Lee has fixed the primer problem with Loadmaster presses

[DLCTEX]

I recently posted about Lee's latest primer feeder for the Loadmaster press with the large primer. This week I have given the small primer one a good workout and am happy to report 100% success. I have two of the presses and keep them set up for the large or small primers. I also used a member's tip of putting the size die in the station where priming takes place. This precisely centers the case over the primer and works great. I deprime at #1, prime and size in #2, add powder and flare/expand case neck in #3, seat boolit in #4, and crimp in #5. It is working much smoother than a friends Hornady and I don't see how a Dillon could do any better. I'm finally a happy reloader. Thanks Lee!

[r1kk1]

I also used a member's tip of putting the size die in the station where priming takes place. This precisely centers the case over the primer and works great. I deprime at #1, prime and size in #2, add powder and flare/expand case neck in #3, seat boolit in #4, and crimp in #5. It is working much smoother than a friends Hornady and I don't see how a Dillon could do any better.

So the LM is basically a 4 station press when set up this way. Hmmm. I'm glad to hear Lee has fixed the priming issue. I can't speak for the LNL guys but a few of us have been cranking ammo out on blue since the 80s.

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=26

Nice write up on the 2000.

Not trying to steal your thunder brother,

r1kk1

[VHoward]

I got rid of a loadmaster and a pro 1000 because of primer system problems. I think I will keep my Dillon Square Deal B and XL 650 however. It is nice that they fixed that problem though.

[KYCaster]

I gave up on the Pro 1000 because it only has three stations. If it had a fourth, I could live with it.

Good to hear that Lee finally did something about the Load Master priming, but the primer feed was only half the problem I had with them. A more serious issue, AFAIC, is inconsistent seating depth due to the flimsy lever that does the seating. For a while, I would reseat the high primers on the loaded rounds with a hand priming tool........that made me kinda nervous.

I also tried cleaning and uniforming the primer pockets before loading. That worked great, but kind of defeated the purpose of a progressive press, so I settled on decapping and priming by hand and taking the decap pin out of the sizing die on the press so I didn't have to mess with the poor priming system.

I talked to Lee techs several times, trying to resolve the issues and finally got Richard Lee on the phone. I thought my problems were over....if anybody could help me, he'd be the one.

He denied that there was any problem with the Load Master press, it was the best press available, regardless of price, and if I had an issue, it was obviously my fault. So I asked him to please accept my humble apologies and tell me what I was doing wrong.

Regarding the inverted primers, he told me to make sure all the primers in the tray had the anvil side facing up. He said the seating issue was just a matter of adjusting the bolt that pushed the priming lever.

He was obviously upset when I continued to question him and he finally told me that it sounded like I may be much happier with Dillon equipment.

So I took his advice.....problem solved!

Jerry

[richbug]

I am miffed that they changed it. I fought with it for over 10 years, and finally got it to the point where it works 100% by tuning it. Now I find out there are no replacement parts for the old system that works for me.

I just ran 2500 rounds of 223 without a miss.

As for a die in the priming location, I usually put a universal case flaring die there, saves having to chamfer the inside of the necks on rifle ammo, and keeps the cases lined up at the same time.


It strikes me as a similar case of their hand priming tool, take a $10 tool that works 100%, and let the lawyers make a $40 tool out of it that isn't easy to use.

[r1kk1]

KYCaster,

I had a similar problem in the late 80s/early 90s dealing with a Challenger and an old 3 station turret. In short, I called, I ordered, I returned for 30 day money back guarantee. It was a linkage issue, not the frame. Now they have a new linkage. Too late. Judging by your experience and mine, it appears they are slow to change but eventually do change.

I've read what ultimatereloader stated about putting the decapping die in station 1. This effectively makes it a 4 station press. Too bad. So a fellow if he did this would either have a decapping die for every die head or screw one in every time he converted to something else. Too bad priming occurs on station 2.

Time will tell with the new priming system will work as intended. It's funny how you say Richard stated that you would be happier with Dillon. I had my two and still have them way before the LM came out.

Take care

r1kk1

[zuke]

I recently posted about Lee's latest primer feeder for the Loadmaster press with the large primer. This week I have given the small primer one a good workout and am happy to report 100% success. I have two of the presses and keep them set up for the large or small primers. I also used a member's tip of putting the size die in the station where priming takes place. This precisely centers the case over the primer and works great. I deprime at #1, prime and size in #2, add powder and flare/expand case neck in #3, seat boolit in #4, and crimp in #5. It is working much smoother than a friends Hornady and I don't see how a Dillon could do any better. I'm finally a happy reloader. Thanks Lee!

That's great to hear!
That was my one pet peeve about the Loadmaster.
I pre primed my last 1000 brass and was able to do about 3-400 in an hour when it all went smooth.

[DLCTEX]

You Dillon guys want to compare dollars invested in the setups? Press, case feeder, bullet feeder, dies, shell plates, turrets, powder measure.??

[Alvarez Kelly]

You Dillon guys want to compare dollars invested in the setups? Press, case feeder, bullet feeder, dies, shell plates, turrets, powder measure.??

It's hard to value the pleasure of using a nice piece of equipment... like my Dillon 550s.

It is easy to recognize the value in knowing I'll be able to sell my used Dillon equipment for more than I paid for it. Probably less than 5 years from now. Even forgetting about the craziness that's going on now. I just sold some of my used stuff, and ordered new from Dillon to replace it! I made a nice windfall... as I can wait the 8 weeks or so for the backlog to work its way out.

Just so you know I am not anti-Lee... I do own a Lee press (the first press I ever bought) and some Lee dies. I will probably still have them when I die... but I don't think they are going up much in value.

[VHoward]

You Dillon guys want to compare dollars invested in the setups? Press, case feeder, bullet feeder, dies, shell plates, turrets, powder measure.??

To me, it's not about the dollar invested in the set up. It the frustration or lack there of in the set up. My first Press was a Lee Breechlock Challenger bought in the anniversary reloading kit. I still have that press (worn out). My next press was a Lee Classic Turret press. That was a good press, but decided I didn't want a turret press so I sold it. That guy is still using it happily for all I know. The next press I bought was a Lee Load Master. I used all the info available on the loadmaster videos forum and just could not get it to work satisfactorily. The priming system was just terrible. The frustration level with that press was unbearable. I sold it on E-Bay before my frustration level caused me to destroy it. I then bought a Dillon Square Deal B in 9mm as that was all I loaded for and had no plans to reload anything else. No regrets, no frustration, didn't look back. I then bought a rifle chambered in .223 and bought a Lee Pro 1000 for that caliber. Big mistake. Again the priming issues. After much research and trying different things, my frustration level was so high, I sold it. I then purchased a Dillon XL650 and guess what? No problems, no frustration, no regrets except not going for the XL650 in the first place. I now load .223 and 357 mag on the XL650 and still load 9mm on the sdb. I recently bought a Lee Classic Cast single stage to replace the Challenger. That is one awesome single stage press. I also still use Lee dies.

So to me the loadmaster and pro 1000 are not presses I would recommend for anyone. I do however tell people that the Classic Turret and Lee's single stage presses are just fine. I can only recommend based on my experiences with the equipment and won't parrot what someone else says just because it is a certain brand.

[runfiverun]

dollar value.
hmm LEE in box in garage with some of the bench still attatched
to it=$0.00 value.
press that works everytime, all the time, worth every nickle.

same as the rcbs mold i threw in the garbage versus the 2 cavity lee that pours shiney filled out boolits.
either way i'll live 10 years longer just from less aggravation and stress.

[TheDoctor]

This reminds me of my boys. Same arguments, different day. Almost funny. How much less or more a product costs someone is little consolation if it does not make them happy. Each has their own preferences, and NO amount of arguing will change that. In business, if you HAVE to convince someone how good your product/service is, you've already lost.

I have used the Pro 1000, its not adequate for what I WANT. I do not NEED someone telling me my choice was/is poor. (Not my word of choice) If it worked for me and I was happy, so be it.

I currently use a Loadmaster. I have used it for about a year. Almost happy, but there are physical issues with it that I am tired of working around, and refuse to do so any longer. If someones works great for them, then I am happy for you. You have a press that does what YOU want it to do, not what someone else thinks your press should do.

[sparky45]

Well, over on *bay, a 1000 was over $340 the last time I checked, EVERYTHING related to reloading is sky high. That said, the 550's were going for over $700 and the 650's for over $1500. It's insane!!
I to have several presses: Dillon 650; 2 Lee BreechLock Challenger Presses; and a small Lee single stage. I also used to have a Lee Pro1000 and 2 Lee Loadmasters. Those are long gone, couldn't get them to consistently prime. I use all my Presses in various ways, the BreechLock's to work up loads and the single stage to decap. Once I have a load ready to go, it's onto the Dillon. Works for me..

It's hard to value the pleasure of using a nice piece of equipment... like my Dillon 550s.

It is easy to recognize the value in knowing I'll be able to sell my used Dillon equipment for more than I paid for it. Probably less than 5 years from now. Even forgetting about the craziness that's going on now. I just sold some of my used stuff, and ordered new from Dillon to replace it! I made a nice windfall... as I can wait the 8 weeks or so for the backlog to work its way out.

Just so you know I am not anti-Lee... I do own a Lee press (the first press I ever bought) and some Lee dies. I will probably still have them when I die... but I don't think they are going up much in value.

[r1kk1]

DLCTEX,

I don't think anyone here has attacked any of your posts. Most of what was stated was people we're glad Lee fixed the priming issue. In your original post you compared it to a Hornady and Dillon. Lee is Lee. The Hornady has a feature that no other progressive press has - LNL bushings. RCBS has a couple of things no other progressive has: a steel frame, the ability to go from strip primers to tube setup and the option of manual index or auto index. Dillon has been around a long time doing one style of presses - progressive's.

You don't need to feel compelled to validate your purchase any more than I do. If it works for you great! Equipment is amortized over years. It should be a one time purchase. If it is not, it is an expensive lesson. My two presses from Dillon are older than the LM. They are approaching three decades of use and still going strong.

I commented on your setup. It appears to be a four station progressive with auto index. To be fair and honest, Hornady, RCBS, and Dillon 5 station auto indexing presses allow for a powder check solution. Sure a fellow can use his eyes but the LM is sold as a five station press. There are guys on this forum that have used the LM successfully before the primer fix. Not that many judging by posts. Also, I have never seen a piece of equipment that has more how to videos, troubleshooting videos but the two progressive presses from Lee. I have seen numerous posts stating that you need to view this or that, tweak this, or tweak that. If I question why it's not fixed or addressed at the factory level, my posts are either ignored or attacked. Where is the value in that? At any price?

I can say I have more custom Lee bullet sizers and moulds that easily total in at around a grand. So judging by your posts let me ask you this DLCTEX: Is the money I spent on the custom side of Lee ok because it's Lee or I did I spend too much regardless its Lee?

r1kk1

[Springfield0612]

Glad to hear Lee is taking the steps to improve the things that need it. I've always been impressed with their customer service and this shows their willingness to listen to their customer base to make the products that they want and need. Now do I want or need a progressive press?

[Randy C]

The first progressive we bought was a lee glade to have it and not afraid to try another one we use rcbs and lee now. They all have strong suits and not so strong.

[KYCaster]

Sorry if I rained on your parade...just telling it like I see it. I could have been happy with the Lee equipment if I had gotten some solutions from Lee rather than insults. AFAIC, taking 20 years to admit that there's a problem doesn't fit my idea of good customer service.

If it's any consolation, Dillon isn't much better about trying to find solutions to chronic problems with their presses. There are a few after market parts available to make the 650 and 1050 presses run smoother.

For the past six months I've been spending 8 or 10 hours a week helping a friend who has an 06 FFL, pulling the handle on 650's and 1050's.

I'm not the least bit impressed with the priming system on the 650. Priming on the 1050 is far better, but still one of the weak points on the press.

I have two Hornady L&L AP presses. I'm satisfied with the overall performance of the press, but the priming system could stand some improvement.

When you get right down to it, the primary consideration when designing reloading presses for the hobbyist is the cost. If it isn't affordable by the average reloader, it won't sell. You're obviously happy with the Lee equipment you have, but don't expect everyone to agree with you.

When I started looking for a progressive press waaaaay back in the late 80's, I was trying to feed a 1000 round a week IPSC habit for my son and I. I was loading all that on a Lyman Spartan single stage press and it was taking entirely too much time.

When I asked the "experienced" shooters, they all recommended Dillon presses. I heard lots of comments like, "I broke the (fill in the blank) on my 550 and they sent me a new part, no questions asked." Great endorsements for Dillon's customer service, but the message I got was every press that Dillon made......broke. I haven't seen or heard anything since then to change my mind.

So, now I have two Hornady L&L's, one Dillon Square Deal, a Lyman Spar-T and a Lee Classic Cast on the bench. I use all of them regularly, and they all have their strong points and their weak points, and so far they've been able to do all the reloading tasks I need. I don't think I'd be any happier with different brands.

YMMV
Jerry

[nhrifle]

I picked up a Pro 1000 when I started loading 9mm in quantity. The priming system gave me fits. I settled on priming with my hand primer and doing the rest on the press. It's working pretty good now, but I would like it if the press would just feed and seat the primers as it should.

[Randy C]

same with us

I picked up a Pro 1000 when I started loading 9mm in quantity. The priming system gave me fits. I settled on priming with my hand primer and doing the rest on the press. It's working pretty good now, but I would like it if the press would just feed and seat the primers as it should.

[DLCTEX]

I just get really, really tired of dillon users having to proclaim their high place in reloader heaven every time someone says anything good about another product. The thread is about Lee press, not dillon. And it is a 5 stage press, what point are you trying to make? Trying to excuse dillons 4 holer? If I had waited until I could afford a dillon I would have still been using my rockchucker for everthing.I have had my Lee equipment for years and could sell it for more than I paid also. The point of the thread was to let other Loadmaster owners know how to help a problem they may have, not to get into a argument over dillon being better. Start you own thread and quit highjacking mine.