Press recomendation

Donut Slayer · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 5:17 pm Post subject: Press recomendation

Hello guys and gals. I'm looking for a new press, but let me give you some background on me and what I'm looking for. I've been reloading for about 25 years (since highschool) with a lyman turret press. I'm considering a new press and have narrowed it down to 2. The Lee Classic 4 hole turret press or Hornady's Lock-n-load AP (progressive). Now I'm mainly a rifle guy and dont load progressive. I like to deprime, then clean the case, prime on a lee hand prime, then weigh a powder charge, then seat the bullet. So I will NOT be using the press as a progressive press 95% of the time. But it would be nice to have one when I load some handgun rounds. The Lee is about $100 and the Hornady is about 4 times as much. The hornady will load a round with each pull of the handle. But is that worth the extra $$$$? Which one should I go with? Here are some vids of each one so your familiar with them.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=770vZha0rdA
www.youtube.com/watch?...re=related

dhc4ever · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 5:41 pm Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Well IMO the Hornady looks a lot stronger.
If you are doing larger rifle rounds I'd say go Hornady.
Lee make some good stuff they also make some average stuff, like most of the major players.
Its your call really.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

I have the Hornady and, although I haven't used it a lot yet (a few hundred rounds) I've been happy with it.

Donut Slayer · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

I have the Hornady and, although I haven't used it a lot yet (a few hundred rounds) I've been happy with it.

I've read the reviews on midway, either you love it or hate it. So, no problems with yours?

Vince · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:20 pm Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Why not two presses DS? I use a single stage for my rifle reloading (allows me to do what you do - separate steps) and when I was loading pistol I had a LEE 1000 Progressive. Gave me the best of both worlds. I liked the LEE 1000 Progressive, but only for pistol. My single stage 'O' Frame is the ducks guts for rifle...allows me to pick the brand of dies I want as well. A single stage press that takes 7/8"x14 dies is what I would consider to be the most versatile press around.

As DHC4Ever says mate...the Hornady is the stronger looking of the two presses in the vids, but I am wondering why he has to punch the lever so hard on the return (which I'm assuming is the primer seat).

Cheers, Vince

tlo7mm · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:30 pm Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

I have not experience with either but if you want some information on the lee you should talk to bushmaster, he has a 4 hole lee turret press i believe. He has helped me out with a couple of things and is very knowledgable on the subject I believe.

gelandangan · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:56 pm Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

I agree with Vince, buy both!
Its only money, and presses are good investment judging from the prices they are sold on evilBay Razz

SingleShotLover · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:26 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Got to vote for two also. I use a couple Lee "O" single-stages for all my rifle rounds and a Lee Loadmaster progressive for all of my handgun loads. There isn't a thing wrong with the Lee 1000 either except you get a couple more stations for separate seating and crimping operations with the Loadmaster.

I have always opted for single-stage presses for rifle rounds since I don't quite trust the "slop" in the turret movement as being conducive to the accuracy levels I keep chasing. It's all matter of taste, but with Lee you can have it both ways without breaking the bank.

chambered221 · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:31 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

I think it depends on how much handgun ammo you re-load !!!

If your not doing a lot opt for a good good single stage press since it's what your going to do 95% of the time then purchase the Lee non classic turret kit for handgun.

The price difference......... you need to factor in that you get a powder measure, 500 free bullets and it's on sale at Midway till the end of the month !!!

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 7:43 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Donut Slayer...

My setup for reloading. Very happy with it though I don't use one of the holes ith the four hole turret. It's there just in case.

I resize/decap and prime on a single stage Lee and complete the rest of the reloading operations on a Lee four hole turret.

stovepipe · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:50 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Love the angled tool block. Good night yer organized.

I use a LEE 1000 for progresive and semi-single stage pistol stuff. It's super versatile, takes the place of a lot of things like hand primer's etc. and aint broke yet in 2+ years of constant yanking the handle with lots of 44m, 357m and 45 ACP brass...and, a LEE Reloader single stage C press for rifle stuff. Both were well under 200$ combined.

slimjim · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:56 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Bushy, what happen to the 8-track and reel-to-reel? Did they finally bite the dust?

stovepipe · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:03 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

I those got moved to the solarium. That, or the study just beyond the anti-chamber down the hall.

I heard he's upgrading to pull-chain terlit's too. One less bucket to tote.

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:11 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

Nope...They're on the other side of the "cave"...And I don't have an 8 track player/recorder...What do you think I run? A prehistoric cave man operation? Only the most modern [old] equipment.

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:16 am Post subject: Re: Press recomendation

That's alright stovey...The barn doesn't even have an outhouse. You'll just have to go with the horses or find a tree.