Lee Loader Kit for .45-70: Inexpensive and Easy
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2014
- The Lee Loader Kit is a great way to load on a budget and its portability is a tremendous benefit for loading anywhere! All you need is the kit, a plastic hammer, and your reloading components.
ALWAYS follow the four gun safety rules:
1) Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
2) Never point the muzzle at anything you do not wish to destroy.
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot.
4) Always know your target and what is behind it.
Here is a video on the safety rules. • Basic Firearms Safety:...
Thank you for this information. Concise, detailed, clear and to the point. And thank you for getting all this information together in your head first before starting the video. Several guys I’ve watched on this subject were stumbling all over themselves. Made the experience quite frustrating, but that is not the case with this video. Thank you.
Thanks so much. I appreciate the compliment, especially since I generally have a tendency to ramble on and on. 😂 I try not to, but I just seem to generally talk a lot, so I'm glad I was able to keep it together in this video! Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season!
As a fairly experienced reloader, I have to say- excellent job. Very detailed & not any fluff. I didn’t know Lee had come out with this. I use Lee equipment (I know a lot of people consider Lee to be subpar- but it isn’t) and have never had a safety issue. I can load rounds that shoot sub- moa, so the equipment results speak for themselves. I did start with Lee figuring if I stuck with the hobby, I’d upgrade equipment. Never saw the need to upgrade. Really good video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
will s Thank you. Lee has actually been making these for quite some time. Great little kit for the reasons mentioned in the video. I appreciate you watching and the kind comment. Have a good one..
Now you're bringing back memories! Using the little Lee Loader, I've loaded: 9MM, .38Spl, .45ACP, ..308, and .25-06.
Jim Hovater It's a great little kit, and muh appreciated by those who own them. Will it replace my presses? No, but that's not really its niche. Have a good one!
I began reloading with a Lee Loader in 9MM in 1980. Primers were $1/card, 500 hard cast 125gr RNLs were $20. My 'bench' was a 12-inch piece of 2x10. I used WD-40 for case lube because it was what I had. I still remember the first time a primer detonated when I was seating it! Ahhh! The good ol' days!
Jim Hovater Hahah! Scary stuff! I remember loading shotshels for my dad when I was like, 12 years old. He sat me down at the bench for about 15 minutes for a lesson, and turned me loose. He must have been crazy, but he never had a bad round! Have a good one.
JunkfoodZombie I recall a scene in 'Quigley Down Under' where Tom Selleck's character used some sort of handheld reloading tool. I know it wasn't a Lee, but I recall Lyman making a handheld press that was similar.
Jim Hovater Yeah. They made some pretty great stuff back then.
Jim, you brought up a very important point about primers detonating when using the Lee kit. It usually occurs with beginners and normally becomes less of a problem as you become more familiar with the tools. Zombie should have brought up in the video that you should NEVER install/seat primers with an open container of powder anywhere near the area where you are reloading! There is an old saying in the pyrotechnics community about accidents; " It's not a matter of IF you will have an accident, but WHEN you will have an accident!" An accident with reloading WILL happen from time to time and you must take steps to avoid it or minimize the seriousness of it! So again, NEVER have an open container of powder anywhere near the loading area!!!!! I hope that helps.
I have a RockChucker press and didn't even know this little loader kit existed. I have the Lee Hand Loader that you use with regular reloading dies. This little handy-dandy kit appears to be the grits!!! I am going to order one as soon as I'm finished thanking you for this great tutorial. Thanks.
bigoledude1 Awesome. Glad this was so helpful and you enjoyed it. Thanks for the kind comment. Have a good one!
Good review of the Lee Classic Loader,
One point about the bullet seating. It tells you the C.O.L. (Case Overall Length) on the reloading data card that comes with the kit. So you can use an analog or digital caliber to measure your Case Overall Length and set the bullet seater.
Your Boxer is adorable! Thank you for your video.
Grace and Peace 😊
Thank you. Sadly, we lost her (the Boxer) just under 5 years ago. We lost another Boxer and a Collie last year. I do currently still have one Boxer who is still young and doing well. Thanks for watching and peace to you as well.
@@JunkfoodZombieGuns I am sorry for your losses and grateful that you have one young ’un carrying the torch. My pleasure on watching your videos. Have a terrific weekend!
The crimping is more consistent if you flip it opposite of the orientation that is demonstrated here.
That way there is a heavier weight coming down directly on the bullet head and casing rather than a lighter weight force moving from the primer end to the bullet end.
Just my two cents. Less wobbly that way, too.
AlterMannCam I have tried it that way since this video was filmed and yes, that way is a little more effective. I was just demonstrating the method that is shown in the factory instructions. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@JunkfoodZombieGuns either way, it crimps! as long as it works! happy shooting my friend.
AlterMannCam And you as well!
Great video, the socket idea is brilliant! Lee should be sponsoring you. I was going to sell my kit and buy dies from my press, it doesn't work without a flare on cast. I was frustrated till I saw your video. Thanks man!
Roger Pilon So happy I helped you out. That's why I do this,. Not the money and the fame, because TH-cam has brought me neither. Haha! Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it greatly.
Nice video on the Lee Loader…and the loading on location is an extra plus...
I find the price and portability are the greatest advantages to this little loading kit. Great for anywhere you have a solid surface to work on. Even at the in-laws' house! :D
Great Job. I started with one of those in 1968, for my Winchester 30-30. Still have the loader. Traded off the rifle. Stupid move. That was my very first "High Powered Rifle". Took a lot of grief from the 30-06----300 Magnum Guys, but NEVER had a deer out run those .30-30 bullets. Are a LOT of deer helping raise three sons. Lol.
Ralph Hix For some reason, everybody thinks they need a 20mm cannon to humanely kill a deer nowadays. That's nonsense. The .30-30 may not be the best for 500 yard shots on the western plains, but for most people, in many, many places, she will certainly do the job. Thanks for watching. Stay safe.
i love the little Lee loaders it amazed all my friends that I could load such accurate ammo with one of these little kits for my 22-250 it was so much fun that I bought a press and trimmer and scales and now i load most all of my ammo for handguns and my centerfire rifles
Steven DeAtley Awesome! Always good to hear about somebody taking up the hobby. Have a good one and enjoy it!
Excellent presentation, very informative! Thank you!!
Best demonstration of the Lee Loader Kit so-far. Thanks for a great video.
Wow. Thank you. That's a very kind comment. I appreciate you watching and I'm glad I was able to help you out. I try to make most of my videos to help inform or educate people in some way. Of course, I try to do some fun ones once in a while. All work and no play..... Have a good one. Be safe!
Thanks Man,...I'm sending this video to a friend of mine,.to get him started reloading.
Awesome. Thanks and stay safe!
I tell you...had already bought it and didn't know a thing..really appreciate it..no instructions...this tells me what I need to know..with price nowadays from 50 to 90 bucks per 20, pretty expensive..thanks again...
Happy to help. Stay safe!
Finally did it..got 6 done before I stopped..first couple were slow..last ones went pretty quick....think it's dialed in ..nasty weather tomorrow be good for staying inside..thnx again
@@hotliks40 Awesome. Keep it up and stay mindful of your charges! Stay safe and have fun!
That was perhaps one of the most informative videos I have seen. You kept your head together and answered my questions as they came up.
Thanks
Thank you very much. I appreciate that a lot. I am happy I was able to help.
Great informative video. Clear and enough detail to follow what you were doing but you also stayed focused and didn’t add a bunch of unnecessary information. Watched several videos to learn to do this and settled on your video to follow along with the first few rounds.
Awesome! I'm glad it helped you out. I can get a bit verbose at times, but I managed to keep that under control in this video, I guess. 😁
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Stay safe out there!
I have been shooting and reloading for over forty years. You are a pleasure to learn and listen to. Thank you and well done.
Thanks so much. Your comment is particularly kind. Have a good one and stay safe!
No problem, I appreciate the honesty. I will look around, I am sure I will find some info somewhere...Thanks again!
Thanks for showing this, and explaining.
+stewart00311 No problem. Thanks for watching and commenting. Sorry it took so long. I never got the notification. Just happened to stumble across your comment. Thanks again. Have a good one!
Great video!! Just picked up my Marlin 1895 SBL a few months ago. Now I will get a Lee Loader. Didn't know it could be so easy to reload. Thank you.
No problem! The .45-70 is a great cartridge to reload for and is very versatile. A nice reloading press really speeds things along, but this little kit will get you going for just a few bucks. Just be sure to follow proper load data. A dipper of one powder can be fine, and a dipper of another powder could blow up your gun and seriously hurt you. Be sure to buy a reloading manual and read it! Have a good one!
Glad I came across your video, thanks for sharing
tito yamehtha Thank you for watching and thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I show this video to my friends who are Interested in reloading. This is my example of 'it can start this easy..' thank you for making this video! It is super well done!
Much appreciated! Thanks so much. I'm glad it has been helpful to people. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a good one!
Thank you. Very informative. Helped me decide where to start out with reloading 45-70. I will purchase that kit.
Happy to help! Good luck with it, and enjoy it. Let me know how it goes for you.
Purchased this because of your video. Works great!
Rockin' G Ranch Awesome! Glad to hear it. Hope you enjoy many rounds of quality shooting enjoyment! 😊
Great video thank you for taking the time to do this.
James Kent No problem. It was fun. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very well done video. Thank you.
MormonAll Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Have a good one.
Man you did a great Job on your video!! Flawless I thought. Never knew they even made such a thing! I have put one in my cart on amazon, thank you very much,very well done !!!
The Big Fellar Well, thanks for taking the time to comment. I am glad this video helped you out.
Good job! I appreciate the safety caveats, too.......some videos gloss over that aspect.
Thank you very much. I appreciate the comment, and the view. Have a good one and stop by the channel to see other good stuff.
Very cool . I would really like to get into reloading and like you said it's a great beginner kit . Thanks
Zac Brink No problem. I just recently got some .45-70 dies to use in my single stage press, but this kit is still great for the range, or garage, or living room, friend's house, etc. Thanks for watching. Have a good one.
Hey dude, I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Super thorough and informative. I especially liked your explanation on the dipper. 💪🏽 oh, I’m going to do some of my own testing and measurements to see how accurate my kit will be but I’m definitely stoked. PS dig the shirt brother. 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Thanks. I appreciate the comment. Stay safe and have fun!
I think this may be the very best of the Lee loaders videos. I love mine. I have regular presses but also have the Lee loader for all my 45-70s, 30-06s and my 1894 44 mag. Great job. One thing as others have mentioned, I turn the whole thing upside down for the crimping (dacapping chamber down). Again, great video!
Thanks. Appreciate it!
Flaring the case mouth with the socket is a pretty slick idea. Thanks for the tip.
DoughboyJonesmk2 No problem. When I got the kit, I realized they didn't provide the flaring tool, which you can purchase separately. I was in the garage wondering what I could use, and my eyes fell upon a socket and I thought, "That's perfect!" Ended up working pretty well. Not trying to keep people from buying the tool from Lee, but I'd rather pay an extra $5 for the kit and have it already in there. If you use plated or jacketed bullets with a tapered or rounded heel, then flaring isn't as necessary. Thanks for watching. Hope you subscribe so you can be updated on the new videos as I post them. Have a good one, and safe shooting!
JunkfoodZombie I tend to find deals on ebay and I didn't want to pay for shipping for just a little flaring tool, so that works out great.
DoughboyJonesmk2 Cool. I'm glad it helped you out!
Thanks mate, that was very informative. Much appreciated.
Happy to help. I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and have a good one.
You answered more questions than I had to start with. Great video
Happy to be of some help. Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know. Have a good one!
Well done video.
I started reloading in the late '70's on a Lee Loader. I don't think that there is a better tool to learn on. It is simple and you go from step to step, so you learn exactly what you are doing.
Now I use a progressive and load several rifle and several handgun calibers, but the Lee Loader is still on the shelf if I need it.
Dale Coy I agree. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. Stay safe.
Great video and straight shooting info!
Lee Loaders were my first kits and I have one for each of my calibers.
I think they are highly overlooked by many established reloaders. They fill a great niche. They are a bit slower than other methods, but the versatility and portablility are great selling points that Lee should really be pushing. Maybe this video will help them sell more units. I would hate to see them stop making these. Thanks for watching and I always appreciate it when people make comments. The feedback helps me to improve my videos so that people will enjoy them more and/or find them useful.
I used the LEE Hand Press when I was at the range working up a load. I was quicker with the Lee Loader when loading 3-5 rounds then constantly swapping out dies in the Hand Press.
No problem! And I don't comment often. Not many You Tubers are as down to Earth, as the few I watch.
Be safe!
Jerry Howell Thanks Jerry. That "down to Earth" comment is appreciated. You'll find that I am more of a no-frills, no BS kinda guy. Not into glitz and glam and when I buy something firearms or 4x4 related, I tend to prefer function over form. If I get something that works great AND looks good, that's bonus! I try to be straightforward and honest when I do videos and I appreciate other channels that do like GunSense, Hickok45 and TNOutdoors9. Just good, honest people. I've rambled enough....Thanks again, and you be safe as well!
Excellent video
Thank you sir!
damn, you can do that pretty quick. thinking of geting one of these kits for my hunting rifle.
Might want one now. Great video 👍
Thanks. I hope it helped you out. Have a good one.
Great idea using that socket instead of buying a flare tool.... I bookmarked this :) Thanks for sharing
Thanks. Glad to help. Of course, the effectiveness of this method depends on the casing and socket sizes, but most calibers should be doable. Thanks for the comment. Have a good one, and stay safe.
Great video and tutorial.
Thanks so much for the compliment. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the comment regarding dipping vs scooping. I am new to reloading, just purchased my kit, and am waiting for it to arrive. That is something that I have not heard in any of the videos that I have watched. I would hope that it would be in some of the manuals that I have purchased. Thanks again great video and information.
scottpaic I don't have the Lee manual, but seeing that they make the scoops, they likely mention it in there. I believe they also mentuon it in the instructions to the loader kits, and maybe even their dies (since they come with a dipper), but I don't have any of those with me right now, so don't quote me on that... Thanks for watching. Have a good one.
Great video, nice info n straight up what we want to know
Thanks. I appreciate that. It's nice when someone appreciates my efforts. Stay safe out there.
Cool video! I had no idea that such portable and simple options were available. :)
Renzor the Red Thanks, man. I am happy to know I helped you out. Have a good one!
This is the way to go without spending a ton of money and with limited work area. Work slowly and enjoy the process.
Yessiree! While it would be a bit painstaking for loading my more high-volume stuff, it is perfect for what I use it for. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a good one.
Very good job.
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback. Happy new year!
Very nice video.
DrewThomas Arnal Thank you, kindly. I hope it was helpful. Stay safe!
thank you
You are quite welcome!
Excellent video! Wish I had seen it 06/21/15....Before I spent almost $400.00 on reloading "stuff"....And it's not like I did not know better....The very first cartridge I ever reloaded and then shot out of my very first "modern" center fire deer rifle was loaded with a Lee Loader.....Almost 45 years ago....A 30-30 fired from a early 1970s edition Model 94. The rifle is long gone....But somehow that Lee Loader has managed to follow me everywhere I've lived since then and I'm looking at it as I type!
FD Mackey They are quite handy! And in the case of calibers I don't have set up for my press, or that I don't load a ton of, it works wonderfully. The portability is an invaluable attribute as well. I'm happy you enjoyed the video. I have quite a few others and am always making more. If you like them, subscribe to the channel so you can keep up with all the stuff I do. Check my most recent video to hear what I have planned. It's a really small channel, but I try to give people something worthwhile to watch. Thanks so much for watching. I always appreciate feedback in the comments as well, so that is also appreciated. Have a good one and safe shooting!
JunkfoodZombie....Agreed! And to make matters worse after a fashion, I just located the SECOND Lee Loader I purchased way back when....In 45ACP!
FD Mackey
That's like finding money in your pocket. Always a pleasant surprise. Have a good one.
Thanks so much JunkfoodZombie! Yes sir, it is chambered in 30-30. I do understand using the brass shot in my rifle, however my concern was Lee not recommending use with a lever action. Thanks so much for your response, and you were a tremendous help! Stay safe and keep the videos coming!
Donovan Murray No problem. I would contact Lee Precision and ask them specifically. They may hazve better info. Remember, I am using it for .45-70, which is not a bottleneck case. I can only give my own personal experience.
My advice to anyone starting out with hunting in mind is to buy a Ruger American in 308 (Nikon prostaff 3-9 bdc) along with a lee loader and 5lbs RL-15 with 500 core lokt 165 grain bullets. Shoot often on paper and keep the cost down. 2-3 years later you'll be where you need to be and can make use of more specialized cartridges. I've been loading since 1973 and that's what I would do today starting out.
Chas R Martel Thanks for the comment. Stay safe!
Chas R Martel. Charlemagne ? Man you must be ooooold.
Great video and well done. I can just imagine that the old cowboys would have loved to have on of those in their saddle bag! I load everything from 45 Colt to 416 Rem Mag so Just bought the set of dies and rocked on. Might have to buy one of those just to blow some friends minds out in the field when hunting ;-)
Henry Cole Stage Thanks for the compliment. I would love to see the look on your friend's faces when you whip that out. I appreciate you watching and commenting. Have a good one.
Great video.
Thank you sir. And thank you for watching as well. Always appreciate feedback from the audience. Hope you'll stick around for more of my videos. Thanks again!
You have a knack for doing educational vids. I'll subscribe to that.
Guy Braget Thanks. That's very kind of you. I appreciate your support. Stay safe!
Nice detail. Thanks :-)
L Krueger No problem. Thanks for watching.
Hello from Canada!
Great video My husband grew up with single shots and it won't be
long before he has a .4570.
The lever guns are too much money and he hunts with a bolt action.
He likes the audio because he is KIND OF DEAF!
Margaret Schaff Thanks for the comment! Hope things are good up there in Canada land. 😊 Just curious as to why lever guns are expensive up there. They are pretty affordable here. I bought this rifle used for about $450. It's in beautiful shape. Your husband should Love the .45-70. It's my favorite! Thanks for watching, and stay safe!
Nice instructional ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Love it! Thanks for the info. Subbed!
Rockin' G Ranch Thanks. I appreciate it. Happy to help.
Great vid. I think I've found a new hobby.
donagreg99 Thanks. I appreciate you watching and always appreciate comments. This kit is inexpensive, but you still need brass, bullets, primers, powder, etc. Your best bet is to buy (or borrow, if you can) a reloading manual and just start reading. It will give you a good idea what you will be getting yourself into. Best of luck. Check out my other reloading videos to see a progressive press in all its glory. :) Have a great day!
I want a 45/70 more than I want to take another breath. Cool video man.
If you reload, it's an amazing caliber. You can load from mild to wild. You won't regret it.
+JunkfoodZombie Cool. Thanks for the advice. My next gun will be a 45/70 and I will definitely reload.
+littleteethkeith Any time. Be sure to check out my three-part reloading safety series!
+JunkfoodZombie Will do.
Nice vid! Very good info.
I see some Deicide and reloading in my future. 🤘🏻
Rock on! Metal forever!
🤘😊🤘
Awesome!!! thx for sharing! Now I will start reloading thx to your vid.
utube7111961 It's a great hobby, but one in which much care must be taken. Mistakes can cause great physical harm and could even be deadly. Not trying to scare you or anything, just speaking caution. I recently uploaded a three part series about reloading safety. Be sure to check them out, and ALWAYS read the safety section of whatever reloading manual(s) you buy. Best of luck. For great advice on reloading, I suggest checking out the TH-cam channel FortuneCookie45LC. He probably forgot more about reloading than many people can remember. Have fun and be safe!!!
JunkfoodZombie Thx! Do you trim your cases that you have already shot with?
utube7111961 At Lee they told me I would have to trim my cases even with this Lee Loader Kit. Also what powder do you recommend?
utube7111961
I don't trim pistol brass or any straight-walled case like the .45-70, unless it stretches, and pistol brass just doesn't stretch. For rifle brass, I check to make sure the measurement is under the maximum allowable length and only trim them when 1) They are over length, or 2) I am making ammo to be used for the best accuracy. For .223, a lot of the shooting I do is standing and moving, so it doesn't need to be super-accurate. For benchresting for groups, consistency is of the utmost importance. As far as powder, it depends on the cartridge, your gun, and your needs. Power and accuracy are not directly linked and depending on what you do with those loads, the data will vary.
JunkfoodZombie Thank you for your quick response and info!!!
Great video. I would suggest adding the Lee case length gauge and shell holder, plus the matching cutter and lock stud which would allow the reloader to trim the cases for more firings. It's probably less than $10 extra for parts that would give you better ammo over the long run.
Thermopylae2007 Those are all good suggestions. Thanks for the comment!
Brilliant!!!
Got a classic Lee loader for 303 7.62x54r and 38/357
Interesting little kit, I load on a single stage personally. But then again I load five different calibers.
Matter of Facts Podcast I also have a Rock Chucker single stage and a Dillon 550 progressive. This little kit dors have some advantages though. Thanks for commenting. Have a good one.
I own three of these loaders in 243 308 and 30-30 I just use them as range loader so I can tweak my loads I ha e a Lee single stage press I use also I like the Lee classic loader
cody rounsaville It's a great little kit. Thaks for commenting. Have a good one!
Great video. Simple and straight forward. I've seen other videos where they clean their brass before reloading it. How many times have you reloaded your 45-70 casings before giving them a good cleaning? Is it important to clean them? Thanks in advance
It isn't necessary to clean brass after every firing. I generally do though, just to make my dies last longer and because I've got OCD. XD Even carbide dies will last longer if you don't allow any dirt to contaminate them. Clean brass is also less likely to get stuck in a sizing die (more common with bottleneck rifle cartridges.) It also depends on how clean your powder burns and where you are shooting. Any brass that hits the ground may get dirt or sand, etc, stuck to it. If your brass only has some powder residue and no abrasive debris, you really don't have to worry. In this video, I wanted to show how you can just shoot a round and immediately reload it anywhere with this kit. This kit also only neck-sizes the cases, so the whole body of the case isn't resized. Hope this helped...and didn't confuse you. :) Thanks for watching. Check out my other videos and subscribe if you like them or if they help you out.
Try crimping the other way. Base in decapper mount, tap the crimp onto it. Much better result and per Lee instructions. Well done tho.
+Lauren Connor I have tried both ways, and neither seemed ideal, though they both worked well enough. I just went out and bought a Lee factory crimp die for the .45-70 and throw it in my Rock Chucker to finish off the rounds. Thanks for the comment and have a good one!
pow-mia never forget
Thanks for getting back to me. I'm just looking to be able to load a little hotter than factory. Shopped around online and one add said that it's not recommended for lever actions. Said kit neck sizes only? Anyway thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
Yes, the kit only neck sizes, but if you are reloading brass that has been shot in the rifle you are loading for, it should work just fine. I use it all the time for my lever action and I have no problem with feeding. Of course, chamber sizes vary and the hotter the load you have, the tighter the fit will be in the chamber if it is only neck sized. For the cheap price, I find it is a very valuable little kit to have.
Thanks again Mr. JunkfoodZombie for an excellent video! I have had great results with this kit loading for my 270 bolt action. I was wondering if this would work on a remlin 336w. It would be low volume trying to dial in a good hunting load. Do you think this kit would work for that purpose, or would you recommend a press and a full sizing and a crimping dye?
Donovan Murray Is your 336 chambered in .30-30? I believe it should be fine, but there are two concerns. One, Since the kit only neck sizes, you will want to use the kit on brass that has been fired from THAT rifle, so you know the brass will chamber easily. (That's on the condition that the brass extracted easily from the rifle). Brass fired from other rifles may or may not work, depending on how large those other chambers are compared to yours. Safest bet, reload factory ammo that has been shot from your rifle. Secondly, bullet type. Since we don't flare the mouth of bottleneck cartridges, you need to be sure that if you use a cast bullet, that the base is either a boat tail, or rounded, otherwise, you might have issues seating them as cast bullets tend to be a thousandth or two larger than jacketed. Plus, hammering in a cast bullet could deform the nose, making accuracy akin to a musket. Haha. If you have a press, you can get a set of Lee dies for it for about the same price as the loader kit. With dies and a press, you have the benefits of a smoother, easier process, with more precision and easier adjustability. With the Loader kit, you have the great benefit of portability, so you can load up everything you need in a small pouch and load up just about anywhere. The obvious choice is buy both! BUT, if you have to pick one, go with whichever you think would work best for you. Tweaking loads at the range or on a trip? The kit is your best friend. Gonna basically load everything at home? The press and dies make life easier.
Well, I am glad to have been absolutely useless for you. Haa! Kidding. Hope that helped make your decision just a bit easier. Have a good one, and I hope you aren't 90 by the time you finish reading this!
I just want to say thank you for taking the time for great Instructions. I am just getting into this and I am wondering if I can use any large rifle primer when reloading or does the brand of primer have to match the casing manufacture?
Nathan Thanos You do not need to match primers and case manufacturers. Whatever reloading manual you have will tell you the primers they used for the loads. Basically, you have large and small pistol primers, and large and small rifle primers. There are also magnum versions of those primers. Your reloading manual will tell you if magnum primers were used. Certain cartridges with certain powders do better with magnum primers. My manual uses small pistol magnum primers in .357 Magnum with W296 powder and H110 powder, but regular small primers for other powders. Primers from different manufacturers may differ slightly in their burn characteristics which is why you always start testing your loads at the minimum charge and work your way up while keeping an eye out for pressure signs. ALWAYS refer to a reloading manual or data published on powder manufacturers websites for legitimate loading data. Keep in mind, different manuals often differ on powder charge weights, so if you have more than one manual, it is often wise to start at the lower minimum charge when starting with a new cartridge, new brand of primers, or a new lot # (or jar) of powder. Hope this helps. Check out my reloading safety videos and if you like what you see, subscribe to the channel and tell your friends. I'm always making more videos. Have a good one and BE SAFE!!!!!
Good video. I’ve bought the components for .308, and this Lee Loader will be purchased later this month. Nice to find another video on this loader I haven’t seen yet, thanks to FortuneCookie45LC. This will also be my first venture into reloading. I don’t shoot a boatload of .308, but this will cut the cost in half.
FortuneCookie is good people. One of my favorite channels. He is such a humble guy with a TON of knowledge. Glad you liked the video. I appreciate you watching. I do more than reloading, so check out any of my videos you think will be interesting and let me know what you think. Have a good one, and be safe.
FortuneCookie called me out in one of his videos a year or so ago. He does have a lot of knowledge and puts it out there well. I subbed to you.
gapster46
Thank you. I really appreciate that. If you enjoy the stuff, share it with others so they can benefit as well. Have a good weekend. I'll be doing some stuff from the NRA show tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Nice video 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 but lee should sell this tool, completely with the neck sizing tool and take a buck or so more for the complete set ;-) i love your channel very much 👍
WaschyNumber1 I agree. I know they are trying to keep the cost down, but something to flare the case mouth could be made inexpensive enough that its impact on the kit's cost would be entirely minimal, specially in cartridges like the 45-70, which are very often loaded with lead projectiles. I can see them leaving it out of kits for bottleneck rifle cartridges, but straight walled cartridges, or those often used with lead bullets should contain one. Thank you for the comment and the compliments. Have a great day.
Revisiting. Also need a dial caliper just to be sure. This idea is great for a hunting cabin scenario. I think stick with the old style bullets and this might work best ?
If you use jacketed bullets, you can skip the mouth flaring step. Perfect for a hunting cabin, as you said.
Yes, you're right and the flaring is a delicate step.
I use the same kit for mine . Does your rifle have the aggravatin micro groove rifling? For that reason I use a 405gr flat nose with a hollow base. I just wish the hoarders would let up so I could get some reloader 7. My favorite. Imr 4198 is good too but like you I ain't putting out no load data. Thanks for the video.
+357bullfrog No problem. Thanks for watching and commenting. I don't mind Microgroove barrels. As long as the bullet is properly sized, and the proper hardness, you're good to go. I slugged my barrel at .458, so having a bullet at least .460 in diameter is a necessity. I would even go .461 and feel okay about it. Yeah, I only have a little RL7 and wish I could find more! Have a good one. Thanks again for watching, and be safe!
Great video. Question, All standard 45-70 rounds can be reloaded, except the lever revolution? Just purchasded a henry all weather 45-70. Thanks
Marty G Thanks. While the Leverevolution can be reloaded, I believe you need to use the Hornady dies, but don' quote me on that. Best advice I can give is to contact Hornady directly and they should be quite helpful. I would think that a standard resizing die would bottom out before getting the case mouth down to the proper dimension. Standard bullet seating dies and crimping would probably be fine, but like I said, Hornady would be the best source of advice. I just avoid buying that ammo to make my reloading of that caliber less complicated. Thanks again for watching and commenting. Sorry I didn't have the best answer, but I prefer to be honest with you rather than feed you BS trying to sound like a know-it-all. Have a good one.
I'm using Hodgdon H335 with a 300hp for the 45-70. I've seen all measurements of grains from 48 all the way up to 61. I've loaded up my rounds with about 52-54 grains since I've seen comments about mild rounds with 47-49 grains of H335
Thanks for the info. All the world's indeed a stage, and we are merely players. Performers and portrayers.... ;)
some more info on using H335 is that it has quite a heavy kick. With a 300gr bullet they advise to start 10% less powder than normal loads
+geddyleefan Heavy kick and the .45-70 go together like peanut butter and chocolate. :)
hey what kind of powders are you using with your 45-70 loads?
I have tried IMR4064, Trail Boss, IMR 4198, Accurate 2015, and Reloder 7. All work just fine. Haven't tested accuracy with them yet though.
Great video, very helpful!
I just started using the lee loader for my 1895. I'm having trouble with maintaining the minimum coal. The collar is set to seat the bullet at 2.250, however at that depth the crimp ring on the bullet is higher than the case neck. On crimping it ALWAYS seats the bullet deeper right to ring on the bullet. I'm consistently getting 2.210-2.230 using cast bullets after crimping... Is this a problem? Could it be the bullet? Any insight would be great, thanks.
Depends on the bullet. The COAL will change with different bullets. Rule of thumb is, if it has a crimp groove, seat the bullet to the groove and crimp it there. ALWAYS start with a minimum charge and check for pressure. Hope that helps!
Fun to watch. is the 45-70 a straight wall shell?
+Lion Silver I believe it is technically a tapered case, but for all intents and purposes, it's pretty much treated like a straight walled case. When full-length sizing, it is basically necessary to lube the cases simply because they are so large. Keep in mind, the Hornady LeveRevolution ammo has shorter brass, so they are inconvenient to reload unless you use Hornady dies and take special precautions. Thanks for watching. Catch you later!
Good video. I am nervous about hammering on the business end of a 45-70 round. Comments?
As long as you use the kit properly, it is very safe. Just be mindful when working with live primers. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video. Pretty sure I'm going to buy the kit now. I'm sure somebody else asked this and I just missed it but on the lee site it says not for lever actions. Do you know why they say that?
Not sure, honestly. I just looked at the instructions in the kit and it doesn't mention it anywhere. It does say that it may not work well for autoloaders. You could always call Lee and ask, but this is how I always load them and never have any problems. I'm not the only one either. I have seen others use this kit for .45-70 as well. Sorry that I don't have a better answer for you. Thanks for watching and commenting. I always appreciate feedback.
+JunkfoodZombie it's ok. You've still convinced me. Great video thanks again.
+MrRyts123 No problem. And thanks again. Hope you subscribe so you can keep up with the channel.
Great video. I use these kits for 357 and 9mm but have not used it for 45-70. I haven't done a thorough search yet but I can't seem to find the crimp tool you're using. Any help in locating one would be extremely helpful.
mikemild13 Not sure exactly which crimp tool you mean. I am crimping using the tool that came with the kit. It's the opposite side of the resizing end. The rifle and pistol kits are a little different from each other, and maybe that is what is leading to the confusion? Thanks for watching. Sorry I didn't have a better answer.
JunkfoodZombie that makes sense. I haven't used the rifle kit so I'm guessing it's a little different. Or maybe I need to read the instructions! Thank your for the quick reply.
mikemild13 Yeah, man. No problem. I appreciate the comments. Have a good one.
great video man. i picked up a marlin 1895 gbl a few months back and have been saving all my brass as it is $65 plus tax for a box of 20 rounds up here in nova scotia. do you need to tumble(clean) your used brass for this type of reloader? thanks
Sixty five dollars?!?! Yikes!!!
That's crazy! Sorry to hear that. As far as tumbling, it depends. If you have only shot the casing a time or two, it should work fine. I usually at least wipe them off. If they are getting grungy, I would tumble them. Best of luck and happy shooting!
I have one in. 303 British which is pretty expensive at our local store but not quite $65 yet although I now have a tumbler I reloaded them for about six or seven years without one just make sure you give the primer pockets a good clean
Hello jfz, my first reloading was with a lee loader for 357 magnum, a little dry lubricant was needed for the sizing.
Interesting. The .45-70 was no problem to size. Thanks for the info. Could help somebody out. Have a good one!
I'm curious but you didn't flare the case with lead cast? If it just takes a little bit of dry lube then I'll save myself a expander die and buy the size lubricant
if you can seat a bullet without shaving lead of,you dont need to flare the case.
there `s a flaring tool in the lee loader set,
the expander is in the lee 3 die set but not the classic reloader set
+geddyleefan in some lee loader sets is a flaring tool included .in a manual 1979 it cost 1.50 usd if sold separately, the lee loader is a hand held die set you drive the case and other handling with a hammer into the die ,you are thinking of press die sets. end then you may need a extra flare die for lead bullets
theirs a lyman 310 tool that can also do this a bit more efficiently for this role. its not cheap and its only for generally cowboy calipers, 45/70, 38 357 mag and if you already have a reloading die set, lee makes a unit for 50 dollars that takes standard reloading dies that makes more sense for folks with reloading equipment mabe looking more for a survival reloading setup.
+twilson1118 Thanks for watching, and thanks for the info.
How are you cleaning your brass? What powder do you recommend? You've sold me on getting the re-loader! Now for all the extras...
As far as cleaning brass, it depends on how dirty it is. If it's brass I've just shot and it 's not that dirty, I just throw it in a tumbler with the Lyman green media. (Fantastic stuff). If it's brass picked up at the range that's filthy, I always clean it in the "NRA brass cleaning solution which includes water, vinegar, dish soap, and salt. I use it in a container with a lid so I can shake it every few minutes for a little while. Then I dry it on paper towels on a cookie sheet either in the sun or in an oven. After it's totally dry, it then goes into the tumbler.
As an aside, always inspect your brass before reloading, ESPECIALLY stuff from the range. Never load anything that looks suspicious. If this is your first foray into reloading, get a AT LEAST one good reloading manual. Have fun, and be safe!
Sorry, forgot to answer your powder question. It depends on what caliber. If you are loading .45-70 with it, it depends on what you want from it.
.45-70 can be loaded mild to wild and different powders are better than others for different purposes. Reloder-7 is a good .45-70 powder. If you want nice, light plinking loads, Trail Boss is a great choice. Can make a .45-70 feel like a .410 shotgun. Most important thing with Trail Boss is NEVER compress the powder. As long as you load the case no higher than the base of the bullet, you should be good. A little les works just fine too. Just make sure you load enough to get the bullet out the barrel!!!
Good luck, and stay safe.
@@JunkfoodZombieGuns Thanks.. I just bought a 45-70 and I've found 405gr cowboy loads for $23 box but it would be nice to have a backup! I'd like to have it a little hot than not. I'll pickup a Lee reload guide next time I'm out... I prefer 1 on 1 versus reading any day..Thanks
Have you ever used Hornady brass with the Lee loader?
PHISHY 69 if you are speaking specifically about their leverevolution ammo, no I have not. However, since the .45-70 cartridge headspaces on the rim, I don't think it would be a problem. It should work just fine as long as you adjust the bullet seater to the right depth. Thanks for commenting and watching.
hello sir, I am new in Reloading and I was seating the new primer with my Lee Classic load kit and I saw a pinhole in the new installed primer ,is that normal ? thanks for you time and attention. Your video had help me a lot.
No, sir. There should be no holes or dents in the new primer. It should look exactly the way it does when it comes out of the package. Make sure there is no debris on the primer seating device and double check the instructions, making sure that you are doing everything correctly. Be sure you are wearing eye protection! Be extremely careful. Setting off a round while loading it can be very dangerous, and could cause some very serious injuries. I hate seeing people get hurt doing something they enjoy. Good luck, and stay safe!
@@JunkfoodZombieGuns
Thank you for a great advice , I will be checking and researching more on this .
logcabinlooms does it pretty slick
Yes. I like his channel very much.
Does the chart that it comes with include any black powder loads? I'm looking to load for a trapdoor spingfield and I love bp. :)
Thanks!
Lensflare Deviant No, it does not. If you load a 405 grain cast lead bullet, you would use approximately 70 grains of black powder, but I do not know which one. (FF, FFF, etc.).
I do know that black powder loads must be compressed to be safe and a drop tube is used to help prevent the powder from settling later and creating air space... Wish I could be more helpful, but that's about all I know and wouldn't want to lead you in the wrong direction. I like my viewers to stay in one piece!
JunkfoodZombie No worries, I have reloaded BP before using cornmeal as a filler, I don't know if I'd shoot a full 70 grain load even from a good condition antique but perhaps 60 with some filler. I'd start with 1F myself and only compress enough to fit the round. I don't use a drop tube but instead vibrate the case then shoot the rounds within a day or 3 of loading. I have ordered my loader kit and honestly am looking forward to shooting some 45-70 and if I get a modern repro I'll happily load smokeless too! :)
Lensflare Deviant Good luck. Let us know how it goes!
i have heard mix reviews on the new ones.what is your opinion
Shaun Stackpole It has been two years since I have handled a new Marlin. What I will say is this: immediately after the takeover, their quality was terrible. canted barrels and terrible fit and finish were the norm. However, a few years later, things started looking a bit better. The rifles smoothed out a little bit, and the wood to metal fit was much better. However, two years ago when I went to the NRA show, while noticing how the fit and finish seemed to be very nice, I also noticed that the front sights were canted on the two rifles that I picked up. I can't tell you if the barrel was canted, or just the front sight, but either way, it was both rifles. If those are the rifles that they took to the NRA show then I don't know what to say about the quality in general. However, it was certainly improved from five or so years ago. I would have to look at one now to really have a more current opinion since it has been a couple years. I would say that if you found one in the store and it looked good and felt good, and the barrel and sights were straight, go for it. They seem to be pretty decent overall, they just have a couple quirks you need to watch out for.
Have you experienced any feeding or extraction problems with neck sized shells in your levergun?
I have not, but that is only my experience. Others' experiences may vary by chamber sizes in different rifles.
What to do when you dont find any official reloading data for the components you have?
I have a Lee 500 gr LRN mold that casts 480-485 gr bullets but cant find any reliable load data for the 45/70 with this bullet...
I have not decided which gunpowder I should use, I have a lot of cheap Vihtavuori n110 for my 357 Mag - would love to use this on my rifle load as well, or perhaps the N140? This is also cheap but it seems like most people prefer the N133 or N135 for 45/70 (expensive powder...)
If you don't have a Lee manual, contact Lee since it is their mold. The powders you have may or may not be suitable. I have not used any Vitavouri powders, so I am not very familiar with loads for them. You can also contact Vitavouri and ask them. Their website may have some info as well. Wish I could have been of more help to you. Best of luck.
would it be safe to buy one now?been reading that the quality is better now then when the take over
Shaun Stackpole If you check out the reply I made to you not too long ago, at the end of my comment I kind of answer that. If you handle one in a store, and it feels good, and the sights are straight, go for it. They seem to be quite a bit better now than they were a while ago. If I were me (and I am) I would sesrch the used market for an older one. particularly one before 1992, which is when I believe they added the cross-bolt safety. I just prefer the less cluttered look. My model 1895 is a '94, so it has the safety, but is still a true Marlin. My 336 in .30-30 is an '81 (or '82) and has no safety. Some people prefer the ballard rifling in the newer ones, but I have no problems with the microgrooves yet.
Will that Lee loader kit for 45-70 work for the Hornady LeveRevolution case size as well?
I don't belive that it will work properly for sizing, as the case is a bit shorter.
Just off hand did you make the video at a campground shooting range near Salt Fork lake, OH.
No, sir, I did not. This was shot in east TN.
right on, great video....
+John Titus Thank you. I appreciate the view and the comment. Feedback is always welcome.