Author Topic: Lee Classic Loader kit (Read 1378 times)

tipiguy · « **on:** March 09, 2003, 11:28:37 AM »

This little kit is good for only one caliber. Are these kits ok? I want to reload .45 long colt for my Contender. I don't really want to get into reloading but factory ammo for the 45 is way under power. I also don't want to shoot lots just to be able to work up some hunting loads and use facory ammo for practice. Do you need other stuff with these kits (such as a scale, etc)?

Thanks for the help.

tipiguy

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2003, 11:36:16 AM »

If you really want to go that basic then I would go with the "hand Press Kit" instead of the Clasic loader. It's a few bucks more but it looks like it would be a lot easier to use. KN

Shorty · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2003, 12:30:18 PM »

I started with those, and they served me well for several years. You'll need case-sizing lube, and your selection of loads will be limited to the powders/ charges suitable for the dipper provided.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2003, 12:33:53 PM »

The original Lee Loader should work just fine for your requirements.

For working up loads, the only other things necessary are a scale and a powder funnel. And a powder trickler would sure make the adding of minutes amount of powder to the scale pan a whole lot easier.

Started with one back in '63 or so.

Tinker · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2003, 02:47:35 PM »

I'd think about the Lee Hand Press, too. You can start out with a minimal investment, but the dies are usable on other presses. You might also look at the Lyman 310 Tong tool.

In any case, if you are going to load without a scale, stay away from max loads, and go ahead and buy the full set of Lee dippers.

kevin.303 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2003, 06:23:21 AM »

the nice thing about these is if you take of into the bush somewhere they are are easier to pack then a bench mounted press!!!

Savage · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:22:15 AM »

Started my reloading with the Lee Classic loader in 38/357, even used one for 12ga. Hey, these things work! Other than a few dedicated benchrest shooters I don't know of anyone who reloads at the range or in the bush. Even they bring a bench mounted press. Rather than carry the weight and bulk of even one of these classics and compotents, I'll just carry the loaded ammo thanks! I have in front of me a Natchez catalog in which the Lee Anniversary Reloading kit with everything you need to get started in reloading, minus dies for $69.95. Scale, manual, powder measure, lube pad, priming tool, case trim cutter/stud, and Challenger Press. Dies are about $20. This looks like a good entry level setup to me!
Stay Safe,
Savage

kevin.303 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2003, 06:06:26 AM »

my dad said he used to take along a loader and some powder in a mason jar when ever he went into the bush for an extended period of time. he would melt down his fishing wieghts and cast his bullets. can't see how it would save space and wieght.