Older Lee Load All

[loose noose]

I recently acquired an older Lee Load All for a 20 ga, and decided to reload a few 20 gauge shells before giving it to my son. (I have a Mec) I noticed it loads a fairly decent load, however, I noticed after just loading a box of 25 rounds that it drops a lot of powder on the reloading bench. Is this normal for this type of reloader, if not how can that be corrected.

Needless to say I didn't pay anything for it, but any info would be appreciated before I give it to my son, or just trash it.

 

[PJSprog]

I have no experience with the older ones, but I just bought a new one last year and it doesn't drop excess powder at all. Is it a leak, or is it not dropping the full charge into the hull?

 

[loose noose]

It looks like it is leaking out of the bar that drops the powder, which I believe is plastic, however the amount of powder dropped is w/I the parameters, just not consistent.

 

[gamestalker]

I bought on in the mid 80's, so when you say older one, I don't know how old you are referring to. Those in the mid 80's were prone to handle breaking, but I've heard they fixed that problem. As for how good they are, I had a Mec at the time, and after using that Lee for a few minutes, I so disappointed that I returned it, broken handle and all.

I don't remember if powder was leaking out of the charge bar, or what ever mechanism it has, don't remember. I personally think they are a cheap flimsy loader.

GS

 

[dagger dog]

Most Lee powder dispensers suffer from that problem, although I have not used a Load All, my Lee PPM leaked until it finally sealed from use.

If you use the search function on several reloading forums you will see fixes for this "problem".

I had no problems just sweeping up the powder and putting it back in the hopper, as you stated the variance is not great enough to affect the load.

 

[splattergun]

make sure there are no burrs between the charge bar and the surface that it slides on. If there are, a light sanding with 400 grit on a solid surface should cure it. Also make sure that it is sufficiently lubed with graphite, as that will help seal it off as well (this is why leakage problems are reduced by using the Loadall. the graphit in the powder fills the lubrication role). Lee's instructions advise you to run a container of powder through the machine before loading, to get that graphite in the system. Some powders will leak less than others, also, just as in any powder measure.

 

[loose noose]

I'm not sure of the year it was sold, I got it from a widow of an old friend, it doesn't look like it was used that much, it came with a bunch of bushings. I'll have to try the graphite and check the charge bar for burrs. I've got it temporarily mounted to my loading bench, where my Mec 20 ga. press was.

 

[Garyshome]

My new load all leaks a little bit. But I just got a mec. So i might just sell the lee.

 

[loose noose]

Well I tried polishing the charge bar and put some graphite on the bar, and re-assembled it and put some powder/shot into it, and loaded another box of 20 ga. Noticed much less powder leaked out, however there was still a small amount on my bench.

Gave it to my son this morning, and advised him of it's shortcomings, he was happy to get it. He uses a Mossberg 500 in 20 ga. for quail out here, and shouldn't have any problems cycling it, as I shot those other rounds I reloaded in a Remington 1100 with no problems.

Anyway I thank all those of you that responded, all ways know I can get good advice here on thr.