Author Topic: Lee Loader for .303  (Read 475 times)

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Offline goodconcretecolor

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Lee Loader for .303
« on: March 07, 2007, 02:28:57 PM »
Would a Lee loader work for reloading for a SMLE or do I need to get a press and dies to full length resize?

Offline Double 30

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Re: Lee Loader for .303
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2007, 03:28:41 AM »
Have used Lee loaders in several calibers ( including .303) for years with COMPLETE satisfaction.Funny thing is that cases loaded in them for my .30-30's and my .303 dont grow much at all.I have found that conventional dies , even Lee collets, cause cases to lengthen when resized.This doesn't occur with Lee Loaders.Lastly, the ammunition I've loaded in Lee Loaders is by far the most accurate I've ever shot. 303British.com has an excellent article on neck sizing cases and the Lee Loader is highly regarded.Generally less than $20 you can get several and set each up for different bullets and not have to reset the die for each.At a hundred and a half for a good press and another $30 or 40 for dies , you can get a pile of Loaders and powder,primers,and bullets for the same price.If priming scares you I'd recommend a hand primer( use 'em myself).Best of luck!
Deo Vindice

Offline beemanbeme

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Re: Lee Loader for .303
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2007, 05:28:19 AM »
A Lee Loader with a fairly decent scale and a Lee auto prime is about as good as it gets for a casual reloader. 
I've just about every gadget and thingy known to man but, on occassion, I like to get out my Lee loader(s) and revisit a simpler time.  Plus, they make damn good ammo. 

Offline mountainview

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Re: Lee Loader for .303
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2007, 07:50:09 AM »
Until I injured my hand, I used the Lee Classic in 30-06 and 223 for small lots and load development using cases from factory loads I shot from the rifle. I started out using this equipment and it was a great way to learn the ropes. If you want to use other cases (e.g. new brass), full size reloading is suggested. The Classic works fine and can make very consistent ammo though it is not going to be a high volume operation. On the larger (e.g. 30 cal) cases, I found that using a dab of lube makes the sizing process easier and requires less effort. While some folks have reported primers going off during the primer seating step, I've never experienced that.

Offline goodconcretecolor

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Re: Lee Loader for .303
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2007, 03:50:29 PM »
I had used a Classic loader for a Mauser and I agree totally on the good scale(Lyman or RCBS, the safety scale is the only Lee item I don't like) and an autoprime(definitely Lee). I have had primers detonate while seating with the Lee Loader. A little sting to the fingers and the heck scared out of you is all but it makes the autoprime a wothwhile investment in addition to the speed it gives. I have a friend who has an SMLE and expressed an interest in reloading. I wanted t be sure the Loader would not create any problems with his Enfield.