Author Topic: Lee loaders (Read 596 times)

tipiguy · « **on:** November 02, 2004, 10:25:13 AM »

I have been using lee loaders to reload 30-30s, .223s, 38s, 30-06s, 357 mags, and 35 rems. I was thinking about getting a .223 AI barrel for my contender. Since lee loaders only neck size, can you use them to reload AI shells?

Thanks.
Tipiguy

Flash · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:55:27 AM »

P. O. Ackley improved his cartridges by blowing out the shoulder to a lesser angle. The Lee Loader is going to have the standard 23 degree shoulder angle machined into the sizer. This will change the shoulder of the fireformed AI cartridge each time you load it, resulting in a different headspace. My advice would be to buy some decent reloading equipment with a set of AI dies for the 223. So, your answer would be NO, you can't use a 223 Lee Loader for an Ackley Improved 223 barrel.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2004, 12:49:03 AM »

Lee Loaders ARE decent equipment for folks with the patience and temperment to use them. The quality of ammunition produced with them is the equal of anyones.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2004, 01:52:50 AM »

Yes, I agree, the quality of ammunition can be just as good with a Lee loader as with a more sophisticated setup. I'm not convinced, that the way I load, that a lee loader is slower.....I started many years ago with a lee loader, went to a rockchucker, but an now doing alot of things more manually, with wilson inline seating dies etc. Not fast, but very precise. With pistol ammo, I usually just crank them out, and a lee loader just can't keep up with this type of loading.........now if I can talk the baby's mama into a progressive........NOT!

Flash · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2004, 10:29:09 AM »

I've never seen a valid point missed so quickly. I will describe it again in more detail. Since the Lee Loader isn't available in Ackley Improved calibers and you must buy a set of dies and a press for reloading the Ackley Improved calibers, I offer this advice. Do not buy poor quality dies and equipment, buy DECENT equipment. Once the cases are fireformed, neck sizing can be performed with a conventional 30/30 die set, providing the shoulder isn't reshaped. I mentioned nothing about the Lee Loaders other than not being able to load AI calibers with them, regardless of how decent they are!

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 04, 2004, 01:05:54 AM »

You're correct, I did miss the point, and appologize for my dimwittedness.