40 S&W LEE 4 Hole Turret, PRO 1000 or LEE LOADMASTER?

[MK34_Techrep]

Looking to start reloading for my 40 S&W, I am trying to decide between the LEE Pro 1000 or LEE Load Master for 40 S&W or should I go for a Lee Turret Press. There is about $50 dollars difference. This will be my 1st Reloader, so please let me know which one I should purchase or your comments concerning either one. With turret press, do I need a 4 hole or 3?
Here are the websites for All:

https://fsreloading.com/lee-pro-1000-40sw-90682.html


https://fsreloading.com/lee-load-mas...-sw-90940.html

https://fsreloading.com/lee-deluxe-4...kit-90928.html


thanks, looking forward to your comments.... [/FONT]

[Carnage_7]

Go with the Loadmaster-has 5 stations to only 3 for the Lee Pro 100.

[Smith357]

I can't speak to the Lee Loadmaster, but I have been using a Lee 1000 for almost 20 years and countless rounds of .38 special. The Lee 1000 requires the operator to mechanically inclined, as you will need to tune it up and tweak it on a regular basis. Once you get it going it will run fine for a 500 - 5000 rounds then require another tune up. One of the big flaws of the machine is the powder dump station is directly over the priming station so a few grains of errant powder easily clog up the primer feed. If you can live with its issues the press does crank out a lot of ammo fast. I have a Dillon 550 as well, but still use the Lee for my huge volume of .38 special.

[Titegroups]

Lee is best known for their turret press. If you load a high volume of ammo a progressive is the only way to go. I have two of their turret presses with no real complaints. They will handle 150rds/hr. easily. If you do purchase one get the classic model with the cast iron base and 4 hole turret. Before jumping into anything buy a copy of the ABC's of reloading and read it. There are plenty of youtube vids of them in action also.

[Arub]

I've been reloading with a Lee 4 hole turret press for over 8 years. Load 40S&W, .357mag, .44mag, .45LC and .45acp. Have also loaded 9mm. The beauty of the turret is that unless you change bullet shapes all you have to do is change out the die plates and shell holders to switch from one caliber to another.

.380 can be loaded with the 9mm dies with adjustments, .44spl can be loaded with the .44mag dies and .38spl can be loaded with the .357 dies.

I finally wore out the linkage on the used press, like I said after 8 years or so of my usage plus whatever wear the original owner put on it and ordered a new press along with a spare link to get the old press up and running. Now I have two, one and a spare.

[john16443]

As others have indicated, the Lee Classic Turret press kit would be my choice over the deluxe turret. https://fsreloading.com/classic-turr...kit-90304.html You can also try this kit from Kempf's or F&M Reloading.

Reasons include: 1)better spent primer disposal, and 2) more robust base material, and 3) comes with the Pro Auto Powder measure. I own a deluxe turret, but deprimed on my Lee Challenger prior to brass cleaning (my preference), so issue 1) was no biggie for me. As I reloaded 9mm and 45ACP, the cast aluminum press was plenty strong enough for my rounds, I didn't need the cast iron material of the Lee Classic Turret. The Pro auto powder measure is a significant improvement over the regular auto. It's a snap to turn off and empty. As I began shooting much more on a weekly basis, I moved up to a full progressive, but it was only because of production considerations, not equipment operation related. If you've watched any YouTubes or read other forums, the Loadmaster and Pro1000 are generally regarded as good presses once they're adjusted and operating. Good for tinkerers. The Lee Classic Turret is generally regarded as one of the best Lee presses, and just plain works every time the handle is pulled.

Here's some links for you:

F & M Reloading Equipment Inc.: Classic Turret Press Kit

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...mart&Itemid=41

[shovelwrench]

The Loadmaster is definitely not for a beginner. Theres a whole lot goin on, and things you need to pay close attention to. Your much better off with their turret press. Once you understand the process, then step it up to a progressive.....

You'll have the reloading learning curve out of the way and can be much more focused on the press....