Lee Load Master or Lee Pro 1000?

[ChasMack]

I am looking to buy a speedier reloading press and on the few sites where they sell them the Pro 1000 gets more,better reviews than the Loadmaster. Does anyone have any experience with BOTH of these by chance? Am wanting to get a little more info on them than what I have seen. I have Lee single and the Turret Press and have had no trouble with either. Any help much appreciated!!

 

[Schwing]

While I don't own the loadmaster, I have owned a pro1000 for years and am going to be getting a loadmaster soon.

If you are reloading handgun calibers only, I would not hesitate to buy the pro1000. You are losing the ability to seat and crimp in different operations but, for handgun calibers, I don't feel this is an issue at all. You can also do .223 on it but I don't reload for .223 so I can't vouch for that.

Both of these presses have their detractors but don't let that stop you. Both of them have finicky priming systems (the loadmaster is worse than the pro1000) but both can easily be resolved with very little tinkering. I have made tens of thousands of quality rounds on mine. They are every bit as good as rounds made on a dillon or a hornady. Personally, I spent the extra money on casting equipment.

 

[ljnowell]

OP I have used a friends loadmaster and I own a pro1000. If loading pistol calibers a pro1000 is a fantastic press. Mine has made several thousand rounds in the last two months and I absolutely love the thing. BDS and I collaborated on a thread about setting up my pro1000 here in thehighroad. I'll dig it up and link it.

BDS was very helpful to me and I'm sure he would help you and I am more than willing to help also if you get a pro1000. I have a very good understanding if this press now. It's quite simple and works very well if you do your part and set it up right.

 

[ljnowell]

Threads to read, the first two are my threads(wellBDS started one but you will get it) and the third is a pro1000 tips thread started by BDS that is great:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=761231

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=762987

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=507454

 

[maxxhavoc]

Never messed with the Loadmaster, but the Pro 1000 is a fine press for pistol ammo, and you can get any support you need to keep it running smoothly here. I have been loading on them for 20+ years with no issues.

For rifle, I use a single stage or hand press.

 

[Sb1911]

Love my pro 1000 it was what I could afforded a few years ago and I have had no reason to even think about others, I'm sure the Loadmasters is good I just have no experience with it.

 

[greyling22]

if you only need 3 holes, I had fewer issues with the pro1k than I have had with the loadmaster(LM). LM only gives you 4 effective stations because they have priming and decapping as 2 steps.

LM has a really bad reputation that stems almost entirely from poor priming. Lee has tried over the past 5 years to improve the priming system to mixed reviews. Personally I think the newer system is better (revised slider and primer feed). It also works better with 357 than 9mm for me, which I blame mostly on the brass. 357's all have nice big bevels around the primer pockets that I think help guide the primers into the pocket. 9mm's often do not have these and it leads to tipped primers. I get about a 1-2% failure rate if I do a halfway decent job of culling brass. .5% failure rate with 357.

I didn't use the pro1k all that long (about a year), but it worked pretty much as advertised, though I always felt it was a little jury rigged: something fairly cheap with a lot of stuff bolted on. I didn't load 9mm on it, just 357 and 44mag, but it worked.

The LM was trickier to set up, and there are some tips about how to make it run better at loadmastervideos. If lee could figure out the priming system better I would give it as super high recommendation. The case feed works really well for me, and I adore the concept of filling a primer tray with a dump and a jiggle instead of jacking around with primer tubes. When you consider that you can get a LM for about 250 (including dies, and case feed) then compare it to the 750+ it would cost to get the same features on a blue or other-red press the LM is a pretty amazing deal. That said, I keep eyeballing the LNL. it sure is a nice smooth press, and if I wasn't broke I might spring for one. The 550 is ok, but I can't get past the lack of auto index, and the 650 is just so very expensive. And I'm just not a big fan of primer tubes.

edit: I actually got my LM direct from lee as a factory second for 185 shipped with dies etc. you might keep an eye out on their clearance section. I actually was calling them about a custom die order and bought up the LM with them and they volunteered the blemished press as available, even though it was not on the website. I couldn't find a mark on it when it arrived. Just a thought.

 

[Walkalong]

My son recently bought a Loadmaster. I gave him links to all the Loadmaster tweaks that I could find and he is liking it so far. He is loading .40 & .223.

From what I have read here and there, both can be fine presses with a little TLC and patience setting them up.

 

[rfwobbly]

You may be asking your question in the wrong way.

In my experience, people who love and swear by the Pro-1000 are loading a single caliber. The problems I encountered on the "Pro" were more to do with swapping from caliber to caliber, rather than making good ammo once calibrated. Come to find out, most Pro-1000 lovers buy a separate machine for each caliber rather than do the adjustments.

The Pro-1000 makes great ammo. No problem there. The big issue is conversion to the second caliber.

 

[maxxhavoc]

The Pro-1000 makes great ammo. No problem there. The big issue is conversion to the second caliber.

Caliber changes in the Pro 1k are fast and easy.

1. remove turret
2. Loosen ejector pin screw, slide ejector pin out of the way.
3. raise the ram to free-turn spot, stick a 1/4" screwdriver handle on the operating rod, and turn it clockwise to unscrew the shellplate while holding the case detect out of the way and keeping the shellplate from turning.

Reassemble in reverse. Maybe 2 minutes assuming you don't mess with primer chute.

What many (and I) do is have 2 presses, one for large primers, one for small primers so all you have to switch is shellplate and turret. Otherwise, it takes more like 10 minutes, and you may need to fiddle with priming system.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you still haven't decided, let me offer this.

I haven't been reloading very long and really did a lot of research, asked a lot of questions and tried a lot of different machines (generous friends) before deciding what I wanted/needed. I've tried both Lee presses you're considering along with a Lee SS and Lee turret

Between the two machines you are considering, I'd go with the Loadmaster just for the added flexibility of having 5 die stations. It just lets you separate operations and mount more specialized dies as you discover them. I often wish I had a 6th station

But if you really aren't into trying different setups and would be happy to set-n-forget, there is nothing basically wrong with a 3 station press

 

[wally]

The Loadmaster is a great press for the money, but the priming system is terrible -- I've done everything in the videos and have never been able load 100 rounds without 1-3 sideways crushed primers

 

[9mmepiphany]

The Lee priming system is one of the reasons I took up hand priming

Seriously, the priming system and powder handling were important considerations when I chose to go with the Hornady LNL AP

 

[ljnowell]

The Lee priming system is one of the reasons I took up hand priming

Seriously, the priming system and powder handling were important considerations when I chose to go with the Hornady LNL AP

I can't comment on the loadmaster as I don't own one, but the pro1000 is a very reliable and functioning priming system, if you keep it clean and full. I have first hand experience with that. Mine is every bit as reliable as any progressive of any color.

 

[Mad Chemist]

I bought my loadmaster about 3 months ago. And I also have a lot of experience loading on a friends pro 1000.

The new priming system on the loadmaster works great. I have never had issues with primers flipping or any other problems with priming. The loadmaster in its newest configuration is by far the superior press. I added an RCBS bullet feed die and my throughput is ridiculous. Changing shell plates takes about 10-15 seconds. Just buy extra turrets if you are going to load multiple calibers on it.

 

[ljnowell]

I bought my loadmaster about 3 months ago. And I also have a lot of experience loading on a friends pro 1000.



The new priming system on the loadmaster works great. I have never had issues with primers flipping or any other problems with priming. The loadmaster in its newest configuration is by far the superior press. I added an RCBS bullet feed die and my throughput is ridiculous. Changing shell plates takes about 10-15 seconds. Just buy extra turrets if you are going to load multiple calibers on it.

It's good to hear Lee got that one right now. I had read all the horror stories in the pro1000 and found that it was way overblown, I absolutely love it. I have talked to many loadmaster owners too.

It seems that the majority of people I talk to that profess such hate for either press were usually beginning reloaders trying to use it as their first press or were very much not mechanically inclined. I have heard many people complain that "there is too much going on." Well, hate to break it to then that's the case on all progressives.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Mine is every bit as reliable as any progressive of any color.

I take it that you'd disagree with this comparison article

 

[ljnowell]

I take it that you'd disagree with this comparison article

I couldn't begin to venture a guess, as I said my experience with a loadmaster is very limited. I have a pro1000 that I would be happy to put up against anyone else's progressive. How much better than perfect operation could they be?

What kept me from purchasing a loadmaster is the prong on the upstroke of the ram. I don't like not being able to feel the primer seat. That and my pro1000 puts the press between me and the primer tray.

 

[9mmepiphany]

How much better than perfect operation could they be?

There is quite a difference between perfect operation and operating perfectly.

Of course, neither is possible...but what is possible, is operating perfectly within it's design parameters. I have no reason to doubt that you perceive that your Pro1000 is operating perfectly within it's design parameters.

Please don't feel that I'm attacking your choice in presses. While I am a new reloading press owner, I am neither overwhelm by the complexity or mechanically challenged. I just spent a day tearing apart an rescued Dillon XL650 and explaining it's operating design to a friend...and the parts he needed to order to make it operational again (I don't like it's primer system either and now understand why many people own two of them)

It is just that the Pro1000 has design limitations that I'm not willing to be constrained by. I almost bought one on the advice of a friend, but pulled up when I discovered it only had 3 die stations...doesn't really work when you want to expand the mouths and to crimp them on separate stations

 

[ljnowell]

There is quite a difference between perfect operation and operating perfectly.



Of course, neither is possible...but what is possible, is operating perfectly within it's design parameters. I have no reason to doubt that you perceive that your Pro1000 is operating perfectly within it's design parameters.



Please don't feel that I'm attacking your choice in presses. While I am a new reloading press owner, I am neither overwhelm by the complexity or mechanically challenged. I just spent a day tearing apart an rescued Dillon XL650 and explaining it's operating design to a friend...and the parts he needed to order to make it operational again (I don't like it's primer system either and now understand why many people own two of them)



It is just that the Pro1000 has design limitations that I'm not willing to be constrained by. I almost bought one on the advice of a friend, but pulled up when I discovered it only had 3 die stations...doesn't really work when you want to expand the mouths and to crimp them on separate stations

I don't "perceive" that it is operating perfectly, I know that it is. I have been reloading several years now. The ammo that I load on my pro1000 is not just range ammo I load bullseye match ammo on it. It's consistent and without malfunction. It operates perfectly.

To you more than three stations may be necessary for reloading pistol ammo. To me it is not. My powder through die provides adequate flare and I choose to seat and crimp(even roll crimps when applicable) on the same step. Doing them separate is not needed for quality and consistent ammunition. I used to believe it was, at one point, and I did it that way. For someone who prefers, as you do, to seat and crimp separately the design of the press simply will not be sufficient for you.

I prefer it greatly over my uncles 550. The pro1000 beats it hands down for speed and effort involved in creating ammunition. I can load every but as fast and quality as a 650. That may sound like a bold claim, but it isn't. It's just a machine, when they work they all do the same basic thing.

Some people have problems making them work, no matter the brand. As you mentioned I once knew an older gentlemen that dropped the coin on a 650 and had nothing but problems. He was ready to box it up for a refund. I went over to his house and we started over from the beginning. In no time it was humming along.

 

[wally]

The new priming system on the loadmaster works great.

What is new about it? mine is only about 4 or 5 years old, does it still seat the primer when the ram is at the top of the stroke?

Can you post a picture of the new system?

 

[Walkalong]

I don't know what the differences are, but my son recently primed 500 .223 cases on his Loadmaster and he said it went off without a hitch. He's kind of picky (Like me), so I figure it did well. He wasn't loading, just priming.

 

[fiftybmg]

The only reason to pick one over the other is the number of stations.

I don't have any experience with the new priming system on the Pro, but between the older one and the Loadmaster they operate much the same.

The finest press Lee currently make is the Classic Turret Press, and I would recommend it over a Pro or Loadmaster. Yes, you can't load one gazillion rounds per second on it, but there will be no downtime tweaking and tuning seemingly bizarre problems, and no funny business on the priming system.

 

[ljnowell]

The only reason to pick one over the other is the number of stations.

I don't have any experience with the new priming system on the Pro, but between the older one and the Loadmaster they operate much the same.

The finest press Lee currently make is the Classic Turret Press, and I would recommend it over a Pro or Loadmaster. Yes, you can't load one gazillion rounds per second on it, but there will be no downtime tweaking and tuning seemingly bizarre problems, and no funny business on the priming system.

For the longest time I would have agreed with your analysis. I've loaded on a Lee turret for many years. A few months ago I decided to be a test subject and bought a pro1000. It's a fine press the priming system has been 100% reliable. It's truly a joy to reload with.

If someone asks me now I will ask how much ammo do you need? I have no problem recommending a pro1000.

 

[LiveLife]

Between 5 station Load Master and 3 station Pro 1000, I think the primary difference is whether you plan to reload long rifle cartridges as Pro 1000 is essentially a high volume pistol caliber progressive press that can also do short rifle cartridges like .223/5.56, 7.62x39, .300 BLK etc.

If you want to seat and crimp in separate steps, you can do that on the Pro 1000 by resizing and priming separately and then using station 1 for case flare/powder drop, station 2 for bullet seating and station 3 for crimping. Like Walkalong, I used resized and hand primed cases for match shooting as using resized cases causes less shell plate tilt/deflection for more consistent OAL/COL on progressive presses, especially 5 station presses with larger shell plates (think greater mechanical leverage ).

As to priming issues, particularly SP primers which most voice issus with, Pro 1000 priming system was designed for domestic primers like CCI/Winchester etc. with SAE inch sizing. If you use non-domestic primers like Wolf/Tula/Fiocchi etc. with Metric millimeter cup sizing that is slightly larger, it will be more difficult to align the primers and take greater effort to seat the primers. When reloaders new to Pro 1000 complain about the priming issues, switching primers to CCI/Winchester has resolved the problem. BTW, Magtech primers have been the easiest SP primers to feed on the Pro 1000 (perhaps they used the SAE inch sizing instead of Metric mm sizing being on the same continent ).

For those interested in the Pro 1000 press, ljnowell PMed me and agreed to be the "Never used Pro 1000 before" test subject and we outlined the experience he went through from unboxing to loading the first 1000 rounds in this thread - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=761231

I summarized the initial set up steps and tips for reliable Pro 1000 operations on this post along with my QC checks - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9614888#post9614888

This is the THR Pro 1000 support thread and this post covers priming attachment issues and solutions in detail - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7877744#post7877744