Lee and their close enough shell holders.

[RKRCPA]

I wonder if this is a problem exclusively for progressive reloading setups? I know I don’t have problems with any brand shell holder but I’m strictly using single stage presses.

My problems occurred when using an RCBS Automatic Priming Tool so no, not just progressive presses.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

My Hornady shell holders don't want to snap into my Rockchucker either I have to force them in and fight them back out.
I quit buying them, RCBS and Redding dies holder slide right in there with no problems.

 

[CQB45ACP]

This thread is a good read but as I went through it I realized I’d read it before.

Try it…swap the words “shell holder” with “dies” or “press” or “primer” or “powder dispenser” and sure enough it’s the same thread.

But all seriousness aside…no, seriously…

I primarily use Lee shell holders in 45ACP & 9mm because they’re what I started with. I also use a Redding 45ACP on my T-7 because that’s what came with one of their die sets I bought after I got the T-7.

Both brands work fine but they are NOT interchangeable…they do not fit the ram the same and seem to be different dimensions and are just plain different (at least the ones I have). So, I just leave them in place, quit fighting city hall, and all’s good.

(Yes I know, Redding at least sells different sizes for fine tuning or something like that. And, yes, as my brass gets beat up it fits differently than when newer.)

It’s deja vu all over again. We have all been here before.

 

[mdi]

I too have a lot of Lee shell holders for many calibers. A couple thoughts; shell holders are mass produced and aren't "precision" tools so larger manufacturing tolerances plus "tolerance stacking" can lead to poorly fitting holders. Also, I have experienced many cases that had "undersize" rims. Some small in diameter and some thin/soft enough to push out of a holder. Combine the two and you'll get a bunch of damaged rims when trying to prime...

IIRC; the "best" shell holders I've used seem to be the Sinclair holders, but I could have gotten a couple "good" ones...

 

[9mmepiphany]

I wonder if this is a problem exclusively for progressive reloading setups? I know I don’t have problems with any brand shell holder but I’m strictly using single stage presses.

This is a problem exclusive of progressive reloading setup.

Progressive presses don't use shell holders, they use shell plates

 

[twarr1]

Like most, I have a mush mash of shell holders, mostly Lee, but if I need a top of the line one for a particular case I get a Redding.

 

[sparkyv]

I've stuck more than a few 9mm cases using the Lee #19. Anymore, I use the Lee #19 for 40S&W and 10mm and the more appropriate RCBS #16 for 9mm.

Yeah the Lee #19 works fine in 9mm,40sw and 10mm.

 

[Kaldor]

I use a mix of Hornady and Lee. Ive found the Hornadys to be a bit tighter which is good for some stuff. The Lees are a little looser, also good for some stuff.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

Yeah the Lee #19 works fine in 9mm,40sw and 10mm.

and .223 and 5.56

It’s deja vu all over again. We have all been here before.

Except for the newbies...

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Lee #4 is better for 223/556 and 380.

 

[Walkalong]

I have shell holders from every body, RCBS always work on my RCBS hand primer (I've modded some others to work), and they always just work period, so if I need a new one some day, RCBS is what I'll buy. Redding are also good, but I am still holding a grudge. .

 

[Random 8]

I ran into that with 6.5 Jap. Their shell holder simply did not work with Prvi brass. Fortunately the 6.5 Swedish one (redding) did, so I simply chucked the Lee one. I generally use RCBS ones if I'm looking for tight tolerance outside of the 7,9x57 case family. In that size, all I've tried have been pretty standard dimensions

 

[CQB45ACP]

and .223 and 5.56



Except for the newbies...

I know but that’s why there’s a search function CSNY the last time, this time U2…but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Removed by poster

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

It's 32sw long and 327 mag.

 

[noelf2]

OP doesn’t specify WHICH .32 He’s loading.
The Lee #4 is CORRECT for .32 S&W, .32 S&WL, .32H&R, and .327Federal magnum.
Also.223, et al.

The Correct Lee shell holder for .32acp and .30SuperCarry is the #7B.
#7 is correct for the .30Carbine.
#7B is no longer cataloged. They now recommend the #7, which has been changed slightly from my circa ‘80’s items.

Was covered already. Read posts. 13 and 14.

 

[Shivahasagun]

No problems with the Lee holder that came with .32 S&W Long die set or .32 mag die set or about 4 other sets.

Except .25 acp. It is also used for a rifle caliber and is sloppy. Can't have that with the little .25 acp.

So I got the RCBS holder and it holds properly.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

When my RCBS holder comes i'll post how it worked. It's due in the 4th.

 

[RKRCPA]

Here's a good view of the tolerance on the RCBS vs Lee. The Lee just barely catches the rim on the right hand side while the case is nicely centered in the RCBS.

 

[CQB45ACP]

View attachment 1092852
Here's a good view of the tolerance on the RCBS vs Lee. The Lee just barely catches the rim on the right hand side while the case is nicely centered in the RCBS.

View attachment 1092853

Nice

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

The lee ones ripped some of the rim too on my 32 cal brass. I used them today to decap and size. After my RCBS on comes i'll load.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

RCBS holder excellent. I primed 60 casings. No popping out of the holder.

 

[dh1633pm]

My co-ax doesn’t have that problem. I can empathize. My C&H press seems to never want to take Lee shell shoulders. I always have to sand them down to get them to fit. Shell holder to the press not the brass to the shell holder. It’s easy enough. Wish I didn’t have to take that time. I don’t really load on the C&H. Pull bullets and maybe seat them.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I have a few 32 acp casings. The Lee #4 fits them good.

 

[dcarr]

Never thought to check until now, I'm using only Lee shell holders for 9mm, .357, .45acp and .45 colt. They feel a little sloppy on the fittings sometime but not giving me problems.