Lee Classic Turret or Lee Loadmaster: Which One?

[Martowski]

I was pretty much 100% settled on getting a Lee Classic Turret w/ Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Prime system, and 9mm Lee Deluxe Carbide die set when I realized that for about $15 - $20 more I can get a Loadmaster setup ready to go in 9mm. Regardless, I can get either setup for under $200 total.

From what I've read the Classic Turret is solid and dependable, whereas the Loadmaster can be finicky. I don't want to have to spend a ton of time dealing with issues but am willing to spend some time in the initial setup. The idea of a full five station progressive is VERY appealing to me, but I don't want to get into this and find out that it's more trouble than it's worth.

So, recommendations on what course to take? I'll be primarily loading handgun ammo with some rifle (.223 and maybe some .30-06). I've reloaded for years with a single stage press and don't shoot in a lot of volume now, but want something I can grow into as well. Thanks.

 

[kingmt]

I have never used ether but I really want one of the Load Masters myself. I have a Pro1000 & it works great.

Congratulatetions on which ever you get.

 

[john16443]

The priming system appears to be the major issue with the Loadmaster, and late last year Lee changed some components to hopefully address this. It may be worth your time to look around here. http://loadmastervideos.com/ Make sure you get a newer one if you go this route, otherwise contact Lee for an update to the newer version. I don't have a LM.

I own a Lee turret that I like very much. Nothing to go wrong with it. Suggest adding the adjustable charge bar to the Pro auto disk along with the riser if you're not buying a kit. That press will produce all the ammo you need for a long time at a rate of at least 100 rounds per hour depending on your practices and checks. It has just recently been replaced with my new Hornady LNL AP. The replacement was dictated by the volume of reloading I do for 9mm and 45ACP, not any deficiency in equipment.

 

[RandyP]

At a very relaxed pace I churn out 150-175 rounds per hour on my Lee CLASSIC turret. Many report doing 200 per hour if they really stay busy.

If that output matches your needs? There ya' go. If you prefer the 5 poistion turret and high volume output and a still very affordable price? The Loadmaster should serve you well. In fact there is a forum out there that is Loadmaster specific with GREAT videos to keep one running smoothly.

 

[ranger335v]

I find it difficult to suggest anything other than Lee's Classic Turret and some extra die heads for what you discribe.

The choice between any progressive press vs. a single stage or a semi-automated turret (Lee's) is the desired speed, quanities needed and the number of different cartridges to be loaded. Progressives are difficult to swap calibers on, single stage and turrets are not; speed of reloading after a lengthy change over and set-up for short or modest runs may not save enough time to change your life style!

 

[jfh]

My vote is with ranger335v's analysis--the turret should do what you need, nicely.

I say that as a LoadMaster owner--and one who has learned the machine's idiosyncracies well. As noted by john16443, if modifications have been done (particularly to the priming subsystem) they should help--but, my guess is that the machine can still be 'finicky.'

Jim

 

[sellersm]

One thing to consider is that the Lee Classic Cast Turret (be sure you're getting the CAST one) can be operated also as a single-stage by removing the index rod! It also has enough clearance and strength to do your rifle loading.

Good luck!

 

[jon_in_wv]

You don't need to remove the index rod, just short stroke the lever. I do this all the time. I run all my cases through the resizer/decapper, prime the cases then I run all the case through again using full strokes to charge/seat the bullet/and post size. It works just fine and I do around 175-200 rounds an hour.

 

[Martowski]

Thanks for the input... looks like the Classic Turret is the best option for my needs.

 

[Hondo 60]

I would never spend a dollar on a Load Master.
Never had one, but had such a bad experience with the Pro1000 that I don't trust a Lee progressive.

The Classic Turret press is the finest press that Lee makes - period.
Seriously, it's a great press & even if you decide you need a progressive later, you'll still find uses for the turret.

 

[JC98]

+1 for the turret, I like that you can change caliber as simple as changing the turret little to no adjustment needed. I probably load 100-150 an hour but I am slow.

 

[germ]

I have both. Save your sanity, get the LCT. If/when you decide to get a progressive, get an LNL (I have one) or Dillon or RCBS (I haven't tried either of those two).

 

[Martowski]

Classic turret it is. Thanks.