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Lee Load Master Fail
- Thread starter danv
- Start date
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
OP,
Been there, done that - you're not alone in being disappointed by a Lee Progressive. Just take it as a sign and lesson learned.
You bought one of the cheapest progressives out there and the old adage was again proven - "you get what you pay for".
Now go get a Dillon and be further educated how horrible that press was when it was "working".
I'm sorry to say that life won't get better for a little bit though; when you've loaded your first 1000 rounds without screwing with the press, you'll again be cursing yourself for buying the load master. It takes a while to forget.
Sure do agree on that one...went down that very road my-own self. Just last night I reminded myself how true the above is. Loaded 3000 rnds in the last two evenings with my 650...not one hick-up or stoppage thu them all...no pooched/crushed/sideways primers...no upside down primers, nada, never happened with my Loadmaster.
Since it has to be done, I will do it. My Dillon 550 has been mounted on my plywood top reloading bench since 1990, it hasn't broken yet, doubt it ever will and it has reloaded a ton of ammunition over the years. Dillon fanboy out!
^This for me also^
The first one looks like that 1970's kind of kitchen/bathroom counter stuff, and the second pic looks like plywood? I dunno, that's my take. Now, I'm not accusing the OP of being "that guy", but some guys could break a hammer given enough time. I bet that break could be duplicated by having only the back bolt snug, and lifting the press.
The top is 1/2 inch maple, no clue on the bottom 1/2inch sheet lol . I took that second pic minutes before I posted it here. It broke on the down stroke. All three bolts were tight. I think the bench is pretty solid, I cant move it at all.
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likewise until i took a better look, i'm also guessing the second picture was when he first got it, hence no bolts in the press.
The second pic was took after it broke. I just cleaned up all the powder. I unbolted it because I was going to ship it back to lee. the press was just sitting there for the pic .
I have the dinky little single stage press, as well as the turret one, and you would think where the handle joins the press would be the weak spot. Having a look at them now, that area (the rear bolt) is the most protected from force.
There was no excess force applied to the press. It broke with normal use. I was about 30-40 rounds in when it broke. Nothing seemed tight or out of normal.
