Objective
This tool/kit is designed to mount in a Lee Precision, single stage reloading press sized to accept ‘classic/old’ style 1 1/4-12 reloading dies, and will allow the user to deprime, resize, prime, and load 12G shotshells. This is ideal for folks with limited space or funds, or who would prefer to reload 12G shells without having to buy and set up an entirely new dedicated shotshell press.
Construction
The tool consists of a single die, several bases and several attachments depending on which configuration the user chooses to purchase. The die body is made from a high strength semi-stainless steel to ensure the rigidity and resilience necessary for high-stress resizing of shotshell brass. The actual sizing operation is performed by the included MEC carbide resizing ring which threads onto the base of the die. The resizing hull holder/base is made from semi-stainless steel and will fit any Lee Precision press as well as most presses compatible with Lee Precision case holders.
Other attachments are as follows:
Installation
Shown in the video above is a Lee Precision Classic Cast press. To install the sizing kit, the user begins by removing the 7/8-14 adapter it ships with.
With that done, the operator threads the MEC carbide ring onto the sizing die, then installs the whole affair into the press. Die position isn’t super-important as ultimately the base will bottom out on the die regardless.
Finally the user slots the base into the ram of the press, with the open end facing one side for easy access.
Installation of attachments:
Operation
The user begins by sliding a hull into the hull holder.
Next, the operator raises the ram until it bottoms out on the die.
Finally, the user lowers the ram again to extract the hull.
Operation of attachments:
Summary
Using this tool and optional accessories, reloaders can resize, deprime and reprime most 12 gauge hulls with ease. Resized hulls measure 0.801″, keeping them well in line with required operational standards. So far the only exception I have encountered is some Challenger branded high-brass hulls, which have a non-standard rim height making them too large to fit the hull holder.
This system also works equally well with both low and high brass hulls. This was critical to me during the design phase as I find high-brass hulls miserable to size on conventional shotshell presses that use a sizing ring.
Demonstration
Coming soon!