Sorry to ruin your "Gotcha!" moment, but at no time did I say Lee introduced these sets twenty five years. I said , and I quote from the video "Lee precision has been manufacturing these loaders for probably 45 years or so." . This video was made and posted over ten years ago, so that would put my estimated time of introduction at 55 years ago. This was of course a very rough off the cuff "guestimate" on my part. According to the Lee website "Lee Loaders, for rifle and pistol ammunition, were invented in the early sixties" so that makes the product range 60 or more years old.
@@314299 right on👍 i relistened to your vidio and i missunderstood what you said about the 25 year remark . i started loading with one of these and then went to a 310 tool. from the 310 tool i went to a bench press. the majority of dies and loading tools i have used over the years have been lee and still is
This is the best step-by-step video for the Lee Classic Loader for handguns (as I ave watched several). Thank you! I picked up an old loader for a .380 Auto at a pawn shop and was trying to do some loads and kept bending the rim of the casing. Once he explained the use of the flaring tool, it all made sense. Finding the tool is another issue, which I was finally able to do by ordering it directly from Lee. Thanks again!
Great comprehensive review of the Lee Loader. Clear photography and instructions from start to finish. Very helpful to beginners. Includes steps others have left off. Great work.
I love the LEE precision reloading tools. They are affordable and fun, and it only takes a few minutes to learn them. Nice video. I hope folks understand that as you use this loader, a person can realistically load a new round in less than a minute.
Great video ! It would have been real easy to make this one a snooze fest but it was actually very well presented and informative . Makes me want to reload .
Very helpful video, thanks! I have been reloading on a Lee Single Stage press for awhile now and also had one of these Lee Loader kits on hand but haven't used it up until now; your step-by-step instructions were perfect...thank you!
Awhile back, Roy Huntington posted a similar article in American Handgunner, and got me interested in reloading, but I can buy 9mm locally for less than 10$ a box of 50. But I am now considering picking up a .357 magnum, and I might consider reloading .38 specials for practice rounds. This video reinforced what Roy wrote, in a very practical way. And in a very complete and understandable way, also. Thanks for an easy to understand video. The only thing I would seriously have to consider adding would be a priming tool. Not so much for speed, as for the fact that I don't think I would like smacking on primers with anything, even though I know it is safe.
While decapping, I do it with the knurled portion of the decapping chamber facing up. The brass should fit in the large recess in the decapping chamber, so you don't need to worry about centering the primer over the hole. Maybe it's different for pistol cartridges, but this is how the decapper seems to work in all my rifle Lee Loaders (223, 30-06, 303 British, 7.62×54 R)
Yep, it works either way. The advantage of doing it with the decapping chamber upside down is that you can decap about 25 brass before you empty the chamber out as there is more space for the knocked out primers.
Good point. On your second round there, it looks like you gave it a good heaping dipper-full rather than a level load, Let us know if you noticed a difference with that round :-)
Nice tutorial. I can tell you actually know what your doing. Thanks for doing this video for the newbies to get started. Lee loaders are cheap to get started and make for good portable reloading kits. I’m a new subscriber by the way.
I bought one of these in 1974?, I believe?, and I still have it. One negative thing about these kits is they only (neck size) and this works fine if you shoot the reloads in the same gun, but if you try and shoot the loads in a different gun the cartridge might be too tight in the chamber. I have reloaded thousands of rounds with this little kit over the years.
Dear colleague, the best video ! many thanks for your very kind advices. I am starting in the reloading world and this manual reloading will be perfect to my purposes this moment. Big hug from a Brazilian shooter. All the best
The Lee Loader system is not too bad for loading rifle, but for pistol/revolver rounds it is painfully slow. I use a progressive press to make the bulk of my .38 reloads.
Digger D whatch another video I’ve seen guys do them in seconds this guys video is not good in my opinion he goes on about the table it’s a terrible table to go on he had to hit primmer about 20 times should only take one maybe two firm taps
I started reading in 1973 with one of these. Actually, it worked quite well. My S&W would shoot these handloads under less than 3 inch groups at 25 yards.
The only real downside to one of these sets is the time required to produce a box of ammo, as you note the performance of loads put together with a Lee Loader can be quite good.
Vey nice tutorial! I have always wondered how this tool worked, it looks just the thing for load development at the range. Many thanks for posting. Chris.
Awesome video. IM about to try some 44 Mag reloading later this week when all my components arrive. I've watched several videos using this Lee loader, this has to be one of my favorites. Thumbs up!~~John
With practice and experience... you can get fairly fast with these (roughly 1 round every 45 seconds). Not quite as fast as a press... but good enough.
Now I know how to use my .45 Lee Loader I ordered so many years ago but have never pulled out of the box. Guess it's easier to head for my bench mounted Lee O frame press. Looks like a lot of fun though. I remember Lee recommending it partly as a fun way to shoot and reload right at the range with the modicum of a few simple components. As your vid progressed I kept thinking 'okay the die is an all-in-one resizing-depriming-repriming-case mouth expanding-powder through the expander die,die... but where's the crimp die'? Then you flipped the die over and I almost fell out of my chair! Lee you're a genius! I gotta say though when you started hammering on that primer I almost ducked for cover! I don't know if I have the nerve for that maneuver!
+steelgila I dont care for the primer seating method, but it's what you have to do if you use only the kit. Most of my priming is done with the Lee Auto prime, which is a very good piece of equipment.
Great video! I happened to pick one of these up today, an older one in the cardboard box, clearly '70s marketing look. I didn't even know Lee or anyone had a "one off" loader like this. I've reloaded but on a friends setup some 30+ years ago and have always shied away cause of the expense of going "full boar" on a setup. I got the set 'cause it was cheap and the idea was neat and it was in good condition... I'll actually be using it now after watching this video! I have a pretty old Smith Mod10 5 screw that I've always been afraid of firing modern ammo through. I figure this would allow me to make the few light rounds I'd need to plink a bit. Thanks whoever you are!
While I do like Lee Loader sets they are a bit slow to use for the amount of pistol ammo that I use, but if used for a low amount of loading they are sufficient. I would advise getting a bit of proper case lube to use rather than the wax used in the video, using proper case lube reduces the amount of force needed to size and extract the cases from the dies.
One of the best videos about the lee loader. You mentioned hand priming tool - it is a good addition to this reloading kit. I love my SINCLAIR PRIMING TOOL but the lee's one will do the job just fine and is reasonably priced. I will add only case prep step with the cheap but good CASE CONDITIONING COMBO from lee - some case trimming, some primer pocket cleaning, some chamfering... For people in small apartments without space for reloading bench /like me/ the options are: the lee loader, the Breech Lock Hand Press and some kind of small arbor press /SINCLAIR ARBOR PRESS for an example/ with set of dies like l.e.wilson . p.s. Is a good idea to use just a little bit of imperial sizing wax before resizing? Have a nice day.
this was a great video....I have a Lee Loader .38 on the way from Midway... I have a Lee press for my rifle cartridges, but this looks easier for pistol.
Good idea. Some folks who load several different bullet weights or shapes will keep a "dummy" round for a given bullet to help speed up setting up seating depths quickly.
I just found your video and watched it twice already. I have been using a Classic Reloader for a .243 with good results. And now, I just got my .38 special Classic Reloader. I just finished with my first bullet. I used a 125 gr Berry Target Hollow Point. I'm concerned that I didn't have to seat the bullet very far to get it to the same length as a factory bullet. And I crimped it to the point it looks close enough to any crimp on the factory bullet. Very good video!
As I'm sure you know there are quite a vast array of different bullet weights/shapes/sizes that can be used for reloading the .38 Special. As a result seating depths can vary quite a lot. As long as your loaded rounds are not longer than the maximum specification, and they have a secure crimp, you should be OK.
I used to load 44mag with one of these and I found the little powder scoop incredibly inconsistent. If you use one of these, consider a scale to measure the powder. It will also give you the flexibility to fine tune your load with different powders.
+MrMotoden the scoops can be consistent or inconstant depending on the users technique and the powder used, some powders dont measure well, so a scale may be the answer to those hard to measure powders.
Plano makes these waterproof cases called "Waterproof Stowaway" that have a size that is perfect for putting your reloading dies in. Last year I got a Lee New Autoprime and just looked into it and quite a few of the shell holders were starting to rust! When you're done reloading, mist some lite oil over the dies, toss in a moisture absorbent pack and seal it up in a Stowaway!
thanks for taking out the mystery out of reloading.i bought a Lee breech lock kit but i know that there is other items needed that did not come in the kit. figured .38s. would be a good round to start with. thanks
Just seeing I commented 7 yrs. ago, lol. I've come a long way reloading spending thousands on presses n equipment powders primers ect.... On vacation in Florida in 75 degree weather and still looking for small pistol primers for under 90 bucks....Wish the Canadian government would boot out their PM.... Merry Christmas to you n your Family.....be well. MB.
Thanks for a great lesson. I've got plenty of ammo that I have produced/ assembled. This is a really good " oh shit ! I need rounds and am far from the safety of my shop....all one needs to keep ammo that could fit in a small tote bag....
This is my go to video! Thanks for making this! I just got my .38 Lee loader in the mail today, I was excited because my local gun shop carries the UNIQUE, and by your load chart on your video..it shows the load chart for 158 gr. bullet and 125 gr. bullet would both use UNIQUE with the supplied dipper. To my surprise, my load chart differs from yours, and it doesn't even list Unique, just SR4756 which is no longer in production for 158 gr. lead bullet! And it also shows IMR TRAIL BOSS..As for the 125 gr. it shows only IMR 700X ? I plan on using the UNIQUE powder. The only thing listed for UNIQUE on these new .38 lee loaders is for 125 Gr. XTP bullet only? I am assuming I can follow the older instructions and still use UNIQUE with this supplied dipper for both the 158 and 125 gr. cast lead bullet? Thank you so much for your time on this...I am just so tired of buying 38 specials, when I know this will pay for itself.
I see no reason why you could not use the Unique data published in the older charge table, as long as you have the .5cc dipper you should be able to use the older data for the Unique powder. Lee of course updates and changes the charge tables every so often. There is limited room on the charge card for loads so they leave out older loads in favor of new data that they think may be of interest to their customers.
Watching you adjust and tap the bullet seater reminds me of exactly the same process when reloading on my Lee O frame press. I back out my bullet seating die and then start levering the press handle which reciprocates the ram.Check OAL of ctg.(or eyeball and see how many bearing bands are still protruding atop the case mouth), and just continue repeating that process over and over.
Thanks for the informative video. Recently got the .38 special lee loader and have loaded 200 rounds so far. My instructions say to lube the cases. I use bag balm. Seems to size with much less hammering. Haven't set off any primers.
+Robert Fory My vintage instructions state that "larger cases may be lubricated" and suggest rubbing cases with paraffin (wax). I've no doubt that lubing the cases will make sizing easier, however you then need to remove the lubricant when you are done.
But, if I were in a hurry I'd own a progressive press or even an automatic one. So much for saving money when reloading. Just have to make do with my single stage press.
***** I shoot a fair amount of .38 Spl and I load it on a Lee 1000 progressive, for .357 I load it on a single stage press which is less hassle than readjusting my dies on the progressive.
+MikeyFraz1 You should clean the brass prior to reloading. Wiping it off with a rag dampened with paint thinner works well for the quantities of brass that a lee loader will be used with.
Great video. I just got into reloading, found one of these sitting on the shelf of my local gun store in 44-40, which is a cartridge I shoot quite a bit with my Henry Original 44-40 rifle (the new gun, not THE original Henry rifle lol). It really is simple to use, I too cringe when I tap in a primer using this kit, but I figure if you have eye protection and whatnot it's not going to do much damage. Just scare he hell out of ya...the bullet seating process looks easy and the little tool the cartridge sits in while seating the bullet has a wide enough hole that the chance of contacting the primer during this part of the process is slim to none...unless there's a spent primer under it that isn't seen...which would be quite unfortunate HAHA! These things appear to be getting harder to find every day, I still can't believe I just happened upon the 44-40 version, been looking for a cheap way to load for 44-40 for awhile and get into the hobby.
This is AWESOME. I just got my entire set up, and this video is GREAT! Thank you! I'm retired, have A LOT of time on my hands, so doing this the slow way, is no problem.
Once you get a rhythm going using one of these kits is actually a lot faster than people might think, especially compared to how slow I'm doing it in the video.
Back in the day, you could get a full length resizing die for the 38 spl/357 mag. Another interesting thing about the die in your kit, it is the same die that came in the 9mm kit, that is why it doesn't size the bottom of the case.
Don't worry about blowing a primer when setting...it WILL happen....but follow the directions....I've loaded .308 Win with one of these for many years. They are good, practical kits for the casual shooter....but slow for a volume loader...but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. You pay more attention, and I'd bet the loads are more consistent and accurate than volume loading machines/presses. Jake
The 9x19 is also a lot more difficult the reload than .38 as it is tapered case and therefore requires a lot more effort to size, in fact one pretty much has to put case lubricate on the 9mm case when using the lee loader,while the 38 does not require it.
In the late 70's is when they switched to this style of box. Your charge card has the year date of 1980 in the lower left corner. Your charge card also has a typo. At about 1:55 you can see in the 3rd section down it lists the bullet weight as 150-125, this is incorrect. Lee lists the smaller bullet then the larger bullet. This might have supposed to have been 125-150 but I suspect that it was probably supposed to read 105-125. I don't think I have a kit near this era in 38 spl to compare it to.
The beauty of this is it's simplicity, low cost, familiarity & learning the process, and can be done anywhere, with utmost care. Enjoy the process and not worry about volume. Can do this listening to the radio or TV , and cautiously teaching the kids or grandkids (supervised) - a family thing. The kids might "mic" for proper shell lengths and check dimensions for quality control and enjoy being involved. Wrong ?
i put a cinder block on my bench and it cuts down the noise significantly when i’m hammering the cartridge to resize it. my neighbours were getting annoyed at all the banging at 4am, problem solved.
I'm not sure why. But I find this reloading tool fascinating. I have just bought one for my 357 magnum. I load AP but dying to do it with the Lee Classic reloader.
If you don't have a real firm surface on which to hammer, here's what Richard Lee does. Below is a link to him reloading a bottle neck round. The sizing operation he does holding the die off the table in his hand. Other hammmering operations are done using a steel plate resting on a sponge pad. Also, it was very quiet. Reloading with a Lee Loader
Yes, that is the official way to use it, however it works either way. The advantage of doing it with the decapping chamber upside down is that you can decap about 25 brass before you empty the chamber out as there is more space for the knocked out primers.
Nice video just got one of these for 45 colt but after watching i fear i may have been a little heavy handed on the roll crimp. And out of an SAA it might increase pressure alot. Luckily i only loaded the starting load so ill try these then be more careful with the higher loads.
I doubt your heavy crimp will give a significant increase in pressure, a solid crimp helps keep the bullet in place while the powder gets burning but it quickly "lets go" of the bullet as soon as pressure has increased to the level where the bullet starts moving.
Very cool. I'm thinking of picking up one of these reloaders for both .38spl and .357 magnum soon to get into reloading. Just don't have the space for a fancy press so I think one of these will be perfect for me.
+Kyle Clark Another option to consider if you dont have room for a regular press is the Lee Hand press, they use regular dies so if you do eventually get a "regular" press you can still use the same reloading dies.
be neat to also see 357 and 38S&W done. but I own a 44mag leeloader and a hand held case trimmer for 44mag Lee sold. plus 2 different era 222 Rem Mag lee loader sets with different charge charts for each showing different charges for same loads. be nice if you have the sets to do a video on other odd cartridge sie lee loaders like these and 444, 45-70 etc. did they make a 28ga lee loader? I have owned many for odd size guns over the years but made the mistake of letting them go with gun when sold before Lee started discontinuing them (Cabela's still stocks a few new sets for common calibers at about $36) also the Load al/ls have gone way up in price since beginning to discontinue that line and many parts no longer available. I always did prefer having portable hand reloading kits for my Guns for prepping and when ammo became very hard to find for many. love your instructional videos as it helps reassure We are using these tools correctly.
Thanks for the comment. I might do more Lee Loader video's as there seems to be an audience for these video's. I found an expired listing on ebay for a 28 gauge loader so they do exist: www.ebay.com/itm/294478203205?nma=true&si=A7G5gFQkVoJfqZ%252FxdMOAxOP5%252Bi0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Good video. I have them for all calibers I reload for though I have a good bench set up. Saw a video of Dick Lee, yeah that Dick Lee, reloading a . 308 in less than a minute.
Outstanding young man!!! No 4. You did not use a sizing wax. Makes sizing a little easier. Perhaps when you really reload you use a carbide die???? Thanks
+lyle inmb I load the vast majority of my .38's on a progressive press equipped with carbide sizing die. Thousands of rounds would be just too slow for the Lee Loader.
I have to say I'd prefer having the seating-depth adjustment on the seating rod even for rifle - it makes me nervous to have set the depth and then to be banging on the die for all it's worth to resize the next case - how do I know something hasn't shifted? I have a collet neck sizing die now, so the Lee Loader goes back on the shelf into well-earned semi-retirement, but even before it arrived I'd started batch-sizing all of my cases and getting all the heavy hammering out of the way before the fine adjustments got made.
Using the 38 special kit , would it reload a 38 long colt. Smaller brass ,less black powder, 110 gr lead bullets, same diameter. Like the hand press, simple , no hurry, thanks for the demo on hand reloading.
I think you ought to be able to reload 38 Long Colt with a .38 Special Lee Loader, although I admit I have never done so myself. The only issue I would anticipate is with crimping, you might have to apply a crimp without the use of the de-capping base in order to get the die to go down far enough on the shorter case. If you try it please let us know how well it works out for you.
Beautifully, slowly explained. You've no idea how many videos lack any explanation of their steps.( Confusing ) However, isn't it best to "mic" your casings, steps in construction, final bullets after completion ? Basically, just take your time. A good micrometer should be of help. No ? Thanks for posting.
+Walter Palmer It never hurts to have a caliper handy to measure things, but it's not really necessary. I've never seen a .38 special case get longer than is safe, or even enough to require trimming. Straight sided pistol cases rarely need trimming, unlike bottleneck rifle cases.
Yes, that is the recommended way to use the set, however you have to empty the fired primers more often than than if decapping base is turned upside down.
lol he said lee has been out for probably 25 years, i've been reloading for 50 + years and lee was out before i started loading
Sorry to ruin your "Gotcha!" moment, but at no time did I say Lee introduced these sets twenty five years. I said , and I quote from the video "Lee precision has been manufacturing these loaders for probably 45 years or so." . This video was made and posted over ten years ago, so that would put my estimated time of introduction at 55 years ago. This was of course a very rough off the cuff "guestimate" on my part. According to the Lee website "Lee Loaders, for rifle and pistol ammunition, were invented in the early sixties" so that makes the product range 60 or more years old.
@@314299 right on👍 i relistened to your vidio and i missunderstood what you said about the 25 year remark . i started loading with one of these and then went to a 310 tool. from the 310 tool i went to a bench press. the majority of dies and loading tools i have used over the years have been lee and still is
Wish we lived in a world where every tutorial was this well thought out and shot.
Thanks.
This is the best step-by-step video for the Lee Classic Loader for handguns (as I ave watched several). Thank you! I picked up an old loader for a .380 Auto at a pawn shop and was trying to do some loads and kept bending the rim of the casing. Once he explained the use of the flaring tool, it all made sense. Finding the tool is another issue, which I was finally able to do by ordering it directly from Lee. Thanks again!
The flaring tool is often missing in used sets, I'm not sure if Lee always included it or if it was an optional extra.
Great comprehensive review of the Lee Loader. Clear photography and instructions from start to finish. Very helpful to beginners. Includes steps others have left off. Great work.
Thank you.
I love the LEE precision reloading tools. They are affordable and fun, and it only takes a few minutes to learn them. Nice video. I hope folks understand that as you use this loader, a person can realistically load a new round in less than a minute.
Yes demonstrating and explaining take a lot longer than just actually loading using the set.
Great video ! It would have been real easy to make this one a snooze fest but it was actually very well presented and informative . Makes me want to reload .
+cronos222 Thanks for the feedback!
EXCELLENT demonstration of the classic Lee Loader. Thank you!
You are welcome.
Very helpful video, thanks! I have been reloading on a Lee Single Stage press for awhile now and also had one of these Lee Loader kits on hand but haven't used it up until now; your step-by-step instructions were perfect...thank you!
I'm glad to hear you found the video useful. Thanks for the comment.
I like the slow reloading of empties. I think I will try this loader.
Bennett Patten While slow it's still a better use of time than watching TV!
Awhile back, Roy Huntington posted a similar article in American Handgunner, and got me interested in reloading, but I can buy 9mm locally for less than 10$ a box of 50. But I am now considering picking up a .357 magnum, and I might consider reloading .38 specials for practice rounds. This video reinforced what Roy wrote, in a very practical way. And in a very complete and understandable way, also. Thanks for an easy to understand video. The only thing I would seriously have to consider adding would be a priming tool. Not so much for speed, as for the fact that I don't think I would like smacking on primers with anything, even though I know it is safe.
An excellent tutorial and refresher course. Clear, concise, and no points deducted for being Canadian! Great job!
Thanks, I think. Happy US Independence day.
While decapping, I do it with the knurled portion of the decapping chamber facing up. The brass should fit in the large recess in the decapping chamber, so you don't need to worry about centering the primer over the hole. Maybe it's different for pistol cartridges, but this is how the decapper seems to work in all my rifle Lee Loaders (223, 30-06, 303 British, 7.62×54 R)
Yep, it works either way. The advantage of doing it with the decapping chamber upside down is that you can decap about 25 brass before you empty the chamber out as there is more space for the knocked out primers.
Good point. On your second round there, it looks like you gave it a good heaping dipper-full rather than a level load, Let us know if you noticed a difference with that round :-)
It's a little tricky to notice the details while trying to work while looking through the camera screen, that one will probably have an extra 20 fps.
I love these little kits. I feel like an old mountain man boomer or something when I use mine. It's like reloading in a time machine...
They are great for those times that you are not in a hurry.
Nice tutorial. I can tell you actually know what your doing. Thanks for doing this video for the newbies to get started. Lee loaders are cheap to get started and make for good portable reloading kits. I’m a new subscriber by the way.
Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for the feedback and for subscribing.
I bought one of these in 1974?, I believe?, and I still have it. One negative thing about these kits is they only (neck size) and this works fine if you shoot the reloads in the same gun, but if you try and shoot the loads in a different gun the cartridge might be too tight in the chamber. I have reloaded thousands of rounds with this little kit over the years.
NCLUSA
Dear colleague, the best video ! many thanks for your very kind advices. I am starting in the reloading world and this manual reloading will be perfect to my purposes this moment. Big hug from a Brazilian shooter. All the best
I'm glad you found the video of use, best of success with your reloading efforts.
This video has convinced me to go with the hand press system :)
What a pain ... ;)
The Lee Loader system is not too bad for loading rifle, but for pistol/revolver rounds it is painfully slow. I use a progressive press to make the bulk of my .38 reloads.
Digger D whatch another video I’ve seen guys do them in seconds this guys video is not good in my opinion he goes on about the table it’s a terrible table to go on he had to hit primmer about 20 times should only take one maybe two firm taps
I started reading in 1973 with one of these. Actually, it worked quite well. My S&W would shoot these handloads under less than 3 inch groups at 25 yards.
The only real downside to one of these sets is the time required to produce a box of ammo, as you note the performance of loads put together with a Lee Loader can be quite good.
Vey nice tutorial! I have always wondered how this tool worked, it looks just the thing for load development at the range. Many thanks for posting. Chris.
+Englishman French You are welcome, thanks for commenting.
Clear and thorough. Nice job on a classic rig.
Thanks.
This video got me started on reloading! Logical, complete, and great video shots.
I'm glad to hear that. Have you moved up to using a regular reloading press yet?
Exalent video, very nice clear close up shots with exceptional narration. Looking forward to more of your videos. Thsnks
You are welcome.
Awesome video. IM about to try some 44 Mag reloading later this week when all my components arrive. I've watched several videos using this Lee loader, this has to be one of my favorites. Thumbs up!~~John
WORRO01 Thanks, good luck with your .44 reloading.
Brass from full power magnum loads will require vigorous , repeated hammering . Not an inherent slam , just a heads up .
Boy that sure makes me appreciate my Loadmaster. Thanks for sharing.
I loaded up 300 .38 Special this weekend, I used my Pro 1000. The Lee Loaders are better for rifle rounds than pistol.
This was my first method to reload about 55 years ago. Still very good for keeping in a survival gear supply.
Nice and compact for that purpose.
Got mine when I lived in Texas back in 1983. I miss old San Antonio
Be nice to go back to 1983...
Thank you, excellent demonstration and details.
Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting.
How easy! I ordered the Lee hand loader because I read it is faster than that kit! I have to wait 2 months to arrive thru amazon!
Reloading gear is out of stock most everywhere at the moment.
With practice and experience... you can get fairly fast with these (roughly 1 round every 45 seconds). Not quite as fast as a press... but good enough.
Yes, they are quicker to use in reality than they seem to be when used in a demonstration such as in this video.
Now I know how to use my .45 Lee Loader I ordered so many years ago but have never pulled out of the box. Guess it's easier to head for my bench mounted Lee O frame press. Looks like a lot of fun though. I remember Lee recommending it partly as a fun way to shoot and reload right at the range with the modicum of a few simple components.
As your vid progressed I kept thinking 'okay the die is an all-in-one resizing-depriming-repriming-case mouth expanding-powder through the expander die,die... but where's the crimp die'? Then you flipped the die over and I almost fell out of my chair! Lee you're a genius! I gotta say though when you started hammering on that primer I almost ducked for cover! I don't know if I have the nerve for that maneuver!
+steelgila I dont care for the primer seating method, but it's what you have to do if you use only the kit. Most of my priming is done with the Lee Auto prime, which is a very good piece of equipment.
That's how I started loading. Was in the cardboard box. Was in 308 Win and, yes, it did really work. Still have parts of it.
They are a little slow but as you say do work, and are cheap and portable.
Great video! I happened to pick one of these up today, an older one in the cardboard box, clearly '70s marketing look. I didn't even know Lee or anyone had a "one off" loader like this. I've reloaded but on a friends setup some 30+ years ago and have always shied away cause of the expense of going "full boar" on a setup. I got the set 'cause it was cheap and the idea was neat and it was in good condition... I'll actually be using it now after watching this video! I have a pretty old Smith Mod10 5 screw that I've always been afraid of firing modern ammo through. I figure this would allow me to make the few light rounds I'd need to plink a bit.
Thanks whoever you are!
While I do like Lee Loader sets they are a bit slow to use for the amount of pistol ammo that I use, but if used for a low amount of loading they are sufficient. I would advise getting a bit of proper case lube to use rather than the wax used in the video, using proper case lube reduces the amount of force needed to size and extract the cases from the dies.
got one of those sets from 1978 for 9mm luger...great to have
+craneoperator4 I've heard that sizing takes quite a bit of force with the 9mm sets, is it much different than with something like the .38?
314299 Shooting Channel not much fuss on mine...I don't even have to chamfer them
Good to know, thanks.
One of the best videos about the lee loader.
You mentioned hand priming tool - it is a good addition to this reloading kit.
I love my SINCLAIR PRIMING TOOL but the lee's one will do the job just fine and is reasonably priced.
I will add only case prep step with the cheap but good CASE CONDITIONING COMBO from lee - some case trimming, some primer pocket cleaning, some chamfering...
For people in small apartments without space for reloading bench /like me/ the options are:
the lee loader,
the Breech Lock Hand Press
and
some kind of small arbor press /SINCLAIR ARBOR PRESS for an example/ with set of dies like l.e.wilson .
p.s. Is a good idea to use just a little bit of imperial sizing wax before resizing?
Have a nice day.
***** Sizing wax will certainly reduce the amount of force required to get a case into and out of the die.
this was a great video....I have a Lee Loader .38 on the way from Midway... I have a Lee press for my rifle cartridges, but this looks easier for pistol.
Thanks. Best of luck with your Lee Loader.
I use this same setup, caliber, and powder. I use a factory LRN round to adjust the bullet seating tool. Does help. Very good video 😊
Good idea. Some folks who load several different bullet weights or shapes will keep a "dummy" round for a given bullet to help speed up setting up seating depths quickly.
Excellent , thank you. Great up close focus
Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
I just found your video and watched it twice already.
I have been using a Classic Reloader for a .243 with good results. And now, I just got my .38 special Classic Reloader. I just finished with my first bullet. I used a 125 gr Berry Target Hollow Point.
I'm concerned that I didn't have to seat the bullet very far to get it to the same length as a factory bullet. And I crimped it to the point it looks close enough to any crimp on the factory bullet.
Very good video!
As I'm sure you know there are quite a vast array of different bullet weights/shapes/sizes that can be used for reloading the .38 Special. As a result seating depths can vary quite a lot. As long as your loaded rounds are not longer than the maximum specification, and they have a secure crimp, you should be OK.
I've not seen this process before. You explained it very well, great video!
Thanks.
I used to load 44mag with one of these and I found the little powder scoop incredibly inconsistent. If you use one of these, consider a scale to measure the powder. It will also give you the flexibility to fine tune your load with different powders.
+MrMotoden the scoops can be consistent or inconstant depending on the users technique and the powder used, some powders dont measure well, so a scale may be the answer to those hard to measure powders.
Plano makes these waterproof cases called "Waterproof Stowaway" that have a size that is perfect for putting your reloading dies in.
Last year I got a Lee New Autoprime and just looked into it and quite a few of the shell holders were starting to rust!
When you're done reloading, mist some lite oil over the dies, toss in a moisture absorbent pack and seal it up in a Stowaway!
Yes indeed a bit of oil on unprotected surfaces goes a long way in preventing rust.
Much thanks. Very clear and easy to follow. Just what I need!!
+lyle inmb I'm glad you find the video useful.
Best video for the Classic reloader, nice job!
Thanks.
Great video. You are so patient.
Thanks. It's a slow way to load ammo it helsp to be somewhat patient.
Love my Lee loader. Great job explaining the steps …. now if only I could find some small pistol primers
Yes, finding small pistol primers can be quite a challenge at the moment.
Great video thanks for the help wasn't sure about reloading but now I'm gonna start
A great tutorial video! Thanks.
You are welcome, thanks for commenting.
thanks for taking out the mystery out of reloading.i bought a Lee breech lock kit but i know that there is other items needed that did not come in the kit. figured .38s. would be a good round to start with. thanks
MegaBait56 The .38 is a great round to start with, it's versatile and forgiving to load.
thanks my friend.
Just seeing I commented 7 yrs. ago, lol. I've come a long way reloading spending thousands on presses n equipment powders primers ect.... On vacation in Florida in 75 degree weather and still looking for small pistol primers for under 90 bucks....Wish the Canadian government would boot out their PM.... Merry Christmas to you n your Family.....be well. MB.
Glad I have a RCBS press and dies. I’ve had it 40 plus years ,it’s paid for itself many times over . Good video btw .
There is certainly no comparison in speed or convenience between a press and dies and a Lee Loader.
Thanks for a great lesson.
I've got plenty of ammo that I have produced/ assembled.
This is a really good " oh shit ! I need rounds and am far from the safety of my shop....all one needs to keep ammo that could fit in a small tote bag....
For many folks the appeal to these kits is the portability and easy storage.
This is my go to video! Thanks for making this! I just got my .38 Lee loader in the mail today, I was excited because my local gun shop carries the UNIQUE, and by your load chart on your video..it shows the load chart for 158 gr. bullet and 125 gr. bullet would both use UNIQUE with the supplied dipper. To my surprise, my load chart differs from yours, and it doesn't even list Unique, just SR4756 which is no longer in production for 158 gr. lead bullet! And it also shows IMR TRAIL BOSS..As for the 125 gr. it shows only IMR 700X ? I plan on using the UNIQUE powder. The only thing listed for UNIQUE on these new .38 lee loaders is for 125 Gr. XTP bullet only? I am assuming I can follow the older instructions and still use UNIQUE with this supplied dipper for both the 158 and 125 gr. cast lead bullet? Thank you so much for your time on this...I am just so tired of buying 38 specials, when I know this will pay for itself.
I see no reason why you could not use the Unique data published in the older charge table, as long as you have the .5cc dipper you should be able to use the older data for the Unique powder.
Lee of course updates and changes the charge tables every so often. There is limited room on the charge card for loads so they leave out older loads in favor of new data that they think may be of interest to their customers.
Watching you adjust and tap the bullet seater reminds me of exactly the same process when reloading on my Lee O frame press. I back out my bullet seating die and then start levering the press handle which reciprocates the ram.Check OAL of ctg.(or eyeball and see how many bearing bands are still protruding atop the case mouth), and just continue repeating that process over and over.
Yes, it's basically the same procure as with a press mounted die.
They work great. I HAVE in .38 special, 45 colt and 45/70..
I'm curious about the effort required to size 45 Colt, any comments.
Thanks for the informative video. Recently got the .38 special lee loader and have loaded 200 rounds so far. My instructions say to lube the cases. I use bag balm. Seems to size with much less hammering. Haven't set off any primers.
+Robert Fory My vintage instructions state that "larger cases may be lubricated" and suggest rubbing cases with paraffin (wax). I've no doubt that lubing the cases will make sizing easier, however you then need to remove the lubricant when you are done.
I use one of those kits for a 38 special or a 357 Magnum which is the same kit. I use it for about 20 years of still good kit
Lee currently lists 38 special and 357 Magnum kits, the only difference between the two is they put different powder scoops and load data in the box .
Such a slow process. Thanks for posting it.
***** It's slower while showing it and explaining it, but in the end it is still slow, especially for pistol ammo.
But, if I were in a hurry I'd own a progressive press or even an automatic one. So much for saving money when reloading. Just have to make do with my single stage press.
***** I shoot a fair amount of .38 Spl and I load it on a Lee 1000 progressive, for .357 I load it on a single stage press which is less hassle than readjusting my dies on the progressive.
A worthwhile additional tool to add to that rather simple kit is a PRIMER POCKET CLEANER.
Yes and the Lee ones are both cheap and compact enough to go into the box.
@@314299 I have a spare near my reloading table.
This was a great video. You're a very good teacher. Thanks for posting this.
+MikeyFraz1 You are welcome. Thanks for the comment.
+314299 Shooting Channel My pleasure! Did you have to clean the brass before reloading? If so, how?
+MikeyFraz1 You should clean the brass prior to reloading. Wiping it off with a rag dampened with paint thinner works well for the quantities of brass that a lee loader will be used with.
+314299 Shooting Channel Thanks man!! That's exactly what I needed to hear.
Great video. I just got into reloading, found one of these sitting on the shelf of my local gun store in 44-40, which is a cartridge I shoot quite a bit with my Henry Original 44-40 rifle (the new gun, not THE original Henry rifle lol). It really is simple to use, I too cringe when I tap in a primer using this kit, but I figure if you have eye protection and whatnot it's not going to do much damage. Just scare he hell out of ya...the bullet seating process looks easy and the little tool the cartridge sits in while seating the bullet has a wide enough hole that the chance of contacting the primer during this part of the process is slim to none...unless there's a spent primer under it that isn't seen...which would be quite unfortunate HAHA! These things appear to be getting harder to find every day, I still can't believe I just happened upon the 44-40 version, been looking for a cheap way to load for 44-40 for awhile and get into the hobby.
I have popped a primer while seating it. It's VERY startling but harmless.
This is AWESOME. I just got my entire set up, and this video is GREAT! Thank you! I'm retired, have A LOT of time on my hands, so doing this the slow way, is no problem.
Glad to hear you like the video, I hope your reloading efforts are successful.
@@314299 Thanks. Yeah, it's working great. Only forgot the powder in ONE so far. lol. damn!
@@georgeplimpton9429 Yeah that can happen. An inertia bullet puller is nice to have on hand to help salvage the occasional mistake.
@@314299 Got one on the way!
So. What I've gathered from this is I should just save up for a Lee single stage press at the least 😆
Pretty much any bench mounted press is going to be faster than a Lee Loader.
Using Lee Loaders for various calibers, .38 special is the only one where I would occasionally get primer detonation while seating primers...
What brand(s) of primers were you using?
@@314299 I forget. This was 20 yrs ago.
this would be great for shtf
Remember you gotta carry primers powder and bullets in the bugout bag.
If you can find primers.
Great demo -- thanks.
Glad you liked it, thanks for the feedback.
I use one of those for my .45 Colt. I'm not in a hurry anyway....and its fun!
Once you get a rhythm going using one of these kits is actually a lot faster than people might think, especially compared to how slow I'm doing it in the video.
I had so many primers go off while using this kit I went and got a Lee primer tool. But only on the .38, not the 9mm kit.
I'm not fond of priming with these kits either, anyone who loads a lot with them will be well served with a Lee Auto prime tool.
But what puzzles me is I never had any problems with the 9mm kit.
That's odd for sure.
just found your channel, and it's awesome. thanks for sharing these.
Thanks.
Back in the day, you could get a full length resizing die for the 38 spl/357 mag. Another interesting thing about the die in your kit, it is the same die that came in the 9mm kit, that is why it doesn't size the bottom of the case.
I was not aware of that.
Don't worry about blowing a primer when setting...it WILL happen....but follow the directions....I've loaded .308 Win with one of these for many years. They are good, practical kits for the casual shooter....but slow for a volume loader...but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. You pay more attention, and I'd bet the loads are more consistent and accurate than volume loading machines/presses.
Jake
+Jake Bateman The lee website claims that a world record group was actually achieved using a lee loader. It stood for several years IIRC
+Jake Bateman I have been handloading for years, never had that happen
Had one go off recently. One tap too many setting the primer. Just went pop and threw some soot over the back of the cartridge and the primer seater.
Awesome video, I've been inspired! I think it wouldn't be practical for 9mm b/c its pretty cheap, but for 38/.357 this is ideal! Thanks again!
The 9x19 is also a lot more difficult the reload than .38 as it is tapered case and therefore requires a lot more effort to size, in fact one pretty much has to put case lubricate on the 9mm case when using the lee loader,while the 38 does not require it.
Great video. Thanks for posting it. I used a loader like this 40 years ago for 30.06 shells. Now I want one for 38 special.
Baird Heritage Just as long as you are not in a hurry they work just fine.
are you still making video's? its been over a years since we heard from you.
In the late 70's is when they switched to this style of box. Your charge card has the year date of 1980 in the lower left corner. Your charge card also has a typo. At about 1:55 you can see in the 3rd section down it lists the bullet weight as 150-125, this is incorrect. Lee lists the smaller bullet then the larger bullet. This might have supposed to have been 125-150 but I suspect that it was probably supposed to read 105-125. I don't think I have a kit near this era in 38 spl to compare it to.
Good catch on the load data. It would be a good idea to verify charges given with a second source of data.
The beauty of this is it's simplicity, low cost, familiarity & learning the process, and can be done anywhere, with utmost care. Enjoy the process and not worry about volume. Can do this listening to the radio or TV , and cautiously teaching the kids or grandkids (supervised) - a family thing. The kids might "mic" for proper shell lengths and check dimensions for quality control and enjoy being involved. Wrong ?
+Walter Palmer About the only dimension issue one is going to run into is a loaded round that will not chamber if the bullets are too big.
i put a cinder block on my bench and it cuts down the noise significantly when i’m hammering the cartridge to resize it. my neighbours were getting annoyed at all the banging at 4am, problem solved.
Good idea.
I'm not sure why. But I find this reloading tool fascinating. I have just bought one for my 357 magnum. I load AP but dying to do it with the Lee Classic reloader.
thanks for the detailed explanation.
+Gun Collector007 You are welcome.
I'm going to start reloading very soon. Thanks.
I had to use a couple of channel locks to get my seating tool to stop coming loose and creeping out on me after setting the proper depth..
Perhaps the rubber O ring is either missing, the wrong size or dried out?
@@314299 Appreciate the idea. Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing the O-ring on my unit, will check it out.
If you don't have a real firm surface on which to hammer, here's what Richard Lee does. Below is a link to him reloading a bottle neck round. The sizing operation he does holding the die off the table in his hand. Other hammmering operations are done using a steel plate resting on a sponge pad. Also, it was very quiet.
Reloading with a Lee Loader
Interesting, thanks for the link.
Knurled part of the decapping chamber goes UP... so teh shell sits into the end with the primer automatically aligned over the hole.
Yes, that is the official way to use it, however it works either way. The advantage of doing it with the decapping chamber upside down is that you can decap about 25 brass before you empty the chamber out as there is more space for the knocked out primers.
Neat, excellent video 👍 simple and to the point.
Glad you liked it.
Nice video just got one of these for 45 colt but after watching i fear i may have been a little heavy handed on the roll crimp. And out of an SAA it might increase pressure alot. Luckily i only loaded the starting load so ill try these then be more careful with the higher loads.
I doubt your heavy crimp will give a significant increase in pressure, a solid crimp helps keep the bullet in place while the powder gets burning but it quickly "lets go" of the bullet as soon as pressure has increased to the level where the bullet starts moving.
@@314299 ok thanks for that makes me feel abit better 👍
You're using the decapper upside down. The case should sit in the large hole. That keeps the primer centered over its relief hole.
Yes, I'm doing that on purpose as this allows many more primers to be removed without the base being filled up and clogged with spent primers.
Very cool. I'm thinking of picking up one of these reloaders for both .38spl and .357 magnum soon to get into reloading. Just don't have the space for a fancy press so I think one of these will be perfect for me.
+Kyle Clark Another option to consider if you dont have room for a regular press is the Lee Hand press, they use regular dies so if you do eventually get a "regular" press you can still use the same reloading dies.
be neat to also see 357 and 38S&W done. but I own a 44mag leeloader and a hand held case trimmer for 44mag Lee sold. plus 2 different era 222 Rem Mag lee loader sets with different charge charts for each showing different charges for same loads. be nice if you have the sets to do a video on other odd cartridge sie lee loaders like these and 444, 45-70 etc. did they make a 28ga lee loader? I have owned many for odd size guns over the years but made the mistake of letting them go with gun when sold before Lee started discontinuing them (Cabela's still stocks a few new sets for common calibers at about $36) also the Load al/ls have gone way up in price since beginning to discontinue that line and many parts no longer available. I always did prefer having portable hand reloading kits for my Guns for prepping and when ammo became very hard to find for many. love your instructional videos as it helps reassure We are using these tools correctly.
Thanks for the comment. I might do more Lee Loader video's as there seems to be an audience for these video's. I found an expired listing on ebay for a 28 gauge loader so they do exist: www.ebay.com/itm/294478203205?nma=true&si=A7G5gFQkVoJfqZ%252FxdMOAxOP5%252Bi0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Excellent didacticiel, je débute avec cet outil pour le 38sp/357m.
Thanks. Best of luck with your reloading efforts.
Good video.
I have them for all calibers I reload for though I have a good bench set up.
Saw a video of Dick Lee, yeah that Dick Lee, reloading a . 308 in less than a minute.
I've seen that video, I think Mr Lee had a lot of practice using his product.
This was a VERY good video....lotsa' info, not a lot of fluff
Thanks.
Great video.
Thank you.
Outstanding young man!!! No 4. You did not use a sizing wax. Makes sizing a little easier. Perhaps when you really reload you use a carbide die???? Thanks
+lyle inmb I load the vast majority of my .38's on a progressive press equipped with carbide sizing die. Thousands of rounds would be just too slow for the Lee Loader.
I have to say I'd prefer having the seating-depth adjustment on the seating rod even for rifle - it makes me nervous to have set the depth and then to be banging on the die for all it's worth to resize the next case - how do I know something hasn't shifted? I have a collet neck sizing die now, so the Lee Loader goes back on the shelf into well-earned semi-retirement, but even before it arrived I'd started batch-sizing all of my cases and getting all the heavy hammering out of the way before the fine adjustments got made.
Great video, very informative
Excellent information. Thank you.
You are welcome. Thanks for the comment.
Great Info, gonna add this item to my bugout bag....
great video.
+Edgar F Thanks.
Using the 38 special kit , would it reload a 38 long colt. Smaller brass ,less black powder, 110 gr lead bullets, same diameter. Like the hand press, simple , no hurry, thanks for the demo on hand reloading.
I think you ought to be able to reload 38 Long Colt with a .38 Special Lee Loader, although I admit I have never done so myself. The only issue I would anticipate is with crimping, you might have to apply a crimp without the use of the de-capping base in order to get the die to go down far enough on the shorter case. If you try it please let us know how well it works out for you.
Beautifully, slowly explained. You've no idea how many videos lack any explanation of their steps.( Confusing ) However, isn't it best to "mic" your casings, steps in construction, final bullets after completion ? Basically, just take your time. A good micrometer should be of help. No ? Thanks for posting.
+Walter Palmer It never hurts to have a caliper handy to measure things, but it's not really necessary. I've never seen a .38 special case get longer than is safe, or even enough to require trimming. Straight sided pistol cases rarely need trimming, unlike bottleneck rifle cases.
I set the case into the decaping die, it centers the case .
Yes, that is the recommended way to use the set, however you have to empty the fired primers more often than than if decapping base is turned upside down.
A little bit of lube helps when sizing brass.
Yes it does but you have to remove it when you are done.
Absolutely
Muy didáctico. Tamaulipas, México.
Thanks.