looking for honest reviews of loadmaster and pro 1000

[Ewcmr2]

If you have some mechanical ability, can tinker with simple mechanical things go for the loadmaster.

I bought one in the spring and spent a bunch of time making small (5-10) batches of different loads. This would likely have been faster on a single stage, hand measuring each load. I think all the changing of loads thought me what the LM liked and didn't like.

Now I have a few loads worked up that I like and the LM cranks them out smoothly. Priming is a known issues with the LM, I'm currently at 1-2% priming failure rate. For the money saved on the press I can handle squashing a primer or two per 100 good rounds.

 

[HEAVY METAL 1]

I have a Pro 1000 and like it as do 2 of my friends. Mechanical issues that arose were operator error.

There is the possibility of powder hopping out of the case as it snaps into position, but this is easily taken care of by placing a fingertip over the case. If a reloader can't problem solve simple issues like that then perhaps they should load on a single stage. My basic thought is : If a person is not mechanically inclined then perhaps reloading is not the hobby for them. I don't mean to sound like an arrogant butthead, but a certain amount of focus is vital. You can do it, but there is a lot to pay attention to. Like above poster said you can load singly on the Pro 1000 and that is a great way to learn.

 

[kfelder]

The Pro 1000 is a great press once you have everything adjusted correctly.
Priming can be a hassle at first but once you understand how to works its not to bad. Just remember to keep it clean and stocked with primers.

The LCT press is the best press I have used, much simpler than the Pro 1000 but slightly slower. For a new reloader I highly recommend it.

I have never used a loadmaster so I can't comment on it.

 

[greyling22]

I've had both, and I know what I am doing as far as running a press. Pro1000 worked pretty well but I needed a 4th station so I got the loadmaster. I have some issues with priming. The best it's ever done with 9mm is skipping about 1 in 75 primers. It works a little better with 357. Lee's tried to update the primer feeding system a couple of times in the last year to 2, and it's improved, but still not that great. For starting reloading I wouldn't mess with a progressive anyway. I'd get a lee classic cast turret with safety prime.

 

[LiveLife]

When the Pro 1000 is mentioned on gun forums, often it is because the user/buyer experienced issues with the press. IMO, the higher incidence of "Pro 1000 problem" threads we see may be due to new reloaders starting out with Pro 1000 (I personally think new reloaders should start out with single stage press) without having the proper reloading experience and blaming the press for lack of user knowledge/experience. After learning to load properly, when upgrades to a "better" press is made, they sing praise of the new press. Imagine if the new reloader started out with Dillon 550/Hornady LNL AP and learned to reload properly and went to Pro 1000? The reloader would probably have "newbie" reloader issues with the 550/LNL and once learned to resolve those reloading issues may have less issues with the Pro 1000.

I have helped setup several reloaders with Pro 1000 and go over the operating characteristics of the Pro 1000 and how to prevent the problems from occuring and how to resolve the problems when they surface. Here's my routine extent of "tinkering" with Pro 1000:

BTW, here's my posts on how to resolve the priming feed issues with Pro 1000 (see posts #65 and #67) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7773536#post7773536

- Clean and lube before each reloading session
- Put a drop of oil on finger tip and lube the center hex index rod and operate the ram handle several times until the indexing action is smooth
- Check shell plate timing
- Inspect primer feed attachment surface and clean or burnish as needed
- Fill with primers and function check that primers slide into station #2
- Fill power hopper and cycle the powder measure several times until the power in the hopper has settled and drops consistent charges
- Adjust case feeder height for caliber/function check for proper operation and fill tubes with cases (for 9mm, insert a penny with drilled hole in the center for spent 22LR case in the center hole of case collator to prevent flipped 9mm cases in the tube)
- Verify OAL of first few rounds
- Apply additional lube to center hex indexing rod if indexing is not smooth

If any problem surfaces, I stop reloading to investigate and apply the appropriate solutions. Usually, proper maintenance and adjustment of the Pro 1000 lead to more reliable operation but that's true of many other "tools".

Of course there's the "user error" factor but that's for another thread.

Peace.

 

[ErikO]

My current press is a Lee Turret that will be going to a buddy of mine after I get a Classic Turret Kit this Christmas. A Loadmaster is an odds on favorite for my first progessive and it will probably only get used for 5.56 and 380.

 

[Hondo 60]

Please re-read posts 11 & 12

I had a Pro1000 & sold it after months of frustration.

I bought a Dillon (the blue koolaid) & have had only one major issue.
A piece broke, but within 4 days I had a replacement & a call to Dillon Tech support got me backup & running.

I've loaded probably 50,000 rounds on it & would never go back to a Lee progressive.
I'm not bashing Lee.
I use LOTS of their stuff, but their Pro1000 was just not for me.

Just my 2¢, of course YMMV

 

[7thGenAustinite]

Well i ended up buying the lee pro 1000 the other day. thanks everybody for your opinions.

I haven't set it up yet as i am still collecting all the other stuff i need as well as refinishing the desk I'm turning into my reloading bench. still need primers and bullets too.

As for the 308 and 30-30 plans i realize that i will need a single stage later on. just wanted to get my feet wet with 45acp first since i shoot a lot more of it than any other caliber.

Ill make sure to post some pictures of my whole setup once its all together.

 

[drsfmd]

Please re-read posts 11 & 12

I had a Pro1000 & sold it after months of frustration.

I bought a Dillon (the blue koolaid) & have had only one major issue.
A piece broke, but within 4 days I had a replacement & a call to Dillon Tech support got me backup & running.

I've loaded probably 50,000 rounds on it & would never go back to a Lee progressive.
I'm not bashing Lee.
I use LOTS of their stuff, but their Pro1000 was just not for me.

Just my 2¢, of course YMMV

This mirrors my experience. I have a couple of lee single stages that work great, but never again will I buy a Lee progressive...

 

[LiveLife]

I ended up buying the lee pro 1000 ... I haven't set it up yet as i am still collecting all the other stuff

You can PM me Pro 1000 questions. You can even call me if you prefer a chat vs PM.e

 

[7thGenAustinite]

You can PM me Pro 1000 questions. You can even call me if you prefer a chat vs PM.e

Thanks so much!! I'm sure ill have some questions along the way.

 

[hentown]

IF you decide on the Toadmaster, be sure and stock up on Valium, before you start using the Toadmaster!! Gotta be the worst progressive press ever made.

 

[kingmt]

My Loadmaster runs great. Don't fallow those videos on the net to. While some are helpful in setting it up there is all kinds of bad advice.
Austinite
Feel free to PM me as well. bds had a great thread on here that covers everything that you might possibly ruin into with this press, why it is happening & how to correct it.

 

[Dakotared]

I too will answer any question you may have for the pro1000. It is a great press and you will like it.

 

[LiveLife]

THR Pro 1000 support thread - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=507454