Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Compressed loads with a Lee Classic Loader?

One of my guides calls for a compressed load. Is my Lee Loader capable of doing this?

pod..,

There is some kind of mystic fear associated with 'compressed loads' by some reloaders. As tho it's tap dancing in a mine field. Compressed loads are no big deal IF YOU FOLLOW A MANUAL. Compressed loads are usually more accurate and efficent than loads which partially fill the case. The gun you shoot them in will determine if a compressed load will work. Each gun is different.

Any loader is capable of compressed loads-it's the scale or measure which throws the powder charge, not the reloading press itself.

Most compressed charges are MAXIMUM LOADS. You should begin with the recommended starting load and work your way up firing a few rounds at each level. If you have a reliable Reloading Manual, use the data and don't worry about it.

O

Thanks outcast

I'd say yes. A lightly compressed load isn't a big deal. The first time you do it it seems kinda strange, but it's a common practice. As long as there's a reasonable amount of neck tension to prevent the bullet from being unseated and the load isn't highly compressed, it's not a problem.

One thing I thought of that might be a good idea with your Lee Loader is to make a simple press instead of having to use a hammer. It wouldn't take much to make a wooden press from 2x2's with a simple pivot arm. It wouldn't have to be precise at all. Just something with a lever to substitute the hammer. Even a drill press would work, if you have one. No great advantage really to using a press but it I'd feel a little better using a smooth stroke rather that bang, bang, bang with a hammer. Maybe it's a dumb idea too.

Just a thought.

fish head