First time reloading - not good

[oldRoger]

A side note on the dipper

A tricky part of the dipper is the "strike-off". That is how you make certain that the dipper is exactly full, not heaping, not slightly under. So there is a technique to learn and the only way I know to learn it is to throw load after load on to the scale until you get it right and achieve repeatability. This is much easier with Bullseye than Unique.
The Lee Dipper being fairly shallow for its capacity can produce quite wide swings if you do not "level" the powder.

That's why we used to make our own scoops for Bullseye from .22LR brass, the brass being very deep for its capacity, you could get repeatable charges without a lot of practice.

 

[cballman]

Many years ago when I started reloading for the 38/357 I couldnt afford a scale and powder measure so I purchased the Lee Dipper set. I have had even shots all these years. When I started I was told that many people couldnt afford the good scales and such. The man I purchased the lee set from told me to get even charges was to dip into the powder make sure it was heaping, Then take a business card and gover the dipper evenly. You will get a consitant charge every time. I have used Unique powder and this seems to work fine for me.

 

[TomcatPC]

Hello

When I first started reloading, it was for .303" cartridge. I started with (and still use it today) a Lee Loader kit for the .303" cartridge. Using the information that came with the kit and dippers with no scale...no problems at all. Never did get a bullet stuck in my Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I*.

When I started loading for the .38" Special, that is when I ran into trouble. I'm glad I "stuck with it" and kept on trying (as well as remember the sound of a squib load LOL) and asked for help, etc. For a while there I thought I was "jinxed" or something and almost quit attempting to reload at all LOL.
Thanks
Mark

 

[Fishslayer]

Was the powder hopper turned on? You can open & close it.

Did you weigh some charges? I have found that the auto disc throws charges that are under what's in Lee's spreadsheet.

When starting a new batch I always run a case through the process & make sure the powder's flowing (and weighs what I'm after), bullets seat where I want them, etc.

If you are using carbide dies you really don't need any lube.

FWIW the 7th handload I fired was a squib. I left a powderless test round on the bench & it found it's way into my bag...

 

[RCBillD]

reloading 45acp- incident

Damaged my SW1911 with a double charged case today. Need new grips and magazine. Desired load was 5.1 grns Titegroup behind 200 grn LSWC.
Obvious double charge. I loaded 2000+ rounds this year on a Lee 4 turret press. Just a reminder to recheck your reloading procedures even if you've been reloading a long time. Would the factory check my gun for safe operation and perhaps work on the slide. It is not a performance center gun. Just a few scratches on right cheek and a lot more humble.

 

[cp1969]

No more than I shoot, I'm on the verge of going back to single-stage reloading. I never, ever had a single problem when I had all the charged cases on a loading block and could visually inspect each one.

Like you, I had a double in a .44 mag. Luckily, it was a double of a light load and the Redhawk held it.

 

[scwv67]

I reload .38 special with the Lee classic loader and am a newbie to boot. One thing I've learned is that the Lee scoops, I have the extra set in addition to the scoop that came with the kit, is that they measure about 10% less powder than the chart says they do. At least according to the two scales I have.

I assume this is for additional safety, but if your were shorting the scoop to be safe, then you were most likely reducing an already low starting charge even more.

 

[scorvers]

Just buy a dipper set with all the dippers and the sliding scale. Did it for years with no problems.
Just recently I set up the local "Swamp Man" with a Lee Loader for his .44. Found the proper dipper to give him a good load of 2400. He's been shooting the bejeezus out of his gun. Get a call every couple of months to bring him more bullets, primers, and powder.
Before I turned it over to him, I weighed a few charges from the dipper and they all came out within tolerance. The dippers work, just get a rythym down and dip it the same everytime.

 

[nicky4968]

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/Dippers.pdf

 

[twobisquit]

I started out many years ago with a .357 Lee Loader with Unique and and jacketed 125's. I never had a squib but a few primers went off with the hammer and rod set- up.
It's a good little system and I suspect the problem is going lean on the dipper.

 

[three-five-seven]

Rk I would do one more thing and that is get a good manual. Speer has volume 14 out now and so does Hornady 7th edition. I started with Lee Loaders and quicklyl went to a RCBS Junior Combo. That was 28 years ago and believe me its night and day. Also get a scale and later a powder measure. Scale first. Read the manual its the best way to start. Good luck.

PS: Get the Speer if you have a choice. Its the best because of its clear and concise format and instructions. But you should
have someones manual.