Your thoughts?

[dls56]

Thinking about getting a Lee Classic loader in .270 Winchester. I watched some videos and it looks pretty easy to use. I don't have room enough for a press and all the jazz that goes with it, this simplistic method may be the best for me at this time.
I don't know what components I'll need other than 130 grain bullets, likely soft point. This will come with a dipper for powder, any idea what the data will tell me in respect to what powder to use, and primers for that matter.
It actually looks too good to be true, so what else will I need to make a decent load? According to Lee all I need is a hammer.
Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[JimKirk]

I'm not sure how many 270's you plan on shooting and because 270 are reasonable to purchase, I would say skip it and wait until you have room for a real press. It will however make ammo, but you can make fire by rubbing two stick together too! I had one, made a few 30/30's with it, put it in a closet and it is still there after almost 40 yrs., looks just like the day I purchased it.
Spend the money on a few reloading manuals and do some reading, best thing you'll ever do as far as reloading!

Jimmy K

 

[wgaynor]

You could by a single stage press with one of the stands they make for it. THe stands supposedly make the press portable so you can use it anywhere (like a kitchen table). Another Idea is to use you the lee handpress. It would probably be better than the bang it with a mallet kit.

 

[RandyP]

If the primary reason to go with the Lee Loader is space, a number of folks use a Black & Decker Workmate folding workbench for reloading operations. Simple setup and takedown when not in use. A Lee 50th Anniversary single stage kit is very affordable.

If $$ is the big motivator, the Lee Loaders have been around forever and have made a gazzillion safe, reliable and accurate reloads. Go for it.

Get a good reloading manual (like the Lee or the Lyman 49th etc) and it will give you plenty of choices for powder and bullets.

 

[bullseye308]

For 25.00 you can get a Lee Reloader press. Bolt it to a 2x6 and c-clamp it anywhere. You will need a set of dies, powder, scale, bullets, primers, case trimmer, chamfer/debur tool ,case lube, & micrometer. I use lee as they are the most affordable and they work. That is about the cheapest way to go to get quality rounds with the least fuss.

The whack-a-mole setup will work but will not full length resize the case and you will need a way to do that. Especially if you are shooting an autoloader. The nut cracker will do it, but by then you could have gotten a single stage and accessories already. Grafs, midway, or midsouth have the Reloader press with the Lee manual for around 30.00. You will need a manual no matter which way you decide to load, so might as well get one almost free with a press.

 

[FROGO207]

Also note that the Lee Loader has one measure and the loads you make will be limited as far as not being able to adjust the charge unless you get a device to weigh the charge (you need to weigh the charge scooped by dippers when using the set to check the accuracy with other powders). All listed loads will work but are not always optimal for your use. Better to get an inexpensive press of some sort and if possible other accessories along with it. There is an excellent thread in the top of this section that explains a lot if you are not familiar with all this. I have several of these Lee Loaders and if needed in the future I can load with them but I do prefer a press if possible.

 

[dls56]

Thanks for the replies. Weighing my options which are somewhat limited I decided to go with a Lee hand press reloading kit, Redding series A die set: full length die, seating die, and neck sizing die for .204 Ruger, Lee powder measure kit, CCI small rifle primers, 32 grain Hornady V-Max bullets, and Hodgdon H322 powder. I own a digital caliper.
I decided to start loading for the .204 rather than the .270 because I was actually able to buy small rifle primers, and I love to shoot my .204. If I decide to get more involved I'll have dies that can be used in a bench type loader or I can buy more dies for the hand press.