First let me acknowledge that I am well aware of the machine's limitations, flaws and idiosyncrasies.
However, I think the beast needs to be given credit where it is due. When I bought it, it was an inexpensive way to introduce myself to shotshell reloading and see whether that was something I really wanted to take on without too much sunk cost if I found myself in over my head.
I recently picked up shotshell reloading again after a seven year break, and it was to the Lee that I first returned for a slower, gentler reintroduction.
The machine itself is simple to operate, and the lack of adjustments to make (when compared to the MEC 600 Jr Mk5 I later bought to handle my .410 loads) makes it even simpler. Yes, the whole "take the thing half to pieces to get the powder and shot bushings in" business can be annoying, and the inability to simply disconnect the powder and shot reservoirs to change the bushings for both can also be a hassle, but once you've settled on a load, it's not hard to get into a rhythm that loads enough ammo for the casual shotgunner in a reasonable space of time.
The process runs in a straight line from left to right, which makes it easy and logical, rather than proceeding in a clockwise circuit as with the MEC (effectively right to left).
The bushing-based loading table included with the device does not include all powders, but it does list many of the common ones. At least for the 12-gauge, the table is completely independent of wad and primer types (though this is not the case for the 16 and 20 gauge), and it's evident that some work has gone into compiling the table to produce safe loads in the broad range of hulls.
The tables are divided into columns for paper shells/paper basewad plastic shells and plastic wad/compression formed shells in various dram equivalents. It's not hard to find combinations of shot weight and powder type that are fully compatible with loading into either type of hull with the same powder bushing, and which in a few cases even give the same dram equivalent. The only downside is that these tables don't go down to 7/8oz, in which case you're in the situation of having to actually weigh the powder charge a particular bushing is dropping and verify that it's within safe limits for the lighter shot charge.
I would imagine that reducing the shot weight for the same powder charge and primer MUST automatically lower the peak breech pressure, but I wouldn't lightly try to extrapolate beyond the bounds Lee has set, even at the light end.
I know people like to swear at this plastic monstrosity, but I think it has a right and proper place at the amateur or occasional shotgunner's reloading bench. I only wish there was a variant in .410.
However, I think the beast needs to be given credit where it is due. When I bought it, it was an inexpensive way to introduce myself to shotshell reloading and see whether that was something I really wanted to take on without too much sunk cost if I found myself in over my head.
I recently picked up shotshell reloading again after a seven year break, and it was to the Lee that I first returned for a slower, gentler reintroduction.
The machine itself is simple to operate, and the lack of adjustments to make (when compared to the MEC 600 Jr Mk5 I later bought to handle my .410 loads) makes it even simpler. Yes, the whole "take the thing half to pieces to get the powder and shot bushings in" business can be annoying, and the inability to simply disconnect the powder and shot reservoirs to change the bushings for both can also be a hassle, but once you've settled on a load, it's not hard to get into a rhythm that loads enough ammo for the casual shotgunner in a reasonable space of time.
The process runs in a straight line from left to right, which makes it easy and logical, rather than proceeding in a clockwise circuit as with the MEC (effectively right to left).
The bushing-based loading table included with the device does not include all powders, but it does list many of the common ones. At least for the 12-gauge, the table is completely independent of wad and primer types (though this is not the case for the 16 and 20 gauge), and it's evident that some work has gone into compiling the table to produce safe loads in the broad range of hulls.
The tables are divided into columns for paper shells/paper basewad plastic shells and plastic wad/compression formed shells in various dram equivalents. It's not hard to find combinations of shot weight and powder type that are fully compatible with loading into either type of hull with the same powder bushing, and which in a few cases even give the same dram equivalent. The only downside is that these tables don't go down to 7/8oz, in which case you're in the situation of having to actually weigh the powder charge a particular bushing is dropping and verify that it's within safe limits for the lighter shot charge.
I would imagine that reducing the shot weight for the same powder charge and primer MUST automatically lower the peak breech pressure, but I wouldn't lightly try to extrapolate beyond the bounds Lee has set, even at the light end.
I know people like to swear at this plastic monstrosity, but I think it has a right and proper place at the amateur or occasional shotgunner's reloading bench. I only wish there was a variant in .410.