92 thoughts on “Loadmaster Loading 45 ACP (HD)”

  1. How much did this press set you back? What are your savings between a 50 count box of .45 ACP manufactured rounds versus a box of reloaded rounds assuming you reuse the brass?

  2. Yeah, Midway has the press for a bit more, that’s quite a deal!

    The big variable for reloading your own is “cast lead” versus “jacketed” bullets. Lead will save you quite a bit. I’ve shot lead out of revolvers and autos (don’t use in my Glock because barrel is not made for it) and it works fine, but does get the gun dirtier…

  3. I have been looking at investing and getting into the hobby (in response to the lack of ammo still in my area). I found your site through your youtube videos and found them to be very helpful. It appears to me that selecting a press is alot like buying a car. Everybody has their favorites and hates/bashes all the others. So far, all I keep reading about the Lee Loadmaster is “tinckering” time. It appears to me that the Lee has the fastest caliber change time compaired to the rest (as long as you have the extra turrent plates).

    In keeping with your none opinon based information. Maybe you could run 500 rounds of the same caliber, projectile, primer, and case through each machine and keep a log (obviously you would have the same die setup on each one). The log could consist of primer failures, powder acuracy, overall length acuracy, midstream press adjustments, and total time. What are your thoughts?

    1. I like that idea! I’ve been looking to do some “stress tests” on the various 5-station progressives, and I think that would be a great way to give people an idea of what to expect when loading (and what kind of rounds/hour rates they can expect).

  4. Ya I have a glock 30 so I suppose if I start reloading to save money I’ll be buying a different barrel. What’s the appx cost difference between reloading lead and fmj? I not only want to save money but I’d like to get better, more customized rounds as well.

    1. As of 2/2012 for .45acp, the cost of 200g “plated” bullets are about .135 each per thousand compared to 200g Cast LSWC which is (from MasterCast.net) @ .094 each per thousand shipped. Compare that to .22 cents each for the cheapest Factory loads. BIG savings. It doesn’t take long (depending on how much you shoot) to recoup your $$.

      Jack

      1. Oooooops, I need to make a correction. “cheapest factory ammo is .42 cents, not .22 cents”

        Based on how many times you reload your Brass ( I figure I can recover 80% of my Brass) based on that calculation my cost, for Brass, per round is .05. The cost of ur powder will depend on which one and how much you use. I figured it to be about .015 per round. Soooo my cost per round of .45acp, using rainier plated bullets, Titegroup powder and Brass is .18 +/- .01.

        Even if you figure .20 cents per round, that $22 savings per 100 rds!! It doesn’t take long to recoup your $$ from buying a reloading setup. Hope I wasn’t too confusing and this helped.

        Best, Jack

  5. Thanks for doing these videos. The Load Master seems to be the red-headed step child of the progressive bunch and I really can’t see why. Watching your videos and others has confirmed to me the great quality and reliability of this press. I love the Dillons and others as well, but when I can get a fully set-up Load Master (case feeder, dies, and all) for $220 vs a Dillon 650 (without the case feeder or dies) at $560, the choice becomes a lot easier. I could get 3 Lee Load Masters for less than it would cost to get one fully set-up Dillon 650.

    1. There is definitely a compromise in quality between the Lee and others. The biggest one is that the Lee press does not have an index system that ensures proper alignment with the dies. Others have ball-bearings that fall into grooves, etc. The brass chain is kinda honky in my opinion, and the primer arm that moves primers into place on the ram is designed in a way that seems cheap to me.

      For these reasons, and others, the Lee press is finicky and needs a lot of attention.

  6. thank you for helping me make up my mind! I am going too order the Lee deluxe turret kit and the Deluxe pistol dies for .45acp. Just wanted to ask if I am going to need any thing else to start loading for this kit or would be beneficial for me to add to this?

    Again Thank you
    Brian

  7. Brian- if you go with a Lee turret, look at the “Classic Turret” (cast iron) rather than the deluxe turret kit (aluminum). Either will work, but the Classic Turret has gotten better reviews.

    Here’s a Cabela’s kit:
    http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0044122216337a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Product_liberal&QueryText=lee+classic+turret&sort=all&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23

    Also look at Kempf gun shop, they have a kit too…

    Hope that helps.

  8. Hi Gavin,
    Thanks again for all of the information you’ve compiled here! I was curious if you’ve noticed a difference in the quality of pistol ammo produced by the Loadmaster vs. the Hornady Lock-N-Load. I really like both presses. I would like to save money and go with the Loadmaster, but if there is a large difference in the quality of ammunition produced, I may just buck up (literally $) and weight it out for the Hornady. I will be loading 9mm and .38 special, but would like to try 30-30 Winchester on it later as well. I’m casting my own bullets, so if one does better with lead bullets, that could affect things too. I’m definitely a tinkerer, so I don’t mind spending the time to dial things in if they’ll stay that way for the most part. I wouldn’t be going through mounds of ammunition either(300-500 a month tops, cumulatively). Thanks again for your time investment with all of this!

  9. Tim- The Loadmaster is capable of producing fine ammunition. You may have to pay special attention to your die setup and other variables in order to maintain consistent COL (Cartridge Overall Length) but it is certainly possible.

  10. Hello

    I am new to reloading i have the lee 1000 loader and was woundering if the deprimer-resizing die on the top were there is a nut to adjust the depriming rod is that to be flush with the nut or less then a 1/4 inch is ok

  11. Hi Gavin,
    First of all Thank you! I have a Lee Classic Turret on the way, But I have a few question on supplies. What do you recommend for gun powder and electronic scale? I can not find Winchester 231 powder or Winchester primers for 45acp anywhere. Also I can’t make up my mind on a good powder measuring scale? I’m thinking of purchasing the Hornady ultrasonic cleaner, any thoughts on this?

    Thanks again
    Brian
    P.S can’t wait too see the video’s on the Lee Turret!

  12. HI GAVIN WOULD YOU SEND ME INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE WORK THE DILLION 550B POWDER MEASURE ADAPTED TO THE REDDING T-7 TURRET PRESS THANKS.

  13. Hi Gavin,

    I enjoy your website and press reviews, very informative and well presented. I’m going to be buying a progressive reloader and I’m considering the Lee Loadmaster as it seems to be a great value and be fiarly efficient at turning out a decent volume of ammo. I’m going to be loading .45 ACP for IDPA, Wild Bunch (a version of Cowboy Action Shooting) and general plinking, loading .45 Colt for CASS, and loading 7.5×55 Schmidt Rubin, 5.56, and others. My concern is the adjustability of the Lee powder measure as for Wild Bunch Cowboy Action Shooting as you must shoot lead only and low powered rounds (typically 1/3 to 1/2 a full powered load) so obviously an adjustable powder measure that’s easy to tweak is important. The RCBS and Hornady seem to have great powder measures but cost more and don’t have some of the other features I like about the Loadmaster. Can I use a different brand of powder measure with the Load Master?

    Thanks!

  14. If you could, show the bracing you have under the Loadmaster. I really like how you have no flex at all in the press. It looks like you have a section of square pipe, yet you do not show it all.

  15. Gavin,
    Thanks for all the great info. Thinking of getting a Lee Loadmaster, but have concerns about loading .40 s&w. Many threads discuss the negativity of the round when reloading. I am reloading for a HK USP. Any special concern I should take with this particular round?

    Cheers!

  16. The loadmaster looks like a great press. Officially, is it one that you recommend over like a Dillion, Hornady or other progressive presses because of the lower costs? I would be using it to reload a verioty of ammo (223, 40 S&W, 9mm, 45 ACP, ect…). This press seems to be one that people either love or hate. Some sites I look at show good reviews for it and then some show horrible reviews.

    1. Jarrett- The Loadmaster has some great features (caliber changeover is great, priming system fills most easily), and it also has some weaknesses (priming system requires careful setup and calibration, consistent COL requires careful attention, etc)

      If you want to crank out ammo, it works. If you want to load match ammo, it’s not the best tool for the job. If you want a continuous case feeder or full use of 5 stations, it’s not the choice for you. If you want to load ammo in a hurry on a budget, it’s an option to consider.

      Hope that helps!

  17. Thanks Gavin!
    Yes, that does help. I do have some follow-up questions though.
    When you say a continuous case feeder do you mean the case feeder that is shown with the press in the above video or do you mean a more automatic case feeder with a motor…does the case feeder in the video work well? Also, you mention that if I want to use all 5 stations then its not the choice. Can you clarify that a little…does it not work as well when using all stations?
    Thanks again for the reply. Your site is very helpful.

  18. The more I view vids and read information about the Hornady Lock n Load progressive press the more I like it. It seems to get mostly great reviews everywhere I look unlike the Lee Loadmaster. Decisions Decisions Decisions…lol

  19. RE: Jake’s reply and having to buy a new barrel for his G30 to shoot lead reloads.
    I have a G27 and have been shooting 200gr LFP’s through it for over ten years and regularly
    get groups of less than 2″ @ 50 feet offhand. Better from a rest.
    It’s actually easier to clean the lead from a Glock barrel than a rifled barrel.
    I use a .45 cal. stainless spiral wound bore brush. A dozen passes and it’s clean.

  20. Hi, what exactly do you mean when you say “consistent COL requires careful attention” when using the loadmaster? What causes the inconsistency? I ask because i bought one of these and have not yet had consistency problems, but would like to know what to watch out for.

  21. Bonjour, I use a LEE 4 hole turret and would like to up grade to Pro1000 or Loadmaster.
    I’ve been reloading for 2 years now and like the value of LEE. Here in France your restricted to the amount of factory ammo can buy a year, but powder+primers+bullets are not restricted.
    Sorry, my question: Is the LEE Loadmaster too big a jump from a turret. My wife and I shoot about 500 38/357 and 300 9mm a month. This is another reason I cast bullets my own also.

    1. Hi Fusil56300- I would say a progressive would be a great upgrade, and the Loadmaster does the job (and is affordable). The Pro-1000 is limited by its 3 station capacity, but can be made to load decent ammo if you setup the machine properly. If you are going to load a lot, I would suggest you compare all of the 5-station progressive reloading presses (Lee Loadmaster, Dillon XL-650, Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, and RCBS Pro-2000). You’ll find videos covering all of these presses here on ultimatereloader.com

      Where in France are you located?

  22. Hi Gavin,
    I’m in Brittany, west France. been here about 6 years and love it. The firearm laws are SOOOOO much better than we I lived in the UK.

  23. I’ve used 2 Lee classic turret presses for many years then upgraded to the Loadmaster. I still use the small turret presses more than the big one because it’s cranky and requires close attention to setup. I don’t load a lot and thought the Loadmaster would be quicker when loading time rolled around but it hasn’t. It has a steep learning curve to set up right. I just wish I’d found your site sooner as the videos help greatly. Of course when I first started loading there was no such thing as the “Internet” so you had better not misplace the instruction manual!

    I’m intrigued by the mounting setup you’ve used on several of the videos, especially the square tube extending down to the floor. It looks like some sort of grinder stand. It would be nice to show some of the mounting methods for the different presses. I use a thick nylon board similar to a cutting board to mount my presses on and clamp them in a woodworker vise at the front and use a threaded knob through the table at the rear to hold everything in place. Great site, thanks for your good work.

    Oh, I’m also converting some of the PDF reloading labels with Adobe Acrobat Pro software to allow filling out on a computer screen. I’d be willing to post them when finished but not sure of the posting method.

  24. Great video Gavin!

    As with Pappy I am intrigued by your mounting system for the LoadMaster (and I assume others). Can you perhaps share some information or produce a quick video showing the mounting system.

    Thanks again and great job.

  25. I am loading 45 acp on my loadmaster and having priming issues. About every 10 rounds or I am getting a crushed primer. Any suggestions? All other rounds are perfect and primers seated to the proper depth.

    1. Hey Trevor- are you using a sizer with no decapping pin in station #2? If not try that setup (with a universal decapper in station #1). That helps align the case with the priming ram.

    1. Large pistol primers are more difficult to dial in than small pistol from my experience. Have you checked that you priming arm moves freely back and forth?

      I found that the sub-plate on my Loadmaster was not correctly aligned with the die stations when I first got it. In order to check and correct the rotational alignment, I took a 45ACP case, drilled out the primer pocket (drill bit same diameter as primer pocket major diameter) and used this to visually check alignment at the top of the stroke by looking down the sizing die in station #2 (you can see if the priming ram is aligned with the primer pocket – no primers of coarse!). I had to loosen the sub-plate clamp and dial it in with this method. Works much better now!

  26. Hello Gavin,

    Am also having problems on Priming with LoadMaster. Just got it last week, after using a Lee Turret for more than 2 years with ease.

    Been adjusting the indexing while adjusting the bottom Screw of the Ram for realigning but it seems to be the same. However, after trying from 40SW to 9mm, it works better. Cases get it easier, and the primer pocket of the 9mm looks more centered. However, still got 2 loads with less-damaged primers out of 100 rounds (on 9mm).

    With Cal 40, almost every 12 to 15 rounds, I have to stop and remove the jammed load. Primers crushed on the Shell Plate together with the loaded round. Very Dangerous!

    Any advise? I wanted to widen up the primer hole on the shell splate (of the LoadMaster), any idea? Do you think this will help?

    Thanks for your help!

    Wally – Philippines

    1. Hello Everyone,

      If you want to load a PERFECT 40 SW AMMO, use the Loadmaster!

      After asking for help from shadowdog videos, evrything works well now.

      It goes as follows, to make your LOADMASTER works well:
      1. Clean all your mess on your reloading Table.
      2. Clean the Load master again, just like when you first received them, no single powder, no extra lubes.
      3. Make sure all your shells are not too old, an increase (due to dings or impacts) on the rim diameter will jam on the entry of the shellplate.
      4. Make sure you use CCI Primers, not the OEM primers please.
      5. Reinstall the Dies as explained on the LOadmaster Videos or as described by Shadowdog and others at youtube. Taking care of which goes first and how deep they were, for a good balance.
      6. Make a separate Universal Decapping and the 2nd station as the resizing, it helps the shell be consistently centered during priming.
      7. Check and clean any burrs, inside and outside of the Primer feed assembly. Primers should smoothly move inside the primer through and chute, and that the swivel arm is perfectly moving well. Mine, I saw an extra plastic on the swivel (not well cleaned during its extrusion process).
      8. Shellplates may have to be refined as well, look for some roughness on the primer holes.

      Start with a slow pace, look for each entry on the shellplate. If the shell is already imperfect it would not get into the shellplate and jams. The shellplate is so perfectly measured.

      No rush. Be patient. Then you will just notice that you have finished a 100 round in about 8 mins. Do you think this is still slow?

      Enjoy your Loadmaster. It’s not my best decision, but definitley one of my wisest decision.

      Wally – Philippines

    1. Not for pistol- they come with the die sets. For rifle, there is a universal rifle charge die that goes from 22 cal to 30 cal (doesn’t expand case mouth like pistol dies do).

      1. Thatnks but i got one more question if i buy the lee loadmaster in 308 cal does it come with every thing i need to start reloading except bullets powder etc?

        1. Not totally sure- my Loadmaster came equipped for 45 ACP. Anyone else know exactly what comes with the Loadmaster rifle kit comes with?

  27. first think: excellent job with your videos in youtube, i learn a lot, im new in reloading and probably your first reply from PR and i just have one question: a lot of people here in PR prefer the “Overpriced” Dillon’s (650) and days ago i think about buy one but now with this video my question is: how far is this Lee Load Master from a Overpriced Dillon’s? Im not plan to reload more than 800 rounds a month and im not want this for business, just for Hobby. Is a good idea invest aprox 1,000 in a dillon with case feeder vs this Lee with case feeder also?

    Please continue with this great videos, i have all in my favorites 🙂

    1. Thanks Angel-PR.

      First off- I don’t consider the XL-650 to be “overpriced”. For what you get, all of the 5-station progressives are really quite fairly priced. The XL-650 is a very high-quality machine that is very well engineered. The Dillon probably needs the least ammount of tweaking when you get it, and runs very reliably and smoothly for long-haul loading sessions. It also takes some time to do caliber changes. It has a great case feeder, and you can get a ton of add-ons.

      The Loadmaster is quite a deal especially if you are only loading one or two calibers with it. (comes only with one size priming system, etc). Caliber changes are very quick as well. On the down-sides: The priming system takes careful attention and initial calibration- and it’s effectively only a 4-station.

      So based on your budget and loading goals, either one can be a good option. I’m hoping to offer a comprehensive guide here soon for choosing the right progressive with all specs, factors, total cost of ownership, etc. Stay tuned!

      1. thanks a lot for you FAST response, well i plan to reload only 38 special Wadcutter and probably 9mm (not sure) .

        Do you know why i found a lot of bad reviews of the Loadmaster in Midwayusa, i saw that the 99% of this bad reviews are in years ago (2006-2009 etc) probably the Lee company make some adjustments to the press and now is better?

        i understand about dillon but hey! its a difference of $760 bucks between 2 presses, too much money 🙂

        i really don’t know why the bad reviews because in your video you operate the press perfect without any problem, smoth and fast

  28. Gavin,

    Excellent vid with clear focus and great sound. Have loaded about 100 rounds on my new Loadmaster in 45acp. New to reloading. Everything works well until adding the bullet. Using full metal jacket 230 Hornaday and the problem has been crushing the cartridge itself. If the bullet is perfectly aligned, no problem, but a SLIGHT imperfection/angle and the cartridge gets crushed. Suggestions?
    A second concern is some strokes feel very smooth and then there will be a stroke that has more tension. Feels like something is out of line and I don’t know where to look for the cause of the pressure or tension. Suggestions?
    Thanks for excellent presentations!!!!!

    David in NC

  29. I am new to reloading and your videos have helped me a great deal. Now I am looking int to building a bench for my press. I see on your videos that you uses a metal plate to secure your press. Can you tell me how it was made.

  30. Excellent video. Personally, I use Lee stuff and love it. It works fine for me. I use a classic turret press with excellent results. One of these days I may well move up to the loadmaster. I simply don’t know what folks have against Lee.

  31. Great Videos. Really helped me out to decide what press to buy.

    Can you explain how to make the same stand as yours for the Loadmaster? Yours is perfectly steady.

    Thanks!

  32. I can’t be anymore disppointed with the lee loadmaster for ACP 45. I just got the piece of sh!t, ans such a pain to setup. I see why so many people don’t like them! It took me forefer to figure out why it wasn’t indexing. I see why they are so cheap, they are so cheaply mde!! I phucked up my primer spring somehow it got crushed, and i keep getting the primers loading in sideways!! I got this POS! yesterday,pent most of the night and about 6 hours today, and i’m ready kick it to the curb!! Biggest waste of money I have ever spent!!

  33. I can’t be anymore disppointed with the lee loadmaster for ACP 45. I just got the piece of sh!t, and such a pain to setup. I see why so many people don’t like them! It took me forever to figure out why it wasn’t indexing. I see why they are so cheap, they are so cheaply made!! I phucked up my primer spring somehow it got crushed, and i keep getting the primers loading in sideways!! I got this POS! yesterday, spent most of the night and about 6 hours today, and i’m ready to kick it to the curb!! Biggest waste of money I have ever spent!!

    1. Wow, I’m sorry to hear you had such a poor experience with it. I’ve owned mine now for about two weeks, and have cranked out over 2000 rounds of 9mm and .40S&W. I noticed 9mm had more dinked up cartridges and the press is picky about certain headstamps. I did have a few flipped primers, but when I loaded up 900 rounds of 40, I only lost 7 total cartridges-all primer related. I’m ok with 7 in 900…however, if you feel like tossing your press in the river, send it my way-I’ll gladly receive it!

  34. Gavin,

    You do great work! I find your “how to’s ” a level above the rest.

    You may be interested to know that Lee has redesigned their Loadmaster primer feed system to avoid tipped and crushed primers. Since this press primes on the upstroke it is not possible to feel
    a small increase in resistance. Primer delivery must be perfect or a detonation is possible( I have had 2).
    I am priming “off press” and have not had the courage to re-evaluate. Would be interested in your comments.

    Ray

    1. On load master shell carriers the center of the brass is not centered over the primer pin. Mine useing 223 is 1/16 too far toward center of press. I took a hot melt glue gun after cleaning the oil from cavities. And basically shimmed out to move shell closer tp primer punch. I’ve used 2nd and 3rd generation primer sliders and seem to work good. Check out RJ’s primer videos on Youtube. this is where I discovered the issue. He’s right on the money. I emailed Lee with my 223 plate and there response was they make them a little big to accommodate bad lips on brass. They told me that the next time they make a run in the machine shop they will tighten up the specs and swap me one out. I want to check my 45 acp one next. It works ok but still tipping them more than I like. Good luck guys im sure this will greatly relieve some stress with priming!

  35. 218 bucks for load master kit . best price on net it took me 11 hrs surfing net to find this sight

    titanreloading.com

    great service quick shipping they rule

  36. I have 2 reloading press’s at home a single stage lee classic and a lee pro 1000. I saw the new device from hornady, will that work on my pro 1000? Thanks for the help and the great website.

    Neil

  37. hey Gavin,
    love this site and video’s! My question for you is there any way to put a powder cop die on a Lee Load Master press?

    Thanks Brian

  38. Awesome site &his videos, also have a question about the Lee loadmaster. I switched over from 45 ACP to 40 S&W, everything is working great, except the case feeder. The brass coming out of the tube is binding up withe slider & the next piece of brass. I’ve tried adjusting the space between slider & feeder, but it doesn’t seem to help. Any suggestions?

    1. Danny, I had trouble at first with the case feeder and .40’s as well.
      I had NO luck trying to get the .40’s to feed with the large case feed setup.
      They wouldn’t feed through the small case feeder, which was what came with
      my setup. I VERY SLIGHTLY opened up the hole in the small case feeder to
      a .40 would fit through it. Works like a champ. I’ve loaded several hundred
      rounds now, and barely a glitch. I have a sideways primer once in awhile,
      but I haven’t upgraded to the new primer slider yet.
      Magic Mike over at the loadmastervideo dot com forums has come up
      with a couple of mods that seem to make the primer system dead reliable
      and eliminates a few parts as well. I’m planning on modding my primer system
      in the next week or two. Although it works OK now, Mikes seems much simpler.
      the loadmastervideo site is, IMO, the definitive site for the Loadmaster press.

      All of that said, when finances allow, I’ll be picking up a LNL AP.
      Gavin’s site/video’s have me sold on the Hornady unit.
      I’ll most likely keep my LM set up for .40’s, and is the LNL for everything
      else.

      Cheers!

  39. The Loadmaster has a weak priming system. It is not simple to operate, or keep working reliably. Primer change from small to large takes more time than it should. Inadequate visibility on the number of primers remaining.

    It is very susceptible to spilled powder grains interfering with the priming.

    Priming system should be disassembled and cleaned after every reloading session.

    When problems do come up, having to remove a case from the shellplate is time consuming.

    I prefered the spring-return measure over the chain to the frame, and converted all my powder measures to spring return.

    It should be completely stripped and cleaned periodically. Every 1000 rounds is a rough guide.

    Plastic parts must be inspected for wear at every strip-down.

    For single caliber setups, it’s ideal. Once tuned and running well, it tends to stay that way.

  40. I just purchased a Lee Loadmaster to start reloading my 45acp. I’m just punching holes in paper so I’m looking for any info/opinions on what powder to use. Any idea’s on which powder meters better than another, burns the cleanest, most readily available,etc. Any opinions from the group good or bad is appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Rob

    1. If you are still looking into a powder for 45ACP…the one powder that can be used is Unique. O.K…it doesn’t burn as clean as I’d like, although it has been improved. I load 6 grains of Unique using 230 gr cast lead bullets and on occasion jacketed bullets. Has plenty enough horsepower and using only 6 grains…we’re talking economical. I use a Lee powder disc measure and I spot check the grains thrown…it meters thru the Lee powder disc well and will not bridge/hangup.

      Now to be fair….I also use Unique to load 38 special/357 Mag/9mm/40 S&W and the 45 ACP as well. Unique isn’t a radical powder and you can use Unique for decent shot shells as well as pistol. I practice a lot and it is not uncommon for me to run thru 200 to 300 rounds on a given day. Normally at least once a week..sometimes more. Unique is cheap enough and for what little powder you have to use to load a round….it goes a long ways!

      Unique isn’t a whimpy powder by the way..it’s just so universal in it’s use. A little dirty yes…but all firearms should be cleaned after usage anyways. I run my Glock’s on Unique (And yes…I use cast bullets in my Glock’s(Mostly) and my Springfield 1911…I use the same loaded round without hesitation. Makes it easy using the same powder for all handguns. Small primer/large primer/mag primer…use with confidence.

      And always remember…handguns are for close range work unless you’re shooting target or silhouette and I wouldn’t use a 45 ACP for hunting…not that you cannot….but then just use the 357 Mag. I practice at ranges of no longer the 25 feet with my hanguns and mostly within 15 feet to 20 feet.

    2. Rob: I started out using Hodgdon Clays for shotgun reloading and discovered it works great in pistols too. For the past year I’ve been using Alliant Bullseye. While it doesn’t meter too well; it’s a flake powder and the Lee disk powder measure is much better with ball or extruded powders it’s the most economical powder I’ve found. It was cheap and I’ve loaded hundreds & hundreds of .40 caliber loads. I keep wondering if its ever going to run out. I think I paid $17.00 for a pound of it. Drop or metered powder measures (Hornady LNL case activated powder measure) sitting on your Lee Loadmaster works great with flake powders.

  41. From watching the video it appears that this would suit me, I have a single stage lee press and everyone with big bucks keeps wanting me to get a dillion 550 or 650 and after buying a dillion i’ll have spend $400 bucks on just the 550 and haven’t even bought dies or any of the other goodies i’ll need.

    I don’t mind fussing a little with the lee, I do think from looking at it though the primer setup looks flimsy, but that part is super cheap.

    I’m really thinking I might buy one.

    1. A Lee non-progressive turret press works really well. With dies and turret press and a Lee powder disc throw…all this can be had for about $150.00. Lee has a new Ergo primer tool that is sure to be a winner…but I’ve been priming all my cases with the old style Lee hand priming tool. You get great control and less apt to make any mistakes. With bullets in hand..primers in hand and a Lee disc powder throw..you can load for most of your ammo consumption without fuss. Unless you’re running through a thousand or so rounds per week…and almost all of us do not.

      I’m frugal…not tight. There is too much hype over gadgets. You have a single stage press. And I’m gonna bet that that single stage press will load many a round. I have two single stage Lee press’ and a Lee hand press plus the non-progressive turret press. And I spend much more time casting bullets for my handgun ammo than loading for these. I do however love the turret press…just remove one sete of dies and insert the next…done without adjustments.

      Keep it simple…less problems.

  42. I have been following the progressive press discussion in UltimateReloader.com as well as in other sites. My humble opinion is that he Hornady Lock N Load progressive press is the best on the market and when equipped with the Hornady Case feeder and bullet feeder it’s a regular ammo factory. But, at $1,200 it’s a little expensive for us regular guys.

    I like the Lee Loadmaster press, simply as a press; it is well built and very solid. It has a good strong shell plate that is easy to remove and caliber changing is a snap with removable die heads loaded with pre-adjusted dies. However, the rest of the Lee components on the Loadmaster are cheaply built, potentially dangerous, and somewhat unreliable.

    There are a few things you can do to augment the Lee Loadmaster Press and make it more precise and reliable. One is to use the Hornady bullet feeder die. The Lee 4 tube feeder fits right into the Hornady bullet feeder die and fills one of the Lee die stations. It loads bullets all day long without incident. The second modification is to use a Hornady case activated powder measure instead of the Lee disk-type powder measure. The Hornady case activated powder measure is solid, well built, and smooth. It’s a little expensive but the cost is worth it. It fits right into the aluminum Lee die station. It’s easy to adjust using the optional micrometer powder adjustment. Now you don’t have to fool around with the little chain, inaccurate disks, powder leakage, or any other Lee mechanism they use to dispense powder, cases, primers, or bullets.

    The worst offender of the Lee Loadmaster progressive reloading system is the priming system. It is a multi-piece, cheap plastic, poorly designed mechanism. There are numerous reports of primers getting loaded sideways and exploding with nearly disastrous results. Lee even sells a primer explosion deflector so they are clearly aware of the problem. I recently discovered a fix for the Lee primer mechanism. It replaces all the Lee springs, gizmos, and do-dads. All that is left is the primer tray, the primer slider, and the rectangular part that is adjacent to the priming pin. The rectangular piece is fitted with a plastic block, which has been milled to allow the primers to fall from the slider directly over the priming pin. The pin itself is machined to include a small brass pin, which prevents the primer from moving and forces the primer directly up into the brass. No special centering die is necessary, which takes up a die hole. This brings you back to a true 5 die press. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw6Tb-Chc4s&feature=youtu.be

    In addition, the Lee Case Feeding system, which as I mentioned is chintzy can easily be upgraded with a home-made case feeding assembly that was originally intended to work on the Hornady LNL press. It can easily be modified for the Lee Case Feeder. A solid milled piece of nylon rides back and forth on the Lee Case Feeder tongue. As the ram moves up the nylon block travels up two parallel bent steel rods with a nylon or metal pulley wheel between them. Once the nylon block reaches the top it activates the Lee Case tubes dispenser, which receives a case from the straight clear tube. As the ram moves down, the nylon block pushes the case forward into the shell plate. It’s a very simple design. It can use the Lee Case Tubes and Collator or it can be attached to one of the inexpensive-to-build home-made automatic case feeders found on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ji09Nxl2A

    For a little less than $550 you can have a sturdy progressive press with a reliable bullet feeder, case feeder, and super-accurate powder measure that will enable you to reload 800 to 900 rounds per hour. It would be great if the UltimateReloader guys would build a ergo-roller handle for the Lee Loadmaster but the factory one from Lee works OK albeit a bit ergonomically inefficient. I appreciate any feedback. Once I finish building my setup I’ll send a video along for you to review. It would make a great article in your new NW magazine.

  43. I was douple checking Factory Sales for a complete setup to reload the 45 ACP. For a non progressive turret press..dies…powder disc throw..case length gage and trimmer…primer pocket cleaner…bullet mold for a 230 lead tumble lube bullet….bullet sizer die to size cast bullets…lee deburring tool…Lee hand priming tool…a set of hand primer shell holders..a Lee Pro Pot IV….this comes to a total of $241.80 plus shipping which would be around $20.00. This comes to less than $265.00 and this would give you great flexibility for future bullet casting for different calibers/priming/case length trimming/powder charging other calibers/etc etc.

    By far and large…and the Europeans are catching on to Lee Products as well…Lee will get the job done and anyone “CAN” load ammo that is accurate and allows one to pursue other firearm purchases since buying Lee products will not break the bank.

    When I was new to reloading…most everyone used RCBS…or basically had to since there wasn’t a whole lot of choice back in the 1970’s. There was Lyman but that was kind of “iffy” then and of course there was the peer preasure issue of “You Had to Use RCBS”. But thank God there were those that stepped out of the norm of things and I was introduced to Lee Products and I never looked back as far as reloading goes. And I had a lot of RCBS items for reloading at that. Shooting silhouette and target and hunting hunting and more hunting all over the western states…accurrcy was never sacrificed by switching over to Lee Precision. Accurracy was paramount!!

    I have seen things really change since the early 1970’s concerning reloading. And many changes have been positive. Some just hype. If someone wants to spent lots of $$$$$$$ for reloading equipment…by all means go for it. But unless a person has mucho denaro for bullets/powder/primers/equipment/scopes/lead/handguns/rifles/related equipment/gas money to go shooting and so on…it costs enough without having to spend well over a thousand dollars to just to get started reloading. There is aways the incidentals that you have to have when getting setup for reloading. Obtaining the items I listed above will get you up and going without having to find out….Oh Man…I need this now!! The only other item one would need besides those listed would be a good scale to assure correct powder throw…but not necessarily. If you restricted yourselve to using the discs that comes with the Lee powder throw…you are safe. But you really need a scale no matter what setup you get into. Hornady Loc and Load..Lee…RCBS..Dillon…etc.

    I’m frugal and I sure am not rich. If I were rich I’d still reload using Lee Precision products…because these products work. But it is nice not having to close your eyes and cuss yourself for spending hard earned money and dole out cash needlessly.

  44. Gavin (or anyone who may have experience)

    Rather than mess with the lamp chain for a return mechanism can you just use the return spring setup that comes with the prodisk measure for the Classic Turret press? This return mechanism has the spring mounted to the body of the powdermeasure (no chain req’d). The Lee precision site refers to this as the “SPRING LEVER FOR NON-PROGRESSIVE PRESSES”. http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/AD3398.pdf

    It seems that this would work as long as you use the riser to provide clearance for the return lever. Am I missing something?

    Thanks for any help.
    Bob

    1. I have no idea…but years ago….howbeit Lee Precision is so busy now I do not believe you’d get a chance to talk to Mr. Lee himself…I had a question relating to gas checks and the Lee Bullet sizer die about the ability of the sizer die to accurately and reliability of the Lee bullet sizer to do this function and I was amased that Richard Lee’s son…cannot think of his name…took my call and answered ALL of my concerns/questions. Call Lee Precision and ask….I would.

      Sorry I have no info because I stay clear of total progressive press setups.

      Curt B.

  45. I have been using Lee Products since late 2009. Very good equipment at reasonable prices. Been using the Classic Turret for over a year and love it. Just last week bought a Lee Loadmaster to reload .45 ACP. When you compare the cost of a Loadmaster versus a full-up Dillon. The Lee is a bargain. The Dillon and RCBS presss are both excellent products, but they definitely cost a lot more. I got my Loadmaster with .45 ACP dies from Midway USA for $219. Normally buy from FS Reloading, but they were out of the Loadmaster.

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