Reloading for BLR

[anpirz1]

Gentlemen, I have a question about reloading for my BLR. I keep seeing people say that it is necessary to have small base dies for the BLR to properly cycle. I was going to start by reloading with a Lee classic loader, to see if I like it and want to do it as a hobby. Will this be a problem with the reloading set and BLR? Would I need to get additional equipment? I was going to get a caliper and a digital scale so I can check my loads and OAL but I'm not sure if there is something else I will need. Thanks in advance.

[Jayhawker]

I've reloaded for my BLR in 358 Win for over a decade and have only used the standard Lee dies. I've not had a problem yet and really don't expect any.

The only rifle I've ever had that might have benefited from small base dies was a Rem 760 in 300 Savage.

[Tycer]

My 358 has a fairly tight chamber, but well within spec. My Lee dies work fine for it.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Small base dies resize the brass to factory loaded ammo spec not to minimum chamber spec as normal dies do. Most of the time standard dies will be just fine. On the other hand , if you buy standard dies and need small base dies you will have to buy another full length sizing die ,at least. If you start with small base in the first place you will be sure they work in your rifle.

[ollogger]

I have used the Lee classic loader for 3 different 99s 303 - 300 & 308 & a few other guns
You need to have brass fired from your gun so its formed for your chamber as the classic neck sizes only, give it a try I never had any problems myself with lever guns & even a 222 in a Savage 24





brad

[anpirz1]

Does the Lee classic loader come with small base die options? I would like to get into reloading but don't want to break my wallet quite yet until I know I like it.

[anpirz1]

Essentially what I'm asking is if I were to buy the Lee classic loader and the rounds have trouble chambering, what would I need to be get...a whole new reloading set or a new addition to the Lee loader?

Plus, can I only use brass that's been shot in my rifle? What would I need in addition to the Lee loader to initially shoot new brass and have it cycle with no issues?

Sorry for all the questions, my ABC's of reloading is in the mail.

[ollogger]

Maybe I am wrong but I thought the classic is a hand tool that neck sizes only, you use a
small hammer to deprime & prime & neck size, great tool for a budget hand loader

new brass will load well in it & work great, you can rechamber the fired case from your gun & if it goes in easy you can reload it & fire in your gun

Brad

[Tycer]

Maybe I am wrong but I thought the classic is a hand tool that neck sizes only, you use a
small hammer to deprime & prime & neck size, great tool for a budget hand loader

new brass will load well in it & work great, you can rechamber the fired case from your gun & if it goes in easy you can reload it & fire in your gun

Brad

Yep. Good catch. Good answer too.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Yup! I missed that one. I would start with an inexpensive single stage press and a set of small base dies. Should you not like reloading they will easily sell in the classified's here.

[anpirz1]

Does the Lee challenger breech lock sound like a good entry system? I'm trying to keep the budget down for this. Would I need anything other than supplies and the small base dies?

[AJMD429]

The Lee Classic Turret press is not expensive, and is easy to set up, and can run as slow or fast as you need to reload for a gun like that. Uses any standard thread dies (regular or 'small base' or whatever).

They have a 'hand press' that looks like a giant nutcracker that is cheaper, but not as easy to set up and nowhere near as fast or convenient.

Search the forum for "begin" or "starting" plus "reloading" and you will probably find lots of stuff.

Here's one thread - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33680

[ollogger]

Does the Lee challenger breech lock sound like a good entry system? I'm trying to keep the budget down for this. Would I need anything other than supplies and the small base dies?

it would do a good job for you, a Lee pilot case trimmer & a loading manual & if you really
enjoy reloading & shooting a side job is needed



Brad

[anpirz1]

Thanks a lot for the responses, guys. I have some stuff to think about now and have a decent understanding.

[Old Savage]

https://youtu.be/9nu-leR3cG8
Here is a fellow using the Challenger.
You will find many videos on Lee reloading there on youtube.

[Tycer]

Start with a reloading manual. The Lyman 49th is now $20 on eBay as is Lee's Modern Reloading 2nd ed. They're both about 10 years old but almost all the data that will apply to you is current. Just double check your load info here before you put one together.

You're not totally buying them for the data. The reading material contained in those books if fascinating and informative.

Also, you might want to go to your local gun store that sells reloading supplies and tell them you are looking for a mentor. We reloaders absolutely love teaching new guys how to share our addiction. AND we have lots of extras (press, measure, powder, primers, brass, bullets....) we might loan you to get your feet wet. If you're a good enough student/guy we might just let you have it for free.

[mikld]

Yep, as mentioned above, the Lee Loader neck sizes only on bottle necked cases. If you were shooting a bolt or single shot you could easily use a Lee Loader (best thing since smokeless powder!), and for the volume needed and AR ammo, not a good idea (unless you have 20+ hours per week to reload).

If you want to get into reloading there's some literature I think you should start with; The ABCs of Reloading, Lyman's 49th or 50th Edition Reloading handbook, and a manual published by the maker of the bullet you choose (Hornady bullets, Hornady manual, etc.). These will give you a good start on how to reload plus the equipment needed to suit your reloading needs...

[Pete44ru]

.

I had an early (all-steel, protruding magazine) .358 BLR that needed small base dies to reload - but perhaps, if your rifle was made later, won't need them.

I would suggest that you first try to re-chamber a couple of YOUR fired brass.


If the bolt will close/lock-up, then just go with the Lee Loader (I used one when I first started re-loading in the 1960's, along with a set of Lee powder measuring scoops), as it's definitely budget-friendly.

If the bolt won't close on the fired brass, rather than find out after buying standard dies, get a set of small-base dies initially.

One of the lousiest feelings is to need to shoot at a game animal, but cannot take the shot - because the round failed to chamber deep enough for the ignition parts to function (they are disabled when the bolt/rifle's out of battery).


.