New Press

[floydster]

Need an opinion on which press to buy, the Lee 1000 progressive or the Lee Classic turrret.
Thanks for input, Floyd

 

[jfh]

Well, we could say, "it depends...."--but personally, I would recommend the Classic Cast Turret over the Pro 1000 Progressive.

The Classic Cast is much more durably built, etc., etc., but it one important feature--the 'new' Lee 4-die configuration. That feature allows for separate seating and crimping, the lack of which can make problems for the progressive user--particularly a novice.

Other problems of the Pro 1000, such as primer feed, have now been sorted out nicely; one just has to learn how to maintain the machine properly.

If you want to crank out a lot of semiauto ammo once you've sorted out a particular caliber's recipe for your firearm, then the Pro 1000 is a good economical choice. Where it comes up real short is using it for any sort of development work--e.g., loading 10-20 rounds at a time, then changing one parameter (charge weight, bullet, primer type, etc., etc.) before loading another ten rounds.

However, there is a Classic Cast Progressive in the not-too-distant future, I think, if Lee can ever get unburied from their crush of Classic Cast orders. And, given the company's history of building the Pro 1000 out of the standard Turret package, I have no doubt there will be an upgrade path from the Classic Cast Turret to a Classic Cast Progressive.

FWIW, I have a Pro 1000 I've decided to sell. I recently completely detail-stripped and cleaned it, replaced indexing parts, and set it up again. This is the OLDER version, in which the carrier assemblies do NOT have the tab for hooking up the MANUAL (pull-back chain) return for the Auto Disk. I also have several shell plate carrier assemblies, case feeders, case collator, etc., etc. E-mail or PM me if you are interested. The reason this press is for sale is because I got my Load-Master running in its place.

Jim H.

 

[hsiddall]

Between those two go with the turret for bettter constructin, if you have too stay with Lee and want a progressive get a loadmaster. Yes there is a bit of tweaking and learning involved but the fine folks here are always willing to help. I love mine now that it consistantly works...

 

[fourrobert13]

Another +1 for the turret. I had a Pro 1000 and sold it and went back to using my turret. Less headaches IMO.

 

[lordgroom]

I was looking at both but after reading numerous reviews I decided against either and went with an RCBS Progressive. I love it.

 

[loadedround]

Dillon SDB or 550B

 

[Jim_M]

Lee Classic Turret..

or

Dillon 550B...

or

Dillon XL 650...

I prefer the 550B personally. The Lee is a great press for what $90.00?? Little

slow though. Dillon's XL 650 is considered by many high volume shooters as

superior. Oddly enough just a bit to fast for my liking.


Jim M

 

[floydster]

Thanks guys for all the input, I think I'll go with the Lee Classic turret.
Thanks again, Floyd

 

[Phil A]

If your budget is $150 or less, I would choose the Lee classic cast turret with the safety primer over the P1000. A progressive that is as robust and trouble free as the cast turret is going to cost quite a bit more. - Phil

 

[darwin-t]

Classic turret, move up to a Load Master later if you want faster speed. Skip the Pro 1000. My opinion, I've had all three, only use two any more.

 

[rrflyer]

I've got the pro1000 works great for 45acp. But If i was gonna load several different types of ammo or one that required crimping I would go with the turret.