Original 1960s Lee Loader in 303 Brit

[J Miller]

Awaaaaaayyyy back when I was a young feller I had a British No 4 Mk I and I fed it with an original Lee Loader. I gave the loader away and now some decades later I want another one. I know Lee still sells them, but I want the 1960s version because of the load data it has. At one time I used 4831 and a Hornady 174 gr RN to make a really accurate load. I've lost that data and want to try the load again.

Does any one here have one of that vintage in 303 Brit they'd sell me, or if not sell it, at least scan the load data and email it to me?

Thanks Joe

[AJMD429]

https://youtu.be/8o1Z44vKFio....?

[Hawkeye2]

I haven't searched eBay for them for a year or more but they used to be quite common there in a lot of calibers. I suggest you might do a search there.

[Hawkeye2]

Here is one but it looks like the instructions/data are missing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic-lo ... SwehZaNmVe

[J Miller]

That original loading data sheet is the most important part and what I really want. I got lots of die sets to load the rounds with.

Joe

[mikld]

A few hits here; https://www.bing.com/search?q=303%20bri ... =CT3210127

[AJMD429]

Didn't you see the Lee Loader chart in the video I posted in my first answer.....?

Here's a freeze-frame...

Screenshot_2017-12-27-10-58-50-1.png

I know it is the newer data, but it has to be a decent starting point.

[Hawkeye2]

I don't know if this is an old chart of one of the newer ones. Lee will sell the charge table for the newer set for $1 https://leeprecision.com/parts/reloadin ... ish-parts/

I did realize that you wanted the chart more than the loader itself, I merely posted the link to show how easy it was to find one and if you keep at it one with the cart and instructions will show up.

[AJMD429]

The other thought.....would they use the same load data as the Lee Manual from that era...?

[barbarossa]

There is one for sale at brass world with the original chart here is a pic of the chart

[J Miller]

AJMD,

Yes I did see it, but I didn't look at it. Sometimes I have tunnel vision.

Hawkeye2, barbarosa,

Thanks, that leaves me to wonder where I got the data as I don't see it on the original data card. It might be there but my monitor shows it too small for me to read and I can't make it bigger.

Now, I haven't seen my reloading manuals in years. They are somewhere in the basement in a box from the last move. IIRC I have the Lee data book from the 60s. If I can find that it might be where I got the data from. I'll look for it later.

Thanks for the help.

Joe

[Carlsen Highway]

The H4831 powder from the sixties is a different powder than the modern version made by ADI. (I have read that the old powder is faster)

I cant find load data for H4831 anywhere though (and I think that particular powder would be slow for the .303.)

These are the powders I use for .303 and the 174g Hornady round nose:
H4350 48.0 (C) for 2500 fps MAX
Varget 42.0 for 2500 fps MAX

I have a full set of lee dippers and can try throwing some powder and weighing it on scales if you want to know which one to use for these charges (or close to them) ?

[2ndovc]

The H4831 powder from the sixties is a different powder than the modern version made by ADI. (I have read that the old powder is faster)

I cant find load data for H4831 anywhere though (and I think that particular powder would be slow for the .303.)

These are the powders I use for .303 and the 174g Hornady round nose:
H4350 48.0 (C) for 2500 fps MAX
Varget 42.0 for 2500 fps MAX

I have a full set of lee dippers and can try throwing some powder and weighing it on scales if you want to know which one to use for these charges (or close to them) ?

I've had great results with the 174 and Varget in both the .303 and 7.62x54r. Along with several other cartridges. I've been reloading the .303 Brit since the mid '80s and one of the first rounds I started reloading for. Couldn't find it around here so I started making my own.

jb

[AJMD429]

The H4831 powder from the sixties is a different powder than the modern version made by ADI. (I have read that the old powder is faster)

That would be my fear; so I'd use (or at least start with) the current Lee Loader data for 4831 like the guy in the video was using, unless you have 1960's-era powder.

[Ysabel Kid]

I haven't searched eBay for them for a year or more but they used to be quite common there in a lot of calibers. I suggest you might do a search there.

+1

Joe, I purchased several of the Lee Loaders off ebay a couple/few years back. It is the way to go!

[Ji in Hawaii]

Aloha Joe, you have a SMLE? Not to change the subject BUT... I'd LOVE to own a model 1895 Winchester in 303 British: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgmgXP4qrw4

[J Miller]

Aloha Joe, you have a SMLE? Not to change the subject BUT... I'd LOVE to own a model 1895 Winchester in 303 British: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgmgXP4qrw4

Ji,

An 1895 in 303 Brit has been on my "want" list for years. To date I've never had one in my hands, let alone have one come up for sale when I had the funds available.
Hopefully some day.

Joe

[J Miller]

I haven't searched eBay for them for a year or more but they used to be quite common there in a lot of calibers. I suggest you might do a search there.

+1

Joe, I purchased several of the Lee Loaders off ebay a couple/few years back. It is the way to go!

Just checked eBay and didn't find what I am looking for. Will check back later.

Joe