Lee Loader

Short version: Get one.

Longer version:
Action is small, light, smooooth.
Trigger is crisp and can be adjusted light.
Mag holds 10 and is easy to load.
Feeding and ejection has been flawless.


I did a barrel break-in today - 8 shots cleaning after each shot, then 2 and clean, 2 more and clean, and finally 3 as I ran out of ammo and patience. The ammo was some I had loaded a long time ago, not sure what it was, but I think 60 gr soft points. The last 3 went into .9" @75 yds. Time now to load up some good ammo.

Two nits: The fore end is too thick, and sometimes I have to hold my mouth just right to get the mag to snap into place. Likely a burr in the plastic somewhere.

I know, a thread is worthless without pictures, so here's one:

Awesome!I hear the 7.62x39 calling me Wonder when they will hit the streets?

Ranch Dog wrote:Awesome!I hear the 7.62x39 calling me Wonder when they will hit the streets?

Hopefully not before my wallet has time to recover, because I'd like to grab one too before they're all gone.

Is that the sporter barrel? How does it do with factory ammo? Looking at one for a coyote gun

nigonjac wrote:Is that the sporter barrel? How does it do with factory ammo? Looking at one for a coyote gun

Yes, 22" sporter barrel. I reload, so I doubt it will ever shoot factory ammo. Next up will be some Nosler 62gr HP and Speer 55 gr HP bullets. I'll post the results here.

Right now I have it apart to reshape and bed the stock.

Update:

Between project ADD, Honeydos, and farm work I've been swamped and neglected this rifle. But today when a groundhog sat 20 yds from my front door, I knew it was time to get this rifle project finished.

So, earlier this spring I finished the stock. I removed about 8 ounces (IIRC) by thinning the forend and replacing the recoil pad with a piece of .125" Kydex. Instead of painting the stock I used a heat gun to melt the surface of the stock where I had sanded it. Feels and looks good.

This evening I shot a couple of three shot groups. First was the Nosler 62 gr HP. 0.2" @ 55 yds.



Next group was a different powder charge and Sierra 65 gr Gameking SP. Group opened up to 0.4" @ 55 yds.

This rifle is a real jewel. Cabela's has the .223 on sale for $350. I'd really like to get one and make a 30-223...and a .223AI...and get one in 7.62x39......

Looks real good!

I'm wanting the .222 Remington, and the 6.5 Grendel when it comes out.

I'm tempted to get the heavy barrel version on the .222 for sure. On the Grendel I can't decide but that's OK, it's not even available yet so I have plenty of time to think it over.

I hear that Boyds will be offering a stock or two soon for the Howa mini action. - Just a rumor.

I finally got around to shooting a group at 100 yards. I'm shooting a Nosler 62gr HP over a max charge of CFE 223.

My three-shot group measured 0.85"

I know I haven't shot this rifle extensively, but every time I've had it out it has shot great.

Only nit is the magazine. It had to be aligned just right to click in place. I took a file to it and smoothed out a few rough spots and now it clicks in place easily. Another issue is that the release is too big and easy to catch and accidentally drop the mag. I cut about half of it off and now it's harder to snag accidentally yet still easy to use.

Nice