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Posted: 11/7/2013 7:26:41 PM EDT
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Hey guys, I've been thinking about getting into reloading for a while now. I was wondering if a Classic Lee Loader would be a viable beginner option? My main goal is to reload 7.62x54R without a lot of start-up cost.
Thanks for any help. |
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Will it work - absolutely. I have been tempted to get one for 30-30. I maybe shoot 50 rounds of it a year. But, if you shoot any more than that, and reloading tends to up your shot count, save a few more bucks and get a press. Lee makes a hand press, combined with a scale and patience, can produce rifle rounds. But, probably a better option is a single stage press kit. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit |
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Quoted:
Will it work - absolutely. I have been tempted to get one for 30-30. I maybe shoot 50 rounds of it a year. But, if you shoot any more than that, and reloading tends to up your shot count, save a few more bucks and get a press. Lee makes a hand press, combined with a scale and patience, can produce rifle rounds. But, probably a better option is a single stage press kit. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit Plus One on the Lee kit. I started with this kit just over a year ago and believe it to be excellent for someone just learning the reloading hobby/addiction. Lee Zip Trim is OK for a while, but eventually length rod wears down/wears depression in case holder and effects case length. I now use LE Wilson trimmer and Lee debur/chamfer tool chucked in drill for finishing brass. Also get the quick change bushings for each die, they save a world of time and help with consistency (very important). Case headspace/length gauge is a must for every bottleneck rifle caliber you reload. Should be able to find them for $20-$30, they pay for themselves on very first reload. |
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I have said this for a awhile, any modern manufacture of presses (besides smart reloader) will get the job done. Lee is one of those companies that cater to you, a first time buyer/ budget reloader. Personally myself I'm not a fan of there presses just because what they are made out of. Ive seen some QC issues on some but all in all they are decent.
I have many of their dies and their hand press (which comes handy). Remember you can always upgrade if you want to. As a side not make sure you slug you mosin nagant (assuming that's the 7.62x54R) due to the inconsistency of them due to war effort. also welcome to the forum |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the quick responses! besides the Classic Lee Loader kit, what else would i need? I already have a scale (from shotgun reloading) and Lyman's reloading manual. Thanks I was going to comment that out of that kit I really do not like the Lee safety scale. Having a different scale get you a leg up. Rest of the kit is probably just fine. Buy a decent set of dial calipers. Don't have to spend a fortune for now. I've purchased China made calipers that were repeatable and accurate to .001" for $40 or less. You need to be able to measure trim length and cartridge over all length (OAL). ETA: Lee case gage trimmer works well (a little slow) and it's fool proof: Lee 7.62x54 case length gage - $5 Also requires the cutter and base: Lee case trimmer cutter and lock stud $7 |
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Quoted:
Will it work - absolutely. I have been tempted to get one for 30-30. I maybe shoot 50 rounds of it a year. But, if you shoot any more than that, and reloading tends to up your shot count, save a few more bucks and get a press. Lee makes a hand press, combined with a scale and patience, can produce rifle rounds. But, probably a better option is a single stage press kit. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit I'm in a similar situation as the OP. What I'm wondering is whether the above linked challenger press would be better than a turret design, like the link below? It's my understanding that the auto index can be easily disabled, so that you could use it as a single die press, then when you built up the skill and knowledge re-enable it and work faster. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-deluxe-kit |
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