Hello,

I have now received my Lee Speed that I won at the Widforss auction in May. I will post more pictures soon, but I have some questions. It is in excellent shape, probably reblued some time ago though.

- The rifle is marked with "LEE-SPEED PATENTS B.S.A & M.CO", but no number. There is a serial number below the Bolt handle saying "232 S".

- There are no "Nitro Proof" marks, "FOR CORDITE ONLY" or anything else on the barrel, except a few cross marks and possibly a crown with a B under it.

- The barrel is Metford rifled, but in good shape and with no visible rust, looks clean and bright.

So from what I can gather it is a very early one meant to be used for a Blackpowder load as it has never been Nitro Proofed. Can I still use a modern, soft hand load with a 180 grain bullet?

Link to picture: https://d3c67tt2e11gmk.cloudfront.net/uploads/item_136958_4f33b00568.jpg

Thanks!

/L