Introduction to Reloading - Classic Lee Loader (RL 1)

LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE! Not everyone can afford the cost of a big progressive reloading press or have the room for one. The Classic Lee Loader is a great way to get introduced to reloading. The Lee loader is very affordable and depending on where you are in the world, the cost is between $30-$60 USD. In addition to the Classic Lee Loader you will need a polymer mallet, calliper and I highly recommend a digital powder scale. As for the powder scale, you don’t need a fancy expensive one. Just get something that works. As well, I would highly recommend that you purchase a reloading book such as the Hornady 11th Edition Reloading Book. Books like this one are full of great information on reloading, reloading equipment, powder load data, bullet types, cartridge overall length data (COL), and so much more valuable information that will enhance your understanding of reloading. The Classic Lee Loader does come with a powder load data sheet but it is very limiting in the types of powders and bullets hence why I recommend that you get a reloading book. It will be a valuable resource for many years.
READ THE CLASSIC LEE LOADER INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU START RELOADING. After reading the instructions, prepare your work area and gather up your reloading components: powder, bullets, brass and primers. Take you time to understand the reloading process and take you time reloading. RELOADING IS NOT A RACE! Taking your time while reloading will ensure that you do everything correctly and safely. Give yourself time to think and take your time.
The Classic Lee Loader is a great compact loader. If you shoot 50-100 rounds a few times a month, the Classic Lee loader is likely all you need to meet your ammunition requirements. Use the Lee loader to learn about reloading before you decide to purchase an expensive progressive press. After reloading with the Lee loader, you will likely have a better understanding about reloading especially if you purchased and read a reloading book such as the Hornady 11th Edition Reloading Book.
I hope this video provides you a good introduction to the Classic Lee Loader and provides you with a good understanding of the process of reloading with this loader. Once again, READ THE LEE LOADER INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE KIT. Take your time reloading, understand the process and be safe. This video is not meant to be a lesson on how to reload but is an introduction to reloading and to demonstrate how easy it is to reload with minimal equipment when using a loader such as the Classic Lee Loader.
I should mention that a bullet puller is a piece of equipment you will want to have as the chances of you having to pull a bullet because perhaps you forgot to place powder in the brass is highly likely. It happens to everyone even seasoned reloader can make this error. As well, if you were to seat to bullet too deep, you will want to pull the bullet and reseat it to the correct depth. The correct seating depth is very important so read up on the importance of bullet seating depth. Any reloading book such as published by Hornady will explain the importance of correct bullet seating depth.
In summary, the additional equipment you will need in addition to the Classic Lee Loader is: polymer mallet, calliper, digital powder scale (more accurate than a mechanical scale), and bullet puller. A Case Gauge is one additional tool that is good to have although, you can simply use the chamber of your barrel to Case Gauge your reloads. Remove the barrel from you handgun and see if the cartridge fully drop into the chamber. I wouldn’t recommend using the camber of your rifle if you are not very experienced. If you do, the bolt must be removed for safety purposes. It would be much safer and wiser to simply buy the appropriate caliber Case Gauge to confirm that you reloads are correctly made in terms of sizing.

[@piotrjannek1754]

The best Lee loader demonstration ever. Well done!

[@ShootersInc]

Thank you. I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@seller559]

I’ve used these hand loaders for years now. Love them. Your demonstration is one of the best I’ve found. I’m going to share this. Well done 👍

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks very much. I like using these hand loaders as well especially when making a small number of cartridges as a test batch.

[@piotrjannek1754]

I agree, I have been reloading with this and bigger presses for years. This is the best presentation for a Lee loader by far.

[@salinas831100]

3 minutes in an it’s the best video out on lee loaders … thanks

[@ShootersInc]

Thank you!

[@Zzoro1987]

Just bought one and some powder at the local feed store, loved the video very excited to get started, subscribe 👍

[@ShootersInc]

Great!! Have fun! It really is a nice compact and simple reloader.

[@Rk-mz4bb]

With everything you have it's good you showed this. I have one for almost every caliber I own. I still use them once in a while. For people that don't have much to spend it's good way to start. Good video new subscriber.

[@ShootersInc]

That was exactly my reason for making this video. I wanted to show that you don't need everything that I had behind me (reloading presses) to reload. You only need something as simple as the Classic Lee Loader to reload along with a few other key pieces of equipment such as a powder scale, calliper and a bullet puller.

[@humpterdink]

Thanks for the video! I purchased this reloaded for .38 special and took my newly made cartridges to the range. Feels really good when it all comes together.

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks and great to hear that you like making your own cartridges. Reloading is interesting, fun and making your own tuned ammunition is very satisfying.

[@CircleBrewery]

Nice idea with the hockey puck… low noise low vibration but still has rigidity to seat everything 😊

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks for your comment and observation. The hockey puck was a fluke. I originally drilled holes in the puck so I could place a firearm on it and drive out pins. As I was setting the first time to use the Lee loader I realized the puck could have two uses. The bigger hole could catch the spent primer as I knocked them out, keeping my bench clean. As you correctly notices, it also deadens the sound and reduces the vibration of the hammering and protects my bench work top. You may have noticed that I have a flat steel weight (2.5lbs) at the corner of my bench and that I drive the brass into the sizing die on top of the weight. The reason for that is so that I have a harder surface for that particular job, helps driving the brass in faster, but also I’m doing that job over the leg / wheel of my bench. Conducting the sizing operation over the leg / wheel of the bench where the bench has the most support reduces the vibration and noise of the bench by 95%.

[@Joselbasurto]

Thank you for the tutorial. I recently bought the same Lee reloading kit, but in .223 Remington. The instructions in the kit are very informative, but your video is hands on experience indeed. 👍

[@ShootersInc]

Glad you found my video useful. I achieved my aim!

[@ditzydoo4378]

At one time Lee offered 110 different Lee-Loader kits in everything Rifle, Pistol and ten different Shotgun kits. eBay is still a prime spot for hunting down the rare ones.

[@alanwilliamson2259]

Thanking you. I just purchased this loading tool and your video was of great help.

[@ShootersInc]

That’s great to hear. I hope you enjoy reloading with the Classic Lee Loader. What caliber are you reloading?

[@GrEmLiN76X]

Definitely want to see this video at the top of the results when searching for Lee Classic Loader. By far the best video to date. Instills much confidence over some other videos that show incorrect or unsafe methods. Could you use the 38 or 357 kit to reload either by way of adjusting the bullet seating tool? Will it crimp correctly? I have read on the internet that Lee engineers stated to one customer that the tools within the two kits are identical with exception to only the load data card and powder scoops are different between 38spl/357mag kits. Thanks for a great video! Subscribed.

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks for your positive comments. Yes, you can use the 357 Mag reloader kit to reload 38 Sp. You cannot use the load data provided in the kit as it is specifically for 357 Mag. I recommend you buy yourself a reloading book which has load data for 38 Sp. You can also find load data on the website of various powder manufacturers. As for crimping, no problem. The die in the kit has 38 Sp / 357 Mag stamped on it. There is the proof you can reload either 38 Sp or 357 Mag. I highly recommend that you buy an electronic powder scale and don’t relay solely on the powder scoop / dipper. I always use a powder scale to measure the powder load. Reloading isn’t a race and you want to be safe. Always take you time reloading so you have time to think about each step in the process. There is a technique to using the dipper. The dipper measures powder by volume rather than by weight. Just be aware that you are not to scoop with the dipper. Anyhow, watch a couple of videos on the use of the dipper but I still recommend using the dipper and a powder scale to measure the powder by weight which is more precise. Buying a small pocket electronic powder scale is worth the money to ensure more accurate loads and for safety as with the scale you know exactly what the load is that you are dropping into the case.

[@GrEmLiN76X]

@@ShootersInc Will the 38spl kit do 357? Or does it have to be the 357 kit to do both? Just about to buy it tonight and wanted to make sure I get the right one. I have reloaded on a press before (progressive) but it’s been some years. Am familiar with much of the process, but a bit rusty. Planning on using third party load data most likely anyway, and investing in a powder cup and scale. Thanks again.

[@ShootersInc]

@@GrEmLiN76X As I don’t have a 38 Sp Classic Lee Reloader kit but only the 357 Magnum Reloader, I can’t tell you if the 38 Sp reloading can be used to reload 357 Mag. I would recommend that you buy the 357 Mag kit as the die in the kit has 38 Sp / 357 Mag stamped on it. That means the die can be used for both. It could be that the 38 Sp kit ONLY reloads for 38 Sp for some I known reason. Having said this, I would be very surprised that the die in the 38 Sp kit isn’t the same as the die in the 357 Mag kit. The 357 Mag kit will reload both 38 Sp and 357 Mag. I can’t attempt to reload a 38 Sp at this moment but hood off on the purchase and I’ll let you know by tomorrow how I did.

[@ShootersInc]

I had no issue reloading a 38 Sp round with a 158gr bullet using the Classic Lee loader for 357 Mag.

[@ryanstewart1521]

It’s been a lot of fun learning the Lee classic reloader, hopefully this weekend I can test out my new 243 nosler BT bullets I made.

[@ShootersInc]

Great to hear. Even though I have Dillon Precision progressive presses (reloaders), I have 4 Classic Lee Loaders and I like using them when I’m making a small batch of test cartridge with new powder loads. Hope you get a chance to test those rounds soon.

[@ShootersInc]

My 9mm Classic Loader didn’t come with a flaring tool. I actually used the flaring tool from my .38 Sp / .357 Mag Classic Loader. I think all the Classic Loaders should come with flaring tools but they don’t. I did purchase a 9mm flaring tool separate shortly after I purchased the loader.

[@reymarino4366]

Where to buy this lee loader?

[@michael506]

You’re back. Glad to see. You haven’t posted anything for a while. I’ve been enjoying your content for a long time. Looking forward to shooting with you at the Nationals this summer at your home range. Keep up the good work.

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks. It’s always nice to be missed and more importantly I’m glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed my videos. I am registered for the 2023 IPSC Canadian National Championship so make sure that you do track me down! This video was done on an impulse and I’m glad I made it as it has kick started my motivation after being absent for 2 years!! The next few videos will be on reloading as I figured with ammunition availability being very spotty and / or the crazy price increases, reloading is a good topic for a video series to introduce sports shooters to reloading.

[@michael506]

@@ShootersInc I certainly will track you down. And yes…videos on reloading are a great idea. Currently my price is 20¢/round without counting the brass which I pick up at ranges. Well over 40¢/round at the local shops in Vancouver. When I started reloading I was barely breaking even and was doing so to have perfectly dialed in rounds. Saving money wasn’t even a consideration given the cost of equipment. Times have certainly changed. I think I paid off my equipment in a 6 month period once the competition season picked up after Covid.

[@ShootersInc]

@@michael506 Same here, I had my reloading presses and equipment paid for with the first year. I’m easily making my reloads for 50%-60% less than factory.

[@oliviergorlier8135]

PERFECT...thanks a lot

[@ShootersInc]

You're welcome.

[@donprather8588]

Thanks

[@richardkut3976]

Excellent, thank you.

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks and you’re welcome🙃

[@johnnytower6169]

I appreciate the video, I’ve got a Lee loader for all my calibers but I haven’t used it Ammo in Australia is crazy expensive, especially .303 Brit so I’ll hopefully save some money reloading my brass How many times can you reuse brass normally?

[@ShootersInc]

Thanks for your comments. You usually can reload brass a dozen times. It really depends on the quality of brass that you are using and the powder load. Inspect your brass prior to reloading and if you notice any severe thinning of the brass at the mouth or if you see cracks in the brass, throw it away. That’s the best answer I can give you.

[@user-xe8zj6rc3o]

I have the lee 45 acp or 45 auto rim kit, when i try to resize the 45 brass it is very hard to hammer in and remove it got stuck in the sizing die, i had to drill out the brass and used the primer rod to remove it…help!!

[@johnatkinson3218]

I just bought one of these. I notice the press flattens the nice pointy lead tip the Hornady 55 gr bullet head... is this correct? Wont this alter BC of the bullet?

[@Fal41]

Excellent outillage économique

[@ShootersInc]

Yes, the Classic Lee Reloader is a very economical reloading tool!!

[@user-ot5rn3zm3p]

what callibers are available

[@ShootersInc]

The Classic Lee Loader comes in many calibres: 9mm, 44 Mag, 357 Mag, 303 British, 223 REM, etc. Go onto the Lee website to check for the complete list.

[@toxicslix]

How does on set the length of the bullet seating? Can you start with a factory cartridge and use that as a starting length, then maybe back off the ring part a little? (I've got no previous experience reloading sorry if I'm not using the correct terms. Or do you just do trail and error and keep lowering the black ring until you get the right bullet overall length?

[@ShootersInc]

Yes, you can absolutely use a factory round to set the overall length of the reloaded cartridge you will be making with the Classic Lee Loader. Whether you choose to use the trial and error method or a factory round to set the overall length of the same type and weight of bullet you will use for reloading, I highly recommend that you have a bullet puller as part of your overall reloading equipment. In this way, you can pull the bullet and adjust the seating depth of the cartridge you make but didn’t meet your specifications.

[@user-xe8zj6rc3o]

did you clean the primer flash hole?

[@ShootersInc]

I don’t specifically clean the primer flash holes all the time as I tend to use progressive reloading presses. The only time that I will clean primer flash holes only is I’m preparing brass pieces in stages to reload. I’ve reloaded tens of thousands rounds (not with the Classic Led Reloader but with my progressive reloaders) and I’ve rarely had to focus on cleaning the flash holes. This has never been an issue for me.

[@user-xe8zj6rc3o]

@@ShootersInc Thank you

[@DemocratsrPDFfiles]

Is the process basically the same with new brass ?

[@ShootersInc]

Brand new brass have no primers so you don’t have to remove any old primer unless your “new” brass is unprocessed once fired brass. Then it will need to be deprimed. If your once fired brass hasn’t been cleaned, you should clean the brass first before you do anything else. Otherwise the remainder of the process is the same using new unprimed brass.

[@user-gk3pd5no8z]

Hi iv just watched your video can I ask my husband is a gamekeeper and has a 243 rifle I want to get him a reloader so he can make his own bullets but we're do I get the primers from and the caps any help would be great it's for his birthday suprise Thank you The wife

[@ShootersInc]

Are you in Canada or the USA or elsewhere?

[@zerocoolcat]

Just one question: should I keep it in the decapping chamber to protect that primer?

[@ShootersInc]

Ah, you were listening. Well done. How many times did I say you should keep the primed brass in the decapping chamber? LOL. For those who aren’t as knowledgeable, once you are finishing reloading, feel free to store your cartridges in your ammo box. The decapping chamber is only required to protect the primer during the reloading process. 🙃

[@mr.infamous4389]

nice video how do i buy primers i searched it up and i cant find the primers

[@ShootersInc]

That can be and is a challenge for sure. Once you do find primers, buy as many as you can afford as it may take you a long time to find again the next time. These days, if I see some reloading components (primers, powder and projectiles), I buy them even if I don’t need them right at that moment in time. Best of luck searching!

[@mattyvb1]

Did your kit come with the flaring tool

[@ShootersInc]

No it did not. I had to buy one separately.

[@reymarino4366]

Where to buy this lee classic loader?

[@ShootersInc]

Best to simply Google the Classic Lee Loader to find out where you can buy one in your area.

[@ezazanty]

Is that a full length or neck sizing Die only?

[@ShootersInc]

It’s a neck sizing die only for rifle brass. For straight walled pistol brass, it’s full sizing.

[@richardross4996]

No flaring tool with my lee loader.

[@matthewclews9322]

What primers are used?

[@ShootersInc]

I use CCI, S&B, Winchester and Ginex primers. I primarily use CCI primers for my competition pistol ammo. For practice pistol ammo, I use S&B and Ginex.