Need clarification from Lee Loadmaster users.

[OverUnder725]

I am ordering some bits and pieces from Budget Shooter Supply for my loadmaster and have a question I can't seem to get my head wrapped around when it comes to powder measures. I have the universal measure and it comes with different inserts from .380 on up. Now when I look at on line, the pistol dies have the powder though expander set up, that won't accept the universal measure but only takes the disk style powder measure. My question is, can I use the powder through expanding pistol die just as a expanding die? It would also have to be done at the priming station, is that something that is acceptable? The other option is getting the disk measure for pistol dies and using the universal for rifle dies. Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[ted_dent]

I am ordering some bits and pieces from Budget Shooter Supply for my loadmaster and have a question I can't seem to get my head wrapped around when it comes to powder measures. I have the universal measure and it comes with different inserts from .380 on up. Now when I look at on line, the pistol dies have the powder though expander set up, that won't accept the universal measure but only takes the disk style powder measure. My question is, can I use the powder through expanding pistol die just as a expanding die? It would also have to be done at the priming station, is that something that is acceptable? The other option is getting the disk measure for pistol dies and using the universal for rifle dies. Thoughts or suggestions?

Yes, you can use the expander die at the priming station. To be honest, for the minimal cash outlay I would get one setup for rifle and one for pistol. I reload for 9mm, 38 spec, 40 S&W and 45,ACP and I just set up each calibre on a separate tool head including powder measures for each. To switch calibres I just disconnect the powder thrower chain, take off the tool head assembly, attach the new tool head assembly, reconnect the chain @ I'm ready to go. How many calibres are you talking?

 

[OverUnder725]

So far I am looking at .243 and .30-06 for rifle. I haven't yet determined what pistol caliber I will be buying but since I was placing an order, I figured I would make the most of the shipping and get an extra tool head and the powder thrower. I can pick up dies local but the other parts are not easy to find here.

Since I already have one set up for rifle, I will order one more universal powder measure and thrower to set up another head for rifle. I will also order the disk style and another head for a yet TBD pistol calibre. I see you can order a double set of disks for the pistol powder measure. Is this something you would recommend? Chances are I will be reloading 9mm and .45 at some point in the future.

 

[ted_dent]

So far I am looking at .243 and .30-06 for rifle. I haven't yet determined what pistol caliber I will be buying but since I was placing an order, I figured I would make the most of the shipping and get an extra tool head and the powder thrower. I can pick up dies local but the other parts are not easy to find here.

Since I already have one set up for rifle, I will order one more universal powder measure and thrower to set up another head for rifle. I will also order the disk style and another head for a yet TBD pistol calibre. I see you can order a double set of disks for the pistol powder measure. Is this something you would recommend? Chances are I will be reloading 9mm and .45 at some point in the future.

You won't need the double disk for handgun loads, especially in 9 & 45 as the powder charges aren't that heavy.

 

[xtremacanuck]

I have a Loadmonster, and would not consider using it for rifle cartridges.

Using your expanding die on the priming station will help center the case a little in the shell plate.

 

[Kryogen]

Get the measures that you need to make it work..... they are kind of cheap anyway.

I reload bulk 223 on the loadmaster
I always resize and prep rifle cases on a single stage, then clean the cases.

Then I (sometimes prime), powder, bullet and crimp on the loadmaster.

As for precision rifle loads, I do them all single stage.

Had issues with the priming system, but lee sent me a new arm, also had issues with it, but I noticed that the oring was super dry and binding, probably preventing the small lever from operating properly... game it just a tad of silicon grease and now it operates smoothly, so maybe next priming batch isnt going to be a disaster, honestly I don't know, I really hate priming on the loadmaster because when it fails you end up with rounds that you need to pull, and then to be sure you would have to double check each primer, and that defeats the speed purpose, so I prime on the single stage, or with a hand priming tool....
Eventually will buy a dillon xl650, but probably not this year as I have already wasted Wayyyy too much money on guns and reloading this year.

 

[ted_dent]

I have a Loadmonster, and would not consider using it for rifle cartridges.

Using your expanding die on the priming station will help center the case a little in the shell plate.

I have to agree with this. I really like my Loadmasters and unlike a lot of people I find them very smooth operating and have very few problems with the priming system (which is usually attributable to not keeping it immaculately clean). However, aside from perhaps small rifle cartridges like .223 and 30 carbine carbine I have my doubts as to how well it would stand up to the stress of a steady diet of reloading larger rifle cartridges so I do all my large rifle reloading on a Rockchucker. I find that since I may only do 100 or 200 large rifle in a session there isn't as much time saving using a progressive compared to pistol where I might do 500-750 at a time. I also firmly believe that doing rifle on a single stage produces more consistent ammo.

 

[OverUnder725]

Thanks to all for the insight. I won't be doing much volume of large rifle in my loader. Anything I produce will be used for hunting. I don't use any of my rifles for target shooting. When I decide on a caliber(s) for pistol, this where I suspect I will get most use from my loader.