newbie question - which old press to use?

[GDM]

I recently decided to start reloading, and found some used stuff on Craigslist. It was an all-or-nothing deal, so I now find myself the proud owner of 3 different presses... All of them are 10-20+ years old..

One is a banged-up Lee Load Master (needs all new plastic pieces, though I have 3 turret inserts), another is either a Lee Pro-1000 or Lee 3-hole turret press (less rough, though probably needs some parts too), and the third is a Lyman All-American 4 station "turret" press (see picture below).

Of all of them, the Lyman looks to be the beefiest (but who am I to judge, never done this before..). Other older posts seemed to like it, though I didn't hear anyone talk about rifle cartridge reloading on it.

I plan to load start with 9mm, .308, .222, then maybe .223 and .45 in the future (...need the guns first...)

Other stuff in the boxes included a hand primer, case trimer, etc.

Love to hear suggestions/opinions - which one of these presses should I focus on getting "up and running" first, or which one(s) aren't worth messing with, etc.

Thank you

 

[FieroCDSP]

One is a banged-up Lee Load Master (needs all new plastic pieces, though I have 3 turret inserts), another is either a Lee Pro-1000 or Lee 3-hole turret press (less rough, though probably needs some parts too), and the third is a Lyman All-American 4 station "turret" press (see picture below).

Sounds like someone bought a Dillon.

OKay.... First, go here: http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1222150105.1790=/html/catalog/turretpress.html

This is Lee's Turret Press page. On there you can get instructions in PDF form (to verify your parts) and also get an idea whether you'd like the 4-hole upgrade kit for the Turret press. Order them from MidwayUSA or Grafs, etc. They're probably cheaper than Lee's direct sales. THe turret press is a great way to start out, as it's essentially auto-assist single-staging. You can go as fast or slow as you want, and only one thing is happening at a time.

If it's a Pro1000, you'd be better off getting the Loadmaster working. The LM can be finicky, but once dialed in, rolls along sweetly, cranking ammo out at an amazing pace. Progressives have all the steps happening at once, so a lot is going on, but you get one round for every pull, rather than one every three or four.

Figure replacement small parts for the LM will probably cost you $9 from Midway and you'll have to get a small-parts kit from Lee, which includes the Primer-arm, measure chain, and some other things. You can call or E-mail Lee and tell them what you need (check that parts list or get some experienced help and some good photos), and then work out a special order from there.

I know squat about the Lyman, so I can't say anything there.

 

[ranger335v]

The Lyman is built like a tank, it's probably ok as is.

Get yourself a hand held Lee Auto Prime tool and one of their primer tool case holder kits to go with it. It's inexpensive, versatile, works fine and is a better option than using the press mounted primer systems anyway.

 

[SASS#23149]

the Lyman is built better than both the Lee's put together,and will last forever.
The LYman will be slower to operate,but a newbie does NOT want/need to go fast.
Some of the older Lyman's took special dies..but in your pic those look like current production dies.
I"d say Get the LYMAN in operation,learn the ropes of reloading on it,then if ya just Have To,tinker with the Lee's until Hell freezees over. lol

 

[Shoney]

Throughout the years I have been well pleased with Lyman products. Higher quality workmanship than most of the other companies.

Question??????? How would any person derive that the seller of this equipment was doing so to buy an inferior, old tech, less inovative, and wildely overpri$ed pre$$ that you get $crewed badly on by buying their acce$$orie$???? Has some pisychic scratched their crystal balz????

 

[GDM]

Thanks for everyone's input.

Shoney, not sure I understand what you are saying.. I should have saved money and bought a new setup from scratch - or abandon this stuff and get a new setup?

For now I will probably go really simple - handpriming and use the Lyman turret...

 

[Shoney]

Was referring to

Sounds like someone bought a Dillon.

 

[Walkalong]

I got it Shoney.

The Lyman is a good solid machine, but either of the Lee machines could be fixed and give good service.

Any more pics?

Welcome to THR, where we are generally well behaved.

 

[Poper]

Please don't forget the Loading Manual(s) or reading them before you load your first round! ABC's of Reloading, Lee's Modern reloading or a Bullet mfr's or Powder mfr's manual would be a start.

Poper