Starting out, I will probably use the lee loader just as it comes. That means I'll be measuring with a scoop. I'd like to start with the powder that is most forgiving, and shaped best for consistent measuring in a scoop. What say you?

First, it helps to know what round you are loading for? Then, if you know what bullet you want to shoot, we can help answer. Bolt gun, gas gun? But we need more specifics.

.243 bolt action, 22" barrel. I plan to shoot soft point, flat base bullets 80-100 grains. Probably some 85 grain sierra soft points to start. In a perfect world, I'd like a good idea for a soft load. Especially if there is a powder I can use that will yield a somewhat milder load with the standard scoop the lee kit comes with- that would be ideal. Not a total powder puff load, but maybe 80-85% of the velocity of a typical factory load. Ideally, something simple that pushes the softer 80-85 grain bullets fast enough and flat enough for reliable accuracy and expansion out to 200 yards or so, without blowing them up. And easy on the shoulder, so the kids can enjoy shooting it.

The classic .243 hunting combo is a 100 grain bullet and IMR ( or H ) 4350. If you want reduced loads, get 4895 instead. If it were my decision, I'd go with H4895 for 90% loads for bullets weighing 80-100 grains.

be sure not to use any lee dippers as a scoop
as you would scoop ice cream. lee says to dip them
bottom first so the powder flows in and strike
it off level. scooping can unduly pack the powder
in the measure.

The little "cigar box" Lee Loader will work ok for you to get started with, I had/have one I started with in 243 off my dining room table in 1967 with.

Learn with one bullet weight/brand/style & one powder at a time initially, that will satisfy your needs for practice and hunting ammo...like an everyday garden variety 100 gr Soft Point from Hornady, Speer, Sierra etc and forget about the "gimmicky" bullets for the time being. The basic standard stuff aka Cup & Core bullets will give you 100-200 yard X ring accuracy for practice ammo, and harvest deer just fine out to 2-300 yards. BTDT. Just pay attention to the small nuances in your loading techniques with a goal of 100% repeatability in assembling your ammo.

Cheap but functional upgrades would be a used major brand balance beam scale to greatly increase the accuracy in the weight of the powder charge over a dip cup, a powder funnel, and a powder trickler to ease the addition of one kernel of powder at a time. Amazon is your friend, or mebbe the classified board on THF, and I've found recent Editions of Reloading manuals at Half Priced Books or other used book stores too for $5-$10's.

Next upgrade IMO would be a caliper - look at Harbor Freight for a metal manual one and forget the battery powered digital- to measure the length of the fired hull every 3-4 firings so you can keep your brass from over stretching & a Lee handheld brass trimmer set up ...again very inexpensive, very functional and very necessary when the time comes to trim your brass....try and stay with one brand of brass & buy used 1X fired if possible to save $$'s. In a 243, and for most common calibers I prefer Winchester brass if possible, other folks may suggest other brands, and the upgrade is Lapua or Norma brass & not necessary at this stage is your reloading life.

Biggest single Best Buy however is a reloading manual or several, and does not need to be the very latest Edition. Amazon can sell you used Manuals for super small bux, and I'd buy 2-3 of 'em in brands that correspond to your bullet mfg'er purchases. Another source of load variation info would be a One Book/One Caliber Manual in whatever caliber you choose at about $10 or less....it is just load info without the How To's, Drop Tables & Safety Tips of the big hardbound Manuals.
Good Luck and have fun...
Ron

Thanks for the quick replies, and the recommendations. I can't even imagine putting a drop chart to any kind of use! One day, maybe. But I would really like to learn to load safe, accurate ammo and save a ton of money. I can already see how addictive this could become. Meanwhile I am happy just having a rifle that is minute of a golf ball in my hands. It takes a special rifle to do that!
I will continue running winchester super x 80 and 100 grain through the rifle, and i'll put together a decent rest to take as much of me out of it as possible for future resting. I was just looking at my last target and thinking I might not have given the 100 grains a fair chance.
Thanks again to all for the tips, and please keep them coming...

To answer your question on the powder, I'd say H4895 or IMR 8208 would be a good choice with the 80-100 grain bullets. The Lee dippers will get you close to the desired charge you want, but you will have some variation in the powder throws.

use scales

x2 on the H4895.
When I first started loading, I researched heavily to see if there were any powders for my 243 that could be versatile (use for 100gr bullet AND 58gr bullets), give good accuracy, and were not 'volatile' (pressure rapidly escalating when approaching max load) - H4895 fit the bill perfectly, and have been happy with it since. Much more accurate hand-loads than factory-loads with my limited equipment.
I get great accuracy and performance on both weight projectiles, while being able to stay away from max loads.

Looks like H4895 is the way to go. Three recommendations, one from a pro- and it works well in other calibers. Now I have a good direction to go as I read and learn. It's nice to know what to look for instead of reading and choosing from a more broad/vast spectrum. I greatly appreciate the advice.

4895 is a very versitale powder with a lot of uses.

Another is Accurate 5744. A powder I have used from Magnum pistol to 50BMG

I will point out that 4895 both IMR and Hodgdon is way different than AA5744 in both burn rate and types of applications but both are quite versatile.