progressive loader

ribber@shaw.ca

ribber@shaw.ca

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I am thinking of getting a progressive loader and have narrowed in down to a Lee Loadmaster and a Lee Progressive 1000, which is better, are they hard to change calibers and although I do mostly pistol, I still load rifle too, which on works best for both?
 
Loadmaster is better, IMO.

Pro1000 was my first reloader in 1989 (didn't last long mostly due to my inexperience and impatience), have a Loadmaster now.

Mine came with .38 spl dies and I intended to load 9mm in this machine as well. Both use small primers, so switching between them just takes a few seconds for the turret change (assuming you have complete turret/dies/powder measure per caliber) and maybe a couple of minutes for the shell plate.

Switching primer size should only take a minute or two.

The LM should work for rifle calibers as it is a big machine, but I don't reload rifle so cannot speak from experience.

Have you have watched the set-up videos for the Loadmaster at loadmastervideos.com? I referred to that when setting up mine. Patience and attention to detail is the key to proper set-up. Cleanliness in the primer handling areas and correct lubrication of the machine is important to keep it running reliably.
 
I suggest that it would be worth your while to spend a little extra and get a good press (Dillon, RCBS, or Hornady) instead of a Lee. The equipment price difference is small in the long run compared with your component costs and you will save yourself a lot of aggravation.

I am very satisfied with my Dillon RL 550B for both rifle and pistol reloading. Once you have dies set up in a toolhead, calibre changes can be done in only a few minutes, including changing primer size if need be.
 
I agree that the Dillon 550b is easy to set up, reliable and trouble free. In many ways, it is a better machine than the Loadmaster, IMO.

But my needs changed and sold my last 550B last year. I do not burn as much ammo now as in the past. I also did not want to invest any more cash into reloading equipment. I shoot fewer rounds per month, but more calibers.

To replace it, I got a Lee Loadmaster, Classic Turret and Classic Cast Single Stage for a little more than what my 20 year old 550B sold for.

The OP did not mentioned if he had prior reloading experience, but for a novice reloader, IMO the best unit to learn on would be a Lee Classic Turret. Cheap to buy, simple to set-up and use, very robust and solidly built, and you can move up to any progressive later when you know what your needs really are. The LCT can be used a single stage, manual index turret or an automatic index turret; pistol and rifle calibers too. Can produce up to 200 rounds per hour, but my relaxed rate is about 150 rph.
 
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The loadmaster is a fairly decent press if your willing to be patient and only need to load a hundred pistol rounds a hour. Changing calibers is a breeze if you purchase extra turrets and dies.

For loading rifle cartridges, I found that the Lee classic turret is much better. Again if your not in a hurry to manufacture hundreds of rounds; ' you;ll be fine.

If your interested, I have my Loadmaster for sale and some extra pieces for it..

PM me..
 
You've "narrowed it down to two", what criteria did you use to narrow it down to two? Price only is my guess! I'd go back to the start of your search and include such factors as "precision", "strength", if doing a google search; check out "pot metal".
I'd recommend Dillon or Hornady for a good progressive loader that is not a safety concern, and makes nice ammo. Remember, a frustrated reloader can be a danger to himself.
 
Well, guys,I should not have been in such a hurrry this a.m. to post, I have a Lee classic already, that I load up to .340 Weatherby on now, I had a Dillon 550 about 20 years ago when I shot handgun silhouette, it worked fine but everything and I mean everthing has to come up from the U.S., with the Homeland Security nazis running that country that could be a problem, the store I frequent has all the Lee stuff in stock, and my Lee Classic is 20 years old and still kicking them out. To give you an example, I was denied a rifle scope and rangefinder QUOTE 2 years ago from Cabela's because of "Homeland Security ", so being local means a big pile to me.
 
gommee said:
There are other places to get them from. "Home land Security" has nothing to do with presses. They are covered under the free trade agreement. No duty, no tariffs, no hassles.
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FWIW, I found this online: (I've deleted some paragraphs to get to the bit on reloading). As I understand it the list desginates materiel which falls under ITAR restrictions, but Category III (d) states "except hanloading ones", so presumably non-automated reloading gear is exempt. I am also presuming that the associated bits and pieces (dies, parts etc.) are included.

Source: http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/offdocs/itar/p121.htm

NOTE (from above source, ...p.120) An asterisk precedes certain defense articles in the following list. The asterisk means that the article is deemed to be "significant military equipment" to the extent specified in Sec. 120.19. The asterisk is placed as a convenience to help identify such articles

§ 120.19 -- Reexport or retransfer.
Reexport or retransfer means the transfer of defense articles or defense services to an end use, end user or destination not previously authorized.

§ 121.1 -- General. The United States munitions list.
Reloading dies: See Section III. (d) re"Ammunition"
...

Category III-Ammunition

*** *(a) Ammunition for the arms in Categories I and II of this section. (See § 121.6.)
***(b) Components, parts, accessories, and attachments for articles in paragraph (a) of this category, including but not limited to cartridge cases, powder bags, bullets, jackets, cores, shells (excluding shotgun shells), projectiles, boosters, fuzes and components therefor, primers, and other detonating devices for such ammunition. (See § 121.6.)
***(c) Ammunition belting and linking machines.
*** *(d) Ammunition manufacturing machines and ammunition loading machines (except handloading ones).
***(e) Technical data (as defined in § 120.21 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.8 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category. (See § 125.4 of this subchapter for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
Click to expand...

Note- I am not a trade lawyer and I don't know whether there are separate, different rules in place which contradict this. If you were bringing reloading equipment across the border and were questioned by the US Border Patrol, they might think differently. It could be argued that since both automated and manual presses use the same dies, the dies could be construed as restricted (?)

:) Stuart
 
Not to get into a legal debate or have the trolls start coming out of the cracks, but reloading equipment is allowed to come across the border without export permits. There is no duty, or fees or hassles; I have never had any issues.

Now, things like brass, bullets, powder, etc are a No, no. (Components and live ammo) Also things like optics, barrels, triggers, etc. are no, no's, but some of these things can be purchased with an export permit.

I know several other members here who have ordered the equipment mentioned and have not had any issues either.

Sometimes things are not accessible up here because no-one carries the product or has to order it in anyway.

I will not debate legal comments, just speaking from recent personal experience.
 
gommee said:
...Now, things like brass, bullets, powder, etc are a No, no. (Components and live ammo) Also things like optics, barrels, triggers, etc. are no, no's, but some of these things can be purchased with an export permit....
Click to expand...

Or through someone like Jerry at Mystic Precision or Henry Nierychlo (Budget Shooter Supply) who have the appropriate permits to import from distributors in the US.

One of the few US bullet mfrs. who can sell to us is Hawk Bullets, at least according to the info on ther Order Form.

Midway USA was "reminded" of the "no optics to Canada" rule a few years ago when they were hit with a $250k fine. I think even Zeiss got a similar rapping of the knuckles.

I think holsters are also exempt, or is that manufacturer-dependent? I know that Mernickle (an ex-Canuck who used to live here in Mission) will send to Canada. Possibly Triple-K as well (since Marstar is usually out of stock...)

:) Stuart
 
ribber@shaw.ca said:
Well, guys,I should not have been in such a hurrry this a.m. to post, I have a Lee classic already, that I load up to .340 Weatherby on now, I had a Dillon 550 about 20 years ago when I shot handgun silhouette, it worked fine but everything and I mean everthing has to come up from the U.S., with the Homeland Security nazis running that country that could be a problem, the store I frequent has all the Lee stuff in stock, and my Lee Classic is 20 years old and still kicking them out. To give you an example, I was denied a rifle scope and rangefinder QUOTE 2 years ago from Cabela's because of "Homeland Security ", so being local means a big pile to me.
Click to expand...

With your previous reloading experience, IMO, a Loadmaster will work for you. And regarding Lee equipment, your good personal experience mirrors mine, showing that Lee equipment works and lasts to boot (just like Dillon and Hornady)...regardless of the prejudiced opinions of the Lee naysayers in this forum.

Since shortly after 911, scopes, optics, nightscopes and similar accessories require a permit from the State Department in Washington DC. I know because I called them, left a message and they called me back and explained what was required. Needless to say, I dropped the matter of importing scopes.

Reloading presses and tools, importation is not a problem. I've had them shipped from Lee Factory Sales by US Postal Service (never by UPS cos they will hit you with exhorbitant brokerage fees...I know that from personal experience too). I did have to pay a flat 5 dollar process fee for Canada Post as well as 12% HST)
 
Thank you for the additional info and confirmation of my post.

Also, I am not a Lee basher and I own several brands of equipment, but for the AP Press, the comparison Sticky and some of the explosions that have been posted about some presses steered me in the direction of the AP Press that I purchased.
 
i would spend the extra bucks, you wont reget it later. i got a dillon 650 which i load my 45-70 cast loads, works fantastic. i also have three dillon 450s that work ex. for my other cast shooting. i have had other presses. but they did not measure up to the dillons.
 
Well some stuff might be O K but some suppliers from the US have refused to sell me bullet molds and brass anyway, why chance it? everything I need is 20 minutes away, if I get a Lee press.
 
Where's the best place to grab a Hornady LNL from in the US since we're on the topic of importing presses?
 
ribber@shaw.ca said:
Well some stuff might be O K but some suppliers from the US have refused to sell me bullet molds and brass anyway, why chance it? everything I need is 20 minutes away, if I get a Lee press.
Click to expand...

Brass is on the ITAR Munitions list.

No offence...but either do a bit of research...or stop posting your thoughts on importation. It's only going to confuse some people.

The regulations are pretty clear if you take 10 minutes to educate yourself
 
Hey Guys, New to reloading, I own 2 Lee Pro 1000s 9mm and 45 acp. I took my time to understand each step, read lots of forums and I have no problems with my Lee stuff. It is considerably cheaper than Dillon, but you get what you pay for! I enjoy loading on these presses and the more I load the better the machine seems to work. Just remember, its not a race. Enjoy the process and hopefully learn from it.
 
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