newbie: looking for a press mostly for rifles and big bore handguns

M

majormarine

CGN Regular
Rating - 99.8%
583   1   0
Location
Lower Mainland, BC
Hi guys,

i'm new to reloading, and i can't even tell what is the difference between a 4-station and 5-station; so, please bear with me! :redface:

my goal for reloading is simple - to reduce cost of ammo.

i have 4 requirement for a reloading press:
1. relatively inexpensive.
2. less reloading time with more output.
3. as little hassle as possible.
4. works on both rifle and big bore handgun cartridges, like 8mm mauser and 303 brit for rifles and 357 and 45 for handguns.

from my research and the advertisment, currently it looks like "Lee LoadMaster Progressive Press" fits my bill, while satisfying all my requirements.

what do you think? any other recommendation beside the Lee above?
 
The Loadmaster will work for you and is the least expensive of the progressive presses. However, even the "double disk" kit for the powder throw will dispense only about 35gr of powder, which may or may not be enough for 8mm and 303 - you may have to dispense on a traditional throw and pour the powder into the case while it's on the progressive. Not the end of the world.

Caliber changes are quick and cheap on the Loadmaster.

However, I note your item 3. The Loadmaster does require more finesse, what I call the "Lee rhythm", than other progressives. My current thinking is that, even with the extra money, the Hornady LNL AP is the best value out there - very smooth, quick calibre changes (I have now owned and used all three of the 'majors' - lee, dillon, hornady). I'll have a writeup in a couple of months, but for now try one at a friend's place if you can.
 
Why not try out a turret press; Lyman, RCBS or Redding.

Easy to use like a single stage, less complex than a progressive, faster and more efficient than a single stage but much cheeper than a progressive and can do both rifle and handgun ammo.

Given all the extra steps required for rifle ammo; lubing, trimming, deburring, case lenght checks ect., I feel the single stage is the way to go and a turret press makes things a little faster and more efficient than a single stage press. My 2 cents.
 
A turret press is one step above a single stage, works the same way but with a tool head holding all your dies. You have much more control over the loading process than a progressive but it's slower than a progressive but faster than a single stage. Lee has one for $75. or their Auto index for $118., Lyman has the T-Mag II press for $210., Redding has the T-7 press for $330 and RCBS makes one as well not sure of the price, probably around $220.
 
I would go with the Lee Classic Cast Turret Press. In addition to the press add the new priming system & the auto disc powder measure.

I have heard excellent reports on these.

Here's a link to the website. Click on the videos on the lower left & see this press in operation.

The only thing I can fault is their less than solid bench.

http://leeprecision.com

Rod.
 
majormarine said:
Why Lee is a hassle to use? can you guys give me some examples?
Click to expand...

If you whip the shellplate around, you might miss a primer or spill powder (like other presses, but a bit more sensitive). If you lower the ram too slowly, the indexing arm might not come out all the way and the shellplate will not index the next time. They work just fine, you just have to find the rythym.

As an example, check out this Lee link: http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Loadmaster operated as D650-1.wmv

Notice how the guy slows down just before the indexing arm starts to move the shellplate - he's got the 'rythym' down pat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom