LEE hand loaders .38 special
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Your question is probably not going to give you much useful information. You will need to be more specific. The first recommendation is to get a reloading manual or three and read them. They will have step by step instructions and reloading recipes for many calibers. Lots of people like Lyman, Speer, or Hornady. Each one is a little different and helpful. THEN ask some questions.
Alk8944
US Veteran
Are you talking about the original "Lee Loader" that is simply hand dies used with a press? Lee does make regular die sets and presses too.
If you are asking about the strictly hand tools my recommendation is that you buy either a Lee Hand Press or their light single stage press, and a set of Lee dies with standard threads. This will cost a bit more, about $65 plus a powder measure and scale, or at least a Lee dipper set, but you will be much happier in the long run.
So far as the rest of your questions, an internet forum is no place to try to learn how to do anything which is potentially dangerous, and handloading definitely is. Instead, first buy a good reloading manual and study it thoroughly before doing anything else. Basically they are all good, but either Lyman or the Lee "Modern Reloading" are possibly the best beginners books. This will be the best $25 or so investment you will ever make.
If you are asking about the strictly hand tools my recommendation is that you buy either a Lee Hand Press or their light single stage press, and a set of Lee dies with standard threads. This will cost a bit more, about $65 plus a powder measure and scale, or at least a Lee dipper set, but you will be much happier in the long run.
So far as the rest of your questions, an internet forum is no place to try to learn how to do anything which is potentially dangerous, and handloading definitely is. Instead, first buy a good reloading manual and study it thoroughly before doing anything else. Basically they are all good, but either Lyman or the Lee "Modern Reloading" are possibly the best beginners books. This will be the best $25 or so investment you will ever make.
Get two used manuals from Allibris or another online store. Read them from cover to cover without looking at the load formulas. Buy a current manual, a starter press kit, a lb of Bullseye and some small pistol primers. Disregard all of this if you shoot less than 50 rds per month and stick with factory.
I got by with Lee Loaders
I got by with Lee Loaders for a long time, but learn about what it is you are doing first. What everybody else has said is good advice. Read a good 'how to' reloading manual before you dive in.
I'd recommend the Speer #14 or Lyman 49th reloading manuals. I know these have good 'how to' sections.
.38s are very simple and forgiving but don't let that make you overconfident.
You will need a scale to confirm your powder throws. An inexpensive yet accurate Lee balance can be had for $25. The included scoop works, but check it and make sure that you are throwing charges consistently. Even though I don't use the hand loaders any more, I still use the scoop for my standard target loads.
For starters a 148 grain lead wadcutter target load with Bullseye powder would be good. JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU DON'T DOUBLE CHARGE THE BULLSEYE. A double charge is disaster. Work out a routine to make this very hard to screw up. It doesn't take much Bullseye to do a good job. About 2.7 - 2.9 grains does well with this bullet for a target load.
Good luck and hope you have so much fun that you will want to expand your operation.
I got by with Lee Loaders for a long time, but learn about what it is you are doing first. What everybody else has said is good advice. Read a good 'how to' reloading manual before you dive in.
I'd recommend the Speer #14 or Lyman 49th reloading manuals. I know these have good 'how to' sections.
.38s are very simple and forgiving but don't let that make you overconfident.
You will need a scale to confirm your powder throws. An inexpensive yet accurate Lee balance can be had for $25. The included scoop works, but check it and make sure that you are throwing charges consistently. Even though I don't use the hand loaders any more, I still use the scoop for my standard target loads.
For starters a 148 grain lead wadcutter target load with Bullseye powder would be good. JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU DON'T DOUBLE CHARGE THE BULLSEYE. A double charge is disaster. Work out a routine to make this very hard to screw up. It doesn't take much Bullseye to do a good job. About 2.7 - 2.9 grains does well with this bullet for a target load.
Good luck and hope you have so much fun that you will want to expand your operation.
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Erich
Member
When I got my Lee Loader in .38 in 1985 and asked the same question, some great old guys told me, "Buy some Unique and some 158-gr lead semi wadcutters or else some 148-grain wadcutters to start."
That was good advice, and I deeply appreciate it. Now I'm the old guy.
That was good advice, and I deeply appreciate it. Now I'm the old guy.
Vulcan Bob
Member
Hard to add to what's already been said. However, if possible try to find a established hand loader who is willing to help you out, a mentor if you will. Having an experienced old hand looking over your shoulder is a big help and a comfort.
I've been thinking about trying my hand at this too. Around here the .38 special seems pretty expensive and hard to find. Out of half a dozen places I called today only 4 of them had any instock (one place only 2 boxes) and the average price seems to be around $23 a box (46 cents a round).
So how much does it typically cost per round to reload - assuming you already have the brass?
So how much does it typically cost per round to reload - assuming you already have the brass?
Is this the press you are asking about
RELOADING: Using the Lee hand press from start to finish - YouTube
RELOADING: Using the Lee hand press from start to finish - YouTube
.10-.12 per round at current prices.I figure I'm spending half of that with my old stock.
The Lee Handloader's come with load data and good instructions , follow them to the letter and you won't have any problems.
----J
The Lee Loader has been around a long time and will allow you to produce usable ammo. However, if you'll spend a few $ more for a Lee Hand Press and a set of regular 7/8-14 threaded dies, you'll be able to produce more accurate, consistent ammo with far wider range of versatility. Again, get loading handbooks from at least two different sources, and an accurate scale. You'll be way ahead when you decide to upgrade.
JMHO
Larry
JMHO
Larry
If you want to shoot a lot.....
The more you shoot, the more reloading pays off. It's very likely that factory ammo will be prohibitive in cost.
The more you shoot, the more reloading pays off. It's very likely that factory ammo will be prohibitive in cost.
suckersrus
Member
You can't go wrong with this load.
LSWC (Lead semi wadcutter) 38sp 158 grain bullet
7.5 grains of 2400
Fed 100 primer
If you have a good quality full size gun you can work up to about 12 grains of powder.
The great thing about 2400 powder is you can scoop the case full of powder, dump out just enough to make room for the bullet and you are at max load.
With some other powders ie. Unique, it is easy to double charge the case!
Kaboom!!!!
LSWC (Lead semi wadcutter) 38sp 158 grain bullet
7.5 grains of 2400
Fed 100 primer
If you have a good quality full size gun you can work up to about 12 grains of powder.
The great thing about 2400 powder is you can scoop the case full of powder, dump out just enough to make room for the bullet and you are at max load.
With some other powders ie. Unique, it is easy to double charge the case!
Kaboom!!!!
The Lee handloader only neck sizes. It is possible that if you use brass not fired in your gun, it may not chamber. Have someone full length resize your brass. My loader came with a dipper which loaded 3 grains of Bullseye and I used a 158gr rn lead bullet and a regular primer. Also loaded some wadcutters with the same load.
That's pretty much what I figured, and I'm hoping to do a lot more shooting now that I'm in an area where I can.
My main question is still this:
About how much does it cost per round for powder, bullet, and primer?
I know this will vary but if some of you experienced reloaders can give me a good ballpark number and (for comparison) the cost per round for factory ammo in your area it would help give me an idea of the relative savings - and whether it will be worthwhile.
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riverrat38
US Veteran
Currently, it costs about 6 cents a round for primer and powder for my 38 Spacial loads.
I am paying 10 cents each for 125 gr plated bullets. We have to shoot in indoor ranges and no lead ammo allowed.
So, 17 cents total, not including brass. I get many reloads out of each case. Could probable figure 1 cent a round. Now, 18 cents each.
158 gr are a little higher. Maybe 20 cents a round.
The cheapest is to scrounge lead and cast your own bullets.
Range fees $17 plus 15 bucks for round trip truck expenses to range.
I shoot about 250 rounds each trip.
So, $75 to go shooting every couple months.
Best,
Rick
17-20 cents per round vs 45-50 is a pretty good savings. If you just assume an average savings of 25 cents per round and an investment of only $100 or so fir a Lee hand press and set of dies the equipment pays for itself after reloading only 400 rounds. You don't have to shoot all that much or that often to go through 400 rounds...
Clovishound
Member
Another way to save money in 38 is to cast your own bullets. If you can scrounge your alloy, they are nearly free, not counting the time involved. You will spend a little on fuel/electricity to melt, and lube.
I purchased my lead alloy from someone getting out of reloading, and I have about $2 a hundred invested in my bullets.
I purchased my lead alloy from someone getting out of reloading, and I have about $2 a hundred invested in my bullets.
Jacketed bullets
Jacketed bullets are a different story. Last time I priced them in bulk they ran about .18/bullet.
Jacketed bullets are a different story. Last time I priced them in bulk they ran about .18/bullet.
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