Originally Posted by
Berserker
I disagree with the comment about just creating generic factory loads.
Whenever you try different powder loads you are going past good enough factory. I would argue the same could be said for the bullet you use. But you could spend $$$ a get higher end bullets too. Then there is seating depth.
If you don't make ammunition which fits your chamber better than factory loads, or with a more forgiving powder charge for the selected powder and bullet weight, then you're not making anything better than factory, just because you pressed it yourself.
If a guy is arbitrarily trying to make rounds which fit multiple rifles - for example using a small base die and full length sizing to accommodate a pump rifle, then shoving those rounds into a bolt action which might have a longer, looser chamber, he could very easily find himself with rounds which aren't well suited to the bolt gun, and have consequentially poor precision.
The simple act of reloading doesn't automatically produce high performing rounds - if a guy doesn't know how to pick a powder & charge weight which will yield consistent release (google Positive Compensation), and doesn't know how to match their ammo to their chambers, they're not doing themselves any favors.
If your Lee isn't marked "SB," then it's a standard FL die, not a small base.