Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-15-2020, 12:10 PM
max503's Avatar
max503 max503 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: So. Illinois
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 1,375
Liked 3,292 Times in 1,411 Posts
Default Anybody use a Lee Loader?

I've got this old Lee Loader. It is a 38 (357), I believe. I've never used it. Picked it up free, years ago.
My first reloading efforts were with a 22 Hornet Lee Loader, which I still have.
Thought I'd give this a try. Does anyone know if it does both 38 Special and 357 Magnum? Guess I'll find out. Generic rifle and pistol instructions are posted on the Lee site, just nothing specific for this loader. Wish me luck.

Now to find a mallet...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg leeloader.jpg (68.5 KB, 78 views)

Last edited by max503; 11-15-2020 at 12:13 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 11-15-2020, 12:21 PM
Sam McCord Sam McCord is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Iliamna Lake
Posts: 360
Likes: 357
Liked 501 Times in 142 Posts
Default

I've used them for years on and off. I too began loading loading for 22 Hornet on one and still do. I just don't load enough Hornet to buy dies. As for the 38/357, I have a set of loaders for each caliber but don't know if each can be can be used for the other. For rifle calibers I use Imperial Sizing Die Wax to make resizing easier but have had good results using Lee Loaders. Give it a try and report back.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-15-2020, 12:28 PM
Erich's Avatar
Erich Erich is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: High Desert of NM, USA
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 9,320
Liked 8,816 Times in 2,554 Posts
Default

A .38 Special Lee Loader and a rubber mallet was how I got started in reloading, about 35 years ago - so I'm like you and your .22 Hornet set. (It works fine for .357.) Have fun!
__________________
Now go make God proud...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 11-15-2020, 12:57 PM
S&W629 S&W629 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: OKC, OK
Posts: 267
Likes: 1,790
Liked 809 Times in 200 Posts
Default

Wait till you have that first primer detonation...!!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 11-15-2020, 01:08 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

That is how I started over 45 years ago (38 also) and haven't popped a primer yet. I still use that depriming rod when I get a sideways primer.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 11-15-2020, 01:13 PM
MyDads38 MyDads38 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 1,762
Liked 1,284 Times in 694 Posts
Default

Been using them off & on since 1980. Have kits for calibers I don't even own. Been reloading 9mm lately on a kit. 60 rounds at a time keeps me from burning up my components too fast :-)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 11-15-2020, 01:28 PM
Loyaljeeper Loyaljeeper is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Tennessee
Posts: 969
Likes: 1,241
Liked 1,411 Times in 509 Posts
Default

I have only owned one, a 9mm kit, but I wouldn’t mind having a few others. My classic loader 9mm hand loads will not chamber in my two 1911s. They have done just fine in Glocks and a Sig.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-15-2020, 01:35 PM
Piwo Piwo is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: northcoast
Posts: 137
Likes: 175
Liked 380 Times in 98 Posts
Default

I started loading on a Lee shotshell loader at age 11. At 18 I started loading 44 mag on a Lee loader. I wish these loaders were still available in shotshell sizes. They are an excellent way to introduce people to reloading. By design, you have to proceed slowly and think about what you are doing. It's a great way to instill the fundamentals of reloading. Also, they take up no space making them great for apartment dwellers. The one flaw is the priming feature. Having a primer pop on you certainly gets your attention.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 11-15-2020, 02:53 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,962
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

Like many others I got started reloading with a Lee Loader in 38 Special in 1969. I have since gathered presses, die sets and 1.87 metric tons of assorted reloading tools, but also now have 8 Lee Loaders. I only have one Lee Loader that would on a few occasions would pop a primer, but I found a remedy that has worked 100%. I chamfered the primer pocket mouth with a countersink, just like I remove military primer crimps. Many 44s reloaded with no primer pops...

Last edited by mikld; 11-15-2020 at 02:54 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 11-15-2020, 04:53 PM
Igiveup Igiveup is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 2,177
Likes: 5,723
Liked 1,685 Times in 933 Posts
Default

I started to reload 12 ga. with a Lee Loader around 1963, still in high school. My first rifle loader was in .308, still have it but not used in over 35 years since I got a Rock Chucker press and regular dies after military duty.
__________________
Kevin in Oregon
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-15-2020, 08:21 PM
max503's Avatar
max503 max503 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: So. Illinois
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 1,375
Liked 3,292 Times in 1,411 Posts
Default

Alright. Loaded 10 rounds of 38 Special. Even used my good brass. Sizing wax really helped. I used a cast, Lee 105 grain SWC over the .7cc dipper-full of Unique.
The flaring tool only opened up the mouths about .003". I like to go at least .006. The I.D. of the sized cases was .3565-.357" which for a .358" cast bullet is good.
This is probably the first time this tool has been used. A friend of mine moved out of town some 40 years ago and left a bunch of stuff behind. This kit was something he left.
I'm anxious to see how they shoot. I'll be shooting them out of my 357 Rossi rifle. It was fun loading these rounds. I highly recommend it.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg lee38.jpg (69.1 KB, 54 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 11-15-2020, 08:30 PM
ggibson511960 ggibson511960 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 975
Likes: 1,116
Liked 1,237 Times in 532 Posts
Default

Just like you, I started with a .38/.357 Lee Loader 46 years ago, loading .357 Mag for a Ruger Blackhawk. Despite the furious pounding necessary to beat brass into the Lee Loader, it only neck sizes cases. To my dismay, my Ruger had inconsistent chamber diameters. I ended up pounding reloaded cartridges in and out of the cylinder. Not good. I would detonate two or three primers per 50 round batch while seating primers. Not good at all. There is a very good reason Lee doesn't make them any more. I gave mine away. All that said, if one were in the backwoods on a subsistence existence, the Lee Loader would keep one in limited purpose ammo.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 11-15-2020, 11:40 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

The LEE Loader kit got me started reloading . My first was 38 spl , followed 44 magnum and then 45 Colt . As I bought the various calibers I would add the reloader kit for it . I still have them and have added a few more since , but not the firearm itself -- yet . The kits are great , compact , take very little room and will produce quality reloads , if you do your part . Regards Paul
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 11-16-2020, 12:33 AM
Sistema1927's Avatar
Sistema1927 Sistema1927 is offline
US Veteran
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: "Land of Disenchantment"
Posts: 3,374
Likes: 3,918
Liked 9,075 Times in 2,497 Posts
Default

As a teenager I loaded .38 Special using the Lee Loader and a Leather Mallet. I bought a C-press just as soon as I could scrape up the coin, but even that has long ago gone the way of the Dodo bird.
__________________
Only a cold warrior
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11-16-2020, 12:37 AM
df06 df06 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 2,636
Liked 2,268 Times in 863 Posts
Default

I started with a 12 ga Lee loader in about 1967, and one in 357 mag in 1974. Sold both many years ago.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11-16-2020, 08:56 AM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,907
Likes: 41,495
Liked 29,151 Times in 13,779 Posts
Default I popped one primer.....

...and it was unpleasant. But I salute Mr. Lee's ingenuity in creating such tools. I used them for years until I accumulated presses and dies for bench reloading.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-16-2020, 09:11 AM
max503's Avatar
max503 max503 is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: So. Illinois
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 1,375
Liked 3,292 Times in 1,411 Posts
Default

Over the years I've offered it to various people who showed an interest in reloading but none of them have taken me up on the offer. A Lee Loader, a brick of primers, a can of powder, and a 500 pack of bullets - all in an ammo can would keep a casual shooter in ammo for years if not decades.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 11-16-2020, 09:54 AM
SMSgt's Avatar
SMSgt SMSgt is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,555
Likes: 3,343
Liked 9,152 Times in 3,432 Posts
Default

I started reloading with the Hand Loader...

Well, I started driving with a go kart, but it's not what I would choose to drive on the interstate.

It's a nice item to have in your saddle bag high in the mountains if you need to load a few rounds around the campfire, but its usefulness has long been surpassed.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 11-16-2020, 10:15 AM
PALADIN85020's Avatar
PALADIN85020 PALADIN85020 is offline
US Veteran
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,440
Likes: 3,924
Liked 50,372 Times in 6,009 Posts
Default

I first started reloading with a .44 mag Lee loader. No particular problem besides slowness except I had to prep the wife and kids for the occasional primer detonation. It also startled my dogs who came rushing in to bark at the process! I wore leather gloves to protect my hands...

John
__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11-16-2020, 11:01 AM
Minorcan Minorcan is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Georgia
Posts: 244
Likes: 533
Liked 292 Times in 138 Posts
Default

I started using one for 45LC in the seventies. I loaded using black powder. Never had a primer go off on me. I still have the set but rarely use it since I got my progressive press. I don’t know if it’s true but I heard that Lee got the idea from a similar set up from the Cowboy period?
__________________
I invest in Lead and Copper!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-16-2020, 11:22 AM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,394
Liked 8,049 Times in 3,652 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by S&W629 View Post
Wait till you have that first primer detonation...!!!
Make sure the the metal base the primer sits on is dead level and smooth . On my first (38 Special) the seat had a tiny "teat" left on it ... just about every time I tried to seat a primer " POW"!
I took it back to the gunshop and the owner examined it and spotted the tiny "teat" ... with a file and emery paper he eliminated that little firing pin and solved my pow problem ... those primers going off unexpectedly tend to rattle your nerves !

A lot of us got started in the 60's and 70's with Classic Lee Loaders...we didn't have much money and they were cheap .
In 1967 I asked my Dad for $10.00 so I could save him money reloading our ammo ... He kind of thought I had lost my mind ... but the old Man gave me a $20.00 , for extra stuff , and said "Don't tell your Mamma . "
I never tried to load 357 magnum with it so I couldn't say if it can be done .
Gary
__________________
Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Last edited by gwpercle; 11-16-2020 at 11:29 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 11-16-2020, 12:16 PM
kreuzlover kreuzlover is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: lockhart, texas
Posts: 143
Likes: 12
Liked 253 Times in 79 Posts
Default

I started in 1965 with a Lee loader, in .45 acp. It made good ammo, and I used it til '69, when my wife bought me a Lyman c-press. Good starter in reloading, and oh yes, I popped a few primers with it!
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 11-16-2020, 01:23 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,962
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

FWIW; Very often incorrectly posted, Lee Loader sizing being neck for straight sided/handgun cases. Lee Loaders full length size straight/handgun cases. I have 4 revolver case LLs and they all full length size. I have 4 bottle neck rifle LLs and they only neck size.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #24  
Old 11-16-2020, 03:12 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader? Anybody use a Lee Loader?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,962
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ggibson511960 View Post
J Despite the furious pounding necessary to beat brass into the Lee Loader, it only neck sizes cases. To my dismay, my Ruger had inconsistent chamber diameters. I ended up pounding reloaded cartridges in and out of the cylinder. Not good. I would detonate two or three primers per 50 round batch while seating primers. Not good at all. There is a very good reason Lee doesn't make them any more.
No offense intended and not to belittle your reloading abilities. I can only reply "operator error". I have reloaded thousands of 38 Specials, 357 Magnums, 44 Specials and Magnums and 45 Colt, (all are full length sized), among 4 other calibers, with Lee Loaders and while rare I would pop a primer, but never had the other problems mentioned. Being steel dies, not carbide, Lee suggests lubing the cases, and I never had a need to "beat" brass in the die with anything larger than an 8 oz plastic mallet even though I used a leather mallet and a dead blow hammer occasionally. As far as Lee discontinuing the Loaders; Classic Lee Loader - Lee Precision. Still manufactured...

Too bad you don't like the Lee Loaders and couldn't get yours to work. They are an innovative, dead simple, easy to use and fun tool for reloading. No they don't produce ammo as fast as a Dillon 750, or have as precise adjustments as some micrometer dies, but I have assembled some very accurate and consistent handloads with mine.

I like reloading and have 4 presses and a bunch of die sets along with many, many assorted reloading tools and mostly use my Co-Ax, but occasionally I'll get out one of my Lee Loaders and "pound out" a few rounds. I like reloading...

Last edited by mikld; 11-16-2020 at 03:22 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mag Loader? Dave49 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 21 11-28-2015 08:07 PM
Lee Loader jumbeaux WANTED to Buy 0 01-24-2015 12:49 PM
Best Mag loader BD1 Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 27 05-05-2014 11:48 AM
22a loader thumbs Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 1 10-08-2012 07:23 AM
What M&P 9mm Mag Loader do you use? TeamAFX Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 43 03-22-2009 07:08 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:19 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)