Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

[Customizer]

Hi
I am about to start loading to a 338 Lapua. I have previously only loaded smaller calibers and I have then been using the Lee handpriming-tool.
The problem is that I can not find a shellholder that is supposed to fit the 338L.
Are anyone of you guys out there using this tool to prime your 338L?
If you do, I would appreciate if you could tell me what shellholder you are using.
I use the older model of the Lee handpriming-tool. I suppose the newer model use the same shellholders but I am not sure.

All help about this are welcome.

 

[DeSilva]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

Hi You cannot use the lee unit to load primers cus the case wont fit into the tool. I have to use the press which isnt great but at least it gets me to shoot this round. Im waiting for my 21st Century shooting tool which looks the dogs....

 

[Femadog]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

Not necessarily true. I used a Dremel and ground the opening on the Lee tool and crimped a batch of 338L last week. I can't remember which shellholder I have in it. I can check later and post it. This applies to the older Auto Prime tool. I don't know if you can make this mod to the newer improved version.

 

[Customizer]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

Hi
Is this something you know for a fact or do you only think so?

The reason why I ask this is because I looked in Lee precisions homepage and I could not find a shellholder for 338L, BUT I found one for 416 Rigby and that is the parentcase for 338L.

When I checked the dimensions of the two cases I found the 338L to be just a tiny bit smaller in the rim diameter. 416 Rigby 0,590 in and 338L 0,588 in. 416 Rim thickness was 0,065 in and 338L it was 0,060 in.
Based on this I tend to believe that I could use the shellholder for 416 Rigby to my 338 Lapua.
If someone know for a fact that I am wrong about this, pls let me know.

 

[Customizer]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

Ok, I think I missunderstood DeSilva. I can see the problem now when I look at the tool and measure the opening.
But like you said, it cant be to big problem opening it up a little.
I would appreciate if you can check what shellholder you were using.
The one for 416 Rigby I believe would work was nr 8.

Thanks

 

[DeSilva]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

From what i understand from Lee is they will be bringing out a purpose made shell holder the 338 lapua for a new design primer tool in about 4 - 5 months time.

 

[Femadog]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

I used a Number 8 Lee shell holder for the auto prime. Fits fine as far as I can tell. I use a #35 Redding shellholder on my press.

Hope that helps.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

I think this is 'old news' that you cannot use 338lm with the lee. I have a lee XR hand primer and my 338lm fits. The shellholder is in the other room, so I can't remember what number it is but I can look at it if need be. The only thing I do remember is that the trick is to use rcbs shellholers and not lee shellholders.

 

[X-fan]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The only thing I do remember is that the trick is to use rcbs shellholers and not lee shellholders. </div></div>

Why do you say that?

 

[Customizer]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

Thanks alot RSQ41
This confirms what I thought.

 

[Customizer]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The only thing I do remember is that the trick is to use rcbs shellholers and not lee shellholders. </div></div>

Why do you say that? </div></div>

I was thinking the same thing.
How do you do to make an RCBS shellholder fit in the Auto prime?

 

[hntbambi]

Re: Priming 338 Lapua with Lee handpriming-tool?

I opened the top of the Lee Auto Prime with a Dremel sanding drum and used the #8 shell holder. It worked. I have since switched to the RCBS as I like it a lot better.