lee classic loader help

Reloading and any ammunition discussions are here.
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60falcon144
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lee classic loader help

Post by 60falcon144 »

I am getting into reloading for my mosin, and i figured why spend a bunch of money just to test the waters so i bought the lee classic reloader. On the instructions it says to use .310 bullet, then goes on to say I can use any 30 cal bullet. Now my question is, will .308 work with whatever sizer comes with this thing?
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Junk Yard Dog
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Re: lee classic loader help

Post by Junk Yard Dog »

It only size's the neck of the case, not the bullet. For starters get the Lee load book and read it cover to cover so you have a clear understanding of what you are doing. This is no place for guesswork or flying blind, make a mistake here and it could be death.
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entropy
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Re: lee classic loader help

Post by entropy »

I've always been of the opinion that Lee Loaders aren't the best way to learn reloading. A good single stage press is the best way. A Lee Loader, or Lee 310, is a good thing to have available if you need to leave your bench set behind, or a 310 is nice to develop and test loads right on the firing line at the range. The only KA-BOOMS I've experienced were from 9mm ammo I loaded on a Lee Loader. (Disclosure. They were steel-cased reloads, and shot from a gun that recommended not using steel cased in it. When I fired the factory Wolf (the first time) it was fine, but it KA-BOOMED twice on me and once on my son with my reloads. The 4th KA-BOOM was when a friend was shooting it with his Chinese steel cased surplus. I sold it at a gun show with the disclosure and a warning not to fire steel cased ammo through it.)
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MeatMarket
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Re: lee classic loader help

Post by MeatMarket »

I learned on a lee classic. Best $30 I ever spent. I never tried using it on steel cases though. I later upgraded to a single stage press. I don't think I'll ever need a fancier rig than that.

OP: After doing what JYD said, find the bore slugging tutorial at
www.7.62x54r.net
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Billofthenorth1
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Re: lee classic loader help

Post by Billofthenorth1 »

Slug your barrel if you haven't already. That will give you a better idea of what bullet diameter you need. I believe Lee sells different diameter decappers or you can get a tool that expands the neck a smidge to aid in bullet seating.

The classic loader can be a good kit if you are just doing small batches of ammunition. I usually only load 25 - 30 rds at a time. Beware of the primers going off when you insert them as directed. The 54r is the only round I've had that problem with so I just use their auto-prime.
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