Lee classic or Lee pro 1000 (Newbie)

[y2k600f4]

Last year I did a lot of research and was going to go with the Lee classic turret for my first reloading setup for mostly pistol calibers (9MM, 45ACP and 38/357) and possibly later on some rifle. Unfortuneately I was unable to make the purchase. Now while looking again a came across a Lee pro 1000 45ACP setup used for $100. Is this a better setup than the Lee classic ? Also is the price fair ? Thanks.

Just did a bit of reseach and it seems the Lee progressive 1000 goes for $140 new and does not include all the extras as the Lee classic turret kit includes (scale, primer pocket cleaner, cutter, deburring tool plus both small and large primer feeders....all new for $165)...hmmm.

 

[lonewolf5347]

I have the lee classic turret press with auto index and I find it to reload about 50 rounds in around 15 min:
I also load for centerfire rifle so for me the press it the best of both worlds .
I use to use a RCBS Rock Chucker single stage but just took to long to reload pistol bullets.
I read the Lee pro 1000 seem to run into the primers feeding other wise some guys like them some don't.
I think if you check out cabelas on line they have a sale going on with a $30.00 off when placing a order more then $150.00 or free shipping
I like Graf@Sons and i think the lee classic with auto index goes for $89.00
not a bad price and anything ordered on line from Graft the shipping is only $4.99 no matter how much the order is $$$.

 

[Dean Williams]

I have a Pro 1000 and a Lee Turret, (the three die kind). I like them both, and they both work well, but there is one caveat; With the Pro 1000, you have to keep an eye on things a little more than with the Turret.

With the Turret, you are only concerned with one cartridge at a time, and it's still pretty fast. In reality, it will load about as fast as you would normally shoot, and usually faster. Somewhere in the neighborhood that lonewolf mentions. Unless you're a barrel burner, you probably won't shoot more than 200 rounds in an hour, so for an hour of reloading, you can usually get an hour (or more) of shooting time. If you're a more laid back shooter, like 50-75 rounds per hour, then a couple hours time on the Turret will probably do you for a full day of primer popping.

With the Pro 1000 you can pretty easily exceed 200 rounds in an hour, but you will have a number of shells going 'round in the shell holder at any time. You have to watch the primer feed, as was mentioned. It's not what I would consider a faulty mechanism, but I think when people really start cranking on these models, they are less aware of all the things that are going on. I guess I would say you have to babysit it a bit. It will really put the reloads out, though, if you can keep yourself from trying to pump the handle as fast as you're able. When I'm using mine, I just go nice and steady with it, not trying to break any records. I have very few stoppages, but when one comes, you're stalled for a few minutes.

Something important for both of these is a good sturdy bench, but especially with the Pro 1000. The more ridged, the better.

 

[y2k600f4]

lonewolf5347 and Dean thanks for the posts; they were very helpful.

I really am not interested in breaking and records. I think the lee classic turret kit for $165 with one set of dies and free shipping may be the best bet for me since it includes all the extras and all I need to change calibers is more dies and an additional turret. The used lee pro for 100ish may be a good deal only if I get it for much cheaper since I still need to buy the extras plus other parts if I want to change to say from a smaller caliber (45ACP to 9MM) (not including dies and turrets). If I can get the lee pro for around 50 I may go that route... new it goes for $140 w/ 1 set of dies. Thanks.

 

[benzuncle]

y2k, I'm another Lee Classic Turret Press fan. I did a lot of lurking and researching before deciding on a semi-progressive turret as my first and still only press. I bought mine last January and can't say enough good things about it. I didn't realize that reloading would become a second hobby. I currently load 45's and 380's. The 4-hole turret is easily manageable and changes out from one caliber to another quickly. The Safety primes and the Pro Auto Disk Powder Dispenser are worth the few extra $$. Mine has almost paid for itself in savings on ammo. The only advice I can give you is to visibly check each powder charge before seating the bullet. I had one squib in both calibers until I "got that fixed". I bought my "kit" from www.kempfgunshop.com and have no regrets. I chose them because they had everything in stock when I was ready to buy. But there are many decent vendors out there. Good luck to you. And just wait 'til you fire that first round. If only you could get a picture of the smile on your face...

 

[bullseye308]

I hit both ends of the scale. I have the Lee Reloader $20.00 single stage and also the Loadmonster. If I get another it will be the classic cast just because all I have heard from everyone that has one has been great. I load 9mm, 38, 357, and 45 on the loadmaster and have loaded 308 and 223 on it as well. The loadmonster is the best bang for the buck hands down, but they can be a little work to set up and get running smoothly. I would get the classic cast kit and get to work.