Lee LoadMaster

[NWFFT]

I have been reloading for three years with a Lee Classic turret. It is an ok press but is slow; and the turret downshaft has a nylon bushing which lasts about 200 rounds before needing replacing. Santa is bringing me a Lee LoadMaster. I will let the forum know how I like it. It has great reviews. I wanted to go with the Dillon 650, but $1400 to load 4 calibers was beyond my budget...so I bought a kia instead of a lexus.

[Rossi]

Keep us briefed. Very generous Santa......but stayed in budget.

Rossi

[mmszbi]

A very prudent Santa! I wish I knew more about the Lee Loaders. For my single stage press I am using Lee dies, I really like the consistency and ease of adjustment. They make some good stuff!

[NWFFT]

A very prudent Santa! I wish I knew more about the Lee Loaders. For my single stage press I am using Lee dies, I really like the consistency and ease of adjustment. They make some good stuff!

mmszbi,
You have a Dillon 550 which is top of the line. The LEE stuff is good and my "new" loader will compare to a Dillon bottom line. I will let you guys know how the performance is...like I said, I wanted a Dillon but just could not afford it at this time for 4 calibers.
Lets us experienced reloaders start priming the new reloaders with an article a week on reloading! What do you guys think?

[mmszbi]

I would be interested in doing that. Would be cool to line up just about every press there is and compare them.

[NWFFT]

Michael,
If we are very nice, maybe we can get a press from each of the major manufacturers or at least each of us a press each from one company and then we can compare and contrast and then put the results out to the forum. We can determine a set of test requirements...speed, ease of use, ease of set-up...etc and then each evaluate our press and then we compare notes and put the results out on the forum.
Let me know what you think

[NWFFT]

Well, It has taken me a good portion of 20 hours (over a three month period) to get the Loadmaster set and adjusted properly. This is a well known issue in the Loadmaster community...that it is a B$%*h to set up, but when it is right, it will go forever with only minor tune-ups. I will load my first 100 rounds this week and report back.

[mmszbi]

Sorry folks, haven't been on for quite some time.

Been reloading some, have had a few new distractions, some old ones finally coming to resolution. Hope to be back on more soon.

Finally finished sizing, swaging, trimming over 4000 pieces of 223 brass, got 500 loaded up before I ran out of powder. Still have another 500 bullets before I am out.
So decided to load up all the 45 bullets I had, took about 20 minutes to change over the press and another 20 minutes to get them loaded up. Also got out the MEC Jr and reloaded all the 12 gauge that I have shot up over the last month.

Barry, I have heard about the set up on Lee presses, that it can be a trying ordeal, but once set, they are a breeze to use. Just don't have any personal experience. With the dies, I have several sets and for every calibre, it is well worth the extra $12 or so to get the Factory Crimp Die.

[NWFFT]

MMSZBI,
I use the Lee factory crimp for all calibers.
Thanks for the reminder!

[NWFFT]

Well after almost 10 months from getting the press, I have FINALLY got it adjusted correctly and am starting to load. I started my loads yesterday but had some "understanding" and equipment modifications needed on the first 50, but the last 50 were spot on. I have made the modifications necessary and am planning on loading 500 tomorrow. It is a lot to watch when you have a progressive press and I am learning how to focus my attention...but the press is great now and FAST...I think I can load 500 rounds in one hour, my last press was 100 in one hour. Once you get this press set up and adjusted correctly, and learn how to watch each station, you will love this press. One important item is that GOOD light is a must!