Ok I have been doing a ton of reading, and looking on Youtube at many of the different types of reloading. I have desided not to go with a starter kit. I hate the idea of buying some kit that I will regrete later, and I like the idea of getting to 200+ rounds of .223. All my looking keeps me coming back to the Lee Load-Master and going that way (excpt for the scale). Am I missing something or am I on the right track??
Load Master
- Thread starter Zuggy
- Start date
Read this link, (sticky at top of this forum)
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127691
and this article within the above link
http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHCYnILM6u8
Depending on how much you enjoy or are capable at tinkering, there is nothing wrong with the LoadMaster. Buy one in the US for about $220 including a set of dies. If you go blue, that doesn't even get you one calibre change, never mind the press and accessories.
Check out the links above before you drink the blue cool-aid. However if you have butterfingers and no patience, then yes, drink the blue cool-aid.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127691
and this article within the above link
http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHCYnILM6u8
Depending on how much you enjoy or are capable at tinkering, there is nothing wrong with the LoadMaster. Buy one in the US for about $220 including a set of dies. If you go blue, that doesn't even get you one calibre change, never mind the press and accessories.
Check out the links above before you drink the blue cool-aid. However if you have butterfingers and no patience, then yes, drink the blue cool-aid.
Maybe find a buddy/mentor to show you the ropes. The kits are kind of a one-size-fits-all type thing. Some parts are useful depending on what you load. Its easy to start small with a few dies and go to a buddies place who owns a press for a while. Lots of "better mousetraps" in this business, its best to see what you need before you buy.
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
The only thing I want to add is that you must have some amount of patience, time and aptitude to figure out how the LM works. Watch the videos on Loadmastervideos.com
You simply cannot rush the learning process, or you will be frustrated. Having said that, the result is well worth the effort...a smooth running and reasonably priced progressive that can last a long time.
- Location
- Halifax - NS
The old addage - "you get what you pay for" very much applies to progressive reloading presses.
As does the phrase "it can be fast, it can work and it can be cheap - pick any two."
I did the loadmaster thing for a while, saw the light and consider it junk today, but hey - most people don't load 40K+ rounds a year either.
Good luck with your decision.
As does the phrase "it can be fast, it can work and it can be cheap - pick any two."
I did the loadmaster thing for a while, saw the light and consider it junk today, but hey - most people don't load 40K+ rounds a year either.
Good luck with your decision.
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I can't imagine why your' looking keeps coming back to the Lee, as others have mentioned, the Dillon is your best bet or the Hornady for progressive loaders. For single stage reloaders, the color is red, Forster Co-ax red.
I avoid Lee if at all possible, not rugged for folks that need precision and strength, add durability, and the choices narrow right down.
Zuggy, if the Lee Load Master is what you want, go for it.
First I must emphasize that I am not a Lee fan nor am I a Lee basher.
Lee bashing serves no useful purpose except to increase the poster's count.
As for a lack of strength and precision, that is a load of BS.
I have six presses and all the tools and guages for measuring bullet run-out etc., and frequently check my loaded rounds.
In order of efficiency with respect to turning out a quality handload they are as follows.... a Lee Classic Cast, a vintage 1964 Herters #3, a Forster Co-ax, an old CH 3 station, a Dillon 550, and last of all an RCBS Ammomaster.
There are about 70 sets of dies on my bench so the presses get a lot of use and I play no favorites.
As for press mounted priming systems, I prefer the Lee and the CH.
For loading longer rounds like the big Sharps or magnum rounds, the Lee or the Ammomaster really shine.
I prefer to use the Forster for the smaller stuff ( 223, 17 rem, 219 Zipper Imp, 22-250, etc.) because it is a smaller press and is a pain to switch the shell-holders.
The cleanest press to use is the Lee by far followed by the Forster and the CH.
Please PM me if you need any more info....
First I must emphasize that I am not a Lee fan nor am I a Lee basher.
Lee bashing serves no useful purpose except to increase the poster's count.
As for a lack of strength and precision, that is a load of BS.
I have six presses and all the tools and guages for measuring bullet run-out etc., and frequently check my loaded rounds.
In order of efficiency with respect to turning out a quality handload they are as follows.... a Lee Classic Cast, a vintage 1964 Herters #3, a Forster Co-ax, an old CH 3 station, a Dillon 550, and last of all an RCBS Ammomaster.
There are about 70 sets of dies on my bench so the presses get a lot of use and I play no favorites.
As for press mounted priming systems, I prefer the Lee and the CH.
For loading longer rounds like the big Sharps or magnum rounds, the Lee or the Ammomaster really shine.
I prefer to use the Forster for the smaller stuff ( 223, 17 rem, 219 Zipper Imp, 22-250, etc.) because it is a smaller press and is a pain to switch the shell-holders.
The cleanest press to use is the Lee by far followed by the Forster and the CH.
Please PM me if you need any more info....
IMHO lee is expensive junk! Get a Dillon.
You will never regret buying quality.
I also have a Hornady projector with POS primer feed for $100 plus shipping.
Hi
Thank you for all your comments. As I have been deciding what to buy. Several factors came into pay.
1. cost of setup.
I had to add up all the other equipment, and the price got up there quickly.
2. Access to other brands (other than lee) where I live.
3. The way it worked over other presses.
So I did purchase the lee load master, and it still leaves me money to purchase the other equipment I need. Now time will tell if I made the right. Choice.
Thank you for all your comments. As I have been deciding what to buy. Several factors came into pay.
1. cost of setup.
I had to add up all the other equipment, and the price got up there quickly.
2. Access to other brands (other than lee) where I live.
3. The way it worked over other presses.
So I did purchase the lee load master, and it still leaves me money to purchase the other equipment I need. Now time will tell if I made the right. Choice.
I've got a LM and if your in the lower mainland on BC send me a PM and I'll come out and set ya up. Mine runs like a well oiled machine.
I hate to admit but my Loadmaster eventually defeated me. Small priming system never worked even after buying a new one. Shell feeder worked great for the first 5-6 thousand but then started binding up on me. I am a very patient person and normally quite good at making things work but my cost in time, ruined primers and stress finally pushed me to the edge. The Loadmaster is now for sale.
