Thread: Lee loader kit

Does anyone use the simple Lee loader kit or are they just too slow?
I’ve never reloaded but when components are available again I would like to load some subsonic 308 loads. The Lee loader kits only about $80 so a cheap way to try it out.

I used to have one for .308 and .303 and if you are loading for the same rifle they are great especially if you don't have any other reloading equipment.

They are not slow and Lee claim that they are the fastest way to reload.
You may want to buy a set of Lee powder scales if you want exact measurements but the dippers are generally good enough for most applications.

I've got the simple Lee "Challenger Press" and it's awesome. Richard Lee's book - Modern Reloading - says if you're loading 200 a week, go for the multi-station Turret Press. I'm new to the game and found that doing small batches (about 10 at a time) allowed me learn stage by stage as opposed to the "assembly line" Turret Press method. The "Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings #90600" make changing the Dies easy and maintain your settings too. I use the Collet Resizing Die and the Trimmer Deluxe Quick Trim. I've got the Lee "Perfect Powder Measure" but prefer to measure by hand; perhaps I'll get a bit more confidence in it later. Reloaders Supplies has got virtually everything and they're really helpful. I ordered direct from Lee USA an Undersize Mandrel (which I didn't need - my technique needed to change) and they were pretty good too. In short I'm a Lee disciple and whilst I'm sure there's other good gear out there, I don't think you can go wrong with Lee.

Originally Posted by PeteD

I used to have one for .308 and .303 and if you are loading for the same rifle they are great especially if you don't have any other reloading equipment.

They are not slow and Lee claim that they are the fastest way to reload.
You may want to buy a set of Lee powder scales if you want exact measurements but the dippers are generally good enough for most applications.

Thanks, good to know, it will be for a single rifle. Bugger I can’t get trailboss.

Originally Posted by Bushline

Thanks, good to know, it will be for a single rifle. Bugger I can’t get trailboss.

This from the ADI site

"Trail Boss – This propellant is unlikely to be released in 2022 as there continues to be an active research and development project associated with its manufacturing optimisation."

So it looks like a long shot on seeing any soon
ADI has stopped making pistol powders

It would be interesting to know what the future of powder availability for domestic use is likely to be

If your only loading a handful at a time and just want to shoot things at reasonable distances then they are a great piece of kit .

Things to be aware of .

They only Neck size .
Hammering in the primer’s is not something I like to do , so maybe factor in a hand primer
The powder scoop works , but personally I think a simple beam scale is needed to get best results.

I really like my .223 set .
I don’t use it much but it’s a really handy thing to have and I think that every new reloader would be better off if they loaded their first 100 rounds with one .
The process is a really simple way for people to understand the basic foundations of the way that a cartridge is made / assembled and what it is comprised of .
I can produce ammo that shoots under an inch with my set , but if you get the reloading bug you will end up with a room full of reloading gear like me

Nothing wrong with them. I have loaded the same ammo with one and a press to do a comparison and the ammo was just as accurate. As others have said just get some scales as well, even some digis will do. Ive got lee loaders for a few different calls I shoot

great wee bit of kit....would be happy man if had set for each calibre I use. dead easy to use and makes good ammunition that is on par with factory stuff other than top of the line. the scoop will give you nice mild loads...a wee set of balance bean scales allow you to SAFELY up your charge weight a little.
with a set of these, whackamole and a manual...you good to go.

Originally Posted by Ground Control

If your only loading a handful at a time and just want to shoot things at reasonable distances then they are a great piece of kit .

Things to be aware of .

They only Neck size .
Hammering in the primer’s is not something I like to do , so maybe factor in a hand primer
The powder scoop works , but personally I think a simple beam scale is needed to get best results.

I really like my .223 set .
I don’t use it much but it’s a really handy thing to have and I think that every new reloader would be better off if they loaded their first 100 rounds with one .
The process is a really simple way for people to understand the basic foundations of the way that a cartridge is made / assembled and what it is comprised of .
I can produce ammo that shoots under an inch with my set , but if you get the reloading bug you will end up with a room full of reloading gear like me

Spot on

Great kit. Have one for every calibre I reload. Use them regularly for the sheer pleasure of it. If you're fastidious you can even win bench rest comps reloading with one- been done famously in the US. Ignore the "hammering primers" comments. You'd have to be an idiot and smash down real hard to set a primer off as the bearing surface, like in a press or hand primer, is the full surface of the primer. Rather than hammering the primer in, its more soft tapping and works just fine.

Greetings All,
Much in line with the above comments I use them for low pressure loads in my .303 rifles. These cases will likely never need FL sizing although I could do this in an old vice die I have. They size the necks very straight, straighter than many press mounted dies. I do run a .311 expander button in and out of the necks on the press but could probably drop that step. In the interests of science I did seat just one primer with the hammer, wearing a full face shield, but now use a hand primer. Charges are weighed and for convenience projectiles seated in the press but seating in the Lee Loader die is at least as good. For subsonic loads in a .308 together with some scales and a hand primer they should do the job.
Regards Grandpamac.

I've only had the Lee 12 gauge kit. Made great ammo if a tad slow.
Hammering in the primers never excited me but I had no alternative method to seat them, not like with my rifle stuff. Always kitted up with safety glasses but do that at any rate when seating rifle primers with my current primer tools.

with the shotgun primers I found could just lean down on to cases placed on hard flat table top and they seated perfectly.
I use a rubber hammer for primer seating using the kit,watching to rod you can see when it moves down,a slight champher of primer pocket lips helps no end at anytime and very much good for this.

Just an additional comment. Yep, they are great. But in the long run your likely going to want to go the next step.
So, suggest you keep your eyes peeled for bargains for decent used reloading gear.

If you see a second hand one don't be scared of buying one just to try. You will be able to sell it for the same money if you decide to move to a press.