Lee Loader question (shotguns)
- Thread starter goon
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Third_Rail
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This may not be what you're looking for, but...
Pick up a copy of "Reloading for Shotgunners" by Fackler & McPherson, any edition. I have the 4th, and let me tell you - reloading for shotguns is a whole lot more in depth than for other things. It was well worth the $22 I paid.
Pick up a copy of "Reloading for Shotgunners" by Fackler & McPherson, any edition. I have the 4th, and let me tell you - reloading for shotguns is a whole lot more in depth than for other things. It was well worth the $22 I paid.
I don't think we are thinking of the same things. What I am talking about is the little reloading tool that Lee used to make that you used a mallet with to load shotshells. A gunsmith I know showed me one in twelve gauge (his personal one or I would have bought it right then). He said he used to load a couple hundred rounds a week with it. I have found a couple on ebay but I don't really know what to bid on.
I would like to get into reloading shotshells too. I already load or have loaded 357 mag, 9mm, .308, 7.62x54R, 303 british, 300 Savage, and .45 Colt. I would really like to have something like the single stage press I use now, except for shotguns. I don't need a $600 progressive press for the couple boxes of shells every few months I want to shoot out of it nor do I want the headache of 11 different things going on all at once. I like simple things that work.
I know that for the price of shotgun shells I could probably just as easily just buy a couple boxes when I want to shoot, but I just hate to throw anything useful away (like once fired 12 gauge hulls). I would also like to get my hands on some of those Magtech brass shotgun shells and play around with them a little. They just seem cool to me.
So really, I guess I don't totally know what I want or need for this. I'll look for a copy of that book too. I guess I should start with something like that and try to figure out what I am trying to do. Eventhough I should have known better, I didn't think of that. Thanks.
I would like to get into reloading shotshells too. I already load or have loaded 357 mag, 9mm, .308, 7.62x54R, 303 british, 300 Savage, and .45 Colt. I would really like to have something like the single stage press I use now, except for shotguns. I don't need a $600 progressive press for the couple boxes of shells every few months I want to shoot out of it nor do I want the headache of 11 different things going on all at once. I like simple things that work.
I know that for the price of shotgun shells I could probably just as easily just buy a couple boxes when I want to shoot, but I just hate to throw anything useful away (like once fired 12 gauge hulls). I would also like to get my hands on some of those Magtech brass shotgun shells and play around with them a little. They just seem cool to me.
So really, I guess I don't totally know what I want or need for this. I'll look for a copy of that book too. I guess I should start with something like that and try to figure out what I am trying to do. Eventhough I should have known better, I didn't think of that. Thanks.
Rabid Rabbit
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A lee loader will load 2.75 and 3 inch shells, you may just have to drill the hole to remount the wad guide.
I still have one but I don't use it anymore since I can find single stage mec loaders that give me a lot more flexability for $20-$30 more. If you do get the lee loader don't bother buying used they only cost $30-$35 new.
I still have one but I don't use it anymore since I can find single stage mec loaders that give me a lot more flexability for $20-$30 more. If you do get the lee loader don't bother buying used they only cost $30-$35 new.
griz
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I have one that I have used to play around with some light loads. Never checked it and I could be wrong, but I don't think it would work for 3 inch shells. The crimping "die" works with the base of the die and shell sitting on a flat surface, and the top is captured at a specific height for the crimping "push stick thingee" (Lee is free to use my technical terminology if they wish). If they sell one for 3 inch shells (I don't know if they do) that should verify that they aren't interchangable.
Third_Rail
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goon, the reason I recommended a book instead of a press is because it's vital to know exactly what you're doing, and the book will help you know what you need as well.
That would be the first thing on my list if I were you.
They use pistol primers, or rifle primers, and there isn't any load data... I need to do more experimenting with them. I'm still only using BP, since I can't really know what is safe, what isn't in the realm of smokeless.
That would be the first thing on my list if I were you.
They use pistol primers, or rifle primers, and there isn't any load data... I need to do more experimenting with them. I'm still only using BP, since I can't really know what is safe, what isn't in the realm of smokeless.
wolf_from_wv
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There are 2 Lee Loaders
1. Is the loader where you use a hammer. I just got one from Ebay for 9.99. They do not make them anymore. Will have to check later to see if they make them for 3". I was wondering if you could drill a hole in a block of wood, set a 3" shell in it and still use the 2 3/4 loader maybe substituting a dowel to push the wad in.
2. There is a press called a Lee Loader. It has a lever that you pull. You move the individual shell to each station. Really fine powder tends to work its way into the slide mechanism... I usually use Unique. If I set components out, I can usually have a box of shells in 16 minutes.
Buying a manual first is a good idea.
Third_rail
What do you use for wads? Do you know of anyplace that sells a good 5/8" hole punch? Is that the size you use?
1. Is the loader where you use a hammer. I just got one from Ebay for 9.99. They do not make them anymore. Will have to check later to see if they make them for 3". I was wondering if you could drill a hole in a block of wood, set a 3" shell in it and still use the 2 3/4 loader maybe substituting a dowel to push the wad in.
2. There is a press called a Lee Loader. It has a lever that you pull. You move the individual shell to each station. Really fine powder tends to work its way into the slide mechanism... I usually use Unique. If I set components out, I can usually have a box of shells in 16 minutes.
Buying a manual first is a good idea.
Third_rail
What do you use for wads? Do you know of anyplace that sells a good 5/8" hole punch? Is that the size you use?
wolf_from_wv
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OK. I read the american rifleman article from the link that wolf_from_wv provided. I have located 11 gauge wads and overshot cards.
Next question: how are you guys putting a crimp on them? Are you using the old fashioned crimp tools that mount to your loading bench or is there some other way? Would a lee loader put a crimp on a brass shell? I am going to put some research into this and buy some manuals but I would like to be able to act i the meantime if the opportunity presents itself (expecially if it includes the Lee Loader that started this whole discussion). Thanks.
Next question: how are you guys putting a crimp on them? Are you using the old fashioned crimp tools that mount to your loading bench or is there some other way? Would a lee loader put a crimp on a brass shell? I am going to put some research into this and buy some manuals but I would like to be able to act i the meantime if the opportunity presents itself (expecially if it includes the Lee Loader that started this whole discussion). Thanks.
SASS#23149
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Actually the press is a Load All..
or LoadAll 2 for the later one.
I doubt that you can interchange shells on a classic LeeLoader unless they came with two main 'barrels' for lack of a better term.
The LoadAll is a MUCH better way to go,IMHO,but if you just want to get your feet wet the classic will do it.It's h ow I got into this razzlefrazzit hobby. :banghead:
or LoadAll 2 for the later one.
I doubt that you can interchange shells on a classic LeeLoader unless they came with two main 'barrels' for lack of a better term.
The LoadAll is a MUCH better way to go,IMHO,but if you just want to get your feet wet the classic will do it.It's h ow I got into this razzlefrazzit hobby. :banghead:
JA
Member
Lee stopped making Lee Loaders for shotgun shells 15 years ago. So you will only find one used on a auction website and they go for $25-$35. You can buy a new Lee Load-all II that will load 2-3/4" and 3" shells for that price.
http://www.bosesguns.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2293
http://www.bosesguns.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2293
Battlespace
Member
Oh for the good old days!
A friend and I bought a Lee Loader when we were in high school in the mid 1960's. We shot trap, pheasants and waterfowl and had a great time relaoding at nights. But I doubt if a 16 year old can walk into the local Coast to Coast like we used to and walk out with shot, powder and primers like we did then.
A friend and I bought a Lee Loader when we were in high school in the mid 1960's. We shot trap, pheasants and waterfowl and had a great time relaoding at nights. But I doubt if a 16 year old can walk into the local Coast to Coast like we used to and walk out with shot, powder and primers like we did then.
scout26
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Just last week stopped by Gander Mountain to pick up some #8 shot and Duster wads for my daughter. She's 11, shoots a Mossberg Bantam 500 in 20ga and I supervise while she loads her own. P.S. She has a Lee Load-All II that I got NIB at a gun show for $10 and can crank out the 100 shells she shoots a week in 60 to 90 minutes.
Anywho, get to the check-out and the clerk asks to see my FOID card.... I said, "You've got to be kidding, I've got no powder, primers, hulls, ammo or anything else, only one bag of Chilled Shot and a bag of 500 orange Dusters and you need a FOID card to buy that ????."
Yep, I love big brother......
Third_Rail
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wolf_from_wv, felt wads made from the Gatofeo link. Size is a punch I made in machine shop, fit to my barrel size. Around 11ga if I recall right.
Yep, it's actually safe enough for my tastes. I'll be making a leverage primer a-la 1800s primer tool out of iron.
Yep, it's actually safe enough for my tastes. I'll be making a leverage primer a-la 1800s primer tool out of iron.
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