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Author Topic: Lee classic reloader  (Read 2828 times)

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Offline saved30ought6

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Lee classic reloader
« on: February 24, 2010, 03:40:50 PM »
Can I use the Lee classic loader with my handi. I have three barrels .270 .223 45-70. I have a Lee cassic set for each.The Lee classic neck sizes. I've read here somewere that neck sized cartridges will not extract. I  bought the rifle 2 months ago & ordered the other 2 barrels plus a ribbed 12 ga. Just got them in. Have not even shot any of them yet. I bought all three reloaders before I read that neck sizeing may not work to good on the handi. It would be nice if i could use them.
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2010, 03:47:09 PM »
My guess it that it will work if you stick to using brass origionally fired in the gun you are load it for.  Try one and see.  Larry
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Offline Smoke Wagon

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2010, 03:58:32 PM »
If the Lee Classic, is the one that you hit with a hammer it will work. I used one for a hornet before I got  a press. I think that it full length resizes. I had some brass shot in another gun that was given to me. and it worked in the handi after going through the Lee.
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2010, 04:00:14 PM »

Yes...you can certainly use them for the Handi's..I did for many many years..The trick is not to load to get extreme velocities..then you will have some chambering issues using them..

Mac
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2010, 04:01:09 PM »
I have reloaded many, many rounds of ammunition with a Lee Loader for my 45-70 Handi, .280 Handi, and 7x57 Handi with no problems, both one fired and numerous times fired brass, they all worked and shot great. If you are speaking of the Lee Classic press I can't help you, I have one but have never used it. I use my old Lyman All American and an old RCBS and they work great. I keep thinking I will set up the Lee Classic press at my camp and leave it there....<><....:)
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Offline saved30ought6

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2010, 04:14:55 PM »
This is the reloader you use a plastiic hammer to deprime,size,prime & seat the bullet. I will be useing it on once fired brass used only in these indiviual barrel.
   Those of you who have used this reloader on handi fired brass. Do you have any fired reloads brass sticking or not extracting ?
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Offline Smoke Wagon

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2010, 04:22:33 PM »
Never had a problem with the Hornet
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Offline Buster95

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2010, 04:47:37 PM »
And the Lee classic loader with the hammer is safe to use???
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Offline tallyho

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2010, 04:51:40 PM »
Quote from: Buster95 on February 24, 2010, 04:47:37 PM
And the Lee classic loader with the hammer is safe to use???

Use as instructed! Used one for 30/30 for years until I could afford a press. Still use it occasionally just 'cause.  ;)
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Offline Spanky

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2010, 04:58:34 PM »
I use the Lee sets for my Handi's all the time and I've never had problems.



Spanky
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Offline Smoke Wagon

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2010, 05:07:45 PM »
If you have any questions about using it this should help.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51
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Offline Rustyinfla

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2010, 05:35:51 PM »

  The most accurate reloads I've ever done for my .30-30 came from a Lee Loader. If you're going to experiment any though I'd suggest buy a powder scale very soon in the process.
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Offline wreckhog

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2010, 05:56:47 PM »
I just bought a set of .243 dies from Widener's. $18.50 for the Pacesetter, including the FCD, shellholder and scoop. Cheaper than a Lee Loader set. Lee RGB dies are even cheaper, more like $13 a set. If you had only 1 caliber, maybe, but 3? Just buy a hand press and sets of dies. For the same price.

I like the Lee Loader. Real quality piece. But a PITA for more than 10 rounds.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #13 on: February 25, 2010, 01:12:01 AM »
They work GREAT and you can take them anywhere. I still have the Lee Loader in .357 Mag I bought 47 years ago. I have loaded untold numbers of rounds and it still works great. I also have and use others with no problems, ever...<><....:)
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Offline blind ear

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2010, 02:07:23 AM »
Run all the fired brass through the intended gun of use before resieing them. The hammer Lee Classic doesn't FL resize. (You can FL size all the brass and work with it successfully in the rifle it was fired in after that.) Useing it in a different gun can be a problem. Streached case length can come into play but probably not with most handies, but check it. If you drive/hammer the case down flush with the holder the sholder set will be correct but the throat can be long. The Lee case length trimmer is the easiest way check case length. (the manual cutter sprue with the interchangeable length guage pilot/guide)

A great in the cave rainy day activity. eddiegjr
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Offline cult .44

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #15 on: February 25, 2010, 06:29:41 AM »
I've loaded thousands of rounds of .44 mag with the Classic Lee Loader. It works great and the .45-70 is even easier because it requires considerably less force to resize the neck (with .44 mag it sizes about 2/3rds of the case). While I'm only around 100 rounds loaded for .45-70, I haven't had any issues with stuck cases. Although I haven't ventured into Level III territory yet.

Yes they're safe. As I'm sure is true with any reloading setup, proceed carefully and do your double checks.

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Offline Daman

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #16 on: February 25, 2010, 06:49:35 AM »
I got to throw in my $.02.

Buy the Lee Classic Single Turret press. Buy full die sets and get own reloading.

Now if the budget is a problem, use what you have or sell it and put the money towards the Turret style single stage press.

Daman
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Offline ruppster

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #17 on: February 25, 2010, 07:30:49 AM »
I load for 45-70 and 22-250 (both Handi's). I started with the Classic loader and it works just fine. I did break down and buy a Lee hand press & die sets a few months ago, it was well worth the extra $10. If you can find a hand press "starter kit", they're well worth the money. The pain was I started loading 40 45-70's at a time and it was usually after my daughter was asleep. Boy, the Classics sure are loud!  ;D
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Offline OSOK

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #18 on: February 25, 2010, 08:08:08 AM »
I am currently using one for my .45-70 and love it! I bought new un-fired brass, so no issues there.
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Offline Rustyinfla

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #19 on: February 25, 2010, 08:32:59 AM »

  As an aside, if you go to a bench rest match you'll the shooters there using the same type of die and neck sizing only.
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Offline Doublebass73

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #20 on: February 25, 2010, 11:04:06 AM »
I've loaded plenty of 45 Colt with a the Lee Classic Loader and had good results in my Handi. I have a regular press now but will always keep the Lee just because it's "Handi".
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Offline Alias DW

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #21 on: February 25, 2010, 11:11:45 AM »
I have used them with no problems other than an occasional primer going off!! I now use Lee Auto Prime,don't want to develope a flinch. ;D
                                                                        mooney
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Offline dw06

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #22 on: February 25, 2010, 11:23:34 AM »
You bet you can use the lee loader for the handi, I've loaded for the 22 hornet,223,and 308 in the handi with them. Expect to have to FL resize the case between 3-6 loading depending on the loads you use.
As Rustyinfla suggested,add a powder scale soon you won't regret it.
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Offline PowPow

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #23 on: February 25, 2010, 01:55:50 PM »
also add a primer pocket cleaner (~$6) and a deburring tool so you don't shave copper or lead off the bullets.
link to a deburring tool:   http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449348
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Offline mechanic

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #24 on: February 25, 2010, 03:00:57 PM »
Use them right and they will be fine.  I use mine at the range to work up loads on the tailgate of the truck.  I use my press at home for larger quantities.
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Offline blind ear

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #25 on: February 25, 2010, 03:42:18 PM »
PowPow +1 eddiegjr
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Offline Buster95

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #26 on: February 26, 2010, 02:18:58 PM »
I don't have too much experience in reloading, I reloaded only .223 and .357 mag. But is it possible to reload lead bullet (45-70) with the Lee classic reloader?
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Offline PowPow

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #27 on: February 26, 2010, 02:35:28 PM »
Lee does not list the 45/70 as a Classic Loader kit, but inexpensive presses and dies are available.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/cleeloader.html
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #28 on: February 26, 2010, 02:39:15 PM »
Look again, the Lee Loader is available in 45-70, #90264, right after 303 Brit.

Tim

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Offline PowPow

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Re: Lee classic reloader
« Reply #29 on: February 26, 2010, 02:43:07 PM »
You're right. I just scanned the bottom of the list. Dang! That was my only excuse for not having a 45/70!!!
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