Author Topic: Lee Classic Loader/ .45/70 (Read 862 times)

slayer · « **on:** April 30, 2005, 01:37:09 PM »

I am ordering one of these and can anyone tell me any tricks that make them easier to use? This will be my first Classic loader. Also, what size mallet and material of mallet should I buy to use with it? Thanks-Jack.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:10:29 PM »

I used one of those hammers with the screw-on nylon replaceable heads from Ace Hardware. The only thing I can say about the Lee Loader is it was fun while I used it, but I enjoyed reloading so much, I ended up buying a Lee Cast press and all the rest of the reloading equipment, too!!! Now I'm reloading for 45-70, 45-120, .270, .30-06, 7x64, 22 Hornet and have die sets for 22 Jet, .22-250, .223, .30-30, .243, .25-06 and .308 for future work!!! It's addicting to say the least!!!

slayer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:21:15 PM »

Thanks Tim!! I have a bunch of regular reloading equipment, but I have never tried the Classic Lee Loader and figured I`d give it a go. I am also ordering the RCBC Cowboy Dies in .45/70. Is this the right choice, or should I just get the regular RCBS Dies or another brand? Thanks-Jack.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:52:48 PM »

I'm probably not the best person to ask about what dies to use, I'm happy with the Lee Pacesetter 3 die set for the 45-70, but a lot will tell you they are no good....they work fine for me though..I also bought the lyman M-die and Lee factory crimp die.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=818681

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=482184

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=747243

slayer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2005, 03:03:47 PM »

Thanks Tim, I will check them out

Jack.

JBMauser · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2005, 04:52:01 PM »

I two suggestions for you regarding the 45/70 lee loader. This will only neck size the bullet section of the cartridge. You may find that if you mark your brass and reference it in the chamber for each cycle (assuming you can) you may shrink your groups. Also if you are loading lead bullets you may find it helpful to bell the case mouth slightly. A large ball bearing over the mouth with a light tap of the hammer will do this. the trick is to achieve a consistant tap. Best of luck and have fun. JB

slayer · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2005, 05:44:45 AM »

Thanks JB

I plan on reloading with Cast bullets in the 350-450 gr range eventually. Jack.

JBMauser · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2005, 12:34:41 PM »

One more thing that I do and it may apply to you or may not. I use the lee loader to load 45/70 for my Danish rolling block which likes bullets cast a bit fatter than the normal 45/70. My lee mould drops a 405 hollow base bullet at close to .462. I needed to "open up" my lee loader so it did not size the neck quite so small. I did this with a bit of emery paper spliced through a wooden dowl and an electric drill. I kind of "reduced" the amount of neck reduction so I could more easily stuff my fat boys in there. The Dane seems to like that. Still a project in progress. JB