lee classic loader in .308

[slickest]

how well of quality are these guys? i was going to get one of these. priming tool for .308  chamfering tool, powder funnel, loading block and a .28cc powder scoop.

Since the .308 is the only rifle i have that's all i need to reload for. you guys think a scale would be a good idea to invest into also?

[Tom W.]

I've used them before, a long ,long time ago. I'd suggest a Challenger press, if you want to use Lee products, or if you can find one, an Anniversary kit.  A scale will be nice, as you'll soon want to experiment with different loads.... yes, you will
Plus, when you start to scrounge range brass, it will need to be full length resized.

[tn_junk]

I loaded 100's of .30-30 with a Lee Loader. Never had problems. Have moved up to "better" stuff now but still load some of my .357 and 45LC rounds, as well as 20ga, with a basic Lee.

[LaOtto222]

I think the Lee loaders work great. I had 2 of them one in 22 Hornet and one in 222. Still have them. A scale would be nice, but not needed. You can buy a set of the Lee scoops, so you get better versatility. Use powders that "flow" easily. You will get a more consistent measure of powder. Like powder throwers, use the same way to load the scoop each time. The preferred method is to put the scoop down into the power in the up right position and let the powder fall into the scoop. I then struck off the powder so it was level. If you are only going to load 100 rounds a year, there is nothing wrong with using a Lee Loader. I got to shooting more and more for many different calibers so I got more specific equipment and have been adding ever since. Good Luck and Good Shooting.

[FW Conch]

   I agree with what everyone here has said.  I started with a Lee Loader, worked great.  I later added the scale & the case prep stuff because loading is fun & the more time I spend on brass cases the less time I  spend @ the brass pole bar !  Jim

[FourBee]

  Hey slikest

I agree with Tom as for getting the Kits.    The only difference between them is that the Challenger has the hand held Auto Prime, and the Anniversary has the Priming System for the Press.   Their assembly instructions are simple, but a little vague.   Not detailed steps  like 1. 2. and 3.   Just have to read it close. 

With either kit you get the chamfering tool, powder funnel, Primer Pocket Cleaner, and brass cutter.    You'll want to pick up  the $3 Lee trim length guage for your caliber. 

[slickest]

if i went with the challenger kit how well will it hold up if i want to do like 500rds a year? I guess the main concern with not going out and buying the nice equip right away i dont have a place to keep it permanetly setup.

fourbee said something about a hand held auto prime in the challenger kit. how are they or do i need to buy a different one? i plan on buying used brass and not starting out buying factory loaded rounds.
Also would you suggest a balance beam scale or a digital?

[slickest]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=121744&t=11082005

 also i see it includes 11 auto-prime shellholders. are one of theese included for a .308? Also how do you guys like the auto prime?

[FourBee]

slikest
The Challenger is tough.  It'll  last.  The scales that come with the kit are adequate for the job.  I have an RCBS also, and they're both right on the money.   The auto prime shell holders are numbered.  That number identifies with the calibers that fits it as per the instructions.  In other words all major calibers will fit one of those eleven holders.   You can make this set-up work as a portable station.   

The Perfect Powder Measurer can be mounted on a block of wood or steel plate instead of securing it to a work-bench.   The Challenger can be mounted to a thick piece of wood or ply-wood and then clamped to your coffee table, kitchen table, or card table, and easily stored away when not in use.
Edited: 4/6/08 Add Picture showing 'steel plate mounted powder measurer'.


As for the Hand Auto Primer, many Re-loaders prefer it, as they can feel the Primer as it seats into the shell. 

[beemanbeme]

Lee loader will work fine.  Wasn't too long ago that bench rest shooters were setting records with reloading tools quite similar to lee loaders, scoops, plastic mallets and all.  When they'd have a new barrel made, they'd have their smith cut a hunk off the barrel and, using the same reamer, cut them a resizing die. You can reload at the range, in the shed, or on the kitchen table. If you luck into any range pick ups, just make sure they'll chamber in your rifle before priming them and seating a bullet over a powder charge.  If they won't, just save them for when you get a little more into reloading.
Once you get you a scale and a auto prime you'll have all the versatility you need.  

[slickest]

As for the Hand Auto Primer, many Re-loaders prefer it, as they can feel the Primer as it seats into the shell. 

is the hand auto primer that most use?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=807875

this is whati have on my list to buy;

Lee auto prime hand priming tool.

Lee auto prime hand priming tool shellholder package of 11

Lee challenger Breech Lock single stage press kit

Lee case length gage and shell holder for 308 winchester


        Is their anything im missing that i will need?

[FourBee]

slickest wrote: is the hand auto primer that most use?
   

Can't say that "many re-loaders" would make a majority.  I've used other methods without any problems, but I just feel safe with the hand primer.

On your list you're aware that the priming tools comes in the kit.   The only extra purchase would be the "    Lee case length gage and shell holder for 308 Winchester   ".

[Tom W.]

Lee Dies?

The I had the three die set, the ones with the Factory Crimp die. They come with a shellholder, too.

[FourBee]

   Hey Tom W. 

Have you used the Crimp Die?   Just curious, because I'm planning on using one myself.

FourBee   

[Tom W.]

I had a FCD with the Lee dies that I had, in all rifle calibers at that time, and they did well. When I traded my Weatherby for a Ruger #1 I changed a few things and no longer crimp my  rifle rounds, and all of my Centerfire Rifles are  now single shots.




And now all of my dies are  either RCBS, Redding, or Hornady.........