Lee Loader - Rifle - The Cheapest Way To Reload

Published on March 25, 2017
Duration: 53:11

The Lee Loader offers an extremely affordable entry into rifle reloading, costing under $30 and requiring only a mallet. It performs neck sizing only, making it suitable for bolt-action rifles but not semi-automatics. Proper bullet diameter (e.g., .311/.312 for Mosin-Nagant) and OAL are crucial for safe and accurate reloads. While basic, essential accessories like calipers and a trimmer significantly improve results.

Quick Summary

The Lee Loader is the cheapest way to reload rifle ammunition, costing under $30 and requiring only a mallet. It performs neck sizing only, suitable for bolt-action rifles. For Mosin-Nagant 7.62x54R, use .311/.312 bullets. Essential accessories include calipers and a case trimmer.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: The Ultra-Cheap Lee Loader
  2. 01:16Rifle Compatibility & Neck Sizing Explained
  3. 05:26Brass Inspection & Decapping Process
  4. 07:49Resizing and Priming Cases
  5. 15:06Powder Charging with Lee Scoop
  6. 18:41Bullet Seating & Achieving Correct OAL
  7. 26:17Range Test: Reloaded Ammo Performance
  8. 28:50Essential Reloading Accessories
  9. 34:46Bullet Diameter & Load Data for Mosin-Nagant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lee Loader and why is it considered the cheapest way to reload?

The Lee Loader is a reloading kit that costs under $30, making it the most affordable entry point for DIY ammunition. It doesn't require a traditional reloading press and uses only a rubber mallet or soft hammer for operation, simplifying the process and reducing initial investment.

What type of sizing does the Lee Loader perform on rifle cartridges?

Rifle Lee Loaders perform neck sizing only. This means they resize the case neck to hold the bullet but do not resize the case body. This is suitable for bolt-action or lever-action rifles but generally not recommended for semi-automatic firearms.

What specific bullet diameter is recommended for reloading 7.62x54R with a Lee Loader for a Mosin-Nagant?

For a Mosin-Nagant 91/30 chambered in 7.62x54R, it's crucial to use bullets with a diameter of .311 or .312 inches. Using standard .308 bullets may not provide adequate neck tension, potentially affecting accuracy and safety when reloading with the Lee Loader.

What are the essential accessories needed for rifle reloading with a Lee Loader?

Beyond the basic Lee Loader kit, essential accessories include calipers for measuring Overall Length (OAL), a deburring and chamfering tool for case preparation, and a case trimming setup to maintain proper brass length for consistent feeding and accuracy.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Johnny's Reloading Bench

View all →