Which one, Lee Pro 1000 or Loadmaster?

[Kent]

OK, so I will be getting setup shortly to start reloading. I will start with .40 s&w and then .223 and others. I wanted to get a nice but still some what inexpensive setup so I am looking at one of these two Lee loaders. Please do not suggest a $500++ setup.

Would spending a few extra bucks, read about $200 total for the kit with dies, and get the loadmaster be a good idea? I would be ordering these from Widener's.

Anyone with either or these presses let me know.

Thanks,

Kent

[M1A Shooter]

When ordering LEE, check out this place
FACTORY SALES 2008

Prices are impressive. I just bought a LoadMaster for 205.00

[sti1968]

Purchased my lee pro 1000 form midwayusa.com. Picked it up for 132.00. Works fine on the 40.

[zac07]

I went with the load master because it looked heavier built and had extra stations for just a little more.

[Krackels]

If I had to pick one of the two, I'd say go with the loadmaster. I would recommend picking up an Auto Disk powder measure if you'll be reloading mostly for target/competition shooting.

[Mercmar]

Do yourself a hugh favor and save up a little money for a Dillon 550. Lee progressive presses are poorly-designed. Of the two mentioned, you'll probably have less trouble with the Pro 1000, but I don't know if it loads .223. I do know that if you use a Loadmaster and actually use a case gage to set up your sizing die, you'll find that the shell plate design precludes proper bumping the shoulder of a .223 case for correct headspacing.

[Kent]

Originally Posted by Mercmar

Do yourself a hugh favor and save up a little money for a Dillon 550. Lee progressive presses are poorly-designed. Of the two mentioned, you'll probably have less trouble with the Pro 1000, but I don't know if it loads .223. I do know that if you use a Loadmaster and actually use a case gage to set up your sizing die, you'll find that the shell plate design precludes proper bumping the shoulder of a .223 case for correct headspacing.

You say a little money.... You mean save three to four times the amount the Lee costs.... For the quantity of reloading I intend to do the Lee will be fine. I guess you did not read my whole post where I said to please not suggest spending a ton of money on blue or green or yellow or any other color besides red.

If I were a match target shooter I would agree with you, but I am not....yet.

Kent

[Kent]

Originally Posted by M1A Shooter

When ordering LEE, check out this place
FACTORY SALES 2008

Prices are impressive. I just bought a LoadMaster for 205.00

Thanks, I'll be ordering from Widener's though. They list the Loadmaster at $199.

[Kent]

Originally Posted by sti1968

Purchased my lee pro 1000 form midwayusa.com. Picked it up for 132.00. Works fine on the 40.

Thanks, I'll be using it for .40 first. Then on to other calibers.

Kent

[Mercmar]

I guess a "ton of money" is in the eye of the beholder!

Given the two choices, then, I'd say go with the Pro 1000 and invest the difference in price of the 1000 and the Toadmaster in a nice sharp stick. Poke yourself in the eye with the sharp stick every day, in order to understand how it feels to load with a Toadmaster.