The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I finally got the lee classic loader for my m39. I bought it to save money on non corrosive ammo, and also to get into reloading on the cheap. I also wanted some ammo that would be less "hot" so my barrel will last longer. Looking forward to getting to use it, and I'll keep everyone updated.

The most simple and inexpensive of all reloading tools, they work great, remember that they only neck size the fired case so if you shoot more than one Mosin make sure you keep the brass from each one labeled to the rifle it came from.

I use the Lee Loader to swap bullets out in Albanian surplus. I replace them with Speer soft points, makes great hunting ammo for my PSL!

I just used my Lee loader today to neck size some 7.62X54R. When I first started reloading I began with the classic reloader as well. I still have a set in most every caliber I shoot (Except 8X57 & 8X56R ). Keep us updated on your progress.

That's how I started too! The Lee classic and a M39. Used it at the range to cook up the right charges. People looked at me like I was crazy when I statred hammering in primers and the projectile. They of course kept their distance All upgraded now to a single stage system.

i was reading around online about the lee loader, and which powders and bullets are best, when i found something strange. the powder dipper and load info that came with my kit was 3.1cc, which is different than what lee's website parts list says it comes with (a 2.5cc dipper). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLo1_cEFs7o this guys kit comes with the 2.5cc that he substituted out for a 3.1cc. just make me wonder about other peoples lee loaders and what sized dipper came with theirs.

The loader comes with a load data page in it, it lists what powders to use with the Lee dipper that comes with that kit. If you think you have the wrong dipper you can call Lee and ask, other kits may be older, have another size dipper that works with the sheet they come with. Things get updated.

I never relied on the dipper itself. That's where the scale comes in.

When I first attemped reloading, it was with a Lee Loader and the .243 Winchester. I made several successful loads until the cases started to stretch and exceed the overall case length. It quickly became evident to me that I needed to invest in higher quality equipment and spend more time on case cleaning, sizing, trimming and other preparation. I bought a RCBS Rock Chucker press and several other tools and never looked back. You will find that if you want to get into serious reloading, you need to invest in quality equipment and develop your process using an approved manual for your equipment. The Lee "bang 'em with a hammer" loader lasted only a few months for me and I discarded it for better tools.

Lee has some very affordable kits with assorted presses, I like the old classic cast press because it will hold the large size dies, one of the few that will. One good reason to load to lower pressures is to preserve case life a little longer.

Im happy with the kit so far. The load data is appropriate for the dipper, and I prefer the info over that of the 2.5cc dipper. I have now a case trimmer and all the other case prep nessesities. Now for bullets and powder...

So, do people prefer varget or h380 for powders? Ive heard h380 doesn't have good temperature stability and can lack consistent burn rate, but it is more available in my area. What do you guys think?

I found my Lee loader in 7.62x54r last night, I knew I had one, but not what I did with it, I have it with the regular die set for this cartridge. Never used either powder, I use IMR3031 for the current 8mm Mauser and Lebel loads I am making.

Sometimes you just have to use what you can get. I have about 4 pounds of Varget, and it is really excellent powder.

I have some large containers of 40 year old Hercules and red Dot I will have to find a use for.

Just made my first 20 cartridges, and it all went well. I used 42.6 (3.1cc) h4895 powder, Sierra pro hunter 150 grain. 311 bullets, ppu brass and cci large rifle primers. Overall length is 2.958-2.962 (all closer too the longer end.) I'll let you know how they shoot when I can take themm out.

jonnyboy091373 wrote:Just made my first 20 cartridges, and it all went well. I used 42.6 (3.1cc) h4895 powder, Sierra pro hunter 150 grain. 311 bullets, ppu brass and cci large rifle primers. Overall length is 2.958-2.962 (all closer too the longer end.) I'll let you know how they shoot when I can take themm out.

I have shot this load and it was a good one! A little lighter than surplus and accurate too.

Just got back from the range accuracy was great, my reloads shot poa where the new 182 grain ppu shoots 6 o'clock. The reloads were also just a touch more accurate. Now for the problems. I had one hang fire (I'm sure I just didn't seat the primer well) and three of the reloaded cases have indents near the shoulder of the case. Anyone know what causes this? They all seemed to shoot well, just those three cases now look like someone pinched them. Any insight would be most appreciated

Pics of the damage?