LEE Classic reloaders

sharpshooter039

I do not reload,, I know people that do but just never got around to it, Over the years I have accumulated several of the Lee hand re-loaders, the one at the time with a hammer kit. I have quite a but of 45acp and 44magnum brass, Is there a powder that would be OK for both, someone I know recommended blue dot ? but everything I have read says that is a magnum powder, I wish to buy a hand priming tool, on of those you squeeze, would one work for both brass ?? I know dumb newbie but I have never been afraid of asking questions.. once I figure these to out we will talk about 5.56. right now I have been buying new 5.56 for 28 cents delivered,,I dont know how much it would save to reload it

charliemeyer007

Yes there are powders that will work in both. You will likely be far happier with 2 different powders. I shoot both and have loaded several hundred thousands of rounds in 50 years. I also cast and swedge bullets for them.

45 ACP W231 or Bullseye about 1500 rounds/# Lyman 452374 230 gr RN

44 Mag BlueDot or 2400 about 333 rounds/# Lyman 429421 245 gr SWC

Bullets are lubed with 50/50 Alox/beeswax bore to +.003 depends on the firearm.

My favorite priming tool is the Lyman 310 stuff. I also have dies for it to size bullets, full case size plus the normal reloading dies for almost everything cartridge I shoot.

Reloading might save you some money. Almost certainly you will get better more accurate ammo if you do your part. I can still shoot a few 1000 of each for less than 2 cents a pop.

casper1947

I have used Bullseye, Unique and 2400 in 45 acp and 44 spl & mag.

I almost exclusively use hard cast lead bullets in pistols. I have estimated the cost at 40~50% of the cost of commercial ammo. Locally I can get primers for around $30~35 a 1000 = $0.03 per round. Power around $0.02 per round depending or the bullet you chose. Since you already have brass the rest of the cost is in bullet.

Hand loading is a good start, but very slow. I have several Lee Classic loaders.

Here are a couple of sources I use.
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/index.aspx
http://www.reloadammo.com/

One option on priming would be Lee, the shell holders are extra.
http://leeprecision.com/new-auto-prime.html

richarda

Classic compromise powder for both is Unique.