Lee Loader for $21 for 30-30? Good idea?

[STW]

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1105479991.5568=/html/catalog/dies-rgb.html#LeeLoader

What do you all think for the first time reloader for 30-30? How does it work to use a reloader like this without a press--or does it assume you have a press? I'd be happy to reload 20 at a time or so for the time being.  

From what I've read 30-30 is an easy reloader cart. since the thin neck brass resizes easily. Does this Lee Loader do a full-length resize that I've read is recommended for 30-30 brass? If not, is it necessary?

What would be the advantage of spending more? for a press or for a kit with more stages? $20 if the kit is complete seems to reasonable to delay trying reloading any longer. I've been saving my brass for a while.

I realize ammo is cheap for 30-30, but I'd like to try reloading and I like 30-30. I'm spending about 45 cents a round for factory ammo, and I assume I could reload 30-30 for less than that, right?

[BIGGOME]

Go for it, even when you upgrade your loading equipment the Lee Loader will still be useful in the field if your enjoy you 30-30 as much as I do.

 I bought a Lee Loader in 30-30 "way back when" to compliment my old Lyman 310 tong tools and little Tru Line Jr. press, my Lee Loader is an early "unitized" version which full length sizes and has a hand priming tool.  Though I still use the Lee Loader on camping trips and such I shoot my '57 vintage M-94 so much that I needed to really speed up production. Though full length sizing is reccomended for lever guns the thin 30-30 brass is rather forgiving. I now use a Lee collet die in a turret press with an auto disk powder measure for 99% of my 30-30 loading (sizing the neck only) and even loading range brass I find everywhere I only get maybe 1 out of 100 that will not chamber freely with .310 dia. cast bullets which works for me though my well worn Winchester must be a bit loose compared to the usual "deer season only" 30-30.

If you are using only the saved brass from your gun you will be fine neck sizing only but if you find hundreds of pieces of brass as I have you may need get a press and full length size them before you can use them unless you have a looser than average gun.

Whatever the case, START RELOADING! and remember 30-30's ain't just for deer!  The 30-30 is my favorite rifle round and I load a bunch of them, both hot and not.....enjoy!

[Lawdog]

I see no reason for you to wait any longer.  Get the Lee Loader.  If I may make a suggestion, also get a Lee Hand Priming Tool as the priming tool that comes it the Lee Loader can be dangerous.  I started out reloading with Lee Loaders and while reloading a few cartridges in my bedroom when I was a teen(14 to be exact), I had a primer go off when setting a primer in the case.  Burnt my left hand, stuck the priming rod in the ceiling and scared the devil out of me.  Thankfully the folks weren’t’ home or I would have been grounded until I was old enough to go in the service.  You may also want to get a scale for measuring the powder as the scoop isn’t as accurate as one would want although it will do.  Check out the reloading tools section of Hunting on Ebay for real bargains on .30-30 Lee Loaders.  NIB(new in box) ones for under $10.00.  Lawdog
 

[jgalar]

Here is the price at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/543039

[James B]

Its a good idea to get the lee priming tool. I have used the little loader you are talking about. Once in a while a primer will go off when putting them in.

[quigleysharps4570]

That will get you started. Cast your own bullets and you'll really save. Like was said, get a scale. Those scoops are fine for blackpowder, but in my opinion aren't suited for smokeless.

[BIGGOME]

No doubt, a scale and some type of priming tool are great but not a "must" just to get started. As long as you follow the powder recommendations and don't "double dip" you will be fine. I have checked many of Lee's dipper listings and have found them to always have a bit of a safety margin built in though I don't recommend them for use with max or near max loads.

Everyone needs to be careful with dippers or fixed cavity measures since some powder manufactures such as Hodgdon have changed some of their old stick powders to new "short cut" versions which no longer have the same weight-volume ratios.

Yes the "beat 'em in" priming method is poor at best but as long as you have a piece of wood under the priming chamber while priming you can easily hear when you have hit bottom, the key is to tap, not beat! I have loaded many 45 Colt rounds in the middle of nowhere and never set off a primer.

The Lee Loader is good enough for what it is intended for, getting started and field use. If one decides reloading is not for them they stand to loose little. If they upgrade and no longer use the earlier stuff there is always someone else who it can be passed on to with a bit of advise.

I have two fully automatic Dillon XL 650's as well as a host of other presses and gizmos yet I still enjoy the hammer method every once in a while, it make me appreciate not having to do it anymore if nothing else!

Paul  

[daddywpb]

The Lee Loaders are excellent reloading tools and produce fine quality ammo. I started with two of them, one in .30/30 and one in .38 Special back about 1975 or so. The scoops work fine once you learn how to keep them consistant, and the priming tool that comes with it works fine too, as long as you're careful. I remember many happy nights, pounding away on a Lee loader on the back porch. It took all week to reload the ammo for the following weekend, but it was fun.

[Buckeye]

I bought a Lee Loader years ago for my 45/70, And since I've got a Press and the works,I load for several calibers , but I still use the ole Lee loader occ. for my 45/70 (even though i have a set of 45/70 dies)Remember you must use fired brass .