Need advice on a Lee Precision reloading kit.

[PistolNewbie]

I would like to try reloading and I see on the Lee Precision site they have a basic reloading kit for 24 bucks called the Classic Lee Loader. It is available in many calibers. If I order this kit for a 38 special, is this really the only thing I will need to reload this caliber? I see all the gadgets one should have costing $$$$ but I would only be doing a small amount this. I would just like to try it, learn about it and see if it is for me. I am assuming I can get all the ammo compoents at Gander Mountain or Schields. How many times can you use the same brass over? Thanks for any advice! I have learned soooo much from this site!

 

[SDC]

The Lee Loader will certainly WORK, but it's such a slow process that within a week, you'll be asking yourself why you didn't get something a little more suited. Since you're loading 38 Spl, I'd suggest something like the Classic Turret Anniversary Kit; that'll let you set up all your dies on the same turret, then you can do all the procedures on each case, producing a loaded round fairly quickly. With the Lee Loader, you have to use a hammer to pound the loader together for each step; it'll definitely WORK, but it's really more of an "emergency" loader. Case life is almost unlimited in most handguns (unless you load them to fairly high pressures), but if a case develops a split neck or stretches past a certain length, you need to weed it out or trim it at the first step.

 

[smokeater201]

Lee Classic Loader

I started out with the little classic loader in 38 special. They are a good tool to teach the basics of reloading, but are very slow to use. I would recommend it as a good starting point, and an investment in several reloading manuals. The only complaint that I have about the tool, other than it's pedestrian speed, is the method of seating primers. I set off a few during the process. Believe me, you will be going to change your underwear when it catches you off guard. I suspect you will end up like many, and will quickly want to purchase a press and a set of dies to speed up the reloading process and make it a little easier.

 

[JNewell]

There was a thread on this last week - check the search. The short version is it works, it's a classic, and it's really slow. I have several and wouldn't get rid of them but strongly suggest you spring a little extra for the Lee hand press.

 

[Onmilo]

Lee Hand Press really is a better deal.
It is a Plier type tool, requires no bench set-up and you can use it for other calibers by adding new die sets.

Buy a Lee Hand priming tool with it.
This is another plier type tool that makes priming empty cases a snap.
Using the spring operated single load priming cup on any reloading press is a real pain and I don't advocate any type of press mounted automatic priming tool for any beginner.