Lee Classic Loader..?

[deerwhacker444]

Any of you folks ever use the Lee Classic Loader..? It sounds kinda cool.

Is it everything they say it is.?

I'd like to get one for my cousin to see if he truly wants to learn reloading or not, without sinking lots of $$ into bunches of equipment.

Is there anything else that is needed ,other than bullet components, to make ammo with this kit..?

 

[Old Fart]

A hammer/mallet and a board.
I cut my teeth on one of these in 7.7 Ariska (Jap) back in the early 70's.
Slow but effective. I still have a couple of these.

 

[JRSherman]

I'd recommend the Lee breech lock setup myself. I know it's probably more than you want to start him out with, but by $150 I had the press, dies, and an extra accessory or two, and wound up having plenty of starter stuff at $200.

 

[Old Fart]

I've got a couple buddies who still use the old smashers.
Matter of fact it's all my brother uses for his 45-70 reloads.
They do make good ammo, but like I said it's a little slow.

There was a feller on here a couple years back that these worked for.
He was disabled, had lots of time and little money.

 

[NikatKimber]

If he isn't sure on needing/wanting to reload, that may scare him away from it.

I'd recommend at least getting a single stage press.

Lee Single Stage Kit (includes Lee Reloading Manual) $37.99

Lee Deluxe Carbide Dies (4 piece, carbide dies don't require lube) $34.99

Hornady 6" Caliper (you absolutely need a set if you don't have one) $19.49

Lee Safety Powder Scale (yes you need one of these too) $23.99

Lee Perfect Powder Measure (not the best, but I'd highly recommend this as a time saving help) $19.99

Total would be $116.46 (+shipping) to get started, with equipment that could continue to be used as long as they were reloading. Add $20 for the powder dispenser if at all possible.

 

[SMS]

If he isn't sure on needing/wanting to reload, that may scare him away from it.

I'd recommend at least getting a single stage press.

Lee Single Stage Kit (includes Lee Reloading Manual) $37.99

Lee Deluxe Carbide Dies (4 piece, carbide dies don't require lube) $34.99

Hornady 6" Caliper (you absolutely need a set if you don't have one) $19.49

Lee Safety Powder Scale (yes you need one of these too) $23.99

Lee Perfect Powder Measure (not the best, but I'd highly recommend this as a time saving help) $19.99

Total would be $116.46 (+shipping) to get started, with equipment that could continue to be used as long as they were reloading. Add $20 for the powder dispenser if at all possible.

Got me thinking....I've wanted to get into reloading but am not flush with $$.

What about priming with the components listed above?

 

[Old Fart]

Youy can prime with the single stage.

 

[SMS]

Youy can prime with the single stage.

More parts required, or does the single stage come with what's required for priming?

 

[Old Fart]

Should have the priming arm attached to the frame.

 

[CHenry]

I have the lee single stage and I like it. Its a little slow but hey, its a hobby. It will do it all other than trim cases but I never use a case more than twice. I haven't reloaded in quite sometime but IIRC a couple hours work and I can pump out 100 rounds. I used to reload 9mm and 30-30. Now I have a 44 mag and am going to pick up a die set for it soon.