Lee Loaders - Unitized

[Vacek]

I have quite a large collection of Lee Loaders. Two are the "Unitized" version that had a regular hand primer. In the directions it indicates that the dies full length resize, whereas the typical Lee Loader on ly neck sizes.

1. Is this true?
2. If so, why don't the instructions indicate the need for case loobing?

 

[Vacek]

Hmmmm. This worm must be dead cause I ain't getting any bites.

 

[SASS#23149]

very few folks use the Lee Loader,so answers will be few and far between most likely.

 

[Vacek]

With all due resect SASS you must not have read the many threads on Lee Loaders. There are several with a lot of feedback and the fact is when the ballot is in a lot of us learned how to reload with them, and many still keep them around. I have Dillon, Lee, etc. but still have my Lee Loaders.

 

[Uncle Chan]

Vacek,

I have about 20 of them and I reload with them during the summers when I live out of my RV. I've never used a unitized version, so I've nothing to add. I suspect that is the same for many here.

 

[243winxb]

pistol flrs, rifle neck size. Target model rifle, reams neck, only neck sizes. Other than that, i know of no others.

 

[fireflyfather]

I believe that the previous corporate incarnation of Lee did make some other types, or it could be a third world knockoff (they exist!).

 

[243winxb]

Vintage Lee Target Model Loade 30-06

Not sure what you mean by "Unitized" The target model NECK SIZED ONLY. The sizing die held the neck while it was reamed out by the cutter. This was to make the neck wall thickness exactly the same. All loading could be done at the range. The only problem is, soon or later you must FLRS as the neck sized round will no longer chamber. One sold at an online auction for $80 in 2008 View attachment 404089

 

[243winxb]

If so, why don't the instructions indicate the need for case loobing?

Case What?? There were 2 different Lee companys back in the 1960 if i remember correctly? Only one survived

 

[UnderDawgAl]

Vacek,

The unitized loaders do, indeed, full-length resize. The old Lee company, Lee Custom Engineering, later was reincorporated as Mequon Reloading Corporation. Back then, they upgraded the traditional loaders with two versions--the Improved (neck resize and additional hand priming system) and the Unitized (full-length resize and additional hand priming system).

Here is a link to the back issues of HANDLOADER magazine. I don't remember the exact issue, but in one of them from the early 80s you'll find an ad by MRC that confirms what I've just told you above. That's how I found out.

I hope this helps.

 

[fireflyfather]

very few folks use the Lee Loader,so answers will be few and far between most likely.

Are you kidding me? They are still quite popular, though admittedly not as much as they used to be. Many people use them when they first start reloading. I did (and I started about 2 years ago), and so did my best shooting buddy (last year). A lot of people don't like them, mostly because they are slow, and the priming system is marginal. They do, however, have some very specific uses where they excel:

1. Range/camping/hunting shack/etc reloading where space is a premium
2. Teaching new reloaders the basics for CHEAP
3. Certain cases are hard to find neck-sizing dies for (7.62x54r comes to mind), but the LL only neck sizes (except for straight walled cases, which need lube).
4. load development, decapping, flaring, or other simple operations on a *small* batch of cases without having to mess with the settings on your dies

 

[UnderDawgAl]

All right, here's the correct link to explain that the Improved Loaders neck size only, while the Unitized Loaders full-length resize.

Scroll down to page 5 of the magazine (which is page 4 of the PDF file) and look at the ad on the right-hand side of the page.

You can find both kinds under the old Lee Custom Engineering name and the Mequon Reloading Corporation name. Same company--reorganized after Dickie Lee was forced out.

 

[Gadzooks Mike]

fireflyfather - I have to add number 5. to your list - It's fun!

 

[fireflyfather]

G. Mike: There is that.

 

[blackey]

pistol flrs, rifle neck size. Target model rifle, reams neck, only neck sizes. Other than that, i know of no others.

243winxb,
I am looking to buy Lee Target Model Loader in the following loads:
7mm rem mag, 270, 280 rem, 22-250 and 223.

Please advise!