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Posted: 5/14/2008 10:33:47 AM EDT
| My brother and I are looking to get into reloading. As of now we mainly shoot .45 and 9mm. We don't shoot .223 that often, but if we could reload that is sure to change. We have been looking into the Lee Loadmaster presses, and were wondering if anyone has one, likes/dislikes, other possible recommendations. |
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Did you mean this one? www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1210797446.4503=/html/catalog/ldmas.html IHMO.........for the first timer...........buy a single station press. You might want to consider the LEE Anniversary Kit. Aloha, Mark |
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Sorry........I don't KNOW if the PM got through. Though, just look at it (above post) as "general advice." People learn at different speeds. You are the best JUDGE of where you are. For some, the single station has been the learning tool that provided a solid base to MASTER the re-loading process. They understand: Learn to crawl before walking, learn to walk before running, learn to run before driving (or flying). Then, for some, buying a progressive (as a first press) has caused frustration with the hobby. And, for others......a progressive press has been everything they asked for. YMWV. Aloha, Mark PS........Story Time....... My first press was an RCBS Jr. I later traded it for an RCBS Rock Chucker (it was a straight across trade w/a friend who wanted “less bulk”). The next press I purchased was a Dillon. Back then, I was shooting a lot of different pistol calibers and thought it would be great for “production.” However, I quickly found out that it was a PIA to change primer parts, dies, make powder measure adjustments, etc. for a simple caliber change. So, I ended up buying three (3) LEE M1000s. One in each caliber: 9mm, .38 Special/.357 mag, and .45 ACP. Now, all I have to do is change the press on the bench and not mess with adjustments. The Rock Chucker is still used to load my .308 Match ammo and the Dillon is currently used to mostly load .223 ammo. ______________________________________ |
| I acutally second the Lee anniversary kit (I have one) BUT I would try to duplicate the kit with better quality parts.. Esp. the scale w/ a 505.. Also the powder drop stinks, I don't like mine but it works.. As for the press itself, it works well but I would get the Classic Cast if I were you, it just seems sturdier. |
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I've been reloading for quite awhile, using an old RCBS Reloader Special. I just bought a Lee Loadmaster in 45ACP & believe me when I say the instructions that come with the press are best used to line a birdcage. I'm still fine tuning it so I can't tell you how reliable it functions yet. I don't see any problems though. If you buy one go to the web site below & use their instructions & videos. http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/forums/ |
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My first press was a Lee turret. Still have it. (but don't use it that often) My second press was/is a Lee Pro100 for pistol calibers. My 3rd press is a Loadmaster. I also have a Lee hand press and a "Classic Cast Press" takes the spot of the turret. It has been said before, but, bears repeating. Start with a single stage, as it is truely a timeless tool. I still go back to my single stage or hand press for small load work up. The loadmaster and Pro1000 is when I have a specific load that is all dialed in and I don't make any more changes. I'll churn out several thousand rounds for a particular recipe once I have it all set. |
| Sometimes I wish people would stop badgering beginners towards a single stage press. IMO there is no point in reloading pistol plinking rounds on a single stage machine, its just so much more time consuming. Is there a bigger learning curve to a progressive press? Maybe, but reloading is pretty straight forward, especially for pistol ammo. The loadmaster is a fine machine, many people who have them like them. |
+1 By starting with a single stage you get a good useful peice of equipment. In most cases reloading for more then one person with a single stage is no fun. I am starting out with a loadmaster. I just ordered my tumbler and the last of the things that I need to start out. If you start with a single stage it wont be long till you want to upgrade to a progessive press. I have been reloading shotgun shell for a couple of years now. I started with a single stage 12 ga press. Then I went to a semi-progressive, I have to index the shell plate by hand. When I bought my 20 Ga press I went to an auto index progressive press. It is nice to reload 150 rounds in less then 30 min. A single stage press is a valuable tool but not the best to start out with for Everyone. MAHA |
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Most any reloader who has a progressive press has a single stage also to use for various tasks where it is more suitable to the task at hand . The single stage press it self is fairly cheep compared to the total setup of the total gear package. I myself agree that the Lee scale and powder measure are not compareable to better gear made by RCBS,Lyman or other name brand stuff. I actually kind of like the Lee turret and am impressed with lee dies . Have not had personal experience with the Lee progressive gear |
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BTW..........IF money is a problem........checkout a used press and/or accessories. There are a lot of people who want to upgrade from a single station to a progressive and are trying to get some $ back. As long as it's in good shape.........it could also serve you well. Maybe even until you're ready to upgrade or maybe you'll keep it to do small batches. And, don't worry about mixing brands and/or colors of your equipment on your bench. Let me see......FOR EXAMPLE: a quick check list for 9mm pistol re-loading...... Re-loading manual. Press w/ primer seater attachment. (sm and large included) Three die carbide 9mm set. Shell holder. Scale. Powder dropper. Loading Blocks (factory ammo blocks, modifications may be needed) Components......commercial 9mm cases, sm pistol primers, powder, bullets. Later, as you want more production.......there are tools to make things go a little faster. Note that, by not using military crimp primered brass.........you can save some $ on tools. Aloha, Mark |
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