Lee Precision 38 SPL Loader

This was my first reloading device. It is perfect to use when learning the basics of reloading. I also have fun seeing people's reactions when I tell them I make my handloads with a hammer. Just follow the directions, wear your safety glasses, and you'll be driving your wife nuts in the next room in no time.

I bought my first Lee Loader nearly 30 years ago, and loaded a lot of ammunition with it before moving on to a progressive type loader. Recently I got back into shooting, and my first purchase was a new Lee Loader to get started reloading again. Reloading by hand with a Lee Loader is slow, compared to a progressive press, but it's safe. It's hard to make a mistake when you're loading each round individually. Each loader comes with a measure and a list of recommended loads, and if you stick to those, it's just about impossible to assemble an out of spec load. All the tools you need are in this small box; all you need to add is powder, primers, cases and bullets.The Lee Loaders may not be good for production reloading, but they're great for low volume precision loading (i.e., target and benchrest shooting) and, with the addition of a scale or a set of measures, working up small numbers of custom loads. Even if you have a full progressive press setup, it's useful to have a Lee Loader around to be able to do a few non-standard loads without resetting your powder measure, seating dies and so forth. If you end up doing a lot of loading with a Lee, I'd suggest a hand primer and some case lube, but they're not really necessary. You can do it all with this inexpensive kit.

For low volume reloading these Lee Loaders are still a good option. It is also a good choice for someone new to reloading to learn how the process works. I bought this one to have a portable reloading system for trying new loads. Everything you need will fit in an ammo box. The only challenge is that using the powder dipper requires that you find a powder that is on the schedule. With today's limited supply of powder it isn't always easy to find a powder that works with the bullets that you can get, so you really need access to a scale and may have to modify the dipper to give you the correct charge. Once you work through that you are good to go. These Lee Loaders are also a good option if you are loading low quantities of rifle cartridges. When I shoot my 45-70 I do the reloading with this system, since I am only loading 40-60 rounds or so at a time.

If you want to try reloading, especially 38 special or 357, then I would recommend this. I have a press that is faster but takes a lifetime to set up and get everything dialed in. If i want to load 1000 rounds I will use the press but if I want to try new loads...THIS IS THE WAY TO GO.Recommend a digital scale though if you decide to use a recipe not listed in the kit. Better to spend some money on a digital scale than to blow your gun up (and maybe you)!

With this kit you can reload .38 special, .38 special +p, and .357 magnum.Additionally, all you need to start using this kit is a hard plastic, leather, or wooden mallet. I tried a rubber mallet and it really didn't deliver enough energy to get the job done. Powdered graphite is also a good idea to lubricate the cylinder for resizing brass.Beyond that all you need is powder, small pistol primers, brass, and bullets. So for about $150 I was able to make my first batch of about 750 rounds with this kit. That roughly equates to $10 per 50 rounds. If you have to buy your brass instead of recycling, you're probably looking at $11-$13 per 50 depending on the price of the brass. And with .38 and .357 ammo being around $25-$35 a box, this kit and my investment in a hammer, primers, bullets, and powder (1lb goes a really long way) has already saved me about $70-$100 depending on the price of ammo I'm comparing it to.That all being said, it takes about 1.5 minutes for me from start to finish to make 1 round. If you do it in batches (knock out ALL of your primers, resize ALL of your brass, etc) you're looking at about 45 seconds per round.And some extra precautions and advice:Be careful and take safety precautions, this isn't something to take lightly or rush through. I recommend wearing eyes and ears simply because hammering metal on metal for a long period of time is bad for your ears and if a primer ignites you definitely want your eyes protected as well.I use titegroup powder, and the .5 cc scoop with titegroup exceeds maximum pressure for .38 special brass. I carelessly just found this out recently but have had no issues with the rounds I've fired thusfar. That being said, I'm tossing all of my brass that I fired with an overcharged load just to be on the safe side. I'm sure the brass is fine, but I feel my life is worth more than the $.03 a casing I'm throwing away. The powder/charge combination I am using is 100% acceptable with +p brass and a walk in the park for .357 (which can handle up to .8cc of titegroup)Lee is more than aware and aknowledges that all powders are different and that the scoop is an extremely rough measuring device for powder. Lee Precision and I both recommend using a powder scale and chronograph when reloading your own ammunition. Not only for safety, but for consistency when dialing in the right charge for your needs.As always with anything firearms related, safety should be your #1 priority. Reloading isn't for everyone, but if you're wanting to get into it to cut back on ammo costs (which usually = spending the same amount but on a lot more ammo XD) this kit is an AWESOME way to get started; especially if you shoot revolvers (where you can easily keep track of spent casings) or if you shoot expensive .45 or 10mm rounds.

I haven't used this kit yet, but I have the same kits for 45-70 Gov. and .357 Mag. I like the fact that loading one round at a time makes quality control very simple. Yes, it is slower that a press, but I can take the kit with me on an extended trip and not have to carry a bunch of ammo. I can carry a few extra bullets, primers, and some powder, reuse my empty cases and every thing else is in the kit. I measure frequently to make sure bullet lengths are correct and consistent. I'll be using this kit to teach my younger brother the process of reloading,

I was new to reloading and wanted to start with something easy. Did some research and found that 38spl and 45 are good places to start because they are low pressure and hard to screw up. This is a great kit and it's portable,so if you don't have a space to set up shop,or Wana load on the go this is awesome. I love it, but a press is in my future.

Just what I wanted at a price I was willing to pay...I recommend this seller.Shipping was right on time...🇺🇸