Lee Loader .45acp VERY headstamp sensitive???

[Visionairy]

I've been having issues with my Lee Classic Loader setup for .45. I finger squeeze each round to check for proper tension to avoid bullet setback. The problem is the ONLY brass that consistently has enough tension to hold a bullet is Winchester. S&B fails 25% of the time, Remington fails 100% of the time!!! This is gonna be a BIG pain in the butt, not to mention more expensive, if I HAVE to use Win brass. BTW, I've been using Berrys bullets 230gr.

Has anyone had this problem???
Any suggestions, possibly a method to taper crimp without using a press???
What's going on here!!!!

 

[jonnyc]

I load 7 calibers using Lee Loaders, including .45 ACP. I have two .303 Loaders, and one of them does what you describe with Igman brass. Now I neck all my .303 brass with the Loader that works all the time.
I would say you have 3 choices:
1. Get another Loader to see if the problem is variation between Loaders.
2. Use only .452 lead bullets instead of .451 FMJ.
3. Call the tech guys at Lee and see what they have to say.

 

[243winxb]

You FL die is not sizing the case down enough for some brass. But if it sizes more, the bullets will become almost impossible to seat in Win. brass. The Lee Hammer Loader does not use an expander to uniform the case for proper bullet fit on seating. Taper crimp will not help. Looks like you need Win. brass.

 

[Walkalong]

Right, it's the sizer. Too large. No amount of crimp will make up for poor neck tension. Call Lee and get a new sizer. They will replace it free.

My first RCBS .45 sizer was the same way. I have three now. The ID of the carbide rings are .461, .463, & .465. The .465 will not work with Remington brass. The .461 will really bottleneck cases, but neck tension sure isn't a problem. I use the .463 sizer for 99% of things.

 

[jonnyc]

I don't believe different sizing choices are offered/available with the Lee Classic Loader.