Lee Pro 100 or Lee Load Master for .223

[spleify]

I am looking at getting a new progressive for my .223 reloading and keep it dedicated to .223 only.

What would be the recommended progressive press for .223 only? The Lee Pro 1000 or the Lee Load Master?

These are the only two that are in my budget, as much as I would love a Dillon or something different I simply cant afford it.

So out of the two I listed what would be preferred?

As always thanks so much for any and all info.

Lee Pro 1000

Lee Load Master

 

[SSN Vet]

I'd think you'd want to run a powder check die and to crimp as a separate step with a collet type crimp die.... Pro 1,000 wont do that.

 

[john16443]

Both Lee presses will provide you with good rifle ammo, but may take some constant tinkering to keep running and you happy. If you are JUST going to reload for rifle, then the Pro 1000 is all you need. If you ever want to reload for rifle and pistol, you may be better served by the Loadmaster as it has 4 available stations.

OK, you're on a budget, I can appreciate that. Presuming you already have all the other necessary accessories to reload for 223, consider this. Information taken from the fsreloading.com web site, they are a Factory Authorized distributor for Lee.

Pro 1000 press for 223 costs $158 plus shipping
Loadmaster press for 223 costs $224 plus shipping

Lee Classic Turret Press costs $95, plus $37 for the pro auto disk measure. https://fsreloading.com/lee-classic-turret-press-90064.html Maybe you'll need a couple more items for rifle like the double disk kit (you'll need this for the Pro 1000 and Loadmaster anyway) and maybe the riser, but that's it. The turret press is almost bullet proof, and doesn't require 'constant attention' to keep it running. Four strokes of the handle get you a completed round, and it's way faster than single stage presses. The beauty of it is that it can easily be changed to single stage mode if desired.

If your reloading volumes don't dictate a true progressive, serious consideration should be given to the Lee Classic Turret.

 

[SSN Vet]

I reload my .223 on the classic (cast base) turret and personally wouldn't go progressive unless I was going to go all the way to a Dillion 1050.

If my brass is prepped ahead of time, I can run 120 per hour at a steady but un-rushed pace.... (others do better, but I prefer to take my sweet time )

 

[Uniquedot]

I've used both and still have the loadmaster as it's a lot easier to work with. There's lots of hand room and bullet placement is right where it should be on a progressive. It's difficult to place bullets on the 1000 and especially so if you have big hands.

 

[spleify]

Thanks for the info folks. I went ahead and ordered the Load Master.

And yes I do have everything else for this. I have been loading on a Lee single stage press for over 10 years and just recently ordered the Pro 1000 for my .45ACP and was instantly spoiled by the progressive so I wanted to increase the speed of my .223 also.

Thanks again folks.

 

[trixter]

I really believe that at the end of the day you will be happier with the Loadmaster. I have one and have loaded a lot of .223 with it. I have helped a friend with his Pro 1000 in 9 mm and noticed that the framework is smaller. (More suited to pistol reloading) It could probably be done but I think that the Loadmaster will give you a lot more room to work with. I do most of my case-prep off the press and then use it to powder, seat the bullet, and then crimp. I believe that if you get the Loadmaster for the .223 specifically that you can get the empty cartridge feeder for that and take it through all of the steps for fully progressive reloading. Check you-tube for some videos.

 

[spleify]

Thanks trixter, I cant wait to get it.