Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press Review

The Truth About Using the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press

For anyone looking to delve into the rewarding hobby of reloading shotshells, particularly in the versatile 20-gauge, the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press has long been a name associated with accessible and efficient entry. This press, from the reputable Lee Precision, promises not only cost savings but also the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition, tailored to your specific needs and preferences. It’s a piece of equipment designed to bring a level of control and customization to your shooting endeavors that pre-manufactured shells simply can’t offer.

My journey into reloading was driven by a desire to reduce the ever-increasing cost of shotgun shells, especially for my favorite 20-gauge scatterguns used for clay sports and occasional small game hunting. The market offered a spectrum of reloading presses, from basic manual setups to complex progressive machines costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. However, my research kept circling back to the Load-All II, lauded for its simplicity and efficacy for beginners and intermediate reloaders alike. The promise of producing shells that were not only cost-effective but also potentially more consistent in performance, as suggested by the manufacturer, was a compelling factor.

Upon receiving the press, my initial impressions were dominated by its surprisingly compact nature and cast iron construction, which lends it a reassuring heft. It felt substantial, not like a flimsy piece of equipment. The design is straightforward, almost utilitarian, which I appreciated; it hinted at a focus on function over form. There was a distinct lack of superfluous parts, suggesting that the engineers at Lee prioritized what was essential for a reliable reloading process. Compared to the more elaborate, multi-stage presses I’d seen advertised, this Lee offering felt like a solid, no-nonsense tool.

My excitement was palpable. While I’d tinkered with reloading rifle and pistol cartridges before, shotshell reloading presented a slightly different, albeit equally intriguing, challenge. The Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press arrived with what felt like a complete package, ready to tackle the task at hand. This initial feeling of preparedness, of having a capable tool ready to go with minimal fuss, was a significant positive and immediately set a hopeful tone for the reloading sessions to come.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press to the Test

First Use Experience

My first foray with the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press took place on my dedicated reloading bench in the garage, a space where the aroma of powder and the glint of brass are familiar scents and sights. I meticulously followed the included instructions, ensuring each component was correctly oriented and secured. The press itself is designed for bench mounting, which provides a stable platform, crucial for consistent reloading.

The process of loading the first few shells was surprisingly smooth. The integrated primer catcher, with its conveniently located easy to empty door, proved to be a thoughtful touch, keeping the workspace tidy. I found the recesses at each station genuinely helpful for keeping the shell perfectly aligned, reducing fumbles and potential errors, especially when working with smaller gauge shells. The press operates with a simple, satisfying lever action, and while it’s not a high-speed operation, it felt deliberate and controllable.

One minor learning curve involved getting the primer seating depth just right on the very first few shells. However, this was more a matter of my own unfamiliarity with shotshell primers than a fault of the press. The optional primer feeder, which I promptly installed, significantly sped up this particular step and made the overall process much more ergonomic, minimizing the need to touch individual primers.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, processing hundreds of 20-gauge shells, the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press continues to perform admirably. I’ve subjected it to repeated cycles, loading batches for target practice, skeet shooting, and even a few for upland bird hunting. The cast iron construction has shown no signs of stress or deformation, and the moving parts remain smooth, with no noticeable stiffness developing.

Durability has been a strong suit. Despite the occasional nudge or bump on the bench, there are no cracks or significant scuffs marring its surface. The shotgun shell reloading press consistently produces shells that are well-finished, with evenly crimped rims. I haven’t experienced any significant drop in performance or consistency.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a testament to its robust design. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a reloading session is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean and free of powder residue. Periodically, a light application of lubricant on the pivot points keeps the action exceptionally smooth. Compared to some of the more complex machines I’ve encountered that require frequent calibration and part replacement, this Lee press is remarkably low-maintenance. It’s a workhorse that stands up to consistent use without complaint, making it a reliable companion for any reloader.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press

Specifications

The Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press is built with functionality and user-friendliness at its core. It’s designed specifically for 20-gauge shotshells, with a primary focus on handling the common 2 3/4 in shell length. The press is constructed from sturdy cast iron, providing the weight and rigidity necessary for consistent reloading operations.

This robust build contributes significantly to its stability during use, reducing unwanted movement and ensuring accurate component placement. The press weighs in at 4.13 lb, a considerable but manageable weight that aids in its stationary operation on a bench. It includes twenty-four shot and powder bushings, offering a wide range of options for precisely measuring your powder and shot charges.

The inclusion of these shot and powder bushings is a critical feature for reloaders, as accurate measurement is paramount for safe and effective ammunition. This breadth of options means that most common load recipes can be accommodated without the need for additional purchases. The press also features recesses at each station, which are small but significant details that greatly improve shell positioning during the reloading sequence, contributing to a more uniform and professional-looking final product.

Performance & Functionality

At its heart, the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press excels at its primary function: producing reliable 20-gauge shotshells. The press performs its seven-station process with remarkable consistency, from priming to final crimp. The automated indexing ensures that each station is correctly aligned for the next step in the reloading process, minimizing manual manipulation and potential for error.

The crimping station, in particular, delivers a uniform and well-formed crimp, which is crucial for proper feeding in most shotguns. Shells loaded on this press consistently exhibit more uniform velocity and patterns, as claimed by Lee, a noticeable improvement over less consistent methods. The press handles both shotshell powder and shot charges with precision, thanks to the included twenty-four shot and powder bushings.

A minor limitation is its specific focus on 2 3/4 inch shells; it cannot load 2 1/2″ or 3 1/2″ shot shells. This is an important consideration for those who utilize a broader range of 20-gauge lengths. However, for the vast majority of 20-gauge users, especially those involved in target shooting or general small game hunting, the 2 3/4 inch capability covers the most common needs.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press prioritizes practical usability. Its relatively compact footprint makes it suitable for smaller reloading spaces. The cast iron construction provides a solid feel, and the overall build quality instills confidence in its longevity.

Ergonomically, the press is well-thought-out. The convenient handle is easy to grip and operate, even during extended reloading sessions. The press is designed to be bench-mounted, which allows for a stable and comfortable working height, reducing strain.

The inclusion of recesses at each station for shell positioning is a subtle yet effective ergonomic feature. It guides the reloader’s hands and the shell into the correct orientation, making the process more intuitive and less prone to mistakes. The built-in primer catcher with an easy to empty door is another example of user-centric design, keeping the workspace clean and simplifying cleanup.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press, owing to its cast iron body and robust mechanical design, is built for longevity. Under normal use, and with minimal care, this press is expected to last for decades, becoming a reliable fixture in a reloader’s setup. The absence of complex electronic components means fewer potential failure points.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light application of lubricant on the main pivot points and camming surfaces every few months is generally sufficient. Keeping the press free of dust and powder residue with a soft cloth after each use will ensure its smooth operation.

The press is not designed for user-serviceable internal parts beyond simple adjustments or bushing changes. However, the build quality is such that component failure is rare. Any wear is typically on the bushings or perhaps the primer feed mechanism over extreme usage, but these are readily available and inexpensive replacement parts from Lee Precision.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press comes with a highly valuable set of accessories right out of the box. Chief among these are the twenty-four shot and powder bushings. These are precisely calibrated and are essential for tailoring your loads to specific powder and shot combinations, forming the core of the customization offered by this press.

An additional, highly recommended accessory is the optional primer feeder. While not included standard, this attachment dramatically improves the reloading experience by automatically feeding primers into place, eliminating the need to handle them individually from the box. This not only speeds up the process but also significantly enhances safety by minimizing direct primer contact.

The press itself offers a degree of gauge conversion capability, though it primarily functions with 20-gauge. Specific conversion kits might be available from Lee for other gauges, but the core unit is optimized for 20-gauge. The press is designed to work with standard shotshell components – hulls, wads, powder, and shot – available from various reloading supply companies.

Pros and Cons of Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press

Who Should Buy Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press?

The Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press is an outstanding choice for beginner to intermediate reloaders who are primarily interested in 20-gauge shotshells, particularly the 2 3/4 inch length. If you’re looking to significantly reduce the cost of ammunition for clay sports, small game hunting, or casual shooting, this press offers an economical and effective entry point. It’s also ideal for hobbyists who enjoy the process of crafting their own ammunition and appreciate a straightforward, reliable tool.

Those who should probably skip this product are experienced reloaders who require extremely high-volume production rates or need to load a wide variety of shotshell lengths (like 2 1/2″ or 3 1/2″ 20-gauge, or other gauges) without purchasing separate conversion kits or presses. If your primary focus is churning out thousands of shells for competitive shooting events, a more advanced progressive press might be a better investment. For most casual and dedicated 20-gauge shooters, however, this Lee offering is more than adequate.

A must-have complementary item to enhance the experience with this press is the optional primer feeder. It significantly streamlines the priming process, making reloading faster and safer. Additionally, ensuring you have a reliable supply of quality shotshell hulls, primers, powder, and shot appropriate for 20-gauge reloading is crucial for success.

Conclusion on Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press

The Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press stands out as a remarkably capable and accessible tool for anyone venturing into shotshell reloading. Its cast iron construction speaks to its durability, while the inclusion of twenty-four shot and powder bushings provides immediate versatility for tailoring loads. The press delivers on its promise of producing consistent and reliable ammunition, making it a practical choice for cost-conscious shooters.

At its price point, the value proposition is undeniable. It offers a solid foundation for learning and practicing shotshell reloading without a significant financial commitment. While it may not match the speed of high-end progressive machines, its ease of use, robust build, and excellent performance for its intended purpose make it a smart investment.

I would readily recommend the Lee Load-All 20 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press to any shooter looking to get into reloading 20-gauge shells, especially those who prioritize cost savings and a satisfying DIY experience. It’s a testament to Lee Precision’s ability to create effective and affordable reloading equipment that truly serves the needs of the shooting community.