Added: 3 years ago
From: loasfast
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  • I love my old Lee Loaders, but none of the calibers I reload with it drive into (or out of) the die so easily! I use a much heavier dead-blow hammer, work on a spare anvil, and still have to WOMP this suckers in.

    But it is possible to use the old tools to make the most accurate ammo you'll ever shoot.

  • If you flip the sizing die over you can crimp with it nicely.

    The bullet seating tool has a ring that you can use to set your exact bullet seat depth.

    These kits work with the load they're made for extremely well, mine is in .44 magnum.

    Full length sizing takes a bit more force, but it works just fine.

    They apparently were competition winners for quite a long time, Neck sizing gives you superior accuracy if you use only one rifle and you can get perfect powder charges with a scale and trickler.

  • I can't believe I didn't know this existed. VERY cool. What sort of accuracy can be expected in .223? Is neck sizing appropriate for reloading cartridges to be used in more than one rifle? Can I expect good extraction in an AR?

  • @chopinbloc no mate, unfortunately, as far as i know autoloaders need to be full length sized. but im sure that they are made in full length size aswell

  • @chopinbloc Neck sizing is pretty 'iffy' for autoloaders or pumps because they don't have the powerful camming action that a bolt gun has to close the action on a slightly oversized round. As far as accuracy goes, IIRC there are still some standing accuracy records that were set using ammo made with Lee Loaders.

  • THX

  • Ahh, never mind - found it!:)

  • Dang, this process makes all the press loading methods look like a monumental waste of time. Where can I get this reloading toolkit and what is the exact name of this product? Thanks

  • This is without a doubt the coolest little loader that you can take you with you anywhere, anywhen; bug out bag to BBQ.

    I use a single stage RCBS right now and really love it. I like the ability to zone out from the world and just concentrate on the loads.

    But - if you are a reloader or just getting started this is very cool for the 'go bang' stuff; might not be able to crank out precise competition loads, but could be the difference between dinner or MRE's from Gulf 1.

  • no crimp?

  • Is this only appropriate for cartridges that have already gone through your rifle since it's just neck sizing? Would be cool to get just this but looks like I may need to go with the LEE handpress

  • @EverythingisFire yeah its fine to reload used brass, i use this loader for my .223 and i usually load each shell 6-8 times with it. you can lengthen the brass with lees case trimmer, trust me this is all you need for reloading. this loader plus a case trimmer, case chamfer and a primer pocket cleaner you may have 40$ invested into it and it works perfectly fine.

  • @ktktwix

    So with the case trimmer, I could use these Lee Loader kits on brand new brass too? I'm looking at reloading 6.5x55 Swede so brass isn't exactly laying around at the range haha :) I don't own a reloading manual yet so I don't know very much about this stuff. Would love to get this kit, looks fun!

  • informative concise and supremely enjoyable to watch.

  • If I had my choice between a single stage press and a Lee loader; I would choose the Lee Loader hands down.

  • Crimping is optional, but can be done with the other end of the sizing die.

  • did he forget to crimp the bullet?

  • @zhagray

    bottle necked rifle cartridges are not typically crimped, cartridges for lever actions are an occassional exception

  • A great, practical and compact tool for re-loading on the fly if you need to. If I had a bug-out bag, I'd have one of these in it.

  • Sir,

    This video is, without a doubt, the finest demonstration of how to use a Lee Loader I have ever seen. Right to the point with no wasted time and information!

    Started my reloading 40 years ago with a Lee Loader in 30-30. Have long since "graduated" to reloading with a press. But the Lee Loader loads ammo just as good, is practical and compact. And, as you so well demonstrate here, it ain't near as slow as people think!

    Thanks for the reminder of long past, FONDLY remembered days!

  • Years ago I bought a used Savage 10 in .223, and was quite fond of it. What I wasn't fond of was having to buy expensive factory ammo to get good groups with it. Even the $14/20 Fiocchi match stuff wasn't making great groups.

    In all that shooting, though, I did accumulate a nice pile of quality brass, so I figured I'd get a Lee Classic, beam scale, and 69gr SMKs to reload some practice loads. With the ammunition I hammered together, I outshot even the best factory match loads I had tried.

  • I just ordered a classic lee reloader for 9mm. I am going to meditate on this video. And I am going to watch this video a few hundred times.  I should be able to do it blindfold then, well not really, but I should be ready. Great set-up and fast, thank.

  • Sir I believe you did it in 35 seconds. Nice demo. I have been reloading for about 15 years on single stage and progressive presses, but have always been interested in these Lee Loaders. Thanks for the Demo.

  • don't get how he whacked the primer in so hard, mine goes bang unless i tap very lightly

  • @hairmonster12 I had that problem when i was starting, but I found that if there's anything at all on the seating anvil, it can transfer pressure to the primer. And be sure you're not using the decapping rod!

  • I just ordered one for a .308 winchester. Have there ever been any reported deaths/accidents while using this product?

  • @raimundough It's possible to set off a primer every once in a great while, which may scare the crap out of you, but its fairly harmless unless you're pointing it right into your eye or something like an idiot. Other than that, if you follow the steps in order, there's just no way to have an accident with this or any other popular reloading systems.

    When the bullet is seated, the bottom of the case rests on like a donut hole. So there's no pressure on the primer as the round becomes "live".

  • @heysmithy Thanks for replying. I hope the reloaded rounds feed well through my rifle

  • @raimundough It will only feed well if you're using it with a single shot or bolt action rifle. Most reloading systems resize the whole case, but the Lee Loader only resizes the neck of the case. So the case remains "fire formed" to the inside of your rifle chamber. So you can only shoot the reloaded ammo from the rifle that fired the original round. And not if that rifle is tube fed or semi-auto, since those types of guns are made to cycle the ammo a little looser in the chamber.

  • HELL YEAH! I LOVE THE SIMPLICITY. A BULLET IN 40 SECONDS.

  • that was faster than my progressive press. I must be doing something wrong

  • This is a great way to reload if you are short on funds. I have produced some extremely accurate rounds with this method, I would highly recommend to anyone interested in this type of reloading.

  • I own a set of lee classic loaders so I know how they work. Crimping the bullet at the end is only required for handgun rounds. He is obviously reloading rifle rounds, so as he resizes the neck; the neck is slightly sized down from the diameter of the bullet, and as a result when the bullet is seated at the end there is no crimping required, that is why with these loaders (for rifle rounds at least) you are required to use jacketed bullets.

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  • Holy shit, and he makes it look effortless too!!

  • Sir, you are a reloading MACHINE! That was great.  Thanks!

  • I like the way he says "Brand new round" at the end.

  • Man that was QUick

  • Just got one of these for my .30-06. So far it's my favorite way to reload. Once it's adjusted for bullet depth there's nothing to set up or change out. I did swap out the included powder dipper for a slightly bigger one that throws my preffered charge though. I love people's reactions when they watch me make rounds with a hammer.

  • Reloading with the lee loader is an "lost art". People think it´s highly dangerous, "oldschool" and not as precice as with press. Guys at my school were highly impressed when I did a tutorial class of how to reload with the Lee Loader. We also reloaded similar ammo with Hornady press tool, and witnessed that there was no accuracy loss using the Lee Loader than the press. Actually we shot slightly better groups with only neck sized cartridges.

  • correct me if im wrong, but don't you have to crimp it last? He left this out...

  • @TheFeist1984 he sized the neck just before he hammered in the bullet watch more closely.

  • @TheTravelingbard Sizing the neck is not crimping it...You crimp the neck after the bullet is seated...this is the very last step.

  • correct me if im wrong, but don't you have to crimp it last? He left this out...

  • @TheFeist1984 he did crimp it, you are just a dumb ass.

  • what is dangerious is ,he bangs on the new primer .the shock of banging is not good i rather have a press fit no banging one day he will bang on this and  bingo no head or eye presssing a primer in is best bar none and he has loose gun power laying open again not safe

  • This has to be the coolest video on the Classic Lee Loader on YouTube today. Here is the man with the mind still showing us all how it is done.

  • Um... aren't you supposed to measure the powder load before you just dump it in and seat the bullet?

  • @FantasticBob7000

    The dipper is the powder measure.

  • @loasfast the problem with the scoops is that you cant precisely measure the amount of pouder because with those scoops they arnt always 100% acurate =)

  • Fantastic!!!! Great!!!

  • This method of reloading is not as precise as conventional reloading presses. The powder charge is definitely not going to be consistent. Plus it is not as safe.

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  • @PainTrane01 Bullshit, you don't have a clue. This is how handloading started. At one time high priced guns came with a reloading set and bullet molds. As far as not consistent to this day Lee supplies all their die sets with a dipper calibrated for that cartridge.

  • @PainTrane01 farty noise, it is perfectly precise for one caliber, if you level off the scoop it is the exact amount of powder every time.

  • Are you lubing the cases or is it fine not too? And if you are is the only way to get the lube off with a Tumbler?

  • @ThePatriot0991

    No lube needed on uncleaned cases.

    Handgun cases work best with a touch of lube.

  • @ThePatriot0991 Thanks for the info.

  • how much cheaper is it to do this?

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  • I couldnt help it, I had to buy another Lee Loader for my good ol' 30-06 sprg. I have one for .308 win. Awesome kit. I actually detonated the primer once, but I didnt notice it before it started to smell like something was burning, checked the case and noticed the primer did blow up. :) Nothing dangerous loading with these tools.

  • The only problem I've experienced with the classic loader[s] are defective cartridges due to the primer powder bouncing out of the primer cup, because I hammered too hard applying the crimp... a moderate 'tap' seems to do the job just fine....

  • acoop: Tks... I bought a Lee 'O' press used, on E-Bay, and some used dies, to keep costs down... between lead, pot, molds, and loaders, I have already spent several hundred dollars.... 308: I bet that you can get a decent crimp on the .454 with the .45 Lee die... I don't bother hammering the .38 or .44 brass into the die for resizing, since they are difficult to get out [ KISS], and chamber just fine in my revolvers w/o resizing...

  • I like my Lee Loaders in .357 & .44..... wish I could get them in 8mm Mauser and .300 Savage....It is very simple & easy.... now I go shooting largely to try my hand-loads.....

  • @xzqzq lee used to make custom lee loaders, not sure if they do still but might I sugest for the same amount of trouble that you could use the lee hand press and dies? Not much more expensive and not as limiting you can load and shoot just about anything with one and they don't take up as much room.

  • where did you get that .can i get one at walmart or academy

  • @bobiscool308

    Gun Shop or on line.

  • oh shit, i though reloading needed a bunch of tools and stuff, no idea its so easy! so are all lee loaders like that?

  • Great video! Have one on order for .45 colt and only wish they had one for my .454 casull. Again great video

  • These loaders are a great way for a beginner to learn basic handloading. I started out this way. It is a very slow process. Took me one hour to load 50 .357's so it depends on how much shooting a person wants and how much time you spend reloading this way. I strongly suggest no one try to speed load with this tool or any other means. Keep your powder away from the work area and BE CAREFULL with seating primers! Its too easy to accidentally detonate a primer inside that die! Everyone does it!

  • Lee Loaders are great. I had one in .357. I'm really frustrated that I can't find one ANYWHERE for 8mm Mauser, 7.7 Japanese, or 6.5 Japanese. These things are ideal for the odd calibers, but I only find them in the most common sizes.

  • @UnkleMusket Try Midway.com or Cabelas,com

  • love this guy

  • i thought you should weigh the powder to make sure its not to much

  • @firewoodguy2009 No need to weigh the powed if you measure it by volume and keep the load 10% under rmaximum.

  • I have no experience with reloading, but i would love to get one of these. Just one question though, how do you know exactly how much powder you are putting in the case? I thought the weight of the powder had to be very precise, but you just scoop it and throw it in.

  • @RobDogOg Load data comes with the kit.

  • @RobDogOg Also you can go to website of manufacture of gun power they have data listed there and down load it then print if you like

    I find reloading is fun as much as shooting

  • Wow, thank you. It's so simple!

  • Seating the primer is easier than I thought it would be (no explosions...yet) but I`m getting crinkeled case neck lips when I seat the bullet, even after chamfering inside of neck. These are unusable. Some vids show use of lube (haven`t used any yet) and others must have older models with a flaring tool included - mine didn`t come w/one. Looks like Lee is using boat tails, my 30-30`s are flat w/full copper on the bottom, lead maybe would shave instead of crushing the lip.

  • @kromdo1

    Call or Email Lee Precision with details of your problem.

    It sound like you may have the wrong decapping base.

  • Amazing, gentleman...

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  • I recently bought one in .270 and love it.

    Amazing little tool. I've never reloaded before and the Lee loader made it very simple for a beginner like me to get into reloading. I also bought and recommend the Lee auto prime. This loader sure tightened my groups up. Thank you Mr. Lee!

  • just tried my first batch of reloaded rounds with this reloader, and the results are already looking great. was able to tighten up my groups. looking forward to the next batch. this works great for anyone who wants to start reloading.

  • I've got one in 308w and one in 6.5x55 Sweed . There great to use , very easy . I measure my powder with an electronic scale rather than use the scoop . Great results and very accurate ammunition . There a great bit of gear .

  • I recently bought the Lee Loader for my .308 win, absolutely brilliant set!

  • The only thing i would disagree on is the powder scoop, not that its unsafe, just that i prefer to know what exactly the load is as to modify the load in the future.

  • these things are great ive got 8 of them in various calibers and a few of them i get better accuracy with the lee loader than with my press.

  • I started with one of these when I was 17. My dad thought I was crazy. In truth the design is utterly safe and ingenious. I still load with mostly classic loaders in an apartment complex. The epihphany of the stone paver makes discrete reloading possible. I use an auto prime tool though - picks up the speed of your reloading and gives peace of mind that it's harder to screw up and blow a primer.

  • Very nice, i wonder can pistol ammo be reloaded the same way w/o problems?

  • Thanks for the vid I just bought one

  • I think I might get one

  • cool!!! I'm new to this kind of stuff. Do you have to crimp the bullet too or no? Crimp the bullet to the case?

  • If you ever look at one closely, you'll see if you follow the directions about the worst that could happen is you pop a primer when seating it. Not a big deal since there no power or anything in it. Once the case is charged, the primer is protected the whole time. IIRC, ammo reloaded with one of these held the world record for like 7 years. It's a good, cheap, completely portable system.

  • DAMN THATS OLD FASHIONED!

  • I reloaded .303 British with this kit for years. You can make excellent cartridges with this. Very safe, the odd time a primer would go off, but thats before the powder goes in and the primer seating tool is in anyways. Did make me jump tho.

  • wow thats crazy! nice work!

  • It's basically that easy,for real. The only issue that may arise is that after a few reloads the brass can become elongated and may need to be trimmed for length.

  • @littlebiscuits I used to trim them everytime anyways, sometimes they would need it sometimes not. The .303 Brit case's don't last long because of the large headspace, but thats why they didn't jam in the mud of WW 1, most of the time.

  • Sweet!

  • I've been loading a long time but there is something about hammers and charged cartages that makes me uncomfortable.

  • @sirhcskoorb I was thinkin the same thing!!

  • damn ur good is this lee himself and if u can plz give me a link on where to get one of these for 20 gauge ty

  • A craftsman will always make it look easy, but damn that is quick.

    Very happy I've got a .22 hornet kit on order. I'm going to have to practice some I think.

  • Is this Richard Lee? I'm reading his 2nd edition now and I can't wait to get started reloading.

  • Dangerious

  • Oh Fuck Off ! How is it "Dangerous" ? Maybe because you do not know how it works ? Fucking dumb trolls . This guy in the video is a genius for coming up with this . I'm sure he had people who didn't know what they were talking about telling him "Oh that's dangerous" too .I'm glad he didn't listen to them or we wouldn't have the reloading tech we have today .

  • @jonmorry333 It may not be the most accurate peice of equipment out there and not for the guy that builds "match" loads, but it works. You got limitted space and don't mind the short comings of volume only loading this is a great peice of equiment. I own one for my .30-30 and I have an old 12 gauge shot gun reloader from Lee that works on the same principle.

  • @tes1900

    1. LEARN TO SPELL

    2.hes a pro he knows what he is doing.

  • @tes1900 Why?

  • Is that a special type of hammer?

  • @dantereyes81

    Rubber hammer (technically plastic tip). This viewer has used them for years. You'll want it because plastic (rubber) does not cause sparks.

  • if the primer went off it wouldn't be a big deal, especially if you are wearing eye protection. It's an option to wear hearing protection also.

  • @b2mic1 Yeah,the part that gives me the Hmmmmmsss...is driving the bullet in w/hammer after primer and charge??

  • I'm not sure about the driving seating the primer with a hammer . . .

  • @captainpegs07 i hear if you hit it too hard it will pop but you can do it safely

  • @phil656565 yeah, I'm sure he's been doing it way for quite some time :)

  • @captainpegs07 nah i bet he just learned, lol, nah hes lightning fast

  • i watch this vid like 10x in a row, everyday, other vids have guys taking 4 min plus each round and they wack the bullet over and over, I love how this guy shows you the step by step on how to do it fast with out the "beating of a dead horse", I will watch this vid till I am just as fast as him...

  • @freesoulvw He "invented" that loader. Of course he can do it that fast. Also, it's hard to do a bullet in under four minutes when you're explaining and showing how the loader works

  • Nice product for a small reloading set up. Most of the nay sayers are the rookies who go out and spend 600 setting up a progressive system. The lee loader will give you consistency and thrift.....that is what reloading is all about. Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Let me first say, Mr. Lee knows his business well. For all of you who think he's not taking enough care with measurement and soforth. Remember, This is a video that shows how one could load a round in 40 seconds but is not implying one should do their loading in this way. I think the Lee loader is a great product. It really does do a great job. This should be purchased and used by someone who really wants to get started. The lee company has great products and very good people.

  • why? what do you know that others don't?

  • well...........waiting for a reason why we shouldn`t buy one

  • i have used these for years with no problem

    what's the problem you had with it?

  • this video just convinced me i need one of these

  • i am trying to get a lee reloader on e-bay right now i like to reload shells

  • Holy cow this guys fast. Very cool reloading equipment. Brings new meaning to "Keep in simple".

  • Wow, that's old school. I think I'll get one of those as a novelty item.

  • Wow he is fast. I have the 9mm version and it takes a LOT of force to resize the case.

  • Wow...he's done that just a few times (LOL). I'll stick to my Lee Turret press.

  • wow, nice work, quickest I've seen.

  • Less than 0.1 of a grain. What do you think is inside an expensive powder measure (in some form or another)?

  • Im not disputing the equipment, but Mr. Lee here is doing it so quickly that it doesn't seem like he is actually keeping a close eye on it

  • So long as you carefully sort out beforehand (a) which powder you're using, (b) how much of it the scoop you choose will pick up and (c) that you've got the appropriate projectiles ready to put on top, it should be almost impossible to get into trouble. This is the "fail-safe" doctrine - whatever you do, it's still safe.

  • This would be good to carry in a packpack with a little poweder,primers and bullets if you get in a bad situation and run out of ammo.

    These would make great Christmas gifts for anyone who's interested in guns or reloading.

  • ok ok...so i just buy the small red box (loader) for a 40 sw...what about the other tools he has in the picture...the little thing the bull sits in , and the tool he used to seat the bullet

  • That all comes with the kit.

  • the kit comes with everything but sadly there is no .40 s&w kit

  • thats all included with the loader.. all you would need is powder, primer, and bullets

  • everything except the hammer are included in the kit, the hammer should be either rubber or plastic so you don't damage anything.

  • pero mira que buena que esta la porqueria, para tenerla ensima

  • Im trying to find one for 300 Win Mag. I cant find it anywhere. Anyone that has one, I'll buy from you.

  • you live in deepwater,mo? i used to live there!

  • what would be best for a bigginer loader

  • if you are loading pistol or .223 i'd get the lee pro 1000

  • this is better for the individual loader who doesn't want to pay a fortune for a reloading kit, $20-$30 for the lee loader compared to $100-$200 for a press kit.

  • From the man himself! I highly doubt Mr. Lee loads this way for his own loads. I'm sure this was just an example of how fast his basic loader can function. But, if you know your brass and supplies well, there's no reason you couldn't crank out 1 (quality) round every 1.5 min.

  • These used to be the most popular choice for reloading before the progressive reloaders became big.

  • I've had various Lee loaders for years, they work. Most of mine are for pistols, but I have one for 223 that works great.

  • ROFL.. .. Im pretty sure Richard Lee knows what he is doing. and knows how much powder he is scooping. After all.. he DESIGNED this famous loader.

  • hmm.. this guy makes it easy enough for me to buy one of these for like $20 when i buy my next revolver (44 magnum)

  • "Ready to rock, in about 40sec" LOL

  • Thanks Mr. Lee!

  • a scoop full is aprox minimum load for given caliber so heaping scoop is safe.

    Minimum case streatch due to only neck sizing so 5+ firings before needing to trim.

    Eloquent engineering. Is that old man Lee?

  • Yes

  • @WJQ1960 Depends on what grain bullet and powder ur using... all diff.charges...

  • @WJQ1960 this im sure is gonna be a retarded question but can you trim the cases with a standard tube cutter or is there a special tool. im trying to save as much money as possible... hence the reloading and the 25$ kit lol

  • is this available in 9mm makarov ??

  • i doubt that it was precise because ou didnt measure tepowder charge. and you didnt measure the length of the cartridgewith calipers.

  • the scoop is the powder measure and if you're careful it will do the job fine. Also, the cartridge is forced to be a certain length by the whole resizing and bullet seating process. Measuring with callipers is something you might do now and then to check the batch is still the same length but once the dies are set up you should be good to go for a bit and measure a few of the cartridges later.

  • only need to measure the case if you don't know where it came from. I'm sure after some history loading for a particular gun, you would know how many firings your brass can take before needing trimming.

  • My only concern before purchasing this is setting off primers when hammering them in. How frequently does this happen and is it something that can be completely avoided with proper technique?

  • I've reloaded 200+ rounds with mine for 7.62x54r and have only had one primer go off and that was because I didn't have the primer seated in the spring loaded chamber completly so I was hammering the cartrage I was trying to prime down onto the edge of the primer.

    If you are really concerned about this a hand priming tool can be had for fairly cheap and it removes this problem comlpetly.

  • anybody know if Lee makes a two prong deprimer for Berdan primers?

  • I started reloading with a $15 used Lee Loader when I was 18. I reloaded for my .30-30 Marlin 336C. I now use an RCBS Rock Chucker for most of my reloading.

    I still reload for 303 British on a Lee loader in fact, albeit I use an auto prime tool.

    One thing I want to add is that the other side of the loader tool can be used to apply a roll crimp to the bullet. This can be useful to prevent bullets from creeping in or out of the shell casing in a magazine.

  • I am asking myself if I should buy only this little kit or a the deluxe press

  • Thanks for making this video Sir...I always wondered how you used one of those little Loader kits. Seems like a handy thing to have laying around at Hunting Camp!

  • I'm going to call you old timer if you don't mind. Great video, great technique. I noticed you "double dipped" your powder scooper which is a no no as it isn't as accurate as just pushing it once thru. I realize you were loading for speed and you did a very good job. I use the same for my .303 British. Makes much better ammo than factory for sure and much cheaper.

  • the man shown made the damn scoop. If he wants he double dip with it, he gets to double dip with it. The proper use of the LEE loader should be up to mister LEE not you.

  • nice

  • I admire how fast & smooth you do it. I've been using a piece of wood as base. Yours seem to be foam on wood? Thanks.

  • The loading surface is steel on 1/4 inch foam.

    An excellent surface is a a 39 cent paver brick, available at a building supply store. Use a foam pad under the brick. A piece of wood on top center of the paver prevents damage to the Lee Loader.