[Guzzizzit]

Ok, i've decided i need a Progresive press. I've been working with my uncle who has been reloading precision riffle loads for 30+ years useing a single stage press to understand the basics of reloding metallic cartriges, but i need higher volumes. I dont mean to start a flame war, but,

WHICH PRESS TO GO WITH, LEE LOADMASTER OR HORNADY PROGRESSIVE?

Due to the "get loaded" rebate available with the hornady, the initial price difference is not a major issue if the hornady will be better in the long run.

I plan to begin by reloading .40 S&W and 9mm Luger (9x19, 9mm parabellum etc) adding .45 acp, 45 long colt 10mm and .223 as budget/need allows.

Between my dad and me, we use about 600-800 rounds per week, some weeks more, some less.

Please, also, if anyone has experiance with both presses, i'd especialy like your input.

Oh, and as much as i'd love it, a Dillon 1050 is currently not an option

[earplug]

I have been real happy with mine.
For the multiple loadings you are looking at. The RCBS is worth a look.
It has a very quick change die plate feature and the powder measure is easy to adjust and its accurate.
The APS primer system is nice. You get a primer loading tool with the basic press kit. I use Winchester Primers, just empty the trays upside down and slide them into the primer strips.

[Idano]

Guzzizzit,

I have owned both presses and I am not going to bad mouth the Lee, all I am going to say is that we weren't compatible so I replaced it with the Hornady AP. My best friend recommended the Lee and still stands by the Lee saying it is still the best press for the price. However, he is considering the Hornady but hasn't justified the cost, yet. If you're on a tight budget, you mechanically inclined, and most importantly you have patients the Lee is a good choice. However, if you time is limited and you're lacking in the patients department like me then I recommend the Hornady, but remember with a case feeder you're going to be around $700. I agree the Dillon 1050 is definitely the Cadillac of the progressive presses but at nearly the cost of nice Seiko rifle it's a tough sell. I have had my Hornady since October and I have run over 10,000 rounds through it and I couldn't be more satisfied. Regardless of which press you get remember all of them have their own set of issues that you need to learn to deal with, IMO the Lee seemed to have a few more quirks then Hornady or the 650 but that didn't make it a bad press. Remember the Lee does cost considerably less then the Hornady or the Dillon. With all that said I strongly recommend the Hornady it is a hard press to beat in quality, customer service, price and reliability plus the bullet deal makes it irresistible.

[robctwo]

Back in late 2003 my friend bought the Lee Load Master. I learned to load with him on that machine. We thought we would just use the one press, so I bought some dies for it and we started loading 9mm. It became obvious that I did not want to go to his house every time I wanted to load a few rounds. I had some issues with the operation of the Lee. I bought the Hornady LnL. Over 44,000 rounds later and I'm delighted. My friend is still using the Lee and makes good bullets. There are some quirks to work on with it.

I'm loading from .380 to 300WSM. Currently loading .380, 9mm, .40, .45 acp & long colt, 204 Ruger, 223, 243, 270, 308 and 300 WSM. The heavier Hornady is a must for the rifle, especially the 300WSM which needs the shoulder bumped pretty hard.

[benedict1]

Lee Load Master--best price/performance. There is a wealth of video material available now on You Tube and the Lee website that makes setup and operation very easy. I had mine up and operating within 90 minutes out-of-the box.

The case feeder alone is a major edge--the Load Master comes with it already but the Hornady is a $200+ extra. Loading different size cases does require a case feeder for large and small; whichever the press comes with, the second one is only about a $20 investment

For the money it can't be beat. I have loaded thousands of rounds in 3 different calibers in the past six months. I would buy it again. Simple to change turret heads/dies; inexpensive turret heads; the Auto Disk Powder Measure is as simple as it gets--what more can I say?

[Airborne Falcon]

How come no Dillon 550 or 650 on the list? I see there have been quite a few "others" voted for, and I suspect that may be the reason why.

[The Bushmaster]

Because he only wants views on the two listed presses...He doesn't want any blue cool aid...:D

[1911user]

So what happens if Other wins the poll?

[Guzzizzit]

Not much, I have already eliminated Dillion presses for a number of reasones. The choice is between Lee and Hornady.

Thank you all for your responses.

[hapi]

my friend has a load master and after he got past the priming issue he has loved it. I've used it a bit, and it worked well. the videos on youtube.com will help you set it up in half the time. great source there.


i have a LNL AP and i like it a lot. i have had no issues with it; i like the case activated powder drop, safe priming system, and LNL bushings.


if it comes down to a money issue get the load master. use some graphite on the priming system and it works 99% of the time.