The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I've been using the Lee Precision 50th Anniversary Reloading Kit. It's a bit intimidating at first and the instructions are a collection of various suggestions for how to use the different products. The single stage is easier to load rifle rounds instead of the turrets. There's no one way to load ammo, so it's a process of trial and error (hopefully not too big of an error) at the range to determine what works and how much work you're willing to put into it. The set comes with a precise scale and the powder measurer/loader. Now you have to figure out how to use each and when. If you don't follow the steps in the correct order, then you'll end up with a bad bullet so practice makes perfect.

It took me a long time to figure out how best to use this after reading numerous conflicting instructions and YouTube videos. Here's my current process. I also bought an additional set of breech locks (90600) for each of the Lee dies. Other items that are helpful is a caliper and loading trays.

1. Wipe down the case with thin layer of lube. Too much will cause lube dents. Lube the neck of the case (LP90006) with a Qtip.

2. Deprime and resize the case using the resize die. The Lee press catches the spent primer with the inserted feeder "chuck". To set any of the dies, you lower the press arm then screw in the die until it touches the case holder. Raise the handle and turn the die another quarter to half turn then set the locking nut. After it's set, the breech locks make it easy to swap dies.

3. Trim to make sure the brass doesn't exceed the max length. I use the gauge/holder (LP90147) with an electric drill. You'll have to order the set based on the size ammo you're using. Debur the edge with the chamfer tool while the case is still on the drill. Lately, I've been using the Lymen multi-tool. Note: I don't use the quick trim crank because I don't have the quick trim die and the gauge/holder seems to work fine.

4. Seat the primer using the Lee press. There are two feeder sizes for large and small primers. You could also use a hand primer if you need a hand work out. The dispenser usually places the primer into the feeder without having to touch it with your greasy hands. Some people complain about the feeder getting stuck on the case holder but hasn't been an issue with me yet. This could happen if the feeder holder is bent.

5. Charge the case with powder using the measurer (90058). The dispenser is marked in CC (volume) and the scale is marked in grains (weight), so you will have to make the conversion based on the density of the powder you're using or you could use trial and error until you figure out what works. Usually what I do is use the scale to verify the grain and reverify every five rounds dispensed.

6. Seat the bullet (to the cannelure if available) using the seating die. For each, I lower the handle until it touches the bullet, then I lower all the way.

7. Crimp the bullet using the crimping die. The four leaves should almost touch giving a slightly noticeable line around the neck of the case.

8. Insert round into rifle and enjoy.

I deprime prior to cleaning, using the Lee Universal Depriming Die. My primer pockets get cleaned, and my resizing die is free to perform only that one single task instead of also removing the spent primer. This helps immensely, especially if you get an off-center flash hole which can bend and break your pin. It also smooths out the resizing process as well as you don't have the case trying to shift off center in an attempt to line up with the depriming pin.

That's a good point. Last time, I did deprime before cleaning but you run the risk of crapping up the expander pin with the carbon inside the case. I've seen it done both ways on videos.

I have both the Lee pocket loaders "Classic Loader" & my single stage press & dies for each round I load.

I use the classic decapping pin to decap my cases & then run them through the cleaning process, then I'll resize & load accordingly.
I do it this way to keep my dies & what not in the best shape I possibly can.

I've been using the spray lube on the cases and have been quite happy with it. When I was "rolling" them, seemed that I'd always wind up with too much lube and would dent at least one or two pieces of brass every time. With the spray it's pretty much impossible to do that and I haven't had a problem since. I get one tray setup, spray the lube and then setup another tray and spray it. By the time the 2nd tray is done, the first is "dry" and ready for the press.

Rklapp wrote:That's a good point. Last time, I did deprime before cleaning but you run the risk of crapping up the expander pin with the carbon inside the case. I've seen it done both ways on videos.

The Universal depriming die is a straight pin, no expander ball since it's used on all calibers, just change out the shell holder. And there's no carbon once I clean them, I use the stainless steel pin wet method, clean and shiny inside and out.