I want to reload the 221 Remington shell. I have been looking for a Classic Lee Loader in this caliber, but have been unable to find one. Is it possible to reload the 221 using a Classic Lee Loader in the 223 caliber? I have never reloaded so I have no idea.
Thanks,
JOhn B.

No. The .221Rem is a shortened .222 and the head to shoulder is quite a bit shorter in the .221

I sort of figured this would not work, but I thought I would ask.
Thanks,
John B.

Not positive, but I think you could. The classic lee loader only sizes the case neck. The fireball and the 5.56 nato have the same neck size. Why not give it a try?

Size one neck and try seating a bullet to see how it fits. No primer or powder on this dummy round. Then roll it on something flat like a pane of glass to see how much the bullet wobbles from sizing a narrow case in a fat sizing die. It might not be that bad.

I've done similar things with pistol rounds when in a pinch.

Good luck.

Hello, the .221 is a SHORTENED version of the .222, not the .223.
At best, the neck of the .221 would barely intrude into the neck reforming portion of the .222 die. With a .223, it just won't happen.
I THINK I occasionaly see Lee Loaders for the .221 fireball for sale on Ebay. Wouldn't hurt to kinda browse thru there every once in a while.

quote:

Is it possible to reload the 221 using a Classic Lee Loader in the 223 caliber?

I am assuming he is saying he has a .223 Rem/aka 5.56mm NATO die set. I've never seen one used, but isn't the case driven in and out of the die with a mallet of some sort? If that is so, what is to stop a fireball case from being driven up into the nato sizing die to neck size it?

Lee will make one for you.

I sent Lee an email asking if they had any 221 Lee Loaders. I have yet to receive a response and it has been almost a week. Any suggestions on how to get one made?
Thanks,
John B.

Hey jcb67, Is there a particular reason you want to use the "Classic Lee Reloader" instead of a regular FL Die Set?

The reason I ask is because even if you can obtain what you want, after 2-3 firings, you will normally need to reduce the Body and move the Shoulder back just a bit so they will chamber properly for you. And that can't be done with the "Classic Lee Reloader".
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However, there are a couple of excellent alternatives if "cost" is the issue.

Most of the Press manufacturers make some inexpensive versions which would work perfectly with a 221 Fireball FL Die set.

Lyman makes one that can ether be used as a non-mounted Hand Press, or reverse the handle and you can bench mount it. It is built well enough that it would last you a lifetime.

Lee also makes a small Press for bench mounting that a lot of folks on this site start with. After awhile they eventually "break" a part on it and either replace it or move up to a larger Press.

Neither is so expensive that it should keep you from being able to get the one of your choice and then a regular FL Die set.

Then you only need a small inexpensive scale to get started.

You might be able to do it for $50-$60 and can then "Deveolp a Load" that will be accurate for you rather than just have the rifle shoot.

You can't "Develop a Load" with the "Classic" unless you have a scale. You can only dump in a specific amount of Powder which the "Dipper" measures for you and it may or may not be accurate.

Cost is an issue and I am new to reloading. I purchased a Lee loader in 44 magnum to use, but I am still looking for a source of powder in my area. I just recently traded for a 10" Contender barrel in 221 and may or may not keep it.
Thanks,
John B.

Hey jcb67, One of my old buddies has an original XP-100 in 221 Fireball. It is a wonderful cartridge because it can be downloaded easily and the normal velocity will reach out to a distance that 22Hornets ony dream about.

By the way, I was just flipping through some catalogues and could not find the Hand Held Lyman press I'd mentioned. Darn shame because it was quite a bargain at one time.

Maybe you could locate some "used" stuff at a local Gun Shop or a Gun Show in your area. And of course check all the internet sales sites (Grafs, Midway, Natchez, Widners, etc.) and eBay for bargains or close-outs.

I know how it is to want to get the Loading going and get to shooting. It can be quite aggravating when you have to wait on getting something to do it with.

But you can spend the time looking at what is available and what the current costs for what you want. Then if you see a deal, jump on it.

Best of luck to you.

Onefunzr2, I see what you mean. I guess if one had some sort of course drift punch he could drive the case further into the die. Since the shoulder angles would be different, how would you know when to stop?

quote:

...how would you know when to stop?

Trial and error and his caliper. Then mark the depth. I didn't say it would be fast and easy, just that it should be possible for a few 'one offs' to fire in the weapon.

MidwayUSA now has Lee's hand press on sale for $16. Add a set of their dies and the problem is solved for relatively cheap. Certainly easier than with that Classic press.