Lee loaders, which you like better?

[30calflash]

Which era Lee loaders do you use and or prefer? I ask as I've seen some older kits going for the price of new ones, same calibers. Are the older ones better looking, do they make better ammo?

I've a few older Lee kits in decent shape in the black and red cardboard boxes. Nicely made and do what they are meant to do.

Your thoughts?

[flyingmonkey35]

They do what they do across all brands of presses.

However they also have thier quirks just like other presses.

Res green orange or blue.

I really like the design of the newer lee presses.





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[725]

Although different, they all work well. Just learn the one you have and go for it.

[Markopolo]

i like the older red box versions... i have one of each for what I consider my primary cals.. not that they are any better, but I been using them for a very very long time, and have taught all my kids how to use the same version... now at least one of my sons has them for his primary cals in his bug out bag.

[Cheeto303]

I have 39 calibers in the black and red cardboard boxes and 4 calibers in opaque red plastic hinge top box.I also have black and red cardboard box 10,12,16,20 & 410 Lee Loaders. I like the black and red cardboard box. They stack nicely and look good on the shelf. They work great and I use them to load some ammo when the love of my life is "getting ready to go out".

[RogerDat]

One major difference is the powder scoops are in different units of volume. Have to make sure you don't use conversion to grains for the wrong unit of measure.

The wack a mole kits are as good as they are. Do a good job, just not as fast as a bench press. I like them better than the Lee hand press. Seating primers generally works well, but it isn't will I set one off but when will I set one off.

[Green Frog]

The Mequon version of the black and red boxes contain that plastic body version of the Gen 1 priming tool. I much prefer that to putting in a primer with a hammer! [smilie=l: Other than that, Lee Loaders are Lee Loaders in my experience, at least.

Froggie

[30calflash]

One major difference is the powder scoops are in different units of volume. Have to make sure you don't use conversion to grains for the wrong unit of measure.

The wack a mole kits are as good as they are. Do a good job, just not as fast as a bench press. I like them better than the Lee hand press. Seating primers generally works well, but it isn't will I set one off but when will I set one off.

I've read the difference on the variations on scoops, tx. I'll check them on a scale before using one if I do use one.

I don't have them in front of me and 2 of the 6 I have are for shotgun which I have yet to try. IIRC one may have metal scoops in it, will check later.

[TNsailorman]

I like the old kits (1962) that have the metal powder scoops. I have one for each caliber I load except for the 6.5x55mm. I have never heard or seen one in that caliber and I doubt that they did make a metal scoop for that caliber. james

[EDG]

Maybe not a kit with a metal scoop.
But the scoops are numbered and are not specific to a particular caliber. If you have a spare metal scoop of the right volume it could be added to a kit with a plastic scoop. Check the list of calibers on one of the old red box sets to see if the 6.5X55 kit was made back then.


I like the old kits (1962) that have the metal powder scoops. I have one for each caliber I load except for the 6.5x55mm. I have never heard or seen one in that caliber and I doubt that they did make a metal scoop for that caliber. james

[toot]

GOD,on FLEA- BAY THE old cardboard kits are going in excess of $100.00+ now! can you beleave it?? aren't you glad we all saved them from a time of long long ago??

[megasupermagnum]

GOD,on FLEA- BAY THE old cardboard kits are going in excess of $100.00+ now! can you beleave it?? aren't you glad we all saved them from a time of long long ago??

I'm guessing this is sarcasm, but in case it is not, I'm seeing the cardboard box version around $20, maybe a bit more. A brand new set runs about $35.

I've used Lee loaders of various vintage, from cardboard box with metal scoop, to plastic box with yellow scoop. A couple shotgun, mostly pistol, one 30-06 rifle.

This is my opinion, but I can't think of one reason why anyone would still buy these. And this is coming from a guy who still owns a 12 gauge set, and a 41 magnum set. The Lee hand press with a couple dies does more than the lee loader can, faster, and easier. If you have multiple calibers, the hand press with dies is more compact. One caliber, the lee loader is more compact. A $35 for a lee loader is cheaper than a lee hand press, dies, and ram prime; about $90-$100. So for the guy with a single odd caliber, like 41 magnum, a lee loader makes sense, but that's about it.

For anyone living in a condo, apartment, or similar, the lee loader is not an option.

[Shawlerbrook]

The only one I ever used was one in 222 Remington back in the 80’s in the red and black cardboard box. Worked good and made me move on to the Rockchucker I still use.

[TNsailorman]

Some of us just enjoy reloading and how fast you can load a cartridge is not a factor for me at least. I have had several Dillon presses over the years but that was when I was competing somewhere every weekend. And the little Lee Loader will load just as accurate of ammo as the most expensive loader out there. It just takes more time. Everybody has different wants and needs when it comes to reloading. I am retired from competitive shooting and at 78 I no longer need the speed of the Dillons. I sold them all. I am now down to a RCBs Rockchucker and the Lee's and I would not go back to a Dillon, way too expensive for the time I get to spend on the range. I am happy with my hobby and that is what reloading is to me--a hobby just as much as the guns. my .02 anyway, james

[Dapaki]

Some of us just enjoy reloading and how fast you can load a cartridge is not a factor for me at least........

:grin::Fire::guntootsmiley:

[GoodOlBoy]

I've used both the old cardboard red and black, and the newer transparent red box versions. Both work well. I actually loved using lee classic loaders back when I was able to reload. Only proviso was I used an old set of hand primers to prime my brass. I know if done safely it's basically just noise, but setting off a primer was an idea that always made my hair stand on end.

One thing I WOULD advise with either. There is a little case flaring tool for each caliber, looks kinda like a steel loaded around, but knurled round the end ya tap with the mallet for grip. They don't include them with the Lee Classic Loaders, but they are worth ordering for each caliber. Only a few bucks, and it helps to stop lead shaving, particularly with fairly soft cast rounds. Mine should still be stored in the boxes with the rest of the loader tools for each caliber. Tap 'em once gentle and you get a nice little flair, just enough to load well without over flexing the case mouth too much.

God Bless, and good luck.

GoodOlBoy

[onelight]

Opps duplicate

[onelight]

Some of us just enjoy reloading and how fast you can load a cartridge is not a factor for me at least. I have had several Dillon presses over the years but that was when I was competing somewhere every weekend. And the little Lee Loader will load just as accurate of ammo as the most expensive loader out there. It just takes more time. Everybody has different wants and needs when it comes to reloading. I am retired from competitive shooting and at 78 I no longer need the speed of the Dillons. I sold them all. I am now down to a RCBs Rockchucker and the Lee's and I would not go back to a Dillon, way too expensive for the time I get to spend on the range. I am happy with my hobby and that is what reloading is to me--a hobby just as much as the guns. my .02 anyway, james
I like the way you think , good for you. :drinks:

[44magLeo]

I have never shot in any kind of competition or owned an auto loader other than 22RF.
I think quality is more important than quantity.
If I did any of the things I mentioned in the first line I might think differently.
Leo

[Alan in Vermont]

My first reloads were done with a 243 Win. Lee Loader, I used that for two years before I bought a press and the other peripherals to go with it.

I used a borrowed 410 Lee Loader to load a couple boxes for that cartridge, took a while but they all cycled fine in a 410 Remington 1100. I would like to find a reasonably priced 410 LL now so I could load a few boxes a year for shooting Contender Skeet The occasional ones that show up for sale are very near as pricey as a MEC 600, which is far easier/faster to use.

[WebMonkey]

Yes, the "not in production" cartridges command a premium price.

I load .410 on a deluxe Lee loader.

[barrabruce]

I have a mequin loader.
The one with the red plastic primer tool.
Neck expander and crimp tool.
The main body of the loader is solid unlike the newer ones and you adjust the depth in the seater Stem head.
The case holder is wider and the main tool body fits into a groove on the top of the base unlike the newer versions which just sit on top of it.

I use both new and old.
Both do a good job.
I prefer the mequin but the lee takes up less space overall in a pack.

I would make or get a neck expander and deburr tool.

Primer pocket cleaner....nah use the de-primer pin.

And wipe your brass clean.

Can load good ammo on it and I use them mostly always and I have to sit away from buy bench as it is too much of a mess to load on any more.

I mean I enjoy being able to use it in various locations instead of a fixed area.

Hey they’re faster than a speeding 310 tong tool.
But that I can use that in front of the telle.

Hope it helps.

[SirNomad]

The shotgun loaders are going for pretty high prices on eBay right now, unfortunately. I really wanted a 12 gauge kit. I haven't had the chance to try any of these kits yet, but getting one in each of the calibers I carry is definitely on my agenda. I'm wondering how the .308 kit works out, especially since I also want to use cast bullets, anyone have experience with cast bullets and the .308?

[barrabruce]

Have a 30-30 but will find it will size down the neck a little too much for cast and because of the diameter you cannot drop the bullet down the top.

This is no issue
You can use a flare tool to open the neck diameter and start iron the neck then insert the body of the die over the top.
Works better that way anyway.
I hone mine out a tad to lessen the sizing.
With different neck thickness brass you get different diameters anyway.
If I was home I’d show you a pic of a expander.

[Hogtamer]

I loaded 240 rds of 9mm this week with a lee loader. Kinda goofey as I have a new press still in the box. Shot 40 of the loads yesterday with good result. yeah, I'm kinda goofey.

[TNsailorman]

I have Lee Loaders in .223 Remington, 6.5x55mm swede, 30-06(2), 8x57mm, .38 special, .357 magnum, .45Acp/AR, and 20 gauge shotgun. I have and still use them all occasionally except the 20 gauge, which I do not have a 20 gauge shotgun. I like them and find using them relaxing. my experience anyway, james

[gpidaho]

I sometimes use the Lee Loader sizing feature with my Harbor Freight arbor press. Kind of a "poorboy" Wilson hand die. The will provide a very concentric neck sized piece of brass. Gp

[W.R.Buchanan]

Just some thoughts to add to this thread.

I started loading with a Lee Loader in .243 in 1971. Like an idiot I sold the gun but I still have the Lee Loader, the brass, bullets and powder.! Next I got a .44 Magnum so I got a Lee Loader for it, but soon found out I was loading too many rounds so I got a Rockchucker, that was 1978. Probably loaded 500-1000 rounds of .44's with the Lee Loader. I also started casting with that gun and Lee Mould and Lead Pot. Still have those too. My plastic mallet was a Snap ON mallet and I still have it, but the plastic faces are gone, its sitting on top of one of my tool boxes..

Loaned to Lee Loader to a friend, and the ******* gave it away with his gun.

If I was only loading one or two calibers it would be done with a Lee Loader, and this is coming from the purveyor of the finest hand reloading press ever made. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEpYQMdnxHY&t=1s

One thing to understand about Lee Loaders is that Richard Lee didn't invent this type of tool. The tool is known as a Hand Die and goes back to the beginning of reloading Brass Cartridges. These tools were never meant to be beat on with a mallet. They were meant to be used with a small Arbor Press or a Drill Press used as an Arbor Press.

Richard Lee just figured out an inexpensive way to combine the sizing die and seating die into one die body and came up with the plastic mallet to run the thing. Wilson Hand dies are effectively the same type of tool but costs hundreds instead of $35.

Final point: If you start the primer in the primer pocket by hand and then toonce it home in the die with the mallet, you won't set off a primer.

I have never set off a primer in 50 years.

Randy

[lightload]

Just some thoughts to add to this thread.

I started loading with a Lee Loader in .243 in 1971. Like an idiot I sold the gun but I still have the Lee Loader, the brass, bullets and powder.! Next I got a .44 Magnum so I got a Lee Loader for it, but soon found out I was loading too many rounds so I got a Rockchucker, that was 1978. Probably loaded 500-1000 rounds of .44's with the Lee Loader. I also started casting with that gun and Lee Mould and Lead Pot. Still have those too. My plastic mallet was a Snap ON mallet and I still have it, but the plastic faces are gone, its sitting on top of one of my tool boxes..

Loaned to Lee Loader to a friend, and the ******* gave it away with his gun.

If I was only loading one or two calibers it would be done with a Lee Loader, and this is coming from the purveyor of the finest hand reloading press ever made. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEpYQMdnxHY&t=1s

One thing to understand about Lee Loaders is that Richard Lee didn't invent this type of tool. The tool is known as a Hand Die and goes back to the beginning of reloading Brass Cartridges. These tools were never meant to be beat on with a mallet. They were meant to be used with a small Arbor Press or a Drill Press used as an Arbor Press.

Richard Lee just figured out an inexpensive way to combine the sizing die and seating die into one die body and came up with the plastic mallet to run the thing. Wilson Hand dies are effectively the same type of tool but costs hundreds instead of $35.

Final point: If you start the primer in the primer pocket by hand and then toonce it home in the die with the mallet, you won't set off a primer.

I have never set off a primer in 50 years.

Randy

Can you explain why a plastic mallet is better than a wooden one or even a dead blow hammer?

[fgd135]

I have both a Lee Loader and an old 310 tool in 7.62x54r Russian; both work just fine, and load good ammo. Imho, the 310 tool is much easier, faster, and frankly a more elegant solution for a hand reloading tool than the Lee. I can sit on the couch, neck size, deprime and reprime cases with the 310 tool , or on the loading bench at the range. The Lee requires hammering , which is OK but slow.

[barrabruce]

I use a lead ingot with a cloth under it and a lead faced hammer with a lee loader.
Sure makes it easier on the ears hammering away.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Can you explain why a plastic mallet is better than a wooden one or even a dead blow hammer?

No,,, I can't. It's just what I had.

Randy

[Alferd Packer]

I like the old kits (1962) that have the metal powder scoops. I have one for each caliber I load except for the 6.5x55mm. I have never heard or seen one in that caliber and I doubt that they did make a metal scoop for that caliber. james

I have two that are a 6mm and a 6.5mm and the 6.5 was beat on with a steel hammer and looks like some one used the die body to beat rivers out of a steel car frame since the steel bar that came with it is so buggered up it won't enter the die body. The body is beat up at both ends but the inside is perfect.
I have rifles in both calibers and will restore the beat up one.
They are both missing the primer seater' bullet seater.No powder scoops or shell
holders used in seating and depriming.
No decapping pins.
Both boxes are there and no papers except the charge card for the 6mm.
Hardly enough for a basket case.
I have a small lathe and mill so I can remake what's missing.
The die body for each is here and that's the biggest thing to make.These are black and red boxes.

[William Yanda]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the "Target Model" Lee loaders. They usually get a premium price on Ebay.

[Alferd Packer]

Ought to be a country song by that name.
"When I die I want them to put my favorite LEE LOADER in the box with me."

That would be a
.45 Colt in case I can't find one when they resurrect us us all. I know they quit making them and they will probably be hard to find.So I want to have mine with me and I'll be ready for whatever.

[frkelly74]

I am just getting reacquainted with the 12 Ga Lee loader that I have had a long time. It is a newer model with plastic primer punch and seater . It works fine with AA hulls An I am getting good crimps. I have a 20 ga older model that I have never used and will try it out pretty soon.When you break a deprimer punch on the rifle and pistol sets I discovered that if you heat the rod enough the pin stub will come flying out with a loud pop. Luckily it was pointed in a safe direction. I think they are super glued in and I super glued a broken off 7/64 drill bit shank to replace the original pin. It works. I also repaired my universal deprime die this way.

[Bmi48219]

.When you break a deprimer punch on the rifle and pistol sets I discovered that if you heat the rod enough the pin stub will come flying out with a loud pop.

I never knew this. Thanks!

[Alferd Packer]

I have used the 12 GA. LEE LOADER from the paper shells to when the new plastic shells started getting used.
The paper shells always crimped right away but the plastics , you had to push down for the final crimp and count to twelve meantime , holding the pressure.
Then when you let off and pulled out the shell, it seems like it could remember the crimp and stay closed.
Otherwise, a quick in and out and the crimp would start to unfold.
This was especially true in cold weather reloading.
Had to drop hot candlewax on them and they'd still be fighting to unfold.
But after I discovered holding the crimp for a bit longer, they seemed to be ok.
That was about 1958 or maybe 1960 when I first saw plastic shells.
Federals I think.
Alcan powder , wads and primers were the only ones available that I could get
You had to build your wad columns to fit the shot loads to get a good crimp as well. Later on they had the plastic wads and it all became easier.
With that building wad columns, I found it easier to use a roll crimper.
The LEE handloader for shotshell still works and is fun to use.

[Bmi48219]

Alferd, that was our experience to a tee. We were given several thousand once fired paper 12 gauge hulls and all crimped fine with the Lee Loader. Tried the wax seal on plastic hulls with results similar to your description. I often wonder if we would have had better luck heating the crimp plunger before trying to crimp the plastic hulls.
I was gifted 100 new, never loaded, Remington low base plastic hulls. Establishing a crimp on them was hopeless. Even bought the little Lee crimp starters, again no luck.
When the “Uni-Wads” came out, setting wad length got simpler.

[MikeP]

It was the Lee Loader that got me into handloading in the 1960s. It seems I paid around ten bucks each. I have a number of them in different calibers and still use them.

The only real complaint I had with the tool is the priming technique. After I set off a few primers and developed a flinch, including near misses with the rod coming out of my hand towards the ceiling, I bought the excellent Lee hand primer, which solved the problem.

Lee is #1 in my book for his economic and effective products which have brought the great hobby of handloading to so many folks through the years.

[W.R.Buchanan]

All of them work jsut fine , however the newest ones have the best machining that I've seen.

This is due to newer machines making the parts.

This holds true with gun manufacturing as well.

You can buy a <MOA rifle for $400, this wasn't true 20 years ago.

Randy