Lee Loader

Texas Reb · November 5, 2017, 06:05 PM

You know, I've been looking for one of these for my Brother. He wants to load a few black powder shells for his single shot 12 and 28 gauges, but at this price, he could get a used Mec. Unless, I can snag one cheaper, it's the nail and dowel method for him.

I was up at the thrift shop the other day and spotted a 12 gauge roll crimper mixed in with the kitchen dishes and silverware. I asked the lady how much and she told me 10 bucks. I paid her and ran with it to the car. My brother moon-walked across the front yard and is still doing back flips.

Anyways back on subject. These antique reloading tools and lee loaders have gone crazy in price. I saw a set of wooden tools on eBay the other day and all I could do was laugh. I don't remember the price, but it was around 100 dollars or more.

This 28g lee loader only has one bidder and it's 65 plus shipping. I'm not paying it, but if I had several, I'd sure sell a couple at that price.

https://www.ebay.com/i/253234422983

Of course this powder scoop must be solid gold

https://www.ebay.com/i/401436462384

I just thought you guys would enjoy some humor. I don't get to post much, but I enjoy everyone on the forum.

Texas Reb · November 5, 2017, 06:09 PM

Here's that set of wooden tools, I mentioned above. They are must have been owned by royalty back in the day. Laughing!!!!

https://www.ebay.com/i/272248664949

darkgael · November 6, 2017, 06:37 AM

Very true about prices. It is especially true for the smaller gauge sets...28 ga. and .410 bore.

jaguarxk120 · November 6, 2017, 07:36 AM

For some unknown reason those whack a mole loaders have become a collectors item.

If you can locate a MEC that's the way to go.

You have the crimper, if you know someone with a lathe maybe they can turn the rest of the tools out of maple.

T. O'Heir · November 6, 2017, 01:27 PM

Buying or selling on E-Bay funds the people who want to take your firearms away from you.
Why is your brother not buying his own kit? Just nosy.
You can buy a Lee Load-All with FREE shipping on Amazon for $60.12 and not give the Brady Bunch any money.
https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Sho.../dp/B000NTKD28
Mind you, the regular price at Cabela's is $59.99.
28 gauge stuff is going to cost as it's unusual. Lee doesn't make 'em any more.

Texas Reb · November 6, 2017, 02:47 PM

My post was meant as humor at the high prices. I guess humor didn't translate well. As for eBay, I'll have to verify what you said as I don't know if they are anti-gun or not. As for why I'm buying for my brother, I was just going to surprise him. We're real close and do stuff like that for one another.

deerslayer303 · November 6, 2017, 06:12 PM

The Lee Load All II is a dandy little shot shell press. I like it. Although I don't think you can roll crimp with it. If you can I don't know how. LOL

TruthTellers · November 6, 2017, 11:29 PM

I wish Lee would bring the Classic Loader back for the 12 gauge and offer it in various lengths. I would really like to load my own 1-3/4" minishells.

But everything is going towards presses these days. The old hand tools are just that: old.

44 Dave · November 7, 2017, 09:59 AM

Have done a few rolled crimps, using my Lee to size, prime, powder, wad ,and shot. then add a card wad and go to my hand crank roll crimper.

bedbugbilly · November 8, 2017, 12:12 AM

The price of the Lee loaders is almost to the point where i would think Lee would consider making them again - but doubt that's going to happen.

A setof loading tools isn't that hard to make. Dowels sized to the gauge can be converted in to de-primers. A base made to hold the shell with a plug to prime. Some circle fly wads, BP and shot and you're in business.

I'm hoping to get a set made this winter for 20 gauge. I bought a bunch of plastic hulls for 1 time reloading. Will trim to length for the chamber and load just like you would a brass shell. No crimp - just an over the shot card and a dab of hot glue to hold in place or some waterfalls and good to go. Loading BP shot shells doesn't really demand a bunco of fancy tools.

Texas Reb · November 8, 2017, 10:07 AM

Yes BBB, He's been out in the wood shop making his tools. He found my stash of exotic hardwoods I've been saving for the last 15 years! We had a heart to heart and he decided to use pine

I didn't want to sound grumpy, so I told him if he still wanted to make some fancy tools come spring, I would give him his choice. I've got Blood wood, Bubinga, Purple Heart, Padauk, Canary, Texas Ebony and ain't no telling what else. I've got a chunk of walnut that's over 40 years old. I bought it to make a mantle clock, but never did.

November 5, 2017, 06:05 PM	#1
Texas Reb Member Join Date: December 29, 2014 Posts: 82	Lee Loader You know, I've been looking for one of these for my Brother. He wants to load a few black powder shells for his single shot 12 and 28 gauges, but at this price, he could get a used Mec. Unless, I can snag one cheaper, it's the nail and dowel method for him. I was up at the thrift shop the other day and spotted a 12 gauge roll crimper mixed in with the kitchen dishes and silverware. I asked the lady how much and she told me 10 bucks. I paid her and ran with it to the car. My brother moon-walked across the front yard and is still doing back flips. Anyways back on subject. These antique reloading tools and lee loaders have gone crazy in price. I saw a set of wooden tools on eBay the other day and all I could do was laugh. I don't remember the price, but it was around 100 dollars or more. This 28g lee loader only has one bidder and it's 65 plus shipping. I'm not paying it, but if I had several, I'd sure sell a couple at that price. https://www.ebay.com/i/253234422983 Of course this powder scoop must be solid gold https://www.ebay.com/i/401436462384 I just thought you guys would enjoy some humor. I don't get to post much, but I enjoy everyone on the forum.

November 6, 2017, 06:37 AM	#3
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	Tool $ Very true about prices. It is especially true for the smaller gauge sets...28 ga. and .410 bore. __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

November 6, 2017, 01:27 PM	#5
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Buying or selling on E-Bay funds the people who want to take your firearms away from you. Why is your brother not buying his own kit? Just nosy. You can buy a Lee Load-All with FREE shipping on Amazon for $60.12 and not give the Brady Bunch any money. https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Sho.../dp/B000NTKD28 Mind you, the regular price at Cabela's is $59.99. 28 gauge stuff is going to cost as it's unusual. Lee doesn't make 'em any more. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

November 6, 2017, 06:12 PM	#7
deerslayer303 Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2011 Location: Leesville SC Posts: 2,653	The Lee Load All II is a dandy little shot shell press. I like it. Although I don't think you can roll crimp with it. If you can I don't know how. LOL __________________ "I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery." - Thomas Jefferson

November 6, 2017, 11:29 PM	#8
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,887	I wish Lee would bring the Classic Loader back for the 12 gauge and offer it in various lengths. I would really like to load my own 1-3/4" minishells. But everything is going towards presses these days. The old hand tools are just that: old. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

November 5, 2017, 06:09 PM	#2
Texas Reb Member Join Date: December 29, 2014 Posts: 82	Here's that set of wooden tools, I mentioned above. They are must have been owned by royalty back in the day. Laughing!!!! https://www.ebay.com/i/272248664949

November 6, 2017, 07:36 AM	#4
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	For some unknown reason those whack a mole loaders have become a collectors item. If you can locate a MEC that's the way to go. You have the crimper, if you know someone with a lathe maybe they can turn the rest of the tools out of maple.

November 6, 2017, 02:47 PM	#6
Texas Reb Member Join Date: December 29, 2014 Posts: 82	My post was meant as humor at the high prices. I guess humor didn't translate well. As for eBay, I'll have to verify what you said as I don't know if they are anti-gun or not. As for why I'm buying for my brother, I was just going to surprise him. We're real close and do stuff like that for one another.

November 7, 2017, 09:59 AM	#9
44 Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2013 Posts: 584	Have done a few rolled crimps, using my Lee to size, prime, powder, wad ,and shot. then add a card wad and go to my hand crank roll crimper.

November 8, 2017, 12:12 AM	#10
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	The price of the Lee loaders is almost to the point where i would think Lee would consider making them again - but doubt that's going to happen. A setof loading tools isn't that hard to make. Dowels sized to the gauge can be converted in to de-primers. A base made to hold the shell with a plug to prime. Some circle fly wads, BP and shot and you're in business. I'm hoping to get a set made this winter for 20 gauge. I bought a bunch of plastic hulls for 1 time reloading. Will trim to length for the chamber and load just like you would a brass shell. No crimp - just an over the shot card and a dab of hot glue to hold in place or some waterfalls and good to go. Loading BP shot shells doesn't really demand a bunco of fancy tools. __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

November 8, 2017, 10:07 AM	#11
Texas Reb Member Join Date: December 29, 2014 Posts: 82	Yes BBB, He's been out in the wood shop making his tools. He found my stash of exotic hardwoods I've been saving for the last 15 years! We had a heart to heart and he decided to use pine I didn't want to sound grumpy, so I told him if he still wanted to make some fancy tools come spring, I would give him his choice. I've got Blood wood, Bubinga, Purple Heart, Padauk, Canary, Texas Ebony and ain't no telling what else. I've got a chunk of walnut that's over 40 years old. I bought it to make a mantle clock, but never did. Last edited by Texas Reb; November 8, 2017 at 10:23 AM.