Lee Classic Loader for semiautos?

[Joe Camo]

I have one of these nifty (and inexpensive) little hand reloaders for my M70 bolt gun (Win .225 HB varmint) and really like it. Now I've been thinking of getting one in .223 Rem for my Mini-14 since I have a bunch of twice-fired LC brass that has already been fire-formed to the rifle (by me on the second firing) and I won't be shooting the reloads in any other gun.

I've heard/read mixed reports on using this loader for auto-loading rifles ... some say it's OK, others say no way. Has anyone used the Lee Classic Loader for semi-autos and if so what was your experiences?

I realize that since this loader only neck sizes (rather than full length size) that cartridge fitment can be an issue if you share reloads between several guns, but that won't be an issue in my case. Is there any other reason this loader wouldn't work for semis?

[mnglocker]

The classic loader would work fine for your M70, however I think you'd run into some feeding issues with your Mini-14.

[Seismic Sam]

You can try it and see what happens, and you can also start by doing it at home (pointing the gun in a safe direction, like the ground) and letting the bolt slam home on a loaded round in the mag. If you can get 20 in a row to feed, you can take it to the range and see what happens with 100 rounds. I only neck size my .308 brass for my AR-10, BUT I use only nickled brass in this gun, and the nickel cases slide a lot easier than brass cases. Maybe it will work for you with brass cases, and maybe it won't. You WILL want to tumble all your brass cases to make sure they are nice and shiny, meaning smooth and free of dirt, to keep the friction down.

[cetme]

You may be able to get one or two loads without full length sizing but thats all at best. Personaly I just can't take the time to sit there with a lee loader and pound out cartridges.

[Pat Cannon]

Even if the ammo works flawlessly, I think the definition of an autoloading firearm is "a firearm that will quickly shoot way more ammo than anybody would ever want to load with a Lee Loader."

[Stradawhovious]

I find loading with the Lee Classic Loader to be theraputic. I find that it also to be a good learning tool in the steps involved in reloading. You have absolutely no choice but to pay attention to every single step in the process for every single cartridge you load.

[Joe Camo]

It is therapeutic and a great learning tool, but Pat's right I would quickly tire of trying to feed a hungery autolaoder with that system - although it's great for my bolt gun at 50- 100 rnds/yr. I'll just have to keep saving my meager pennies for a Lee Breech Lock or Turret press.

[mnglocker]

It is therapeutic and a great learning tool, but Pat's right I would quickly tire of trying to feed a hungery autolaoder with that system - although it's great for my bolt gun at 50- 100 rnds/yr. I'll just have to keep saving my meager pennies for a Lee Breech Lock or Turret press.

Drink the Blue Kool-Aid and step up to a Dillon 550 or 650 if you'll be loading bottle necked cartridges on it.

Btw, where about Wright County are you from?

[Joe Camo]

Drink the Blue Kool-Aid and step up to a Dillon 550 or 650 if you'll be loading bottle necked cartridges on it.

That would be sweet, would love a Dillon but that kind of $$$ for just a press isn't in the cards for me by a loooong shot (pun intended).

Are there bad issues with the Lee presses and necked cartridges? I had read of a few issues with the Lee Turret Press but don't recall specifics exactly (nylon bushings wearing out causing slop, I think??). Their single stage presses seem pretty rock solid, but I lean towards the turret style 'cause I'm a bit lazy. Hmmm ... This might be a good topic for a new thread (the presses, not my occasional languidness) ...

JC

[Seismic Sam]

I find loading with the Lee Classic Loader to be theraputic. I find that it also to be a good learning tool in the steps involved in reloading. You have absolutely no choice but to pay attention to every single step in the process for every single cartridge you load.

And that's how I started handloading in 1972 with a Lee Loader that cost $7.56. Back then 9mm ammo was $8.00 a box, and you got your choice of Winchester or R-P, and that was prety much it. There was NO bulk loaded ammo anywhere, it would be decades before that showed up. You could buy bullets, primers, and powder, but virgin brass was really not commercially available, so you had to reload what you bought loaded the first time. I remember a huge score I made in a small sporting goods store in rural Ohio outside Celeveland where I got 5 boxes of Canadian Dominion 9mm ammo for $2.50 a box. The headstamps were 42 and 43, so it was WWII surplus. I must have loaded thousands of rounds of 9mm ammo with that loading kit (still have it!!) and my time was WAAAYYY cheaper that ponying up $8 in 1972 money for 50 rounds. And yes, there is no substitute for doing every operation manually, which is why I always cringe when I read about a newbie diving straight into a Dillon press to begin with. There is just no way to appreciate, or more importantly, FULLY UNDERSTAND handloading by doing everything by hand for a while.

[BuckKlier]

I have used one in the past, Let me tell you, it is no fun when the primer gos off when you are seating it!! You end up digging out burnt primer charge under the skin ov your fingers ! Buy a reloading press!

[ex-LT]

Check this post from devilmutt

Lyman T-Mag Turret Press - $100
No 55 powder measure - $15
Lee hand auto primer for large and small primers - $10
Lee auto prime shell holder set - $10

Those are all good prices. The Lyman Turret Press typically sells for close to $200, and the powder measure is another $70. The other option would be to buy this.