45 colt Lee loader for lever action?

[Oldbrass]

I load 45 Colt for a friend on my single stage... He's looking at the Lee loader (whack-a-tool) the fine print sais neck size only and not recommended for semi, pump or lever.. anybody have any experience with that? He has a Taurus judge and a Rossi lever gun

[runnin n gunnin]

I have several of the Lee Whack a Mole, started loading .223 back in 1973 with one and never had a problem in my carbines. I also did 45 Colt at the time, but only in revolvers. Can't comment on the levers.

[ol'pole]

I have a lee turret press, I load 45 colt for both my Uberti revolver and Henry. NO problems

[Rifletom]

I had[still have!] one of those Lee gizmos. Took about 50 rounds of 30-30 to realize I needed a single stage to make life easier. Still using that '77 RCBS Rock Chukar!

[Travlin]

If he can use cases that were shot in the levergun then he might get by. However as has been previously mentioned, that unit only neck sizes so there may be a problem unless he is willing to shoot the rifle as a single shot and not expect it to feed from the magazine. There is a reason for the writing saying "not to be used in a lever or semi auto action", that would apply to a pump rifle also.

[Hatchdog]

Pleading ignorance here but I’m surprised that a neck size reference was made for a straight wall pistol case. I thought that neck sizing applied to bottle neck cartridges. I wonder if the neck size reference is just boiler plate info that Lee prints on all instructions.

[Pitchman1968]

I agree with Hatchdog. I have never heard the term 'neck sizing in regard to straight wall brass. I have been neck sizing for my centerfire, bolt action rifles for years because I believed it improved accuracy. However, 3 years ago I acquired a Model 1899 .30-40 Krag carbine and joined the Krag on-line Forum. A large number of that Forum's members compete in the matches at Camp Perry and are marvelous riflemen. The concensus on that Forum is that neck sizing does not improve accuracy.

[leverjc]

I only resize the top third of the 45 colt cases when I reload them. I would think if they are used in the same gun there should not be a problem.

[clovishound]

If cost is the reason for looking at the Whack a Mole, I would suggest he look at some of the bottom of the line Lee presses. The little C press would be my choice over the hand press, unless he wants to be able to load while out and about. The C press is only about $20 more than the Whack a Mole, although a set of dies will be required on top of the press. It isn't my idea of a quality press, but should give many years of service with care. It should be easier to use, and safer than beating on ammo with a hammer.

Personally, I would spend enough to get a decent single stage. The Classic Lee (all cast iron) is about $150, and the breech lock Challenger is $71. I would spend the extra and get the Classic. Everything about it is much heavier built. My buddy has a Challenger, and has loaded many many thousands of rounds on it, but it just doesn't have the feel of the heavier presses.

He will also need to get something to measure and weigh powder. There are low cost options that work just fine, but he is going to have to let loose of a little money if he wants to make his own ammo.