For those that own one, do you dust it off ocassionally and hammer some cartridges together?

Are you like stupid?? YesI I have one and use one>> but the beat goes on with you!! as they are burning down the house in Canada you talk about this?? I never came to this forum to talk about Politics >> At All >> but as Rome burns {CANADA}>> you give cookies !! nice to live in the world of yours with YELLOWSUBS. in your eyes! https://youtu.be/_3eC35LoF4U

For my most best loads I use it with a beam scale >all by hand and eye!

I just got one made in 1978 for my 225 Winchester. They don't make this particular LL anymore. They have cut back a lot, making them for the really popular chamberings.



I think I got my first one in the early 1970s. It was after a buddy showed up with his. He had one for his 243.

Don't hammer anymore, I use an arbor press.



I have several Lee Loaders for 22-250, 250-3000, .257 Roberts, 7x57 Mauser, .357 Mag., 38 Special.


Plus, I have the Lee Target Model Loader for the 22-250


No dust gathers on them because I use them and teach the youth about loading at Hunter Safety classes and KAMO (Kids and mentors outdoors).

That's a great idea. I used to do the same thing when I taught reloading when I was in the service. I have an arbor press, but I still tap them in from time to time with a nylon hammer.

It's great to compare the necks resized by conventional dies with those done in a LL. In every case, no pun intended, the LL reduces the necks by ,001 to .002 thou more. And they never suffer from runout.

It's great to see someone who still uses them!!

I purchased one this winter for a 308. Snow has finally gone enough to shoot so I loaded a few rounds, my first ever, First 4 shots were 0.554 then I flung a flyer. It was fun, easy, helped pass the evening but slow. Not really knowing what I'm doing and not having a process in place, I'm sure my loading is even slower. I also used a beam scale for weighing charges.

They are great fun to use and make accurate ammunition.

I used to sit in front of the television and resize necks. I had two Tupperware containers - one full of fired brass and an empty one for the resized stuff. Tap, tap. Watch a movie or the news.

Yes, I do. I got my first Lee Loader in 1965. Also use the arbor press. GD

With life going 100 miles an hour I find it calming to slow things down and put together some ammo with some simple tools. On occasion I slow it down even further throwing charges with the Lee Powder Measure scoops.

Whenever I test, I use Lee scoops. I used them this evening for some experimental loads. They are handy.

Damn betcha!

A .30/06 loader combined with an RCBS .308 competition seater is my only "set" for that round. Often use a .243 sizer for the first use of new brass, just to make sure it grips the bullet properly. Also use my Hornet set at times.

Lastly, the crimp feature can be handy to give a bit extra on loaded rounds that are a bit loose.

Had a couple of the Target models once upon a time, and inherited a couple from my brother. Sold them all to folks who wanted them more than I did.

The arbor press is on my wanna list, but I've used a drillpress vise the same way a time or two. I imagine a drillpress with a large flathead bolt in the chuck would work too.

I got my first Lee Loader nearly 20 years ago and I still use them. I have the kits for 22-250, 243, 7mm Mag, 30-30, 308 and 30-06. I got into them when I was younger and with moving around working I couldn't set up a dedicated place to properly reload but desperately wanted to. I found them so handy for turning out lower volumes of accurate ammunition that I have stuck with them. I even have the whole dipper kit, but I only use the dippers to get close i then trickle in the rest of the charge on a beam scale. They really work great, I am surprised that more people don't use them.

Many people do, but for some reason, they are too embarrassed to say so.

Luddite comes to mind.

I have one in 303 Brit. Was a fun way to load for that rifle. My son has the rifle now but I kept the Lee Loader as he wasn't interested in loading.
Busy building a career and family, he barely has time to shoot. When he gets the time/interested, I'll pass the kit to him then, unless I snag another 303 myself LOL.

A term of honor.

I have a Lee target loader in 303 British that's still in the wrap.

Of the regular LLs, I think I've given away over 100 from the late 1970s until the early1990s. Most went to new reloaders (teens) who were starting out, but I think their dads used them just as much, if not more.

Glad to hear that, Steve!

Not to derail, but if you were going to start reloading for .450bushmaster and 9mil, but small batches of perhaps 100 each at a time, what inexpensive but effective system would you recommend?
Perhaps Pm's would be preferred to not clog this thread?

I'd use a single stage press. They are easier to adjust, faster and not as hard on your hands.

Did you decide yet, kellory?

No sir, I have not. I am involved with some online auctions, and when I find what the experts here recommend, I may buy them. That's why I put the question out there. What should i be looking for? Never did reloading, myself, but .450bushmaster is not cheap, and 9mil is my ccw. I'd like to get more range time in, and reloading would help.
I do not expect to branch out much from these two calibers, and perhaps 12ga.

Around here, you've got to watch out for the people who will insist you buy the very best press, dies and all the accessories. It's often trying to keep up with the Joneses. To heck with the Joneses. Make yourself happy.

(Start cheap, and if the reloading bug bites,you can upgrade later.)

I use it for 45-70. Also use an old Lyman 310 tool for the 45-70

I have several Lee loafers ranging from 30/30 to 12 gauge
Still use them occasionally .
I once put 20 rounds of 165 grain bullets from a 30/06 into a group that could be covered with a quarter, they were loaded with a Lee!
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