Lee Loadmaster Maintenance and setup (pt 1)

[@echohunter4199]

I’ve never been a fan of Lee progressive presses but a friend got 3 different Lee presses for free and had been stored poorly and we didn’t know what parts were missing or any damage. After knocking off surface rust on the dies and other bare metal spots, I properly refurbished everything and after a thorough scrubbing it went together pretty well and it took some time for me to figure out how it all dialed in. The main frame is robust and seems like a quality part as does the main ram shell plate base. The numerous plastic parts was pretty cheap feeling and operated crudely even after smoothing out any nicks and well lubed. In comparison to my Rock Chucker and Hornady LNL progressive I appreciate mine even more. My other presses are expensive since we get what we pay for and they haven’t let me down over the years. I got my Hornady in a horse trade and refurbished it to new condition and saved a ton of cash. I mention this since the Lee press does seem to do the job intended and at a low initial cost. I’m wondering how many rounds of rifle ammo a loader can expect to load before having some serious issues or does it hang in there well if taken care of and not abused? I’ve used a Lee single stage a friend gave me as a companion press and again, no complaints. Here in San Antonio I’ve seen a few used Lee presses for sale dirt cheap but nobody wants them. I looked on the Lee website to find some instructions and found out that Lee is stopping production on progressive presses but will support older models with replacement parts. Was this decision made due to low sales or loss of confidence from the market demographic? Or maybe they plan to shift production to improve their quality or maybe bring in something that’ll shock us to pull in more customers as did Hornady when the Lock-n-Load progressive hit the market. Well, thanks for your time and I appreciate your video, helped me quite a bit.

[@vaughnprecision]

I’ve loaded hundreds upon hundreds of 223 on this press, seemed to hold up well. I think Lee is focusing in on a progressive, I forget the model, but discontinued the others. All Lee progressive presses are finicky and I agree the plastic feels cheap, cause it is. But for the working man just looking to get started Lee offers a decent price point. I no longer own mine, I sold it. If I buy another it will probably be a Dillon press. But those aren’t cheap.! I wish MEC would develop a progressive press for pistol/small rifle rounds.

[@echohunter4199]

@@vaughnprecision thanks for the reply, as I look over the accessories for this press it seems that no mechanical engineer was consulted and the designer was Rube Goldberg, lol. It’s like it’s some abstract art piece that was found by a Lee employee and put into production. I think if someone came up with quality aftermarket add ons to replace the current goofy ones, they’d be on to something competitive.

[@626pingj]

Great video. I just purchased one today. I've never reloaded before so I'll be watching all you loadmaster videos.

[@vaughnprecision]

Really pay attention to all the settings, the reloading specs and everything.

[@echohunter4199]

For the money you get some good features and you’ll get experience on how to adjust and set the dies and accessories and after a while you’ll master how to dial in detailed loads tailored to a specific weapon and you can make lots of them. I advise buying components now, the prices came down quite a bit recently and I buy once fired brass at a nearby metal recycling yard for $2 a pound and I pick out the ones I want and I always find some sweet quality or match brass. Many of us start with something not too hard on our wallet to see how compatible we are with reloading. Often it seems that we won’t save a lot of money by doing it ourselves but in my case I focus on the long game by acquiring components over time that I pick up here and there, usually second hand or some online sale then stash it away for future loads. We’re also hedging our bet against ammunition scarcity situations either by some new government ban or an extremely high new tax that makes buying ammo a problem. And God help us if they decide to outlaw all ammo sales so then what? I scrounge around online for “pulled” projectiles that’re priced right and if they’re quality I want, often one can find some great things out there, even gun powder. Apologies for the long rant, I hope it all works out for you and as you come across another press you think you’d enjoy that’s second hand and for a great price, you can always sell or trade the first one or just keep it if it’s working great.

[@mealston1725]

So good to see more shooters appreciate the real world serious value of Lee products. Richard Lee is a great engineer and his line of products should never be ignored.

[@vaughnprecision]

MEAlstonIII I completely agree. I've always been happy with Lee products and their service.!

[@peterxyz3541]

Thanks!!! Useful! Bought one used and needed this info, the prior owner may had stripped one thread and I needed this video to verify the machine.

[@ryanpatriot2645]

Brilliant. Thanks for all the detailed vids

[@dennisjwest.7016]

I have three loadmasters i load from 32auto up to the three 45s also some rifle. Bought them when they under 200dollars. God knows how many rounds my buddy and I have ran on them... One weekend we did a five gallon bucket of 45acp. Yes it's not a dillion or any other BIG dollar presses. Not everyone buys a dillion 1050. All I can say is Lee has always honored their warranty. And fast service. Been using them for 20years. And I can say I have gotten my money's worth. Yes keep it cleaned and adjusted it won't let you doin

[@RK-ed7cc]

Excellent video

[@floridaswampman7648]

I like the thumb screws on the z plates of the mount.

[@erikcarmo6099]

Great video, really helpful. Thanks!

[@waltnurmi5253]

Concise and informative. Received my Loadmaster kit today and want to understand the nuances before setup.

[@MrVideoyoulike]

I had contacted lee about the lubing the ram rod and they told me when you grease it up through the zerks that it should lube the ram rode as well. I still use gun oil on the ram rod still.

[@DOMINION4x4]

Thanks so much for such a detailed and informative video

[@charleshills8540]

That washer looks to be what is known as a Rolex spring. You stack them so two are opposing ()()()() and you have a strong spring for confined spaces. So in your instance it looks to be placing tension on the thread to avoid rattling loose. Now back to your video.

[@luigihurtado9795]

Hey man, did you ever do part 2? My powder charge sticks and breaks the chain

[@luigihurtado9795]

Hey, thanks for the videos I have this thing running smoothly now. I just need to find components for reloading 9mm, prices are coming down somewhat on factory loads, its kind of not worth it. Maybe I'll change the set up to do 223

[@noneya135]

Nice and well done video! Please make some more vids.

[@joseainagas2479]

Thanks very helpful 👍

[@mostrogolf22]

Hi, still relevant to this day, I'm setting my Load Master like you did. At the 7:10 minute mark you have a good view of two of the four lock bolts that holds the Lee press plate on to the base plate. You replaced the original four Phillips screws. I didn't see a link to where you purchased those. If possible please send it. Also, do you see a benefit in casting you own bullets versus purchasing lets say round nose for 9mm for practicing? Been considering in a bullet casting kit, hoping you can shed some light here, thank you and good day.

[@williamblake5208]

I would like to know more about your plate setup. I use the same plate on the Lee Loading stand. I like the bolts you have for the hold down plates. Can you tell me more about them? I want to set them up on my Stand.

[@1958werewolf]

I can’t seem to find part 3 on this series.

[@wtb3nkfd54]

Would the triple action spray work on the main piston as well, or is there a reason the oil is preferable?

[@vaughnprecision]

Maybe, but I would recommend an oil

[@ritchk5170]

Been using my LM for 2 years loading .38 spl LOVE IT. I'm in the process of setting up for 9mm (used the Lee classic turret in the past & LOVED it). Question for 9mm did you use the 19s shell plate? If so how did it work primer wise? I'm going to try a modified 6s, not sure how that will workout.

[@vaughnprecision]

I believe I'm using the 19 plate, I don't have it in front of me right now. I'd verify on the Lee website just to be safe. The primer feed worked good, but you still need to pay attention for sure.

[@mildot5482]

Forget the disc powder measure .. buy the Drum system

[@vaughnprecision]

Mil Dot I’ll be ordering one soon.

[@t.curran8243]

My instructions say to use STP to lube the ram.

[@jonhunter8725]

You expressed that you have a problem with placing oil In the primer actuator liver arm, look on Amazon for applicator bottles

[@toothaik1]

I'm having a problem with the cases really binding up in the resizing die. If I run the brass one at a time, it isn't so bad, but if I have all stations occupied, I really to lean on the ram to get it up completely and then really have to pull on it to get it back down. Could it be that the die is set too far down? HELP!

[@cdelo2]

Is the brass lubed . Get this stuff frankford arsenal case lube . Look up shadow dog loadmaster set up videos . My best advise would be to get rid of the lee powder measures as they can be accidentally left turned off . Squibs . There is also a guy that makes awesome turrets for the loadmaster also .

[@toothaik1]

@@cdelo2This is happening with pistol brass, so in theory, with carbide dies the cases don't need to be lubed. I'll check check those videos you mentioned. Thank you for the reply

[@cdelo2]

Lenny Sclafani You are correct about the carbide dies not needing lube . But that case lube sure does make it a night vs day difference in how everything moves and how much force you need to move the ram .

[@toothaik1]

@@cdelo2 I'll try some case lube for sure. Thanks again

[@oldgunowner]

Are you wet tumbling to clean your brass? If so your cases are probably to dry and sticking. I run my brass through my dry tumbler after wet tumbling with nufinish car wax.They run through my press a lot smoother.They also don't tarnish as bad if they should not get shot for a year.

[@bradprather6749]

I'm very new, just getting started. Do y'all have a preference between Lee and Hornady progressive?

[@vaughnprecision]

I like them both, but to be honest I would pick the Hornady over Lee if your budget and absorb it. Dillon is probably the best out there.

[@bradprather6749]

@@vaughnprecision Thank you! And thanks for the quick response. Everyone has been super helpful. At first all a bit overwhelming, but I'm starting to put things together. Hornady it is.

[@donaldledbetter8955]

Hi Mr. Vaughn. I have only one Lee Die Set in .380 ACP. The remaining pistol Die sets are RCBS. I’ve ordered the extender for the powder measure (Lee) to use w/the RCBS die sets, and my question is: how do I use the RCBS pistol dies with the auto powder measure?

[@vaughnprecision]

Donald Ledbetter you’ll need to use the Lee powder though die, at least that’s what I would recommend. The other dies can be used normal. You’ll want to gut a crimp die for the priming station hole.

[@aaroncarpenter1880]

Pistol dies should make no difference as they are short. IF the powder measure is interfered with by a die in either station 2 or 4, look at Lee's website, they have an extension, the Auto Disk Riser that goes between the Powder Through Expander die and the Auto Disk Powder Measure, to mount the measure higher. Don't buy it unless you actually need it. The Auto DRUM measure is way plenty tall, I can't imagine using an extender beneath it.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

How long have you owned it? How many rounds have you made with it some ruff number? I am thinking about buying one and don't want to spend money on something that will not hold up. Thanks in advance.

[@newerest1]

It'll certainly last you if you loaded thousands of rounds on it. I just wouldn't recommend it since it's discontinued at the factory level.

[@utubedaveg521]

I purchased a used loadmaster and have watched numerous videos. I can not get the indexer to work no matter how I adjust it. It will not follow the slanted ledge that pulls out the indexing rod. It starts to pull out then falls off the ledge. Any help would be appreciated.

[@vaughnprecision]

utubedaveg screw the plastic shoe on a little more, give it more of an angle so it can grab that slide cut on the press.

[@utubedaveg521]

i've tried everything. I'm just going to sell it. thanks for answering me though.@@vaughnprecision

[@pacman10182]

@@utubedaveg521 send it to lee for repairs

[@donbanti7734]

Great video thanks planning on buying a load master....what kind of base are you using? Is it made by lee?

[@vaughnprecision]

Don Banti yes, this is a Lee Bench Plate. They are really nice and you can mount them to any Lee press. I own a few different plates and have them on all my presses. Makes for an easy swap. They are inexpensive to, well worth having in my opinion

[@tylergriffin3840]

I only ever see longshot and 100v on your shelf Do you shoot other powders or do you try to stick to one powder for everything?

[@vaughnprecision]

I have several different powders. I have them stored all over my shop and in the gun safe. I have H-414, Retumbo, H-4350, IMR-7828sc, H-4831, Steel, H-322 etc. etc. just to name a few. Since most of my sooting lately has been .243 and 9mm I keep those couple powders handy since they work the best out of my .243 AI and 9mm. You'll start to see more powders for the .223 and 6.8 SPC as we are developing loads for them.

[@tylergriffin3840]

Vaughn precision what is you favorite (all around) powder

[@vaughnprecision]

I get great results with LongShot out of pistols. For my rifles I like Hybrid-100. Benchmark and H-322 for AR's.

[@milosdad1]

I would send mine to you if you could tune it up or something,I can not get it to work near as good as it used too. I tried to send it to lee, they refused . I sure wish I had bought a dillon

[@pierregauthier3077]

Great vid! Im just getting into reloading. Havent bought a press yet but the loadmaster is what im strongly considering. I'll be doing 9mm, 7.62 x 39mm and 30-06. Is the loadmaster a good choice for a newb? And the calibers i want to load ? I want to buy once. Are you planning on doing other vids for setup and trouble shooting.

[@vaughnprecision]

Pierre Gauthier I have a video from a couple years ago that focuses on the set up and fixing issues. It’s not a good choice for large rifle cases, those should be done on a single stage press like the Lee Classic Cast. The pistol and small rifle cases like .223 it will be great for.

[@dbn80]

No - The loadmaster is the worst thing you can buy as a new reloader. Start with a single stage press, Lee would be fine but I like RCBS better..........Then when you're comfortable reloading, upgrade to a Dillon XL650. Trust me - Speaking from experience.

[@mrtheplague2895]

Do you recommend this press for someone staring out in loading and for precision loading? I know I can still use it as a single stage and the auto indexing would be nice for pumping out plinking and pistol rounds. I was looking into the Redding T-7 but I know if you reviewed it that it must be a good product :)

[@vaughnprecision]

Jack Hoff I don't recommend any progressive presses to anyone who's just getting started. They can be a little finicky and dangerous. However, I would recommend this press to anyone

[@tongaexpress]

Would you recommend this press to load 308 and creedmoor?

[@jimseats4613]

@@tongaexpress Once you have lubed, resized, trimmed to length and cleaned your cases, using the Loadmaster to prime, charge powder then check, seat bullet and crimp the case can provide you with some very consistently loaded rounds with fewer "pumps" of the handle -

[@mildot5482]

Don't do too much. .it's only a Lee .. not a Hornady

[@vaughnprecision]

Mil Dot been running this hard for 4-5 years, still running strong after thousands of rounds