Scott Hearn
Well-Known Fanatic
If it ain't blue .... It sucks! 
Needing some good advice
- Thread starter natgas
- Start date
steak
Well-Known Fanatic
I guess when I said that the lee progressives don't get good reviews I should have said that the Lee progressives primer feeding doesntget good reviews. Those that have used it seem to agree with you on the press itself, just not the primer feed.
Well, I have narrowed it down to one of these 2; I would prefer the 550 but not sure I want to invest that much in the beginning until I know I"m going to enjoy and stick with it. The other is the Lee Loadmaster; I'm not real certain of the major differences in what each does but the LM does seem to get good press. And for a lot less green, it might be a good one to start on, especially if I elect to do just 45's for now and then see about 9 and 38 later on.
Does this seem to be a good decision? I know, the 550 is the beat all to end all but it's a lot of cash for someone who doesn't know a thing---other than what I've been reading.
Thanks
Does this seem to be a good decision? I know, the 550 is the beat all to end all but it's a lot of cash for someone who doesn't know a thing---other than what I've been reading.
Thanks
IMO you will spend the money twice, which is what I did.
I've not know anyone that didn't like reloading. After a while (maybe not in a year, but eventually) you will probably upgrade to a dillon, it just happens. Especially if you're loading alot of ammo, the dillon is more ergonomic & smoother, thus faster. I sold my Loadmaster & used that money to partially fund my dillon, so it wasn't money wasted. The resale value/retail cost ratio is not as good as the dillon but you can recoupe some of the funds on the Loadmaster. But then again, there are some who are perfectly content with the loadmaster & never switch.
I've heard horror stories about the Loadmaster. In fact every single person I know that had a Loadmaster ended up getting a 550 or 650. Buy the right one the first time. You will love the blue cool aid! Save your pennies a bit longer if you have to.
550s are so awesome that I have TWO!
550s are so awesome that I have TWO!
nikatkimber
Well-Known Fanatic
I would recommend the Lee Turret before the Load-Master. It's cheaper up front, and caliber changes are simple and cheap, and it's also not a progressive, so it is a good complement press to a progressive. IE, load workups, small runs of odd calibers are simpler on this than a Dillon.
Both my Lee Turret and my Dillon 550 are used, nearly as old as I am, and have seen thousands of rounds loaded. Both still work.
Both my Lee Turret and my Dillon 550 are used, nearly as old as I am, and have seen thousands of rounds loaded. Both still work.
nikatkimber
Well-Known Fanatic
I'll muddle the waters some more.
If you're trying to setup for multiple calibers on the cheap initially, first, buy a different powder dispenser than the Dillon. The Dillon (at least the three I have) is not graduated, so changing from one load to another is a pain. And, you have to re-calibrate it each time you change (ie, weigh multiple charges to verify accuracy). Or, plan on buying multiple Dillon dispensers. The Lee AutoDisk, while not as precise (which can be a big deal for max loads, or precision), is much easier to switch loads. If you want precision and ease of changing loads, get a Hornady auto dispenser.
Second, the Dillon toolhead/shellplate/button/powder die conversion is $75 + powder dispenser + dies. Compare this to the Lee Turret, where standard shell holders are used, so caliber change is a Turret for $13 + powder dispenser + dies.
You're looking at loading 9mm, .38 spl, and .45 acp.
All Dillon:
Press + .45 acp setup
Dillon 550 $429.95
Dillon Carbide Dies $62.95
Dillon As It Should Be $149.95 (not necessary to load, but worth it if you want to get the most from your Dillon)
9mm Conversion
Super EZ Buy Conversion Pkg $221.80
.38 spl Conversion
Super EZ Buy Conversion Pkg $221.80
Total: $1086.45
All Lee:
Press + .45 acp setup
Lee 4 Hole Turret $117.99
Lee Dlx Carbide .45 acp Dies $39.99
9mm Conversion
Lee Turret $12.99
Lee Dlx Carbide 9mm Dies $39.99
Lee Auto-Disk $24.99
.38 spl Conversion
Lee Turret $12.99
Lee Dlx Carbide .38 spl Dies $39.99
Lee Auto-Disk $24.99
Total: $313.92
Let me also say this: if you will be loading smallish quantities (100 or so), and switching; you can swap calibers on the Lee faster. Quite a bit faster. And no tools period.
If you're trying to setup for multiple calibers on the cheap initially, first, buy a different powder dispenser than the Dillon. The Dillon (at least the three I have) is not graduated, so changing from one load to another is a pain. And, you have to re-calibrate it each time you change (ie, weigh multiple charges to verify accuracy). Or, plan on buying multiple Dillon dispensers. The Lee AutoDisk, while not as precise (which can be a big deal for max loads, or precision), is much easier to switch loads. If you want precision and ease of changing loads, get a Hornady auto dispenser.
Second, the Dillon toolhead/shellplate/button/powder die conversion is $75 + powder dispenser + dies. Compare this to the Lee Turret, where standard shell holders are used, so caliber change is a Turret for $13 + powder dispenser + dies.
You're looking at loading 9mm, .38 spl, and .45 acp.
All Dillon:
Press + .45 acp setup
Dillon 550 $429.95
Dillon Carbide Dies $62.95
Dillon As It Should Be $149.95 (not necessary to load, but worth it if you want to get the most from your Dillon)
9mm Conversion
Super EZ Buy Conversion Pkg $221.80
.38 spl Conversion
Super EZ Buy Conversion Pkg $221.80
Total: $1086.45
All Lee:
Press + .45 acp setup
Lee 4 Hole Turret $117.99
Lee Dlx Carbide .45 acp Dies $39.99
9mm Conversion
Lee Turret $12.99
Lee Dlx Carbide 9mm Dies $39.99
Lee Auto-Disk $24.99
.38 spl Conversion
Lee Turret $12.99
Lee Dlx Carbide .38 spl Dies $39.99
Lee Auto-Disk $24.99
Total: $313.92
Let me also say this: if you will be loading smallish quantities (100 or so), and switching; you can swap calibers on the Lee faster. Quite a bit faster. And no tools period.
nikatkimber
Well-Known Fanatic
If I were doing this from scratch, I would get the Lee setup, and use the savings from that to buy the Dillon. Unless you are shooting on the order of thousands a month.
Something else to consider. Since you are only running one operation at a time, the turret press can be mounted to a lot smaller surface.
My Lee setup, loaded quite a few rounds this way.
The table my Dillon is mounted to:
Something else to consider. Since you are only running one operation at a time, the turret press can be mounted to a lot smaller surface.
My Lee setup, loaded quite a few rounds this way.
The table my Dillon is mounted to:
nikatkimber
Well-Known Fanatic
I wondered how long it would take for the first wise crack to come along!
I thought I had some of it set up in my photobucket already, but apparently not. That was the best picture showing the press and the table.
I thought I had some of it set up in my photobucket already, but apparently not. That was the best picture showing the press and the table.
irons_shooter
TOLA Guy
Why do people ask questions on forums and then completely ignore the information provided by people that know?
nikatkimber
Well-Known Fanatic
Where did you get that he was completely ignoring the advice given?
I think this was more a case of information overload, not necessarily ignoring the info.
Scott Hearn
Well-Known Fanatic
I'll agree with Wall and Chambers and here's why. Bear in mind that I started reloading on a single stage in the '80's, so I already knew the process and had the mandatory gear.
I bought a Hornady LNL AP which by all accounts is superior to the Lee. I got it all setup for 5 calibers. Loved it for the most part, but it just wasn't as fast as I thought it would be. So I ordered up a case feeder for it. This would make it an equivalent of a Dillon 650. Still wasn't as fast. Faster yes, but not Dillon fast due to two issues. 1) It dropped brass in the feedtube upside down pretty much constantly, dropped brass on my head, brass clogged in the funnel and 2) It didn't want to seat large primers all the way, so I had to seat them with 3 or 4 strokes on the handle and even that wouldn't do it most of the time. Now most of these were issues that could be fixed pretty easily except for the primer seating (there really wasn't anything wrong, it was just the compound linkage flexing while seating). So I ended up selling it and getting the Dillon and couldn't be happier. Dillon pays attention to the smallest design feature and the quality difference is drastic. It makes night/day difference in your heartburn level. It has dropped exactly ONE 9mm case upside down and never clogged or ran over on my head.
From the impression I get from talking to those who have used the Lee, they do make ammo. But you are constantly having to tweak and adjust various things on them to keep everything kosher. If you want to knock out 200 rounds in 15 minutes before going to bed, plan on going late, 'cause it ain't happening on the Lee. If you are like me you don't have a whole lot of time, you said you wanted something fast. The interruptions that you have to put up with is the number one issue that I hear about the Lee progressives. Hell that's probably comprises all of the issues. I've never heard of one just not working at all...
I bought a Hornady LNL AP which by all accounts is superior to the Lee. I got it all setup for 5 calibers. Loved it for the most part, but it just wasn't as fast as I thought it would be. So I ordered up a case feeder for it. This would make it an equivalent of a Dillon 650. Still wasn't as fast. Faster yes, but not Dillon fast due to two issues. 1) It dropped brass in the feedtube upside down pretty much constantly, dropped brass on my head, brass clogged in the funnel and 2) It didn't want to seat large primers all the way, so I had to seat them with 3 or 4 strokes on the handle and even that wouldn't do it most of the time. Now most of these were issues that could be fixed pretty easily except for the primer seating (there really wasn't anything wrong, it was just the compound linkage flexing while seating). So I ended up selling it and getting the Dillon and couldn't be happier. Dillon pays attention to the smallest design feature and the quality difference is drastic. It makes night/day difference in your heartburn level. It has dropped exactly ONE 9mm case upside down and never clogged or ran over on my head.
From the impression I get from talking to those who have used the Lee, they do make ammo. But you are constantly having to tweak and adjust various things on them to keep everything kosher. If you want to knock out 200 rounds in 15 minutes before going to bed, plan on going late, 'cause it ain't happening on the Lee. If you are like me you don't have a whole lot of time, you said you wanted something fast. The interruptions that you have to put up with is the number one issue that I hear about the Lee progressives. Hell that's probably comprises all of the issues. I've never heard of one just not working at all...
First, I have absolutely not ignored any post from anyone here. I have taken to heart every bit of advice and am still weighing what I want to do versus what I can afford to do. Just because I don't happen to agree doesn't mean I'm ignoring.
Second, I appreciate everyones input and suggestions. The fact is, I'm just still very confused by all the terminology (turret, progressive, etc.); I really want this hobby to work and be fun but I don't want to make the same mistakes that many have done and regretted it.
Let's just say I appreciate all the input and just want to think about everything some more.
Thanks again to all who have provided me food for thought.
Second, I appreciate everyones input and suggestions. The fact is, I'm just still very confused by all the terminology (turret, progressive, etc.); I really want this hobby to work and be fun but I don't want to make the same mistakes that many have done and regretted it.
Let's just say I appreciate all the input and just want to think about everything some more.
Thanks again to all who have provided me food for thought.
Turret=tools/dies turn as you pull the handle. Multiple strokes for each finished bullet.
Progressive=cartridges move to each station as you pull the handle. After the shell plate is full (5or6 cartridges depending on press) a finished round drops with each pull of the handle.
I am now looking at and pricing the 550 based on everyone's recommendations. I'm not absolutely sure what all I need to add but one question I have is why I would or wouldn't want to add the case feeder---seems it would speed things up but Brian Enos recommends NOT getting it. Would you? (if you were new to this?)
sorry, no help here on the case feeder. I have never used one. Scott seems to like his.
Scott Hearn
Well-Known Fanatic
I read a post over on the other forum from somebody that just added one to their 550. They loved it.
With the case feeder you won't have to take your hand off the handle to grab a case as I understand it. That was one of the things that really slowed my Hornady down, except it was worse because you loaded the empty case AND placed a bullet on the round for seating with your left hand. With the Dillon you can use both hands simultaneously so the time lag is not near as bad. So Brian may have a point on that one. I'd buy it with everything except the low powder alarm. That's totally not needed and just another thing to spend money on IMO. Beyond that you only need to decide on the case feeder. You can add it later, but you can also get the free shipping if ordering it with the press saving you some money.
Check out this guy, he's just trimming brass but he has really got the rhythm down. He's moving right along with this 550 without a case feeder. You won't be going quite this fast while loading but can see kind of how it works anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L5WNOVlLAU
