Armory Sponsor
Posted: 4/29/2009 9:50:49 AM EDT
|
So I want to start reloading for my AR and Enfield No.1 Mk.3 since I have a bunch of brass that is taking up space. I don't have a ton of cash for a bench set up and I would like to know what you guys think about the Lee Loader. Is it good/bad? Does it do a decent job? Someone recommended the Lee Handhelper. What tools/accessories(besides caliber die, powder, bullets) would I need for this? Thanks. |
|
Won't work for semi/level/pump actions. The hand press uses regular 7/8" x 14 TPI dies and industry standard shell holders. It is fine for your application. To speed things along, get the Auto Prime, Safety Scale and the Perfect Powder Measure. This will get you started plus you should be able to do 100-150 rounds per hour or more. |
|
The Lee Classic Loaders are fantastic. They make quality ammo and are very reasonably priced. However, the loader for rifle cartridges only neck sizes, it doesn't full length resize, so if the brass you have has not been fired in your rifle it might not chamber. This will probably be more of a problem in a semi-auto .223 than a bolt-action .303 (assuming you are shooting it in a bolt and not something like a Bren Gun).
I have a Lee hand press too. Its great for handgun, but loading rifle is a workout (it can be done) since the hand held press has less leverage. If you are looking for a cheap press rather than the Lee Classic Whack-A-Mole system, I would suggest this: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=480380 It includes the Lee Modern Reloading manual for only about $4 more than just the press. For that you would need dies, some kind of case trimmer, calipers, some way to measure and/or weight powder, and case lube. Other than components, that should be enough to get you started. |
|
I have a Lee hand press. It's WORK to resize rifle cases.
I haven't used the tool at the bottom of the page here but I would bet that it is easier to use than the lee. It's also bench mountable. As far as the Lee loaders go, it would be fine for the Enfield, but they won't work for anything other than bolt actions because they only resize the neck. |
|
Depending on your budget and how far you want to take things...........
OK.....so, I've been thinking (dangerous).
Assuming, that I'd want more safety than just dipping powder and I'd like to expand someday to more than just one caliber. What would I do IF I had a limited budget? So........the Classic LEE Loader ($23.39). It can only be use with one caliber. It will only neck size cases, it's slow and I'll need to get a scale (for more safety) and I'll need a better way to handle powder. Anyway, I'll pass. Then, the Lee Hand Press Kit #90179 ($34.95).........it's a little better. Though I'd prefer a bench mounted press for ease of use. And, I would still have to buy dies ($22.59), powder handling equipment (scale and measure/hopper), and brass trimming equipment. I had one, once.......what a PIA. IMHO, bench mounted is the way to go. Hmmm........so, maybe the Lee Reloader Press w/ free manual #90700 ($27.79)..........well, it's a bench mounted "C" press and that's OK. But I'll still need dies ($22.59), a scale ($24.99) and powder measure/hopper ($23.39). Then, a primer tool ($10.19) and brass trimming tools ($5.39 cutter/holder & $4.59 length gauge). But, I'm already up to $118.93 and still short some small items. Next up........the Lee Breech Lock Press 50th Anniversary Kit #90050 ($88.99).......it's a standard press and it comes with a scale, powder measure/hopper, primer seater tool, plus a few extras. Sounds like everything except for the dies ($22.59) and brass trimming case length gauge ($4.59). Total $116.17 w/o shipping. Or, the kit that I prefer........the Lee Breech Lock Press Challenger Kit #90030 ($100.79).......it's just like the 50th Anniversary Kit but it has a separate hand primer tool w/ a variety of shell holders. Then, I'll need to add dies ($22.59) and brass trimming case length gauge ($4.59). Total $127.97 w/o shipping. I could add a LEE manual ($12.99) or I could just use the supplied data sheet that comes with the LEE dies. BTW, LEE prices vary, so shop around. And, I'm not mentioning where I saw these prices (as of 12-5-08) because, the seller was "out of stock" on some of the items mentioned. And, there is always USED equipment. HTH. Aloha, Mark PS…….I picked LEE for this example, only because, they make good inexpensive products. It's not meant as an endorsement over any of the other brand(s) out there in the market. It's your money. Aloha, Mark |
|
If you know you are going to load 223 in the future I would get a press. That being said, I started out with a Lee Loader loading 303british. I still use the Lee Loader for 303 also, it works really well. I initally used the Lee Loader, a chamfering tool, and a primer pocket cleaner and that was it. Simple, but slow. For a SMLE though, I was only loading batches of 20 to 40 rounds. I used the Lee dipper set for about a month before I got comfortable enough to move on to a single stage press and beam scale set up for other calibers. I read a lot of loading books the first few months, still reading and learning with no end in sight.
If I could have met with someone to "show" me the intial basics of reloading I would have been better off starting out with a press and dies but I didn't know anybody at that time and I felt more comfortable starting out the way I did. And like I said, the Lee loader works well enough for me that I still use it for 303 but I decap on the press with a universal die and weigh each charge. |
|
I've used a LEE nutcracker to load a bunch of ammunition. The lube you choose makes a huge difference in operating force, and I recommend Imperial Sizing Die Wax, which is perfect for your tight budget, too. A tin will size thousands of cases if used properly.
Keep your eyes open for used equipment. Good dies can be bought for $5 to $15 per set. I watch for estate and farm auctions where loading equipment will be sold, and sporadically check Craig's List. |
|
If you don't want to spend a ton, just spring for the Lee Challenger Kit, bolt it to a 2x6, and clamp it to your kitchen table. You'll want one eventually, and once you have it, the hand press will never see the light of day again.
Trust me, you'll be glad you spent the few extra bucks to get something more efficient and versatile. |
|
IMHO for a first press.....don't get the hand press. Don't get me wrong...........it could be used.
Though, it's just faster and more efficient to go with a bench mounted press. It won't cost all that much more and when mounted on a board and C clamped, it could/can be considered to be "portable" enough (for me at least). The LEE hand press (#90179)............
www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1215231733.1744=/html/catalog/rlpress2.html It's about half way down the page. BTW, personally.........I don't recommend it as a starter. May I suggest a LEE single station press kit…….. http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1234936218.1113=/html/catalog/rlpress2.html#breech Also, read the reviews. Or, a LEE "C" press. (#90700) It goes for about $35 and comes with a FREE LEE re-loading manual (you'll need it anyway). www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1215231733.1744=/html/catalog/rlpress2.html#LeeAnniversaryPack And, as for trimming brass on the cheap www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1205456436.339=/html/catalog/casecon.html BTW, LEE products are frequently discounted. So, shop around. Story time: I started with a used single station press. After years of experience, with the single station I graduated to a Dillon progressive press. Somewhere along the way, I bought a LEE hand press. I thought, I could get some simple re-loading in, during breaks at work. So, having owned and used one (LEE hand press) with .308 Win........well, let's just say it wasn't RIGHT for ME. So, I sold it off. If it's your FIRST PRESS..........I'd stay away from it. That's just, MY OPINION. It's just so much faster and easier to use a regular single station bench mounted press. It can be mounted on a scrap 2" x 8" then C clamped to a bench or table. And, the cost of a single station isn't that much, over the hand press. Then.........there was this guy with "problems" with his hand press. It came down to the FACT that he wasn't re-sizing his brass "all the way." Yes, it takes some MUSCLE POWER to get those handles together all the way, to re-size brass in the larger calibers. I suspect that, if he had used a regular single station bench mounted press, he would have benefited by the extra leverage. And, not to mention, the balancing act while bullet seating can be difficult with the hand press. May I further suggest: Get a good manual (or several) and a mentor. As always: YMWV. Aloha, Mark |
Armory Sponsor