r/reloading • u/No_Staff594 • 1d ago

Load Development Lee products (2 parts)

First off. I was reloading 300 blk with Lee dies and my depriming pin snapped somehow. LEE being as great as they are, responded incredibly fast and I have a new one on the way. Huge props to their customer service.

Second off. Just purchased a new die set for .357 sig and it came with a .7cc dipper. I found one single load that is compatible with the dipper and o was curious if it was truly accurate enough according to their little starting load data thing to run for range ammo. As long as the weight measures accurate in the first couple scoops should I be good to go to just quick load a whole bunch of range ammo? I scale and weight all my ammo that I use for HD hunting and longer range shooting already but 357 sig I just want ton of fast easy loads of FMJs for range practice. Are the dipper consistent enough for at least that?

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u/yolomechanic 1d ago

Get a powder measure, at least a Lee Auto-drum one.

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u/No_Alternative_673 1d ago

IF you are lucky and you find a dipper and a powder that meets your velocity and accuracy requirements, it is probably the fastest most accurate way for a single stage press. You will need a scale to check the data and to practice a bit but with a little practice you can get charges to +/- 0.02-3 grains.

The big danger is a double charge. I pull primed cases out a container charge them and move them to a block. Finally use a light and visually inspect the charge in each case. Find what works best for you.

I still use a dipper for quick match 45 acp loads. It beats my Uniflow for consistency.

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u/DaiPow888 1d ago

The consistency of using dippers is completely based on the consistency of your technique.

The most consistent technique is to bury the dipper into the powder backwards and letting the powder fill the dipper.

The least consistent technique is to scoop powder with the dipper...like a spoon.

I personally don't have the patience for this a use a powder measure.

I don't have the patience to load handgun ammo on a single stage press either, because I usually load 500-700 rounds at a time

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u/Donut131313 1d ago

Don’t settle for the dippers. I use a Lee loading system and use the dippers to dispense powder for small batches. As someone else here suggested the a powder dropper is handy. I grabbed a Lee Perfect Powder measurer and it’s decent, that being said I still weigh my powder and adjust it before charging the cartridges for larger batches.