Loading 2.5 shells using a 12g Lee Load All

Alex_Zues

Alex_Zues

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Sasquatchewan, the flat part
I've heard that with a little creativity you can rig a Lee Load All to do 2.5 inch shells. Did some searching and this website had some people able to do it. Sound legit?

ht tp://16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=104295&sid=46a122245a1729d39ab55fbd299aee7f

I've got a 2.5 inch sxs that I'd love to shoot occasionally, but it's a pain waiting for the ammo to occasionally come in to the local gunshop. Load alls sell for pretty cheap, and yes, I am aware that they aren't made as well as Mec, but it would just be for occasional loading. Would rather not spend over $100 just to make 2.5 inch shells. Figured it might be worth it to find a Load All on sale or used.
 
Sounds like it would work. I was thinking more of a spacer like the guy mentions when I read the title but I have actually had shells come out like that unintentionally. Some roll crimped slugs (mostly Federal I believe) are actually 2-5/8" and not 2-3/4". When loaded and crimped on my Load All 2 they form a crimp very similar to what the guy shows in the photo that he refers to as a "Hartin crimp". Never had any issues firing them either (though they where slugs so no over shot cards necessary).

Now if only I could find a way to use a Load-All 2 to load 3-1/2" shells....
 
Looks to me that you could cut the tube of the final Lee Loadall crimp station to the right height for 2.5 inch and shorten the square tube upright by the correct amount and you have a 2.5 inch loader.
I have a 12 ga Loadall without any bushings for $10, located in Saskatoon. PM me if interested.
 
I have loaded thousands of shells with my Lee Load All, the Load All is mostly about feel anyway so it should work like a charm!
 
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