Lee Load-All II Shotshell Press: Your Gateway to Economical and Custom Ammunition
Are you a passionate shotgun enthusiast, a dedicated hunter, or a competitive sport shooter constantly seeking ways to optimize your shooting experience while managing ammunition costs? Do you find yourself wondering, "How can I reduce the expense of my shotgun shells?" or "Is it possible to create custom loads tailored precisely to my needs?" If these questions resonate with you, then delving into the world of shotshell reloading offers compelling answers. And at the heart of an accessible and efficient reloading journey for countless individuals stands the Lee 90951 Load-All II Shotshell Press.
This robust and user-friendly press is far more than just a piece of equipment; it's an investment in your shooting future, empowering you to produce high-quality shotgun ammunition from the comfort of your own workshop. Designed by Lee Precision, a name synonymous with innovation and value in the reloading community, the Load-All II transforms the often complex process of shotshell assembly into a streamlined, enjoyable, and incredibly cost-effective endeavor.
Why Embrace Shotshell Reloading? The Benefits That Go Beyond Savings
For many, the primary motivation for reloading is the undeniable economic advantage. Factory ammunition, especially specialized loads, can be remarkably expensive, and these costs add up quickly for avid shooters. Reloading with a reliable press like the Lee Load-All II can dramatically cut your per-round expenditure, often by 50% or more, depending on component sourcing. This means more shooting, more practice, and more opportunities to hone your skills without breaking the bank.
However, the benefits extend far beyond mere financial savings. Reloading offers an unparalleled level of control over your ammunition:
- Customization for Peak Performance: Imagine crafting shells specifically designed for your shotgun, your shooting style, or a particular game bird. You can experiment with different powder types and charges, shot sizes, wad designs, and primer brands to achieve optimal patterns, velocities, and recoil characteristics. This fine-tuning can lead to improved accuracy and consistency, giving you a distinct edge in competition or a more satisfying experience in the field.
- Ensured Consistency: When you load your own ammunition, you control every variable. This often results in a higher degree of uniformity from round to round compared to mass-produced factory ammunition, leading to tighter groups and more predictable performance.
- Availability and Self-Sufficiency: In times of ammunition shortages or when specific loads are hard to find, having the ability to produce your own shells provides invaluable self-sufficiency. You're no longer reliant on external supply chains.
- A Rewarding Hobby: For many, the process of reloading itself is a deeply satisfying hobby. It’s a precise, methodical craft that allows for an intimate understanding of ammunition dynamics. The tactile experience of creating something useful and effective with your own hands is incredibly fulfilling.
- Eco-Friendly Practice: Reloading reduces waste by allowing you to reuse spent hull cases, contributing to a more sustainable shooting practice.
Discovering the Lee Load-All II: Answering Your Reloading Needs
The Lee Load-All II Shotshell Press is engineered to be an accessible entry point for beginners while still offering the performance and durability sought by experienced reloaders. It’s a versatile press, primarily designed for reloading 12-gauge, 16-gauge, and 20-gauge shotshells (with appropriate conversion kits, often sold separately), making it a comprehensive solution for various shotgun owners.
What exactly does an "automatic processing press" entail when we're talking about shotshells? It means the Load-All II integrates multiple crucial steps of the reloading process into a single, efficient operation. While not a fully progressive press that completes a shell with every pull of the handle, it automates key stages, significantly speeding up production compared to single-stage methods.
Key Features and How They Benefit You:
- Five-Station Design: The press features five individual stations that allow for simultaneous operations, meaning that as you actuate the lever, multiple tasks are performed on different shells in various stages of completion. This semi-progressive action dramatically increases your output.
- Station 1 (Depriming/Resizing): Your spent hull is automatically deprimed, and its base is resized to factory specifications, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction in your shotgun chamber. This is crucial for consistent performance.
- Station 2 (Priming/Powder Dropping): A fresh primer is automatically seated, and a precise powder charge (chosen via the included powder bushings) is dropped into the hull. The auto-indexing feature moves the shell to this station.
- Station 3 (Wad Seating): This is where you manually insert your chosen wad into the hull. The press then applies pressure to seat the wad firmly over the powder.
- Station 4 (Shot Dropping/Pre-Crimping): Your desired shot charge is automatically dropped into the hull. Simultaneously, the first stage of crimping begins, forming the initial fold of the shell's mouth.
- Station 5 (Final Crimping): The final crimp is applied, sealing the shell tightly and securely, creating a professional-looking and functioning round.
- Automatic Primer Feeder: No more fumbling with individual primers. The built-in primer feeder automatically stages primers for precise and consistent seating, saving you time and reducing frustration.
- Automatic Powder and Shot Dispensers: The Load-All II comes equipped with a set of twelve powder bushings and a shot bushing. These allow you to select and drop precise, consistent charges of powder and shot for various load recipes. This level of consistency is vital for safety and performance.
- Steel Construction (Where it Counts): While the base and some components are robust composite materials, critical stress points and wear parts, such as certain linkages and dies, incorporate steel for enhanced durability and longevity, ensuring your press stands up to thousands of reloading cycles. This balance of materials keeps the press lightweight enough for easy handling but strong where it matters most.
- Built-in Spares Kit: A thoughtful inclusion, the Load-All II often comes with a small spares kit containing common wear items like extra primer arms and springs, ensuring you can quickly get back to reloading if a minor part needs replacement.
- Ease of Use: Lee Precision prides itself on designing equipment that is straightforward to set up and operate. The Load-All II is no exception. Its intuitive design means that even first-time reloaders can quickly grasp the mechanics and begin producing ammunition. Comprehensive instructions are always provided to guide you through each step.
- Affordable Entry: Compared to many other multi-stage shotshell presses on the market, the Lee Load-All II offers an incredibly attractive price point, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to get into shotshell reloading without a significant initial investment. This affordability, combined with its robust feature set, makes it a truly exceptional value.
How to Get Started with the Lee Load-All II: A Step-by-Step Overview
Embarking on your reloading journey with the Lee Load-All II is a systematic process that prioritizes safety and precision. While a detailed manual always accompanies the press, understanding the basic workflow can demystify the process:
- Gather Your Components: You'll need spent, clean shotshell hulls (matching the gauge of your press), new primers, your chosen smokeless shotshell powder, wads, and lead or non-toxic shot. Always consult reliable reloading manuals for safe load data.
- Mount the Press: Securely mount your Load-All II to a sturdy workbench. A solid mounting surface is essential for stable and consistent operation.
- Install the Correct Bushings: Select the appropriate powder bushing (from the included set of 12) and the shot bushing according to your desired load data. Place them into their respective hoppers on the press.
- Fill Hoppers: Add primers to the primer feeder, powder to the powder hopper, and shot to the shot hopper.
- Begin Reloading:
- Place a spent hull into Station 1. Actuate the handle to deprime and resize.
- As you raise the handle, the shell indexes to Station 2. Lower the handle to seat a new primer and drop a precise powder charge.
- Raise the handle, then manually place a wad into the shell in Station 3. Lower the handle to seat the wad firmly.
- Raise the handle, and the shell moves to Station 4. Lower the handle to drop the correct amount of shot and begin the initial crimp.
- Raise the handle one last time, and the shell advances to Station 5. Lower the handle to apply the final, professional-looking crimp.
- Your completed round is then ready to be removed!
With practice, you’ll find a rhythm and can produce hundreds of rounds per hour, transforming a pile of components into ready-to-shoot ammunition.
Common Questions About the Lee Load-All II
"Is the Lee Load-All II suitable for a complete beginner?"
Absolutely! The Load-All II is widely recommended as an excellent starting point for new reloaders due to its straightforward design, comprehensive instructions, and budget-friendly price. It provides a full introduction to the shotshell reloading process without overwhelming complexity.
"What gauges can the Lee Load-All II reload?"
The standard Load-All II model is available specifically for 12, 16, or 20 gauge. However, conversion kits are available from Lee Precision, allowing you to switch between these gauges on a single press body. This versatility means you can reload for multiple shotguns with one primary piece of equipment.
"How consistent are the powder and shot drops?"
The included powder and shot bushings are designed for reliable and consistent volumetric drops. While experienced reloaders sometimes opt for separate, more precise scales for extremely critical loads, for the vast majority of sporting and hunting ammunition, the Load-All II's system provides excellent consistency, often within a tenth of a grain for powder.
"What kind of maintenance does it require?"
Minimal maintenance is needed. Regular cleaning to remove powder residue and occasional light lubrication of moving parts are sufficient. Always follow Lee Precision's guidelines for care and storage to ensure the longevity of your press.
"Can I reload steel shot with this press?"
While primarily designed for lead shot, many reloaders successfully use the Load-All II for steel shot with the appropriate components (steel shot wads, etc.) and load data. Always ensure your components and recipes are specifically designed for steel shot, as it behaves differently than lead.
Trust and Reliability: The Lee Precision Legacy
Lee Precision has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, earning a reputation for producing innovative, high-quality, and affordable reloading equipment. Their commitment to making reloading accessible to everyone is evident in products like the Load-All II. When you choose a Lee product, you're not just buying a machine; you're investing in a legacy of reliability and a company that stands behind its products with excellent customer support.
The durable construction, thoughtful design, and integrated features of the Lee Load-All II are a testament to this legacy. It’s a tool built to last, providing years of service and allowing you to enjoy the countless benefits of producing your own shotshell ammunition.
Where to Purchase Your Lee Load-All II
Ready to take control of your ammunition supply and elevate your shooting experience? The Lee 90951 Load-All II Shotshell Press is available for purchase at DEGuns. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns offers a wide selection of reloading equipment and components, ensuring you have everything you need to get started and maintain your reloading operation. Visit DEGuns.com today to explore the Lee Load-All II and begin your journey into the rewarding world of shotshell reloading.
Product Specifications & Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lee Load-All II Shotshell Press |
| Manufacturer | Lee Precision |
| Type | Semi-Progressive Shotshell Reloading Press |
| Stations | 5-Station Design (Deprime/Resize, Prime/Powder, Wad, Shot/Pre-crimp, Final Crimp) |
| Material | Steel and durable composite construction |
| Included Accessories | 12 Powder Bushings, 1 Shot Bushing, Spares Kit |
| Primary Use | Reloading Shotshells (12, 16, 20 Gauge with conversion) |
| Retailer | DEGuns.com |
Lee Load-All II Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | Significantly reduces ammunition expenses. |
| Customization | Allows for tailored loads for specific shooting needs. |
| Consistency | Produces uniform rounds for improved accuracy. |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, ideal for beginners and experienced reloaders. |
| Durability | Robust construction ensures long-term reliability. |
| Efficiency | Semi-progressive design increases reloading speed. |
UPC Reference
| Product Name | UPC |
|---|---|
| Lee Load-All II (12 Gauge) | 90951 |