Lee Loader with Lead bullets?
- Thread starter Swartz13
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I'm loading 44 Mag LSWC in my Lee loader. The only minor issue is the flare on the case mouths is not very even, and some of the bullets get a bit of a shave when I load them. They all still work fine though.
I have also made my own powder dippers out of fired brass casings to create load options beyond what you can do with one dipper. Use Tightgroup, A trimmed down 22 mag case gives me a light 4.7grn load, while a trimmed 9 mm Luger case gives me a 9.4 grn magnum load.
I have also made my own powder dippers out of fired brass casings to create load options beyond what you can do with one dipper. Use Tightgroup, A trimmed down 22 mag case gives me a light 4.7grn load, while a trimmed 9 mm Luger case gives me a 9.4 grn magnum load.
Certaindeaf
member
I started with a Lee Loader using lead in 9mm years ago.. it should work the same for .45acp. It worked pretty good but I quickly graduated to a press.
jcwit
member
Works fine for me when I do it, not often tho anymore as I usually use a press. But there are times I take the Lee Loader with me to the range to work up a load.
Actually they aren't that slow.
Actually they aren't that slow.
243winxb
Member
Bullets may be hard to seat without deforming them. This depends on the case wall thickness. I would use jacketed, as the bullet acts as an expander.
birddog2
Member
I've loaded thousands over unique without a problem. Use just enough crimp to prevent bullet set back. If you over crimp and damage the bullet accuracy will be horrible.
JohnM
Member
Bevel base bullets help and don't forget to use the little flaring tool that comes with the loader, the tiny bit of flaring that tool makes helps a lot.
Flt Simulation
Member
I use a Lee 4-Hole Classic Turret press (auto indexing).
I never had any problems loading either RN 230 gr / polymer-coated lead or RN 230 gr / FMJ cartriges.
Both set to an OAL of 1.24"
Here is a couple of photos of each which were done on the Lee press.
I never had any problems loading either RN 230 gr / polymer-coated lead or RN 230 gr / FMJ cartriges.
Both set to an OAL of 1.24"
Here is a couple of photos of each which were done on the Lee press.
JohnM
Member
I think the question was about using the old Lee Loader, not one of their presses.
Flt Simulation
Member
ok ... I had the opinion that he was just considering a Lee press of some kind for realoading .45 ACP
I guess the Lee "Loader" is a specific model of press sold by Lee, or once sold by Lee years ago.
I guess the Lee "Loader" is a specific model of press sold by Lee, or once sold by Lee years ago.
JohnM
Member
Flt Simulation
Member
OK ... I see now.
I watched some guy load a rifle cartridge with this kind of press. Seems like all the loading steps are done with a hammer.
I may be mis-informed, but I don't think I would want to be banging on these primers with a hammer, or setting the bullets with a hammer either.
Short Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc
I watched some guy load a rifle cartridge with this kind of press. Seems like all the loading steps are done with a hammer.
I may be mis-informed, but I don't think I would want to be banging on these primers with a hammer, or setting the bullets with a hammer either.
Short Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc
jcwit
member
Safe as safe can be. Still being marketed and the lawyers haven't been on them yet.
I've loaded thousands of rounds with them in various calibers. I only wish I had one for every caliber I reload.
Steve2md
Member
I run a lee loader for 7.62x54r, and used to for 9mm. They work fine, and have even set accuracy records. You do get an occasional primer kaboom when seating them, but a universal priming tool is a cheap way to stop that.
JohnM
Member
Yup, there's been untold millions of rounds safely loaded with them since they came out about 1958. I think my oldest one is from 1963.
I don't use them much anymore, but I wish they were still available in as wide a variety as they used to be.
I don't use them much anymore, but I wish they were still available in as wide a variety as they used to be.
A Pause for the Coz
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I have 3 of them, 38/357 mag, 308 win. and 30-30.
I use them at the range.
But I do use the 308win one all the time to supplement my LEE pacesetter fl size set.
I use the LEE loader to de cap and neck size the brass.
Trim, chamfer and clean the primer pocket. Then Prime them using a RCBS bench top primer, Throw them in a container as ready to load.
When I need some 308 I just grab them and charge and load at the press.
Saved the purchase of a neck sizing die.
I use them at the range.
But I do use the 308win one all the time to supplement my LEE pacesetter fl size set.
I use the LEE loader to de cap and neck size the brass.
Trim, chamfer and clean the primer pocket. Then Prime them using a RCBS bench top primer, Throw them in a container as ready to load.
When I need some 308 I just grab them and charge and load at the press.
Saved the purchase of a neck sizing die.
For flaring the case mouth jus a bit, take a fired bottlenecked rifle cartridge with a diameter larger than the case you are loading. Use the tapered part of the case to gently flare the mouth of the shell to be loaded by tapping on the primer end of the spent round. This will prevent shaving of lead. Hope this helps!
Great replies. I wish they were available in a variety of calibers like they used to be.
Duckdog your reply was the advice I was especially looking for. I was afraid of shaved lead probably more so than deforming it. Thanks again everyone for the replies
Duckdog your reply was the advice I was especially looking for. I was afraid of shaved lead probably more so than deforming it. Thanks again everyone for the replies
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