For what it is, the most affordable progressive reloading machine - Lee Precision Load Master Reloading Kit for 223 Remington Rifle

I reloaded with a single stage press for quite some time and decided to try a progressive machine for my handguns and 223 calibers, but will remain using the single stage for my other rifle cartridges.

I saw several reviews on YouTube and decided that I could live with the shortcomings and prepared to do some filling, sanding, etc.

Basically, I thought that I will be experiencing indexing problems and priming sitting issues, both functions that, in my mind, define a progressive machine. Also, expecting problems with the case feeding assembly, and decided that if it was a problem, I could live without it.

Well, I bought the machine on 2016 and looks like Lee Precision listened because I didn’t find the problems I was expecting, granted, it took me some time to understand how to adjust the indexing, but once I did (without filling or sanding, just using a 11 mm wrench), it worked quite well.

• Indexing is smooth, but my opinion is based on that this is my first and only progressive that I operated at any capacity;
• Didn’t have any issues with the priming system, only the ones caused by me when learning the machine function;
• There is plenty of adjustment available to adjust the case feeding assembly, contrary to what I saw in YouTube;

I did some changes, actually one; I replaced the bolt that controls the primer seating depth with one without raised lettering, $0.11.

I bought the 223 kit not only because I wanted to reload this caliber, but because it comes with the “Auto-drum Powder Measure” which I prefer, instead of the “Auto Disk”. I already have the .45 ACP, .45 Colt dies.

Even though I have Lyman dies for 44 Spl/Mag, I bought the Lee deluxe one because I needed the expander/powder thrower die and the factory crimp. I use a universal de-capping die at the station #1 and the sizing die without the de-priming pin at the station #2 to ensure case/primer alignment. Also, with dies in stations 2 to 5 allows me having a “loose” shell plate that improves the machine feeling during operation. Now the shell plate rotation is easy and the fine-indexing is achieved by the brass in the sizing, bullet sitting and factory crimping dies.

I got the extra shell plates, 5 holes tool head, large pistol case feeder kit, large primer assembly, additional powder measure drums, and 44 Spl dies and in total spent just a few dollars more than the next lowest priced progressive press by its own, but now I have everything I need to reload .44 Spl/Mag, .45 Colt, .45 ACP and 223/5.56. I can change calibers in less than 5 minutes, 20 if I need to change primer system and powder.

I do go slowly, I believe that the more expensive ones are smoother (whatever that means), but the slowest I operate this machine, its loads faster than reloading with my single stage.

I decided to go with this because I had some previous experience with Lee products and most, but not all, worked well for me. And also because of price, I can’t justify myself spending double the money at this moment. But I’m happy with my investment, but if/when I try the other machines I may change my mind, but for now I’m a satisfied Lee Load Master novice user.