step/operation does, how to do it, and why. It isn't fast (although there's a youtube video of Mr. Lee loading a bottle necked rifle round in about 45 seconds), but you get good, safe, accurate ammo from one. Here's a link to an older page about starting "on a shoestring" http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech...h_notes.htm/51 Prices are higher today, but still a way to get involved in reloading. Even if you soon upgrade to a press, your Lee Loader is still usable for short runs or if you don't want to set up your press. I have 5 Lee Loaders, along with three presses, and I still use them when I feel "retro" or just because... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

August 2, 2012, 01:14 AM	#3
Whitetail99 Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Tn Posts: 42	Cool... But I'm talking about the classic loader. The "wack-a-mole" set. It costs like $20 plus Materials obviously. I was just wondering what I need to make it more complete. Like scales or what ever.

August 2, 2012, 01:23 AM	#4
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	I started with the classic also, for my .308. a scale, case trimmer, deburring tool, funnel, calipers…. I can't think of everything at this moment. But you will soon realize that the cost of a kit like the one above will pay off in 1 year if you shoot a lot. What are you reloading for? Bolt action, single shot, semi auto?

August 2, 2012, 05:43 AM	#6
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Yes he is right any bench press is way better than the classic loader. Lee classic turret is an excellent press.

August 2, 2012, 06:21 AM	#7
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	The lee Hand press is better then the classic loader and not a whole lot more. If you don't have room for a bench press or want to minimize initial investment I would get the hand press. I love mine and use it all the time, and I have an rcbs single stage.

August 2, 2012, 06:48 AM	#9
jcwit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2007 Location: Upper Indiana Posts: 609	The Lee Reloader is a very handy tool to have and loads as accurate ammo as anyone can no matter what the equipment except mayhap for bench rest equipment. L.E. Wilson dies which are popular precision shooting equipment work in the same matter as the Lee Loader. Many claim the Lee Loader is very slow, I find that not to be the case unless one is comparing it to a progressive press. I reload in batches and can easily load "almost" as fast as using a bench mounted press. With all that said I do normally use a bench press and would suggest you look closly at a Lee Turrent Press, more money but very good press.

August 2, 2012, 08:26 AM	#10
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	One other thing you should consider is noise, the hand loader is much louder than a press. Seeing I live in an apartment and work second shift, a press was necessary, can't hand load with a whack a mole at 2am! I learned that fast

August 2, 2012, 03:39 PM	#14
Whitetail99 Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Tn Posts: 42	I'm reloading for a bolt action 270 wsm thanks for all the info!

August 2, 2012, 10:09 PM	#16
Whitetail99 Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Tn Posts: 42	Ok thanks!

August 2, 2012, 10:59 PM	#17
Whitetail99 Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Tn Posts: 42	Ok just to clarify. What do I need to go with the lee classic? Thanks for baring with me! I've prob. Really got on y'alls nerves asking some really stupid questions.

August 3, 2012, 01:05 AM	#18
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	Its better to ask then blow something up because you didn't!

August 3, 2012, 03:05 AM	#19
CreamPup Junior Member Join Date: August 3, 2012 Posts: 3	Hey.. Get the hornady. Seriously. I have 2 lee presses. They are okay. If you are serious, get the one that has quality. A hornady is like a Volvo 450. A Lee is like a kia rio. No exaggeration. If you want to avoid alot of frustration, Hornady is the way to go.

August 3, 2012, 11:25 AM	#21
Whitetail99 Member Join Date: July 31, 2012 Location: Tn Posts: 42	Kool and yea I guess I would REALLY suck to get blown up because I didn't ask a question,lol

August 3, 2012, 12:32 PM	#22
fishbones182 Member Join Date: August 1, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 98	check out www.fsreloading.com they have by far the cheapest prices on Lee loading equipment and accessories. If the cases were not originally fired from your gun they will need to be full length sized then after firing in your gun you can skip the full length size and just size the necks. When sizing the necks no case lube needed when doing full length sizing lube will be needed or youll get your cases stuck. Last edited by fishbones182; August 3, 2012 at 12:37 PM.

August 3, 2012, 02:26 PM	#24
jcwit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2007 Location: Upper Indiana Posts: 609	Just noticed something, where did you find a Lee Loader in 270 WSM caliber? There is a total difference between 270 Winchester and the 270 WSM cartridges.

August 3, 2012, 04:24 PM	#25
fishbones182 Member Join Date: August 1, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 98	[If the cases are previously used check to see if they freely chamber in your rifle. If they do, reload them and fireform the cases, no need to full length resize them. If perchance they do not freely chamber in your bolt action rifle then yes they will need to be full length resized.] Learn something new everyday.

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