MNDuece, the dipper set does have some utility for different loads. One thing to consider, in the 45 Colt cal as well as any other, is that a powder suitable for lower level loads is NOT generally suitable for high end loads with heavy bullets. There can be some overlap, but best results for heavy bullets and higher velocity, you will need a different powder. Conversly, this high end powder doesn't work best with lighter bullets at low velocity. Yes, I know it does complicate the picture to some degree, but you want to build loads that are at different ends of the spectrum, so this is how it works best. The dippers will give you some options for different powders, such as are suitable for heavier loads.

I've been loading for about 30 years, (yes I started out with a Lee loader too) and it is sometimes fun to experiment, but I like to keep things simple, and have had 2 powders for pistol loads for all calibers and all level of loads for most of that time (Unique and 2400).

Great article Marshall.
I wish that I had something like that when I started handloading.
Like most everyone,in those days,I bought a Lyman Nutcracker,and self taught myself by Trial and Error.
I also started with a powder scale;a Wa-Master Reloading Scale,made in Cincinatti,OH,and sold for $12.50.
I also had dippers,some were adjustable,but I felt more comfortable with checking what I was measuring.
Frank

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Frank

Marshall,
I know this tech note was written several years ago. I was just made aware of it through one of the recent threads and wanted to tell you excellent job. People are still benefiting from the work you put into it then. Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge.

This is one of those that keeps cropping up. It is definitely worth it. Marshall, thank you.
I really hope MnDeuce is still around and still reloading. Yeah, the Lee Dippers can be a pain but they do work once you figure out their limitations. I did a bunch of head scratching over them if I recall. I missed out on the Lee Loader and went right to the Lee Hand Press and found that it works rather nicely.

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Be popular? Heck, I have enough friends.
and...
"That way lies madness".

I think its a very good informative article with good picts to boot.Good Job.

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Marshall, I am just getting into reloading and while not taking the extreme budgeting path I have purchased the Lee 50th Anniversary kit which I thought was excellent value for money. The point is that even though the tools I am using are different to your article, what you said has demystified a great deal. I have printed it and put it in a folder for cross referencing with the reloading information from my reloading manuals.

Mate, your article is a little bloody ripper. To use an Australian compliment.

Love to see one with pics about annealing brass.

Cheers

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
-Benjamin Franklin

Pictures (good ones) make the whole process understandable. Picture is worth many words.

really good article. the only question i have so far is, where did you get the case expander tool? It wasn't listed in the items/equipment you used and from what I can tell Lee only sells a die for the job. I plan on reloading 30-30 cast bullets.
Does the case expanding tool accomodate the variety of bullet diameters I might end up using, such as .308, .309, .310?

Last question, does the bullet seater work well with cast bullets? The seater appears to be designed for spitzer or flat nose bullets, which is fine, but what if the bullets are really flat, won't the seater beat them up?

Thanks,

bob

Well done article however I would add a footnote concerning the .45 Colt Leeloader. I believe that it sizes for .454" bullets as any .452" bullet will seat so loose as to make proper ignition of some powders practically impossible. Chronographing some loads with powders such as HS-6 will bear me out....."Ruger loads" with Lil-Gun, W-296 or H-110? Forget it!

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"Five beans in the wheel"

Just had my first go at reloading yesterday and this article made it extremely easy. Based on my experience following the article, I have two minor suggestions. The first would be to mention that expanding case mouths is not necessary for rifle cartridges and in fact the case expanding tool is not included with the Lee kit for rifle calibers. The second would be to move the section on case trimming before the section on priming, since the Lee trimmer is meant to be used with unprimed cases. Thanks again.

From what I've read and experienced, if you don't expand the case mouth for CAST bullets the case mouth shaves off lead. This occurs because cast bullets are usually loaded a couple sizes larger than a jacketed bullet of the same caliber; if I remember correctly I am loading .309 or .310 cast bullets for my 30-30 whereas the jacketed bullets for the same gun are .308.

Good point regarding cast boolits. Lee makes a universal case expanding die, but not anything that would work with the Lee Loader kit, at least as far as I can tell. Anybody know of a flaring tool that doesn't require a press?

jrozes,

Lee makes a expanding tool for some of their handgun Lee Loader kits. They require a hammer, not a die. It's possible that one of the handgun tools will work for a rifle caliber.

As mentioned in a earlier post, I contacted Lee and they happened to have extra expander tools for a 30-30. They had made extras for a custom order. You might want to contact them.

bob

Lyman makes a "M" die that expands the case mouth for loading cast bullets. It's not a universal do all tapered punch but a caliber specific die. Two diameters stepped so the case mouth is opened just enough for the seating of a cast lead bullet.
Don't forget Lyman has been making tooling for casting and loading lead bullets for a very long time, they know what they are doing.

I tell folks to get a Lee C press and the basic die set, but also the factroy crimp die. A decent set of scales with powder funnel type of tray, some good sizing lube system, the M die and a set of digtal calipers. That can get them started, On top of all of this get the Lee or the Lyman Manual.

this is bare bones to me.

Jerry

Great, Very instructional. About to make my first purchase of reloading equipt. and this looks like a winner. Thanks Marshall

Spot on man. The one thing I'd add is that for 35 dollars the Lee Handpress and a set of Carbide dies only totaling 60 bucks gets you almost everything that a bench mount set-up has. I used Lee Classics to start loading in .45-70, .45 Colt and .45 ACP then I got the hand press and use that for a few years. Now I finally built a permanent reloading station and have a bench mount, but I still hang my Hand press for quick set-ups and tests.