Lee reloading manual

[Rusty Shackleford]

Could someone with a Lee manual tell me if they use their own bullets for cast data? I use powder co.,Lyman and RCBS for references, but when it comes to cast 45 ACP loads I find things not so clear. I load Lee 230gr TL with either bullseye or unique. Unique data all over the board 4gr to 5.7. Thanks in advance...........Rusty

[AZ-Stew]

The Lee manual, Second Edition, lists a 230gr Jacketed, 230 gr Lead and 230gr Copper Plated bullet for their data. The 230gr Lead has a Unique starting load of 5.0gr in the left column. The right hand column says "never exceed" 5.0gr. That's all there is.

There is no mention of whether this 230gr lead bullet is the Lee TL variety or some other. CUP is listed at 11,800. Min overall length is 1.190 inch. No mention of the primer used to develop this load.

The cartridge drawing shows a longer (1.275) OAL with a round nosed bullet, so that might give you a clue.

One more thing: Call them and ask.

Regards,

Stew

[HeavyMetal]

The short answer is no!

[TexasJeff]

Dunno.

Not a big fan of Unique, although a lot of folks keep telling me I need to try the "new" Unique. I still have a pound or so in the old Hercules can--that stuff burns dirtier than Hugh Hefner's mind.

I do cast and load that Lee 230 TL boolit. 5.0 of Bullseye gives me very nice groups. 4.6 of W231 gives me other-worldly groups.

Jeff

[Bigjohn]

LEE does not appear to favour anyone in their manuals; the information appears generic or broad spectrum; suitable for use with anyones product.

John

[Ricochet]

I believe it's a compilation of data from various powder companies.

[runfiverun]

pretty much what ricochet said. and even then some of their loads will vary.
i always try to cross reference their data it is useful to see if a powder
you want to use is listed.
i have seen 10 grain variations with imr powders between lee and other sources [lyman]
though.
they are the generic load book and does have it's purpose..

[Rusty Shackleford]

Thanks guys for your responces to my first post here. I like what i've seen here and i'm sure have more questions. Rusty

[eljefe]

I have found this site to be helpful.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/Index.htm

[Rusty Shackleford]

Thanks eljefe, Alliant shows 4gr bullseye max for 230 LRN and 5gr Unique max same bullet. Those are starting loads according to RCBS and Lyman. Alliant must have reasons to be so conservative with 230 LRN. 45ACP

[mooman76]

I mostly use the Lyman manual. One would think with all the bullet moulds they(Lee) would have some data for particular bullets but I have fould as Ricochet said their load data is taken from powder companies data. If you have one of those Hogden yearly powder load catalogs you can compair word for word or number for number if you like.

[eljefe]

Alliant must have reasons to be so conservative with 230 LRN. 45ACP

Rusty, those are listed as target loads. Looking at the chamber pressure, there appears to be some room to increase the charge without creating excessive pressure. I guess it all depends on what you want to do with the loads...self defense, target, or something else.