I want to reload a few shotgun shells, but not near enough to invest in a regular reloading press. (mainly .410, as they are so blasted expensive!) Is there something like the Lee Loader for shotguns on the market? That work!

Actually, Lee makes the "load-all" for about $50, but it is not available in 410. The mec Jr. is about 20 bucks more, and probably the better buy. Cabelas is actually one of the cheapest places to buy reloaders.

RCBS made shotgun dies to mount in your regular press at one time, but they sold poorly. You might be able to find some, used or new old stock, on Ebay or somewhere.

If 'twere me, I'd buy a used sizemaster. Should run about $80. HTH, Dutch.

Lee loaders don't work well. This is doubly true if you shoot a repeater. If you want to get into relaoding get a good machine or forget it. If you only intend to reload a little, forget it and buy ammo. It may seem expensive but so is reloading gear. You should take the time to do an analysis of the costs of relaoding including the cost of the machine. I think the amount actually saved will be surprizing.

I have a lee load-all in 20 gauge and have loaded several thousand rounds with it. It works quite well, though it does wrinkle federal cases during the crimp stage, unless it is done just right. AA hulls reloaded perfect and gave incredible life.


I could reach a rate of 4 boxes per hour on the load-all, while 6 boxes per hour were normal on the mec jr.

BUT, the lee load-all was kinda tedious, the MEC 600 jr was definitely FUN and snappy rather than draggy.

The load-all takes some ingenuity to change the powder and/or shot (as well as the shot or powder bushings) because the powder and shot hoppers are side by side and easily spilled. Since the powder and shot move with the dies, its action movement is even more slugish.


Midsouth has the lee load-all for $33.99 (and this includes all the shot and powder bushings you will ever want), the mec jr (comes with 1 shot bar and 3 powder bushings, $8.99 for each extra shot bar, and $2.19 for each extra powder bushing) for $99.99 and the sizemaster (bushings same as the jr) for $150.99.


Alas, the load-all still doesn't come in .410.


JerryO

After re-reading you post I have an idea. If you are reloading for a single shot you could simplify this. First make sure the empties will fit back in the chamber. If so trim off the crimp. Make a tool to knock out the primer. Seat a new primer, will need a dowel that fits the inside of the case fairly close. Tap it in like with the Lee Loader. Charge with powder. You will need to make a scoop. Be sure it throws the right amount, check it on a powder scale. Insert a wad, with your dowel. Charge with shot, need another scoop for this. Install a top wad and glue it in place with Duco Cement or wax. A 7/16" arbor punch will make a .43" cardboard disk that will work OK. Maybe a toilet paper ball will work out too. I know this sounds very micky mouse but you can make shootable ammo this way.