They are good kits I use for my 94 30-30 and my 1895 45-70. I enjoy them a lot, and keep in mind I have a dillion 550. I enjoy taking my time with them.
Thanks for the video. I just got one of these kits in the mail today. I now know why you didn’t use that case that the primer remover wouldn’t go in. Got one stock and got it out. That’ll be the first and last time I tried that with a case that doesn’t have a loose neck.it sure looks fun to play with. It will go in my bug out bag with my vintage H&R 223.
As stated in the video, the recommendations are for bolt actions only and only reloading cases from one particular firearm. However, they work very well for lever actions and single shots as well. Pump actions may or may not work - depending upon the leverage available with the pump. The kit instructions say not for semiautomatics. This is because the kit neck sizes cases, and semiautomatics operate with spring pressure. Having said that, I've heard several people say that it works well for their semiautomatic. Maybe so, but percentage wise, semiautomatics are the action type most likely to have failures to feed with reloads from these kits. This is in reference to rifles. The pistol kits work with all action types. The recommendations for reloading cases from only one firearm prevail throughout. If needing to reload for more than one firearm, you need to take the time to see if the fired cases can be inserted and removed easily from the chamber. If not, that case needs full length sizing. I like the Lee Classic Loaders. Very compact and easy to use.
I thought it work good for lever action. True it can work for anything, not recommended for semiautomatics. I would mainly check the bass size and overall sizes are consistent. The gun won't know the difference 🤣😂🤣
@@joesashiify - When it comes to semiautomatics, that's "maybe". You can ensure good results by testing each fired case by manually inserting it into your chamber. If you can manually insert and remove the case with minimal to zero drag, then you will have good results. If you have any difficulties inserting or removing the fired case from your chamber, then you won't have good results. Of all the action types, semiautomatics are, percentage-wise, the most likely to have feeding issues when using the Lee Classic Loader.
FYI on the LEE Loader. The Loader can crimp the neck of the case to the bullets Cannelure. After forming the cartridge, place the case onto the decapping base, turn the tool inverted with the mouth of the tool over the projectile and resting against the case mouth. Tap the bottom of the tool with you plastic mallet to form the crimp. "Caution", striking to hard can collapse the shoulder of the casing. I use a LEE Loading tool for my 94 Winchester in 30-30. The same tool and loading information I also use to load my Great-Grandmother Remington Model-8 in .30 Remington. Using only the fire formed cases from each gun and the Lee Loader, I am able to shoot any reload without issue.
I started out 40 years ago with a LEE LOADER KIT. Depending on how many times you re load the brass. you may need a trimmer , sooner or later. Good Luck to all you Guys and Babes.
I had tons of reloading equipment and sold all of it. I have thousands of loaded ammo but. I need some copper bullets (California)loaded for my .223 TC. I have a .223 Lee Loader coming soon. Great video. Thanks.
I never had an issue In an auto loader as long as the rounds were being used in the same gun. Using them in a different gun caused issues like stuck rounds. So for that issue, I got a full length sizing die and a lee hand press. Problem solved. I like the Lee loader kits cause I can work up loads while out shooting and see what shoots best in my guns
If you add the wilson minium case gauge... then you are set. Your current gauge gives you the cartridge case length which is a critical measurement, but is cut to max sammi specifications. Not sure about headspace because your gauge may be different from your chamber. At some point you will have to bump the shoulder back or maybe the lee loader pushes the shoulder back for you when you neck size. My forester neck die will do both or just one or the other. I have always wanted to neck size and bump the shoulder back without fl resizing the case. My coal is set by the rifle magazine restriction so I can function my gun. I sort my cases by neck runout and my rifle does a very good job of truing up the neck on the first firing. I use my Lee Collet die and my lee fl die to true the neck runout on my new cases. If my dies can get me 3000 or better on the neck then I sort them... if not they go in the reject bin. I can get 1000 bullet runout in a case that is out 3000 in the neck loading Nosler bullets with my Lee seating die and my forester press. I have a wilson neck die and seater die and a k&m arbor press and the first thing I realized is... Hey I don't really need the arbor press. Then I started to think maybe the lee loader for 30 dollars will load 223 rounds more accurate than the wilson dies. Final neck runout and final runout on the bullet being considered and using sorted cases so all is relative equal at the start. I am also testing my Lee fl and collet dies against other dies as I accumulate them and see which dies load the straitest most concentric rounds.
After seating the bullet, if you turn the die upside down over the freshly formed cartridge, you then hit it with the mallet a couple of times it will crimp the bullet...which you will definitely want for a lever action rifle
Find this makes accurate hand loads for the .223? Got my self a nice bolt gun now I want to try reloading. Midway sells this thing still so I may give it a go
Hi, how is your day ?I got a question to ask ? How come we cannot shoot it on semi auto rifle ? Why only single shot bow action? 🤔 . Good video and knowledge.
I think a hand primer (Franklin Armory) that came with 12 shell holders (suitable for 200+ calibers) and can hold 100 primers (large or small) is something every reloader should have or the Lee bench top small reloader can help both novices using a single stage press (1 shell at a time) or even a seasoned reloader who is realoading precision match or hunting ammo and their Dillon progressive press is not working or too much of a PIA to set up to make 30 rounds using an accessorized progressive press if it one does not have a designated reloading area and the equipment has to be dismounted and partially disassembled. Lee can fit any budget. I see guys still using Lee products that they've used 30+ years & they got them as gifts or hand-me-downs and they still work but they have the 3 & 4 set dies, hand /bench crimpers, and just replace parts as needed. Some just use digital scales and plastic medicine cups (100+) and then use powder funnels.
While company recommendation is bolt action only, I disagree. Just think about those stories of loading everyone's 30-30's. Almost all 30-30's are lever action, and there couldn't have been very many difficulties or disparaging stories would be many and widespread. I will agree that a Lee Classic isn't what you want for a semi auto. And I will also agree that it isn't the best for a pump action, but I have seen pump actions that cycle Lee Classic reloads just fine. It depends on the gun. I guess what I'm saying is that you should check it out in your particular gun. If it works, great. If it doesn't, simply choose another method. I like them, but those hand presses with regular dies are also pretty portable.
Bolt action and lever action have the same effect in this case. The empty case has enough time in the chamber to cool down before being extracted. Whereas, in an autoloader, the case is being extracted milliseconds after being fired. So, bolt, lever, pump, break action, are all probably safe to reload with this kit. There is too much case "growth" during extraction that requires semi-auto cases to be full length resized instead.
That is where they say "SHOT GLASS", came into play in our everyday language. Someone would come up to the bar and say can I get a shot of "this or that", and they would lay down a metallic cartridge of whatever caliber the bartender desired. If both parties were satisfied, they would nod at each other and carry on with their business. A little bit of history.
I just bought one of these. I notice the press flattens the nice pointy lead tip the Hornady 55 gr bullet head... is this correct? Wont this alter BC of the bullet?
A break action should be fine as well, but I would suggest contacting Lee Precision directly for their input. A call is free and they'll give you an answer to that question without even purchasing a kit.
I think at that point I'd just use a hand press or regular single stage press. The beauty of this is the portability, and a mallet is a lot more portable than even a small arbor press. Just my thoughts...
@@KentVanderploeg what size mallet? my wife bought me a little jewelers mallet for christmas and I recently broke my only decapping pin before I got to try out the jewelers mallet so I dont know if it will be heavy enough yet. its like 7 or 8 ounces.
As long as you load the fired cases for the semi-auto they were shot in I don't see a problem with using this kit for semi-autos. I would make sure to crimp for semi's.
When a case is fired in a semi-auto, the action begins removing the case from the chamber before it has even had a chance to cool. This causes case length growth, which can only be fixed with full length resizing. I would highly recommend against using this for any semi-auto.
@@KentVanderploeg Lee in their kit instructions for the 223 rem Lee Loader suggest trying cases fired in a gun to see if the cases fit ok. They also state that cases not full length re-sized may not be suitable for hunting in auto-loaders but that target shooting or plinking should be fine with ammo made in 223 by this kit. The problem would be difficult chambering. I have not ever seen the effect you describe of auto loaders making cases lengthen through extraction. I've been loading since 1974 and I along with the sources I've seen in that time only describe case length growth as resulting from full length sizing, not extraction of hot cases in auto loaders. Please cite your source on this phenomenon. This page may interest you that describes case length growth. It also states that problems with neck sized cases are just as much a problem in pumps and lever actions as well as auto loaders: www.hornady.com/team-hornady/ballistic-calculators/ballistic-resources/internal-ballistics
@@Popgunner101 The article you linked to states it as well, "The case body expands on firing". If you would like to fire cartridges with minimal headspace, or worse yet, firing out of battery, that's your decision, but I won't advocate for a process that may end in disaster.
Thanks for the review. Was there a lot of trial an error in turning that ring until the depth was correct? And also, do you have to have the case gauge? Thanks!
Not too much trial and error. Not much different from using a standard type seating die. Just be sure the locking ring is well seated and continue to spot check OAL throughout the process. I have a case gage, but you'll often find that brass that is neck sized only will not fit well in a case gage (if at all) due to the case being sized for the specific chamber of the firearm the brass was fired in. Always remember that these Lee Loader kits only neck size, which is really only useful in bolt action and single shot, break action type rifles. Only use brass that was fire formed in the same rifle.
Perfect fit for what you want to do. I even make up a little bag that lets me take the whole setup out into the field. I can build ladder/test loads at the shooting bench, tailgate, stump, etc. Hope you like it!
Can you use this with plastic tipped ammo like a nosler balistic tip? I noticed in the video the bullet seater has a bit of a cup to it but every video I see about this loader people are not using tipped ammo
I don't think it would be a problem. You're still seating the bullet with a seater that has the same contact area as a regular seating die. Could always call Lee for their opinion, but given the available calibers, I bet a lot of lead bullets have been seated with these kits over the years.
@@KentVanderploeg Thanks Kent! Yep I've seated a couple hundred since writing that. At first I didn't even flare the case either and it works great! Amazing little loader!
It's not necessary, but I do use a bit of home made lanolin spray lube just for ease of use. Works perfectly fine without it though. It just might take a couple of extra whacks to drive in for sizing.
I'm new to the lee loader Is crimping the finished round nessary? What are the advantages to a crimped case. I know revolvers need crimping, what about rifle rounds
The case that you're using will have been fire formed in the chamber of a bolt, lever, break action, etc. Not an autoloader. When an autoloader cycles, the brass is still very hot as it's being extracted and will stretch slightly. This means the case will need to be full length resized. In a bolt, lever, break action, the case has time to cool before extraction. That means it only needs to have the neck resized. This particular kit only resizes the neck. It does not full length resize.
@@KentVanderploeg that is a great explanation. As long as it has to be manually cycled the brass has enough time to cool and not elongate the super hot case during extraction.
It does not full length resize. Full length resizing is required for cases that are extracted while the brass is still hot during extraction. A hot case during extraction leads to some case and shoulder stretching.
I can get sub MOA groups @100yds with my Ruger American Ranch in .223 firing Hornady Match 75gr. Could I expect the same accuracy out of reloads using this device? Thanks.
Yes. Maybe even better. People don't realize that the neck size die in this kit is one of the most concentric neck dies in existence. I use mine on an arbor press and use other methods for priming, powder charging and bullet seating. Although I'm sure the bullet seating function of this die is very precise as well.
In most cases you can reduce your groups by reloading. Finding the right recipe of powder, charge, and bullet is crucial and then the seating depth that your particularly rifle likes.
I did some checking around and some folks around me have had bad experiences with the .223 Lee Loader even when using them in bolt action rifles. Basically, the rounds won't chamber in an rifle other than the one they were originally fired from. I'm attributing this to the fact it's only the case neck that's resized?
Yes, the brass needs to be from the firearm it was fired in. Once fired, the case is fire formed to the exact chamber it was fired it. This can help accuracy. When in doubt, full length resize.
Bradson Vogel There is no crimping with this kit. Crimping is typically reserved for autoloaders, and since this only neck sizes, it's not to be used in them.
I just got the kit for my 30-.06 savage super sporter using .308 150grain boat tail hornady cannelure bullets. The bullets were a hair loose and I could turn them in the cannelure groove so I flipped over the loader and crimped the bullet then I could not move the bullet with my fingers. They fired just fine for me. I just couldn’t see shooting them when the bullets were loose like that.
I have the .30-30 Lee Loader and there is absolutely a crimping function. It’s the last step in the instructions. If the bullet has a crimping groove then you can crimp it. You use the stop collar end and place the decapping chamber over the head and tap lightly.
To my knowledge, there are no commercially available 5.56 dies. Since the SAAMI spec of .223 and 5.56 are so close, everything is .223. Yes, you can use 5.56 brass, but you are loading in .223 specs and dies. Hope that makes sense.
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loafers aren’t meant for autos and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack.
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loafers aren’t meant for autos and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack. I should add I do pair it with a Lee priming tool and hand press whenever hammering with a Mallet isn’t ideal lol
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loafers aren’t meant for autos and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack. I should add I do pair it with a Lee priming tool and hand press whenever hammering with a Mallet isn’t ideal lol
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loaders aren’t meant for autos (which should be specified “not all”) and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack. I should add I do pair it with a Lee priming tool and hand press whenever hammering with a Mallet isn’t ideal lol
brass swells in semi auto chambers....dad had 2 243 winchesters one semi auto the other a 700 remington, the fired brass out of the auto loader would not cycle in his bolt action because he only owns one die in 243 and kept set at neck size for bolt action...so he would use factory new brass from his PMC sponsership and used reloads in his auto loader till he sold it
I would suggest you purchase a reloading manual or two and do some reading as to what the difference is between neck sizing and full length sizing. When a cartridge is fired in a semi or full auto platform, the brass is rapidly extracted from the chamber. This process happens while the brass is still very hot, and as such, the brass will expand and lengthen. When this same firing process occurs in a bolt, lever, or break action rifle, the brass has time to cool in the chamber. Even if you were to run a bolt or lever very quickly, it's not anything close to the speed that this process occurs within a autoloader. So, full length sizing performs an action of resizing the entire length of the case (almost), bumping back the shoulder, and sizing the neck. Neck sizing only resizes the neck (case mouth) of the case to accept a new bullet. Many will find that repeated firings, and subsequent neck sizing only on a case will reduce the chamber tolerances too much, often to the point that closing the bolt becomes increasingly difficult. At that point, the brass should either be full length resized, or discarded. This intent of this kit is to allow the shooter to reload cartridges easily while in the field.
I don't think anyone has given you a good enough answer David so let me try. As Justin said, Brass swells when fired. It swells to be a perfect mold of the chamber it is fired in. This "fire formed" brass will slip into the chamber just fine if you put it in with your fingers. However when you put it in with your fingers, you're doing it slowly, and straight on. A semi auto bolt rams bullets in at high speed, and at a angle. This violent loading requires a bit of space or 'wiggle room' in the chamber for the cartridge to slide in smoothly. Except your fire formed brass has swelled to the point there is no wiggle room. So it jams the gun.
No dies are cut to load 5.56 NATO. You can load NATO brass in .223 Winchester dies, and this Lee Loader is no different. Again, it's only neck sizing, and the fired brass should have been fired in the same bolt action .223 rifle you're loading for.
Midway USA is a retail seller, any questions not pertaining to a return should be directed to the product manufacturer. Example: You: Hey man, I just bought this car from you, can you teach me how to drive it? Me: Go to a driving school!
@@Drivapete thanks for your kind words of encouragement. This post is 2 years old and i was a noob at reloading. I bought the 45 acp handloader kit from midway and i had a basic question about it. No recipes or anything else they wouldn't even say talk to lee. That's what I meant to say. I have since moved on from the hammer kit. I do need to throw that kit in the garbage i hated it! I bet might like it. Give me your address and I'll send it to you.
@@electromech7335 no thanks, I've been at it for about 6yrs now and use RCBS equipment. I was told by many experienced reloaders RCBS would be a good choice. It's reliable, rugged, easy to set up and affordable. The only component that is not RCBS is the Lyman E-Zee Prime. Good luck!
These kits are great. Passes the time on a bad weather day and not spend a fortune on other equipment
"Dont recommend drinking while reloading" well damn there goes all the fun. 😂
They are good kits I use for my 94 30-30 and my 1895 45-70. I enjoy them a lot, and keep in mind I have a dillion 550. I enjoy taking my time with them.
Thanks for the video. I just got one of these kits in the mail today. I now know why you didn’t use that case that the primer remover wouldn’t go in. Got one stock and got it out. That’ll be the first and last time I tried that with a case that doesn’t have a loose neck.it sure looks fun to play with. It will go in my bug out bag with my vintage H&R 223.
As stated in the video, the recommendations are for bolt actions only and only reloading cases from one particular firearm.
However, they work very well for lever actions and single shots as well. Pump actions may or may not work - depending upon the leverage available with the pump.
The kit instructions say not for semiautomatics. This is because the kit neck sizes cases, and semiautomatics operate with spring pressure. Having said that, I've heard several people say that it works well for their semiautomatic. Maybe so, but percentage wise, semiautomatics are the action type most likely to have failures to feed with reloads from these kits.
This is in reference to rifles. The pistol kits work with all action types.
The recommendations for reloading cases from only one firearm prevail throughout. If needing to reload for more than one firearm, you need to take the time to see if the fired cases can be inserted and removed easily from the chamber. If not, that case needs full length sizing.
I like the Lee Classic Loaders. Very compact and easy to use.
So the only risk is failure to feeds in a semiautomatic? I’d take that risk.
I thought it work good for lever action. True it can work for anything, not recommended for semiautomatics. I would mainly check the bass size and overall sizes are consistent. The gun won't know the difference 🤣😂🤣
Fire formed cases shouldn't be a problem in the same semi auto. Yes or no?
@@joesashiify - When it comes to semiautomatics, that's "maybe". You can ensure good results by testing each fired case by manually inserting it into your chamber. If you can manually insert and remove the case with minimal to zero drag, then you will have good results. If you have any difficulties inserting or removing the fired case from your chamber, then you won't have good results. Of all the action types, semiautomatics are, percentage-wise, the most likely to have feeding issues when using the Lee Classic Loader.
FYI on the LEE Loader. The Loader can crimp the neck of the case to the bullets Cannelure. After forming the cartridge, place the case onto the decapping base, turn the tool inverted with the mouth of the tool over the projectile and resting against the case mouth. Tap the bottom of the tool with you plastic mallet to form the crimp. "Caution", striking to hard can collapse the shoulder of the casing.
I use a LEE Loading tool for my 94 Winchester in 30-30. The same tool and loading information I also use to load my Great-Grandmother Remington Model-8 in .30 Remington. Using only the fire formed cases from each gun and the Lee Loader, I am able to shoot any reload without issue.
I started out 40 years ago with a LEE LOADER KIT. Depending on how many times you re load the brass. you may need a trimmer , sooner or later. Good Luck to all you Guys and Babes.
@John Beige Great Idea, you learn something new everyday, and THANK YOU -BOB
I had tons of reloading equipment and sold all of it. I have thousands of loaded ammo but. I need some copper bullets (California)loaded for my .223 TC. I have a .223 Lee Loader coming soon. Great video. Thanks.
Should be a perfect fit for your use case!
I never had an issue In an auto loader as long as the rounds were being used in the same gun. Using them in a different gun caused issues like stuck rounds. So for that issue, I got a full length sizing die and a lee hand press. Problem solved. I like the Lee loader kits cause I can work up loads while out shooting and see what shoots best in my guns
Good to know, I was about to ask why would you only be able to use this with bolt action.
If you want to save a couple of seconds just go straight to priming instead of knocking the case free, when you prime it will come loose
Watching in 2020 just ordered this $32 optics planet. Thanks for the video.
Did you actually receive it, optics planet is aweful.
If you add the wilson minium case gauge... then you are set. Your current gauge gives you the cartridge case length which is a critical measurement, but is cut to max sammi specifications. Not sure about headspace because your gauge may be different from your chamber. At some point you will have to bump the shoulder back or maybe the lee loader pushes the shoulder back for you when you neck size. My forester neck die will do both or just one or the other. I have always wanted to neck size and bump the shoulder back without fl resizing the case. My coal is set by the rifle magazine restriction so I can function my gun.
I sort my cases by neck runout and my rifle does a very good job of truing up the neck on the first firing.
I use my Lee Collet die and my lee fl die to true the neck runout on my new cases. If my dies can get me 3000 or better on the neck then I sort them... if not they go in the reject bin. I can get 1000 bullet runout in a case that is out 3000 in the neck loading Nosler bullets with my Lee seating die and my forester press.
I have a wilson neck die and seater die and a k&m arbor press and the first thing I realized is... Hey I don't really need the arbor press. Then I started to think maybe the lee loader for 30 dollars will load 223 rounds more accurate than the wilson dies.
Final neck runout and final runout on the bullet being considered and using sorted cases so all is relative equal at the start. I am also testing my Lee fl and collet dies against other dies as I accumulate them and see which dies load the straitest most concentric rounds.
I love these kits. In fact, that's the only thing that kept me from buying a 6.5 Creedmoor. They don't make one of these for the 6.5.
This is what I started with in the mid 80’s. .308 and .357
Amazingly ingenious!
Great video no wasted words
After seating the bullet, if you turn the die upside down over the
freshly formed cartridge, you then hit it with the mallet a couple of
times it will crimp the bullet...which you will definitely want for a
lever action rifle
Great demo, thanks!
Find this makes accurate hand loads for the .223? Got my self a nice bolt gun now I want to try reloading. Midway sells this thing still so I may give it a go
Thanks bro. Clear video instructions. I subscribe 👍👍👍
Hi, how is your day ?I got a question to ask ? How come we cannot shoot it on semi auto rifle ? Why only single shot bow action? 🤔 . Good video and knowledge.
Semi-auto brass requires full length resizing. This kit only neck sizes.
HO ! I see , thank you for replying 👍
I think a hand primer (Franklin Armory) that came with 12 shell holders (suitable for 200+ calibers) and can hold 100 primers (large or small) is something every reloader should have or the Lee bench top small reloader can help both novices using a single stage press (1 shell at a time) or even a seasoned reloader who is realoading precision match or hunting ammo and their Dillon progressive press is not working or too much of a PIA to set up to make 30 rounds using an accessorized progressive press if it one does not have a designated reloading area and the equipment has to be dismounted and partially disassembled. Lee can fit any budget. I see guys still using Lee products that they've used 30+ years & they got them as gifts or hand-me-downs and they still work but they have the 3 & 4 set dies, hand /bench crimpers, and just replace parts as needed. Some just use digital scales and plastic medicine cups (100+) and then use powder funnels.
While company recommendation is bolt action only, I disagree. Just think about those stories of loading everyone's 30-30's. Almost all 30-30's are lever action, and there couldn't have been very many difficulties or disparaging stories would be many and widespread.
I will agree that a Lee Classic isn't what you want for a semi auto. And I will also agree that it isn't the best for a pump action, but I have seen pump actions that cycle Lee Classic reloads just fine. It depends on the gun.
I guess what I'm saying is that you should check it out in your particular gun. If it works, great. If it doesn't, simply choose another method.
I like them, but those hand presses with regular dies are also pretty portable.
Bolt action and lever action have the same effect in this case. The empty case has enough time in the chamber to cool down before being extracted. Whereas, in an autoloader, the case is being extracted milliseconds after being fired. So, bolt, lever, pump, break action, are all probably safe to reload with this kit. There is too much case "growth" during extraction that requires semi-auto cases to be full length resized instead.
Loved the video.
Great video
That is where they say "SHOT GLASS", came into play in our everyday language.
Someone would come up to the bar and say can I get a shot of "this or that", and they would lay down a metallic cartridge of whatever caliber the bartender desired. If both parties were satisfied, they would nod at each other and carry on with their business.
A little bit of history.
@Kent Vanderploeg Hi and thank you for the video. Would you mind telling me if the what lee dipper they provide? Is it the 1.60 or the 1.30. Thank you
What automatic gunpowder dispenser were you using in this video and what are your thoughts on it?
MrLM002 I'm using the Hornady dispenser. It's ok, not great. Seems to over throw more charges than I would like.
I just bought one of these. I notice the press flattens the nice pointy lead tip the Hornady 55 gr bullet head... is this correct? Wont this alter BC of the bullet?
I shoot a 223 break action. Would it be safe to use this?
A break action should be fine as well, but I would suggest contacting Lee Precision directly for their input. A call is free and they'll give you an answer to that question without even purchasing a kit.
@@KentVanderploeg Thank you for your quick reply. Much appreciated
Hi Kent. Thanks for an excellent video. Do you think using an arbor press would be better than a hammer?.No noise and no vibration from the hammering.
I think at that point I'd just use a hand press or regular single stage press. The beauty of this is the portability, and a mallet is a lot more portable than even a small arbor press. Just my thoughts...
@@KentVanderploeg what size mallet? my wife bought me a little jewelers mallet for christmas and I recently broke my only decapping pin before I got to try out the jewelers mallet so I dont know if it will be heavy enough yet. its like 7 or 8 ounces.
@@nathanlamberson1256 I used the 4 head one from Harbor Freight.
What makes it unusable in semi autos? Rounds not crimped down enough for the forceful chambering?
Rocketman9mm It only neck sizes. It doesn't full length resize.
As long as you load the fired cases for the semi-auto they were shot in I don't see a problem with using this kit for semi-autos. I would make sure to crimp for semi's.
When a case is fired in a semi-auto, the action begins removing the case from the chamber before it has even had a chance to cool. This causes case length growth, which can only be fixed with full length resizing. I would highly recommend against using this for any semi-auto.
@@KentVanderploeg Lee in their kit instructions for the 223 rem Lee Loader suggest trying cases fired in a gun to see if the cases fit ok. They also state that cases not full length re-sized may not be suitable for hunting in auto-loaders but that target shooting or plinking should be fine with ammo made in 223 by this kit. The problem would be difficult chambering. I have not ever seen the effect you describe of auto loaders making cases lengthen through extraction. I've been loading since 1974 and I along with the sources I've seen in that time only describe case length growth as resulting from full length sizing, not extraction of hot cases in auto loaders. Please cite your source on this phenomenon. This page may interest you that describes case length growth. It also states that problems with neck sized cases are just as much a problem in pumps and lever actions as well as auto loaders: www.hornady.com/team-hornady/ballistic-calculators/ballistic-resources/internal-ballistics
@@Popgunner101 The article you linked to states it as well, "The case body expands on firing". If you would like to fire cartridges with minimal headspace, or worse yet, firing out of battery, that's your decision, but I won't advocate for a process that may end in disaster.
Thanks for the review. Was there a lot of trial an error in turning that ring until the depth was correct? And also, do you have to have the case gauge? Thanks!
Not too much trial and error. Not much different from using a standard type seating die. Just be sure the locking ring is well seated and continue to spot check OAL throughout the process. I have a case gage, but you'll often find that brass that is neck sized only will not fit well in a case gage (if at all) due to the case being sized for the specific chamber of the firearm the brass was fired in. Always remember that these Lee Loader kits only neck size, which is really only useful in bolt action and single shot, break action type rifles. Only use brass that was fire formed in the same rifle.
Kent Vanderploeg Thanks for the reply! And yes I am in the market for a new .223 bolt action so it would be used strictly for bolt guns. :)
Perfect fit for what you want to do. I even make up a little bag that lets me take the whole setup out into the field. I can build ladder/test loads at the shooting bench, tailgate, stump, etc. Hope you like it!
Kent Vanderploeg Sounds pretty universal. I hope I like it too, although I am sure I will. :)
@@KentVanderploeg speaking of that, I have a small reloading bug out bag just in case ;-)
Can you use this with plastic tipped ammo like a nosler balistic tip? I noticed in the video the bullet seater has a bit of a cup to it but every video I see about this loader people are not using tipped ammo
I'm sorry, I just can't answer your question. I'm sure if you contacted Lee directly, they could help answer your question.
Yes, I had no problem w/ Nosler BTip for .222 & 30-06
have you tried using the reloaded ammo in a semi auto mag fed rifle like a ar15? did it work? also how do you know the correct bullet seating hieght?
skip skipper I have not and will not try it in a semi auto. It only neck sizes, it does not full length size, which is a must for semi auto.
What did you do with first case rod did not go in
Can you load cast lead bullets with this? I feel like it would deform them!
I don't think it would be a problem. You're still seating the bullet with a seater that has the same contact area as a regular seating die. Could always call Lee for their opinion, but given the available calibers, I bet a lot of lead bullets have been seated with these kits over the years.
@@KentVanderploeg Thanks Kent! Yep I've seated a couple hundred since writing that. At first I didn't even flare the case either and it works great! Amazing little loader!
Nicely done. Do you need to lube the brass like when using a press?
It's not necessary, but I do use a bit of home made lanolin spray lube just for ease of use. Works perfectly fine without it though. It just might take a couple of extra whacks to drive in for sizing.
Keep some regular chapstick in your pocket. Rub the chapstick on your finger, then rub a tiny bit on the case neck. Use sparingly...
You can use for semi's if it's form fired from your own semi rifle. BUT DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST>
pro tip : you can watch series on flixzone. I've been using them for watching a lot of movies recently.
@Mack Alfonso Yup, been watching on flixzone for months myself =)
@Mack Alfonso Definitely, been watching on flixzone for since november myself :)
Do you have to clean and tumble your brass before you use this?
I'd say it would be recommended. In the field, a good wipe of the case and a brush in the case neck would probably be enough.
@@KentVanderploeg
Thank you
Looking for a 6mm kit
I'm new to the lee loader
Is crimping the finished round nessary? What are the advantages to a crimped case. I know revolvers need crimping, what about rifle rounds
Rifle rounds in a tube magazine should probably be crimped as well. Anything magazine fed probably doesn't need it. I don't for this particular kit.
Does it crimp as well?
I think that depends on the caliber. Pistol does, but you can check the directions from Lee or call them.
I wasn’t positive. I know the handguns do I have one for 45lc thank you though
Does it need to be crimped? I don’t really understand why you can’t use these in other types of rifles than bolt action.
The case that you're using will have been fire formed in the chamber of a bolt, lever, break action, etc. Not an autoloader. When an autoloader cycles, the brass is still very hot as it's being extracted and will stretch slightly. This means the case will need to be full length resized. In a bolt, lever, break action, the case has time to cool before extraction. That means it only needs to have the neck resized. This particular kit only resizes the neck. It does not full length resize.
@@KentVanderploeg thank you very much for information
@@KentVanderploeg that is a great explanation. As long as it has to be manually cycled the brass has enough time to cool and not elongate the super hot case during extraction.
Why did you not recommend this kit for auto loader ?
It does not full length resize. Full length resizing is required for cases that are extracted while the brass is still hot during extraction. A hot case during extraction leads to some case and shoulder stretching.
I can get sub MOA groups @100yds with my Ruger American Ranch in .223 firing Hornady Match 75gr. Could I expect the same accuracy out of reloads using this device? Thanks.
Yes. Maybe even better. People don't realize that the neck size die in this kit is one of the most concentric neck dies in existence. I use mine on an arbor press and use other methods for priming, powder charging and bullet seating. Although I'm sure the bullet seating function of this die is very precise as well.
In most cases you can reduce your groups by reloading. Finding the right recipe of powder, charge, and bullet is crucial and then the seating depth that your particularly rifle likes.
Never had a problem with 9mm rounds reloaded on the 9mm Lee Loader in a semi auto handgun. Is there a difference between the .223 and 9mm kits?
JSmunitions Yes, the Lee Loader kits for 9mm and 45ACP perform a full length resize. That's why they are safe for semi autos.
I did some checking around and some folks around me have had bad experiences with the .223 Lee Loader even when using them in bolt action rifles. Basically, the rounds won't chamber in an rifle other than the one they were originally fired from. I'm attributing this to the fact it's only the case neck that's resized?
Yes, the brass needs to be from the firearm it was fired in. Once fired, the case is fire formed to the exact chamber it was fired it. This can help accuracy. When in doubt, full length resize.
do you not oil the case before sizing ?
Since it's only neck sizing it's usually not needed.
Is there a crimping function on the kit? I just saw a video on the 30-30 lee loader and he was crimping the bullets at the end.
Bradson Vogel There is no crimping with this kit. Crimping is typically reserved for autoloaders, and since this only neck sizes, it's not to be used in them.
I just got the kit for my 30-.06 savage super sporter using .308 150grain boat tail hornady cannelure bullets. The bullets were a hair loose and I could turn them in the cannelure groove so I flipped over the loader and crimped the bullet then I could not move the bullet with my fingers. They fired just fine for me. I just couldn’t see shooting them when the bullets were loose like that.
Bradson Vogel I would definitely call Lee to talk it through with them. That definitely does not sound right.
I have the .30-30 Lee Loader and there is absolutely a crimping function. It’s the last step in the instructions. If the bullet has a crimping groove then you can crimp it. You use the stop collar end and place the decapping chamber over the head and tap lightly.
Спасибо***
what type of powder did u use? and how much powder did u use?
it comes with a chart that tells you everything.
Do you know of a way to do a full length resize by hand with a kit like this?
guttermonk3y Not with this kit, but there is the Lee hand press that uses regular dies.
Main question can I load 556
To my knowledge, there are no commercially available 5.56 dies. Since the SAAMI spec of .223 and 5.56 are so close, everything is .223. Yes, you can use 5.56 brass, but you are loading in .223 specs and dies. Hope that makes sense.
Could I use it on a break barrel 30-30
I don't see why not.
Since this for semi autos, I’m guessing the 9mm lee loader sizes the brass full length? Anyone know?
Yes, it's a full length resize. No such thing as neck sizing on straight walled pistol cartridges.
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loafers aren’t meant for autos and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack.
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loafers aren’t meant for autos and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack. I should add I do pair it with a Lee priming tool and hand press whenever hammering with a Mallet isn’t ideal lol
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loafers aren’t meant for autos and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack. I should add I do pair it with a Lee priming tool and hand press whenever hammering with a Mallet isn’t ideal lol
Kent Vanderploeg right. I seen someone say lee loaders aren’t meant for autos (which should be specified “not all”) and I figure someone will hunt for this question so since I didn’t see it I’d post it for whomever comes along behind me. I’ve used these little loaders for years. I mostly single stage on my rcbs but when we rent a cabin for the weekend, this is a relaxing thing to take along in a pack. I should add I do pair it with a Lee priming tool and hand press whenever hammering with a Mallet isn’t ideal lol
what's the reason you can't use this kit for semi auto guns
David Guajardo It only neck sizes, it does not full length resize. For cases that have been fired in a semi auto, you must full length resize.
Kent Vanderploeg Thats not an answer... specifically why?
brass swells in semi auto chambers....dad had 2 243 winchesters one semi auto the other a 700 remington, the fired brass out of the auto loader would not cycle in his bolt action because he only owns one die in 243 and kept set at neck size for bolt action...so he would use factory new brass from his PMC sponsership and used reloads in his auto loader till he sold it
I would suggest you purchase a reloading manual or two and do some reading as to what the difference is between neck sizing and full length sizing.
When a cartridge is fired in a semi or full auto platform, the brass is rapidly extracted from the chamber. This process happens while the brass is still very hot, and as such, the brass will expand and lengthen. When this same firing process occurs in a bolt, lever, or break action rifle, the brass has time to cool in the chamber. Even if you were to run a bolt or lever very quickly, it's not anything close to the speed that this process occurs within a autoloader.
So, full length sizing performs an action of resizing the entire length of the case (almost), bumping back the shoulder, and sizing the neck. Neck sizing only resizes the neck (case mouth) of the case to accept a new bullet.
Many will find that repeated firings, and subsequent neck sizing only on a case will reduce the chamber tolerances too much, often to the point that closing the bolt becomes increasingly difficult. At that point, the brass should either be full length resized, or discarded. This intent of this kit is to allow the shooter to reload cartridges easily while in the field.
I don't think anyone has given you a good enough answer David so let me try.
As Justin said, Brass swells when fired. It swells to be a perfect mold of the chamber it is fired in. This "fire formed" brass will slip into the chamber just fine if you put it in with your fingers. However when you put it in with your fingers, you're doing it slowly, and straight on. A semi auto bolt rams bullets in at high speed, and at a angle. This violent loading requires a bit of space or 'wiggle room' in the chamber for the cartridge to slide in smoothly. Except your fire formed brass has swelled to the point there is no wiggle room. So it jams the gun.
Do your research on what and where you can and can not use and what gun can you use them on and yes there is a way to crimp otherwise a great vid
can it load 556 nato ?
No dies are cut to load 5.56 NATO. You can load NATO brass in .223 Winchester dies, and this Lee Loader is no different. Again, it's only neck sizing, and the fired brass should have been fired in the same bolt action .223 rifle you're loading for.
@@KentVanderploeg Thank you for information
Vieri Nais videos
If you have any questions about reloading equipment midway will refuse to help you. I just found that out fyi.
Midway USA is a retail seller, any questions not pertaining to a return should be directed to the product manufacturer.
Example:
You: Hey man, I just bought this car from you, can you teach me how to drive it?
Me: Go to a driving school!
@@Drivapete thanks for your kind words of encouragement. This post is 2 years old and i was a noob at reloading. I bought the 45 acp handloader kit from midway and i had a basic question about it. No recipes or anything else they wouldn't even say talk to lee. That's what I meant to say. I have since moved on from the hammer kit. I do need to throw that kit in the garbage i hated it! I bet might like it. Give me your address and I'll send it to you.
@@electromech7335 no thanks, I've been at it for about 6yrs now and use RCBS equipment.
I was told by many experienced reloaders RCBS would be a good choice. It's reliable, rugged, easy to set up and affordable.
The only component that is not RCBS is the Lyman E-Zee Prime.
Good luck!
sure don't like the idea of hammering on a live round/ primer.
Do not get the hand lee loder. I had one and the die holder. I ripped it off. Worst hand press ever
Cameron Smith not sure what you mean by you ripped it off,is that even possible to do with these kits.