Lee press, Loadmaster (progressive) or LCT kit (turret)

[Oldnoob]

Hi guys, I'm looking into my first reloading press. As now, I'm mostly just going for pistol calibers (9mm, 40, and maybe eventually 10mm, .357mag). For the price, Lee seems unbeatable. But from all the research I have been done, the Loadmaster has lots negative reviews (mostly on the indexing and priming). But from the happy owners' reviews, it seem can be fix/avoid if take the time and patient to set up right.

The Lee Classic Turret, just a all around solid cast steel press.

So should I play safe and get the LCT kit as my first press? Or should I grab the Loadmaster for its value?

[zfields]

The priming system is deffintly odd. Once you take the time and iron it out, it works pretty good.

I use a lee pro, I wish I would have gone with the load master to add a two stage crimp and seat.

[jwc]

I have owned both and preferred the Lee Classic Turret over the Lee Loadmaster. I also owned a Lee Classic Cast press and liked it better than the Classic Turret or the Loadmaster.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=317540

I recommend buying a Lee Classic Cast press first to gain experience reloading then stepping up to a Dillon 550B if you want greater throughput.

I recently bought a 550B and am happy I did. It's in an entirely different class compared to any press Lee makes. That does not mean Lee equipment does not have its place, but Dillon progressives are simply better than Lee's. They are also a more expensive, but clearly better.

[killshot44]

Lee Classic Turret. I'd skip the kit and buy what you want a la carte .
Use a RCBS hand-primer instead of the press. Mo bettah.

[at_liberty]

I recently bought a 550B and am happy I did. It's in an entirely different class compared to any press Lee makes. That does not mean Lee equipment does not have its place, but Dillon progressives are simply better than Lee's. They are also a more expensive, but clearly better.

A 550B does not compare to a Lee, apples and oranges. A Lee has case feeding, bullet feeding, and auto index for half the price. The Lee is not for the mechanically challenged, however. Keeping it running or incorporating the latest mod is almost a hobby in itself. Part of that hobby is seeing how little money you can spend. It's not for everyone.

Back on topic, I think getting the turret would be a good decision. It will be used no matter what equipment upgrade is purchased in the future. It is way too soon to say whether a Lee or any other progressive will be suitable.

[CGK60]

press

I have a lee turret and it works great. Better than a single stage not as fast as a progressive. For me and how much I reload it the best of both worlds.

[XDRoX]

LCT

[Oldnoob]

So let me pick your guys' brain for a bit. If LM's biggest draw back is it needs lots tinkering, how is LCT compare to LM? Will LCT be much tinker free? Will LCT work right out of box? Or it just like other Lee presses that need some time to dial in and keep it clean to work just right?

Thanks.

[zfields]

Awesome, I get to quote myself!

LCT

Quote:
Originally Posted by zfields
Lee presses are sort of like harleys, half the fun is making the damn things work.

[zfields]

The LCT is a much simpler machine, it just WORKS and WORKS easy.

But its also much slower to make ammo.

[sugi942]

Awesome, I get to quote myself!

Allow me to quote your quote, quoting your quote.

I love my LM, but I've spent a lot of time cursing it roundly over the years.

[Oldnoob]

I did a little price comparison on the Kempf Kit , which comes with

LCT Press
Auto Disk Powder Measure
Primer feeder small & large
Disk Riser
Deluxe Die
Ammo box

Total: $178
****************************
If I bought every parts from Midway
LCT Press- $95
disk riser- $7
auto disk powder measure- $25
Primer feeder small & large- $21
Deluxe Die (9, 40, or 45) - $34

Total: $182
****************************
But if I want to upgrade my powder measure to Pro.

LCT Press- $95
Pro powder measure- $38
Disk riser- $7
Primer feeder small & large- $21
Deluxe Die (9, 40, or 45) - $34

Total: $195
****************************

Did I do my math right?

[jwc]

I found the Pro powder measure was worth the extra cost vs. the standard one.

Factorysales.com sells Lee at good prices and they take PayPal too. Kempf gives good personal service but Midway prices might be better with an online coupon.

[Oldnoob]

Thanks jwc, I going to check out Factorysales.com right now.

[Oldnoob]

Thanks again jwc. Here is the price from Factorysales.com.

LCT Press - 84.48
Pro powder mesure - 33.98
Disk riser - 7.60
Primer feeder s&l - 20.98
Deluxe die - 33.98

Total: $180.32
*************************
Midway

LCT Press - 94.99
Pro powder mesure - 37.99
Disk riser - 7.19
Primer feeder s&l - 20.99
Deluxe die - 33.19

Total: $194.35
*************************

Midway might still be cheaper after the coupon, but I haven't check FS's shipping charge yet.