bfox
Member
Stinger I was wondering did you ever get that Loadmaster going ?
Anybody have any experiences with them ?
Bill
Anybody have any experiences with them ?
Bill
Lee Loadmaster
- Thread starter bfox
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The priming system is a pain, but if you are a tinkering sort and can get things working when others can't it can be made to work decently. This is NOT something for someone that doesn't 'tinker' or have some solid mechanical ability. The press itself is strong enough, it works fine, and the casefeeder and bullet feeder can be made to work OK too. The Lee powdermeasures are rinky-dink too no matter what you get. The Perfect measure is a flexing binding POS, I have one and I am not guessing on this, it is a total POS. The disk measure isn't a lot better. You need a PILE of disks to get the charge you want, at extra cost, and you are still stuck with what you have since you will play hell getting the charge to the tenth of a grain. IF you can deal with charges within a couple tenths of where you want to be, and don't mind a little tinkering the Loadmaster is a good press for the money. It does not compare to the Dillon or RCBS progressives though.
The Dillon 550 priming system is far from troublefree, but it is a cakewalk compared to the Loadmaster. The 550 is a stronger press mechanically. The Dillon powdermeasure is very good, and adjustable to the tenth of a grain easily. The 550 is more press and more value for twice the money. Lee likes to compare the Loadmaster to the 650, and that is just simply a joke, not even worth addressing.
Before anyone gets started: I have LOTS of Lee products that I like and use regularly. I use some of them in place of products by RCBS, Lyman, and others that I also own. I think Lee represents a HUGE value for the dollar spent in several area's, and I plan to buy several more Lee products at this time. I have nothing against Lee and use and recommend their products vigorously in most cases. Progressive presses is one place where they really don't compete though having owned or used them in the past.
The Dillon 550 priming system is far from troublefree, but it is a cakewalk compared to the Loadmaster. The 550 is a stronger press mechanically. The Dillon powdermeasure is very good, and adjustable to the tenth of a grain easily. The 550 is more press and more value for twice the money. Lee likes to compare the Loadmaster to the 650, and that is just simply a joke, not even worth addressing.
Before anyone gets started: I have LOTS of Lee products that I like and use regularly. I use some of them in place of products by RCBS, Lyman, and others that I also own. I think Lee represents a HUGE value for the dollar spent in several area's, and I plan to buy several more Lee products at this time. I have nothing against Lee and use and recommend their products vigorously in most cases. Progressive presses is one place where they really don't compete though having owned or used them in the past.
bfox,
Thanks for asking.
I haven't used it in a week or so, I've been out of town. I ordered some replacement parts to hopefully fix the problems that I've been having (chains, indexers, plastic tip on indexer, etc).
When it was working, it was doing a wonderful job. Like HSMITH said, the powder measure is one major weak link, and I fully expected to replace that. But when it was working properly, it dropped every charge exactly the same. I bought the Micrometer Adjustable Charge Bar and really like the way it charges cases.
After my parts arrive (it is taking forever, which is another story that I probably ought to start a thread on) I am going to give it another shot (no pun intended). I hope it works, because I am on a budget, and simply cannot afford to buy another press.
But as of right now, I certainly could not recommend it to anyone. To many potential problems. Yes, I am a tinkerer, and I think I will have her up and running in no time, but it would be nice to have it working properly from day one.
Thanks for your interest in my problems,
Stinger
Thanks for asking.
I haven't used it in a week or so, I've been out of town. I ordered some replacement parts to hopefully fix the problems that I've been having (chains, indexers, plastic tip on indexer, etc).
When it was working, it was doing a wonderful job. Like HSMITH said, the powder measure is one major weak link, and I fully expected to replace that. But when it was working properly, it dropped every charge exactly the same. I bought the Micrometer Adjustable Charge Bar and really like the way it charges cases.
After my parts arrive (it is taking forever, which is another story that I probably ought to start a thread on) I am going to give it another shot (no pun intended). I hope it works, because I am on a budget, and simply cannot afford to buy another press.
But as of right now, I certainly could not recommend it to anyone. To many potential problems. Yes, I am a tinkerer, and I think I will have her up and running in no time, but it would be nice to have it working properly from day one.
Thanks for your interest in my problems,
Stinger
JA
Member
I have had one for over 5 years now and it works fine. I got it from a geezer who couldn't get it to work. He wouldn't read the directions and couldn't get it set up so it would work. Strange he bought a Dillon and couldn't get it to work either. But the Lee is piece of crap and the Dillon is great. Wouldn't spend 15 mins reading the Lee directions but doesn't think anything about spending hours on the phone calling the Dillon 800 number to get the press up and running.
All I did to the press was clean the oil and dust off of it. Read the directions and set all the dies/powder measure. I haven't loaded but a couple thousand rounds on it as I use a Pro 1000 for 223,30 Carbine,7.62x39mm, and all pistol cartridges. So I load cartridges that are too long for the Pro 1000 on the Loadmaster like 308,30-06,7mm Mauser and 8mm Mauser.
I like the disk measure better than the Perfect as it leaks ball powder but does throw consistant charges even with stick powders. The deal on the disk measure is to use one of these as you can get charges exactly dead on with it for pistol cartridges.
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/150005
All I did to the press was clean the oil and dust off of it. Read the directions and set all the dies/powder measure. I haven't loaded but a couple thousand rounds on it as I use a Pro 1000 for 223,30 Carbine,7.62x39mm, and all pistol cartridges. So I load cartridges that are too long for the Pro 1000 on the Loadmaster like 308,30-06,7mm Mauser and 8mm Mauser.
I like the disk measure better than the Perfect as it leaks ball powder but does throw consistant charges even with stick powders. The deal on the disk measure is to use one of these as you can get charges exactly dead on with it for pistol cartridges.
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/150005
JA
Member
Thanks Fobb.
Stinger,
What is the story on the parts?
Stinger,
What is the story on the parts?
WhoKnowsWho
Member
That's why I use the adjustable charge bar. Heck, you could even set it up to use two adjustable charge bars if you have the double disk add on. Works fine.
I don't have any problem at all with mine. There is a trick to setting the priming system properly, it will never give you a hassle. In fact, I don't even look at mine accept to see if it's nearing empty. I have a short 1 minute video of how to do it but unfortunately, it's large at almost 8 meg. If anyone would like it, I would be happy to email it. Additionally, I have a quick video as to how to set the powder measure chain so it won't be a hassle either. Let me know if you want either one. [email protected]
OP
OP
bfox
Member
Hope you get it up and running soon.
I was thinking about getting one .
I have a Pro 1000 now , when it needed parts I got them in about 3 to 4 days.
If my computer was not so slow I would like that video .
Good Luck . Bill
I was thinking about getting one .
I have a Pro 1000 now , when it needed parts I got them in about 3 to 4 days.
If my computer was not so slow I would like that video .
Good Luck . Bill
WhoKnowsWho
Member
I would like to see that video if you don't mind. My e-mail link is on the button below.
I've sent the file to a couple different people who have asked but in both cases, their POP server wouldn't accept an 8meg file via email. If anyone has a suggestion as to where I could post it (them) for download, I'd be happy to do it. Downloading a file that size shouldn't violate the rules of the local POPs.
JA,
My problem with Lee Precision is detailed in a thread currently in Rate Retail Transactions, but I am hoping to get it moved back into General Discussion to bring in more readers.
I'm not sure how to insert the link but I'll try later, or you could just run a search using my name.
Stinger
My problem with Lee Precision is detailed in a thread currently in Rate Retail Transactions, but I am hoping to get it moved back into General Discussion to bring in more readers.
I'm not sure how to insert the link but I'll try later, or you could just run a search using my name.
Stinger
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