Thought on the LEE Load-All - Is it worth my time?

[Ausglock]

I use a Lee load all to load 00 buck and slugs.
have a look at my post on the simple hitek coating thread.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...78#post5147278
I use a 4 pin roll crimper in a drill press.
There are pictures of the rounds as well as data.
post # 14096
My Lee is a 1985 vinatge.
Aslo have 2 Pacific DL 105 presses too. But never use them as the Lee is easier to swap between load types.

[6pt-sika]

If you’re going to load day 25 shells every month or two so be it . I’ve never used a Lee shotgun loader so I cannot say anymore than that . I’ve got MEC single stage loaders for everything from 8 gauge to 410 and other then the 8 n 10 the others are used just for buckshot , punkin balls , slugs and Bismuth . For bird target loads I use MEC 9000’s for the 12 , 16 , 20 , 28 and 410 . Now with that being said of money we’re no object I’d use Ponsness Warren 800+ machines for all those I have in 9000’s as well as a PW LS-1000 for 10 gauge 2 7/8” but I’d still use the single stage MEC’s for slugs buck etc and of course the 8 single for everything . I truely HATE the time it takes to load large quantities on a single stage years ago I’d load 800-1000 on PW loaders in an evening and I can do that now with the 9000’s I just don’t think they’re as dependable as the PW loaders . But economy is important now .

[megasupermagnum]

I have a Lee Load All II with 12 ga, 16 ga, and 20 ga sets. I had 3 MEC's at one time. I also have a PW 375 with 12 ga and 16 ga tool sets. My PW is now my main press. I still use my Lee for quick and short testing runs if I don't have my PW set up for what I want, as there is zero set up time, just slap whatever gauge set you want in there and use it. I sold one MEC, one I use for 10 gauge currently, and the third was a gift, so I wont sell it. That one sits in the corner unused. If I had the means to shoot more, I'd buy a 12 ga PW progressive, and get 10ga tooling for the PW 375. Take that for what it is. The Lee is not a waste of time.

[6pt-sika]

I have a Lee Load All II with 12 ga, 16 ga, and 20 ga sets. I had 3 MEC's at one time. I also have a PW 375 with 12 ga and 16 ga tool sets. My PW is now my main press. I still use my Lee for quick and short testing runs if I don't have my PW set up for what I want, as there is zero set up time, just slap whatever gauge set you want in there and use it. I sold one MEC, one I use for 10 gauge currently, and the third was a gift, so I wont sell it. That one sits in the corner unused. If I had the means to shoot more, I'd buy a 12 ga PW progressive, and get 10ga tooling for the PW 375. Take that for what it is. The Lee is not a waste of time.

“If” one isn’t already used to other machines I would think the Lee is fine , however if a person is used to this that or the other I’d look at it kind of as a step backward . But as said earlier if said person is new to loading and only plans to a box or two at a time then it oughtta be perfect . But personally if I wasn’t going to load anymore than eight boxes a year I’d just opt to buy factory (well if ammo was readily available).

[DavidB56]

I decided to get back into a little shotshell loading when the store shelves became empty. I bought a Lee load all just in the nick of time. The other brands were all sold out. I found a old Neidemeyer in my boxes of stuff and haven't been able to get a good crimp on it.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I loaded these yesterday on the Lee Load-All II press. The recipe came from the Lyman 5th Edition Shotshell Reloading Handbook, and were almost as specified, which in part accounts for the good results. Hulls: Win. AA, Primer: Cheddite 209, Powder: 20 gr. Red Dot, Wad: Claybuster substitute WAA12, Shot: 1 1/8 oz. NP No 7. Three or four of the crimps raised up slightly, but another trip through the crimper with a little more pressure solved the problem.



DG

[gpidaho]

I have a large accumulation of shotgun presses. Ponsness-Warren, Mec, Texan, C&H, Pacific and Lyman along with the Lee Load ALL II's and several hand kits. Lee, Russian and Survivor kits. In use, The Ponsness-Warren 375 for birdshot and the Lee Load All for Buckshot and slugs. Gp

[dsh1106]

I agree with Gp, the Ponsness-Warren 375 makes some of the nicest shells I've seen. I will own of these some day!!!
I use my Lyman Easy Loader for most anything I do at the moment, I have everything setup for roll crimping.

Scott

[pworley1]

The Mec is a better press but I don't think it produces any better ammo than the Lee. For the volume you described the Lee is all you will ever need.