Reloading for CETME with Lee Classic Loader

[flyguy8555]

I'm getting all my ducks in a row prior to purchasing a CETME rifle, and wondered about getting a Lee Classic loader to give reloading a try. Has anyone had any experience with the Lee? I've scarfed up around 50 rounds of Hornady match brass from my last trip to the range and thought I'd use them and see how they shoot. I plan on loading as close to NATO spec as I can, to keep the pressures down. I have gotten a lot of reloading data from other members posts, so I feel I have a good starting point.
Any input will be greatly appreciated - I've learned so much from the CETME forum already.

[drine]

I'm getting all my ducks in a row prior to purchasing a CETME rifle, and wondered about getting a Lee Classic loader to give reloading a try. Has anyone had any experience with the Lee? I've scarfed up around 50 rounds of Hornady match brass from my last trip to the range and thought I'd use them and see how they shoot. I plan on loading as close to NATO spec as I can, to keep the pressures down. I have gotten a lot of reloading data from other members posts, so I feel I have a good starting point.
Any input will be greatly appreciated - I've learned so much from the CETME forum already.

My very first suggestion is get some milsurp brass. Commercial brass is thinner and you may have a case head seperation. Having said that, I would try a few if I had them. My rifle has functioned fine with what little commercial stuff I've shot. BUT YOU WERE WARNED and will be again that the best practice is to NOT use commercial brass.
Lee will work fine. Opinions on equipment vary and you won't get 2 answers the same. In the end, they all work. Some faster than others, there are just too many variables when choosing what to buy. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Handloading is very addictive.
EDIT: As I read closer, since you don't have said CETME in hand yet, PLEASE get at least 100 rounds of milsurp ammo to run through it first!!!! Don't try the handloads out of the gate. These rifles can need some "massaging" to get them working just right and we don't want you fighting a handload issue without the rifle going through a proper break-in.

[SSwee]

Something to keep in mind also is charges designed for commercial brass can be dangerous in milspec brass.
SS

[flyguy8555]

Thanks, guys. I have 190 rounds of what I'm told is Australian 7.62. It came in bandoliers and is on 5 round stripper clips. I plan on using that stuff first, and probably will score some of the German DAG stuff that's floating around.

[Ted22]

I've never had any problems with mine... Shot reloads mixed and matched... I just consider the middle powder load my max. Don't see any advantage on going to the max load, especially when I shoot nato. I have heard not to reload the brass from a CETME. I have without incident, but i dont think I'd go past two or three reloads.

Remember never put a heavier bullet with a given powder load, more importantly pay attention at all times and if you have any questions ask! (yes, there is a story behind that)

[jbruney]

Lee works great for me. You've received the necessary suggestions already so I don't need to add anything.

Cetme fired brass reloads just fine, though it does retain a somewhat nasty appearance. I had to trim most after the second loading and probably am going to retire them after another firing, but first giving them a thorough inspection before doing so. My S&B brass seems to be holding up better than the paki and Lithuanian with the SA running in second place.

[pigpen]

From what I have heard the Classic loader only sizes the neck. You might not get good feeding or even problems chambering if you do not full lenght resize your brass. Also, seems those are really slow loading up finished rounds when compared to a turret press.
Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.cabelas.com/presses-dies-lee-classic-loader-kit-2.shtml

[SLiP]

I am seriously thinking about this Lee loadmaster - they're not that expensive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWF5_ZAWL_E&feature=related

[cem308]

I agree,you dont need full house rounds just to shooting at paper or anything much else for that matter.You`ll only be beating your rifle and shoulder up for nothing!

[robocop10mm]

I shoot reloads in .308 commercial cases through my HK and CETME w/o problems. I keep the powder charges a full 2 grains under book max to (hopefully) prevent the associated problems with the thinner commercial brass.

Keep in mind the DAG 7.62 ammo is Berdan primed and not (normally) reloadable.

[Lalvis]

I love my Loadmasters! ( I have two of them)