Lee Loader .357 Magnum

Reload at your own risk.
Do your own research and work up your own loads.
This video pertains to the .357 magnum Lee loader kit. Kits for other calibers may have different parts and different instructions for use.
DISCLAIMER:
I am not monetized.
I am not sponsored. I do not endorse any product.
Nothing is for sale.
My videos are intended for entertainment purposes only.
I do not recommend repeating anything you see me do in my videos that may be harmful or dangerous.
By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging you have read this disclaimer.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@357magdad]

Viewers may want to check out some of my other reloading videos. Thanks for watching! DIY Powder Measure - kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=uCaiV_--k1E X-treme Copper Plated Lead Bullets - kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=QuMrqwezSQE Hodgdon Titegroup - kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=agl6vG3B_qI Case Length Study .357 Magnum - kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=qZHtBhCWe1o Lyman Case Prep Multi-Tool - kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=s1yJlw9OXd0

[@DeepOwl1073]

My dad used one of these in the '70s before switching to a single stage press, then a turret press. One in .357 just showed up on Craigslist for 30 bucks and I thought I'd get a refresher course before getting it. I think it'd be handy in my shtf bag. Great video, thank you!

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! It's February 2021 and I feel like the poop has already been through the blades and is sliding down the wall behind the fan! LOL

[@jonathansmith4947]

Lmao yeah it's 2023 and it's not much better

[@dens6987]

I bought one of these back in the early seventies Loaded tens of thousands of both 357 mag and 38 special with that kit Great little Tool .... great little Video Two things though: 1 - Case Lube in the Case Mouth, that "can be" a bad idea 2 - Try used the Bullet Seater itself as a way of seeing HOW MUCH is needed to adjust it After dropping the Bullet in and the Seater down on it, adjust the difference between the Seater Lock Nut and the top of the Die to approx the same difference between the Bullet Cannelure and the Case Mouth

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Den..do you use the same lee loader to load both 357 and 38? I read its the same kit for both ,only with different load data.

[@dens6987]

@@brianhoxworth3881 Brian: Yes, just have to adjust the Bullet Setter, and I bought the correct (38sp) Powder Dipper

[@scubaguy007]

WoW. I now realize how valuable my little Lee 4 hole turret press is.

[@jeronimo412]

excellent video!!!! I'm a handloader myself and always enjoy a great loading video that is both informative and safe!!

[@grounded-b937]

I had one of these back in the day. The one step that always worried me was seating the live primer with a hammer and a metal rod !! I always kept my face away, wore safety glasses and made sure the ceiling above me wasn't something I was afraid of damaging. Never had an issue, but soon bought a Lee hand "Auto Prime", where I squeezed the primer in place. Much more "feel" for when they were seated

[@eddy4112]

One of the best videos on any subject I have seen. Thanks

[@cromag7766]

Thanks for a good, concise tutorial.

[@VideoBakery]

This seems like such an involved and relaxing process. Thanks for making this

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! Reloading with the Lee Loader is an economical and easy way to get into reloading.

[@harbanssingh3125]

thank you. good tutorial . i just bought one of these to start teaching myself a little reloading . great tool

[@1969CampEvans]

I used this hand loader back in the 70' for a bot action RUGER 25-06 w/VARMINT Barrel. NO complaints it produced quality ammo for my bolt gun. Extra dippers could be purchased one at the time or you could get them in a kit with many various sizes. The kit of various sizes worked for me. Anothe perk about these hand loaders .......they are very mobile

[@rickmiller8931]

By far the best video on using the Lee hand loader kit. Thank you sir great video.

[@357magdad]

Thank you for your positive comment! I am glad you found my video helpful.

[@Nottazippo]

Just awesome👍🇺🇸

[@tompedersen6564]

Absolutely one of the best instructional videos on KZbin. Flawless. Made a subscriber out of me. Thanks.

[@357magdad]

Wow! Thank you! And thanks for subscribing!

[@awcraig37]

Best video I've seen on using the Lee Hand Loader. Precise and to the point. Thanks for posting,

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad my video was helpful!

[@MrDoeboy356]

I have this and the .44 kit from the 70’s.

[@357magdad]

I've loaded 357 mag, 44 mag and 45 colt with the Lee Loader Kits with great success!

[@josephleister9198]

Best video I. have found on using the lee loader for 38/357....thanks

[@357magdad]

I'm glad my video was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@kirkboswell2575]

Good video. Good progression without unnecessary chatter. The only thing I do different is I don't lube the flaring tool. You aren't moving that much metal or moving it very far, so lubricating the tool isn't necessary. Just as an FYI, warm water soak with a bit of Dawn dish soap and a bit of Lemi-Shine will also clean the cases. Only need to let them air dry after an hour or so of soaking.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching!

[@nathanmiller473]

Great video! I use a classic loader to reload 303 british. It is a great pass time that saves money and allows for very precise loads. I use a beam scale for every round I load. If you flip the decapper over the hole is meant for the bottom of the case to sit in so that it automatically aligns the spent primer over the hole, then you don't have to make sure you have the hole and the primer lined up!

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I have the decapping chamber situated as per the Lee Loader instructions that came with my kit. I haven't had any problems with alignment, plus it gives the old primers somewhere to fall.

[@nathanmiller473]

@@357magdad I know it says to do it the way that you do, and I am by no means telling you how to do it or what to do. I just thought it may be easier for you the other way, I know it sure is for me! Still a great and informative video, happy shooting my friend!

[@357magdad]

I have a Lee loader .45 colt video planned for this winter. I will show both ways in that video.

[@tjmooremusic]

Great for our in the field or even at the range. Portable. I have a reloading bench, press, etc.....kinda heavy to lug around.. Thanks for the video!

[@matthewrafferty4117]

Great video, I'm on the hunt for a Lee Loader for my .357 now.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Matthew! The Lee Loader is a great way to get started reloading. You can't go wrong with .357 mag!

[@coolman92376]

Thank you for sharing. This is very informative and learned something new and awesome!

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad my video was helpful!

[@coolman92376]

I have been a fan of the 45LC but inherited a .357 Magnum. As we all know these two are hard to come by. So I took it upon myself to learn . Plus it’s fun and relaxing too.

[@michaelmichael8406]

Well, that's a good deal simpler than I would've expected.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Michael! The Lee Loader kits for rimmed revolver ammo are a good way to get started reloading!

[@JB-cs4jt]

Looks the way to start reloading for cheap definitely gonna buy one.

[@357magdad]

I would definitely recommend the Lee Loader kit and a rimmed cartridge like .357, .38 or .45colt for getting your feet wet!

[@JB-cs4jt]

@@357magdad excellent thanks for the advice. I was so stoked to see they were 30 bucks I always thought minimum start up for reloading was a couple hundred. Thanks again.

[@makskk6spm275]

Great video! Thanks a lot! Very helpful.

[@357magdad]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@richardkut3976]

Excellent, thanks.

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you liked the video!

[@charlesflaco5037]

very helpful thanks

[@subdawg1331]

awesome video thank you i am purchasing one for my 357 mag and my bug out bag

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! The Lee Loader kit is a good item to have!

[@thinsteel]

Very good. Easy to understand.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuperButch888]

thank you very much......learned a lot. subscribed!

[@357magdad]

I am glad my video was helpful! Thanks for subscribing!

[@healer378]

I just wanted to thank you so much, because the diagram was not that helpful. You cleared everything. Thank you.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad my video was helpful!

[@johncochran8497]

Was in the military and my room mate had one of those kits. He didn't use a soft faced hammer. Instead it was completely metal. And he was an idiot. Went through all the steps to reload the round and only had the final crimping step left. Took the tool. Placed the round in it. The was about to hit the primer end of the round with a metal hammer. I, having an aversion to brass shrapnel and loud noises, stopped the idiot before he carried through with his plan. But Darwin isn't foiled so easily. Idiot went camping in the desert with a pickup truck that had a camper cab in the bed. Got cold. Filled an army helmet with charcoal and used it as a space heater. Died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! It is very difficult to protect people from themselves.

[@ericletts4072]

That was a very good video, I just bought one of those reloaders, and have been a little scared to use it. I was afraid of that primer going off and taking a finger with it.

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. I've had an occasional "detonation" while priming the case. It will definitely get your heart going, but not really injure you. I had the problem occur with some .44 mag brass that had slightly crimped primer pockets. Reaming the pockets solved the problem.

[@wemcal]

This was the first time I’ve seen someone crimp the case using the dye on any of these reloading kits. I’ve been avoiding purchasing a few of these for 9mm and 308 auto feeders for that reason, And under the impression that you couldn’t crimp using this kit. This was has to be the best informational video using this kit... I’m sold on the .357/38 kit, question is does the 9mm, 308 and 30-30 offer the crimping features in their kit??

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I'm pretty sure 9mm does not get crimped - rimless straight cartridges use the case mouth to head space properly.

[@bdwillis8284]

Great video, fun to watch!

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@cleber44mag]

Nice!!!!

[@jonathansmith4947]

Amazing instruction. I've bookmarked the video and am looking at buying one of these. For 38 special how different is the process / tools?

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Jonathan! Same tools, different scoop for .38 spl

[@jimrozelle9673]

Sure puts a lot of “hand” into hand loading...

[@walterbela]

Thanks. Me ajudou muito

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad my video was helpful!

[@shaggybalboa8276]

I've been curious about these for years. Is it possible to reload 9mm using the .357 or 38 special dies?? Or vice versa, can one reload 38 special with the 9mm dies?? if so, I'd be absolutely sold on getting one of these finally. I love the simplicity, but I shoot 9mm and .38 special more than anything (and .22 i guess duh) :s

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I think you need the kit specifically for 9mm.

[@shaggybalboa8276]

Holy crap my guy, it's been seven years xWx thanks for responding. I figured i could use the decapper and p much everything but the powder measure and the resizing die, but the 9mm version doesn't crimp anything, and thats what i was hoping would apply from the 357/38 kits :p @@357magdad

[@redfoot69]

i had my lee powder dipper enclosed in kit i had checked by professional gunsmith on my 357 mag lee loader kit: it shows 10.7 grains of accurate 9 to use with 158 grain xtp bullet listed in chart: so i am in my min load range lee loader kit gives: so there is no need to make or buy another powder loader unless you wanting to load to max charges

[@thetman0068]

I've been seeing conflicting stuff online about this. Can the bullets loaded with the lee loader be chambered in a lever-action gun? I understand that in 357 the lee loaders only neck size, but back in the day, Ideal tools only neck sized 44-40, yet people say the Lee Loaded bullets wont work in lever guns. What's the deal?

[@357magdad]

I have experience using .357 bullets made with this kit in a lever action rifle. The problem I ran into is that the bullet can be pressed down into the case when it is being loaded into the tubular magazine. If you look closely at some factory .357 you will notice that in addition to being crimped at the mouth, the case is also crimped under the bullet. I have had success using a single stage press and a Lee post size and crimp die to put a more aggressive crimp at the case mouth. I made a video about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIbVlmxuoNeFsKs Hope this info helps! Thanks for watching!

[@kiltrofilms]

@@357magdad so if you use them shot by shot for practice, they should be ok?

[@357magdad]

@@kiltrofilms I wouldn't recommend it unless you put a more aggressive crimp.

[@kiltrofilms]

@@357magdad aw damn

[@compteyoutube3131]

Great video. Would you use it with black powder? Or do you think all the hammering involved (while seating or crimping) could potentially make it detonate?

[@357magdad]

I have no experience with black powder.

[@compteyoutube3131]

@@357magdad Thanks anyway.

[@OldJoe212]

Thanks for sharing. I know many folks use a .38 Special for plinking. Can you just use your .357s with a lighter load? Would make more sense than buying another kit.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I believe the Lee Loader kits for .357 mag and .38 special use the same components, except for the scoop.

[@OldJoe212]

@@357magdad Thanks. I've been building and shooting black powder since 1975 and I still believe that that cartridge stuff is a passing fad, but I'm thinking on picking up a 6" GP100, you know, for collecting value. Anyway, thanks again and Merry Christmas and hopefully a Happy New Year.

[@357magdad]

@@OldJoe212 You can't go wrong with a Ruger GP-100 in 357!

[@samuraichad343]

Great video. What primers do you use for .357 mag? Small or large pistol? What powder do you recommend?

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! The cases take the small pistol primers. I use Titegroup powder.

[@samuraichad343]

@@357magdad Thank you for the great information. Stay well!

[@rodrigomeneses5900]

one case how many times is used ? until you waste it

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I've reloaded 357 magnum cases up to 20 times.

[@Andy-cd1dy]

Hello this kit is only for ammunition 357 magnumo also for 38 special? Thank you

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Andy! All of the kit parts will work for both except the scoop. You need a different scoop for .38 spl.

[@Andy-cd1dy]

@@357magdad thanks!

[@danbailey5613]

Excellent step by step presentation. Would you use the 357 loader to do both 357 and 38 special or vice versa. Or do you need two different loaders?

[@357magdad]

Thanks Dan. I believe you can you the same loader for both .38 spl and .357 mag. You would just need a different scoop for the powder.

[@flinch9748]

357magdad won’t the two different cartridge lenghts give problems with the crimp?

[@357magdad]

@@flinch9748 The way the Lee Loader crimp tool works does not depend on case length.

[@flinch9748]

357magdad ok, thank you very much !

[@collinrobinson4306]

can you use the 357 loader with 38 special or have to buy both kits?

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! My understanding is that the kit components are the same except the scoop. You would use a smaller amount of powder for .38 spl.

[@TheStewmagoo]

Love this loader but i can tell you in will not work for 357 Maximum. Case is too long for sizer and will ruin brass.

[@357magdad]

That's not a very popular cartridge, but good to know!

[@Bucky1836]

Can the 357 kit do 38 spcl?

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I think most of the components are the same in both kits. You will need a different scoop.

[@manatarms7778]

Flip the shell holder for decapping over

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I'm not sure which step you are referring to. If you are referring to the step where I knock out the old primer, I have the decapping chamber situated as per the Lee Loader instructions. Plus it gives the old primers somewhere to fall.

[@manatarms7778]

@@357magdad the old primer is softer than the shell holder, a slight misalignment can snap the end of the pin. Not saying that has been done, but it is frustrating having to wait for another one to arrive to keep reloading.

[@357magdad]

OK I see what you mean. I've loaded a couple thousand rounds and have not had a problem. I try not to swing too hard when decapping :) I just measured the hole in the decapping chamber - .283 and the primer is about .175 so there is some allowance for misalignment.

[@kracksmith4ejm1]

when crimping i rather have the bullet point downwards for a wack

[@stetsonhurley382]

Does anyone know we’re to find one of these for 7mm rem mag?

[@nsturm3572]

I use the same kit for .357. i have had a few light primer strikes in my sw686 while shooting double action, which is not light: i wonder whether it’s a matter of primers ( i use cci standard, not magnum) or i am setting primers too deep in the pocket

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching! I do not think you can install the primers too deeply with the Lee Loader kit. Primers can be fouled by petroleum based lube. Make sure the lube you are using is specifically designed for reloading. I made a video about CLP damaging primers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3-lfoWMj86NrtU

[@miopera40]

can you use this kit to load .38 spl?

[@357magdad]

+miopera40 All of the components would work EXCEPT the powder measure. You would have to make a custom powder measure for .38 spl. Check out my DIY powder measure video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3TEmomVYpKeZ6c

[@tobyjenny7622]

I got one in 20ga.

[@FILIPEHUNTER1]

Could this kit be used in lever action carbines with tubular magazines?

[@357magdad]

Lee Precision says it is not recommended on their website. I think it is because the crimp you get using the kit doesn't hold the bullet from being pushed into the case when loading into a tubular magazine. I got around this by using a post size and crimp die. The crimp with this die is much more secure and I haven't had problems in the lever action carbine. I did a video about this die. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIbVlmxuoNeFsKs

[@JO3BID3N-is-a-P3D0]

why is it not recommended to use this for a lever action? i totally want this for my revolver and lever combo!!!!

[@357magdad]

The type of crimp the Lee Loader kit gives is not secure enough for use in a tubular magazine. I've had recoil push the bullet into the case. I had to buy a sizing and crimping die and a single stage press. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIbVlmxuoNeFsKs

[@JO3BID3N-is-a-P3D0]

@@357magdad thanks for the response!