Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading Lee Shell Holder WTH?

I’ve got a Lee turret press I use for rifle and “auxiliary” chores. One of those chores is de-capping so I don’t get my dies all nasty on my Dillon rig. I looked on the Lee website and their chart said I needed a #11 shell holder for 45 Colt cases so I ordered one. It got here yesterday and a 45 Colt case will not fit. The 45acp, 45-70, and 9mm holders I have all worked out according to the chart on the Lee site. What gives here? Did I get a bad holder or do they have the wrong number listed on their chart? Seems like I saw a chart somewhere else online that listed both the #11 and #14 for the 45 Colt. Any ideas? Them primers ain’t gonna just jump out on their own.

You could call Lee and ask them if they are aware of the issue, meanwhile try the #14.

I use a RCBS and it works with no issues.

I've modified a few shell holders for various reasons.

I did call Lee today. They said that the 45 colt might use either the 11 or the 14. Not sure why the variance but I'll need the 11 for 44mag anyway so I ordered a 14. Weird they dont know which of the 2 works for 45 Colt. Depends on the brass maybe?

I've used the Lee #11 shellholder for both 45 Colt and 44 Mag. Never had any problems. I suspect either your brass or your #11 shellholder is out of spec. You don't need to use Lee shellholders for Lee presses. You know that, right? The big companies' shellholders and presses are interchangeable.

I have two Lee #11 shell holders. One came with a 44mag/44spl three set. The other with a 45 Colt three die set. One is just plain out of spec. I've never replaced it and I just use the other one for both cartridges.

I have broken a Lee "unbreakable" decapping die. I found out Lee has excellent customer service. Im sure they'll send you a new shell holder without question or delay.

I got the #14 in the mail. The shells kinda wobble around in it but it works for decapping and that’s what I needed. Huntnshoot – No, I did not know that but now that I do, I’ll try an RCBS next time I need one.

I run Lee, RCBS, and Hornady shell holders interchangeably on Lee, RCBS, and Redding presses. Have never had a hiccup.

You might need to be careful during decapping, but generally loose is better...the rounds will self center during resizing.

Some of the references on the the Lee fitment chart list two and the first is supposed to be better.
It's always fun when you look up which shell holder number and then forget whose reference number it was when you get to the store...

Just finished loading 50 rounds of .45 Colt. Lee 4 die set with #11 shell holder. I'm thinking you just got a bad one.
Someone mentioned different brass. I use Starline only for the Colt. No issues.