Lee Loader - Rifle - The Cheapest Way To Reload

Published on March 25, 2017
Duration: 53:11

This guide details the process of reloading 7.62x54R ammunition using the budget-friendly Lee Rifle Loader. It covers essential steps from brass inspection and decapping to priming, powder charging, and bullet seating, emphasizing neck sizing limitations and the importance of OAL measurement. The speaker, demonstrating high expertise, also highlights crucial accessories and specific considerations for surplus rifle calibers.

Quick Summary

The Lee Rifle Loader offers the cheapest way to start reloading ammunition, costing under $30. It utilizes neck sizing, making it best suited for bolt-action or lever-action rifles. Essential accessories include calipers for OAL measurement, and specific bullet diameters like .311/.312 are recommended for Mosin-Nagant rifles to ensure proper neck tension.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Lee Loader
  2. 01:16Rifle Compatibility & Neck Sizing
  3. 05:26Brass Inspection & Decapping
  4. 07:49Resizing & Priming
  5. 15:06Powder Charging
  6. 18:41Bullet Seating & OAL
  7. 26:17Range Testing & Results
  8. 28:50Essential Accessories
  9. 34:46Bullet Diameter & Load Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of the Lee Rifle Loader?

The Lee Rifle Loader's primary advantage is its extremely low cost, typically under $30, making it the most affordable entry point into ammunition reloading compared to traditional reloading presses and equipment.

Can the Lee Loader be used for semi-automatic firearms?

The Lee Rifle Loader performs neck sizing only, which is generally suitable for bolt-action and lever-action rifles. It is typically not recommended for semi-automatic firearms due to potential feeding and extraction issues.

What tools are essential when using the Lee Rifle Loader?

Beyond the basic Lee Loader kit, essential tools include calipers for measuring Overall Length (OAL), a rubber mallet or soft hammer, and ideally a deburring/chamfering tool and case trimmer for optimal results.

Why is specific bullet diameter important for Mosin-Nagant reloading with a Lee Loader?

For Mosin-Nagant rifles, using .311 or .312 diameter bullets with the Lee Loader is recommended to ensure proper neck tension, which is crucial for accuracy and consistent performance, unlike standard .308 bullets.

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