Lee 6000 press

Thoughts on the longevity of the press from guys that have them? Looking to get auto indexing happening and flipping between this and a Hornady LNL. I like the 6 stations but not sure if this machine is going to roll at a decent rate and survive. Rolling 20k rounds a year of 9mm.
 
calgarysparky said:
Thoughts on the longevity of the press from guys that have them? Looking to get auto indexing happening and flipping between this and a Hornady LNL. I like the 6 stations but not sure if this machine is going to roll at a decent rate and survive. Rolling 20k rounds a year of 9mm.
Click to expand...

I see no reason why it would not last as long as you keep it clean and minimally lubed. Granted I will not run 20k/year through it. I guess time will tell. I've had minimal issues that were not operator error. I'm a newbie to progressive presses and I was up and running pretty quick. I have had 8 years and tens of thousands or rounds on a Turret though.

I'm sure @LiveLife will have some more detailed comments.

-Jeff
 
Bartojc said:
calgarysparky said:
Thoughts on the longevity of the press from guys that have them?
Click to expand...
I'm sure @LiveLife will have some more detailed comments.
Click to expand...
Welcome to THR.

I really think we need to first understand the design/construction of Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000, the replacement for the discontinued 5 station Load-Master, why this flagship press for Lee Precision is a game changer for the progressive reloading world.

Let me ask a question. How long of longevity would you assign to reloading 9mm on .50 cal BMG Classic Cast press? Yes, this massive press - https://leeprecision.com/classic-cast-press.html

90998-04.jpg

Well, to load the largest rifle cartridges to include magnums, Lee Precision went all-in and started with their most heavy duty press ram, linkage and lever and designed/built the Six Pack Pro with additional station to further expand reloading option as apparently inline bullet feed die/rotary magazine R&D was already underway, now to include stepped "M" style powder through expander (thanks to me who suggested it and Lee Precision immediately went into R&D).

Needless to say, I don't believe we need to wonder about the longevity of SPP to reload pistol rounds on ram/linkage/lever designed to load .50 caliber BMG.

calgarysparky said:
Looking to get auto indexing happening and flipping between this and a Hornady LNL. I like the 6 stations but not sure if this machine is going to roll at a decent rate and survive. Rolling 20k rounds a year of 9mm.
Click to expand...
IDPA state champion and moderator @9mmepiphany used Hornady AP LNL to load his match rounds and just got the SPP/Pro 6000 so he could comment on the two presses as how they compare regarding rounds per hour.

And with the addition of inline bullet feeder with quick swap rotary magazine option due out in January 2023 (Especially with stepped "M" style powder through expander currently under R&D to prevent bullet tilt), I have a feeling production rounds per hour could be in the range of several hundred rounds comparable to Dillon 750 (I used 650 with case feeder). Order several primer trays and you won't even have to slow down to refill primers (But primer tray has built-in flip tray to refill directly from factory primer trays for fast refill). And no need to pour out powder as factory 1 lb containers screw right onto the bottle adapter shipped with the Auto Drum powder measure with clear powder window to monitor powder level.
 
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calgarysparky said:
Looking to get auto indexing happening and flipping between this and a Hornady LNL.
Click to expand...
I have both and they really appeal to different folks. The LEE is more likely to squash the Dillon Square Deal and take big bite out of the Dillon 750 market share.

The Hornady is smoother because the shell plate moves in half position increments...half on the upstroke and half on the downstroke. It primes between die stations and the amount of rotation is adjustable.

The Hornady works really well without a case feeder because cases feed from the left side (11 o'clock) and bullets are placed in front of the loader (7 o'clock) with completed cartridges dumping out on the left...plus you'd have to purchase the case feeder separately

What I do like about the Hornady is that the window in the frame is larger and there is more room between dies on the die deck

I'm not selling my Hornady, but I'd have no qualms about recommending someone new to progressive presses to get a SPP (Six Pack Pro).

Having loaded fewer than 500 rounds on mine so far, it's hard to guess at it's longevity...but it is a very solid press and is easy to maintain. What is nice is that alignment of the shell plate was obviously a priority for LEE, as was reliable priming (both feeding and seating). In that, it is much like the Dillon...set it up and just load without a lot of tuning during a loading session.

I will add that having a bullet feeder is really a "must have" on the SPP to realize it's full potential. Coming from a Hornady, placing bullets at 10 o'clock was the greatest impediment to reaching speed while loading .45ACP
 
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A question for all the SPP owners posting here.
Has anyone choked up on the handle to shorten the through?
It seems that long linkage gives the operator a greater mechanical advantage over prior presses (loadmaster, etc.) and could be operated with a shorter handle.
Would shortening that through put the knob in a position to interfere with the case feeder?
asking for a friend...
:uhoh:
 
Tilos said:
A question for all the SPP owners posting here.
Has anyone choked up on the handle to shorten the through?
It seems that long linkage gives the operator a greater mechanical advantage over prior presses (loadmaster, etc.) and could be operated with a shorter handle.
Would shortening that through put the knob in a position to interfere with the case feeder?
asking for a friend...
:uhoh:
Click to expand...

In the beginning I played with that and ended up at full extension and rotated back as far as possible without the lever hitting the bench.

It is not the case feeder which is the issue, it is the case slider rail which gets in the way of your hand/the ball.

Full extension and rotated all the way back just felt the best. It makes the seating of the primer put some force downward onto the bench instead of all forward. Important to me since my bench is not attached to the "wall" or floor. I use my own mounts and it is rock solid (necessary with Load Masters and probably this one with primer sitting on top of pin when no case is present) but the cycling of this press felt best as stated.

GD
 
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Tilos said:
A question for all the SPP owners posting here.
Has anyone choked up on the handle to shorten the through?
It seems that long linkage gives the operator a greater mechanical advantage over prior presses (loadmaster, etc.) and could be operated with a shorter
:uhoh:
Click to expand...

Not yet. I do plan to try my Inline Fab Roller handle from my Turret. I hear they fit and plan to try it to see how it goes.
-Jeff
 
Bartojc said:
I do plan to try my Inline Fab Roller handle from my Turret. I hear they fit and plan to try it to see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Before you do that, consider this.

I asked Calvin about roller handle release for the SPP and he said during testing, since linkage from .50 cal BMG Classic Cast applies so much force, roller handle that extend out applied twisting/torquing of linkage issue with the ram - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-oal-consistency.911743/page-6#post-12466560
  • Roller handle is being considered but there is the issue of off-center twisting of linkage with roller handle and I suggested reshaping the roller handle so it is center-line to press/linkage to not cause off-center twisting of linkage (Roller handle would be by/above red press frame top)
We brainstormed this on both Pro 6000 and unboxing Pro 6000 threads and I suggested possible roller handle that is shaped to be more in-line with the linkage/ram (Like about the location of top press head) to prevent twisting of linkage. I do believe Lee will offer a roller handle for SPP but as indicated by Calvin, it's still under R&D.
 
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LiveLife said:
Before you do that, consider this.

I asked Calvin about roller handle release for the SPP and he said during testing, since linkage from .50 cal BMG Classic Cast applies so much torque, roller handle that extend out applied twisting/torquing of linkage issue with the ram.

We brainstormed this on both Pro 6000 and unboxing Pro 6000 threads and I suggested possible roller handle that is shaped to be more in-line with the linkage/ram (Like about the location of top press head) to prevent twisting of linkage. I do believe Lee will offer a roller handle for SPP but as indicated by Calvin, it's still under R&D.
Click to expand...

I've never cared for the handles because they force you to use it straight on.....otherwise there's uncomfortable resistance. A ball is more comfortable to lever the press from an angle. Maybe if they had the handle swivel......but a ball doesn't need to.....I swivel on the ball.;)

The very small handle on the APP is a good compromise for me. I like it fine. But the users with big mitts don't seem to care for it.....they'd rather buy the handle for it, and be forced to stroke from one direction.
 
I have an Ergo handle on my Hornady LNL and Lee Classic Cast. What I like about them is that I don't have to bend over, at the waist, to complete the downward throw of the handle.

I do stand straight on to the LNL as it makes it easier to place the bullets in Station 4 (7 o'clock) . Because of the forward bend (for lack of a better term) in the handle, it's downward stroke ends just below the level of the shell plate/holder. Priming is just as easy in the upstroke as the handle is now pass the vertical and my arm is applying pressure closer to full extension.

Even with the SPP mounted on the Ultramount (9.75" above the bench; dies just below eye level), I still have to bend over, about 4" (measured from the ball to my hand relaxed at my side while standing relaxed), to complete the downward stroke.

Other than the length of stroke, the handle is very comfortable. It doesn't take much pressure to resize cases and the powder measure return spring helps the handle rise. The handle seems to be adjustable for length. I might eventually give it a try
 
9mmepiphany said:
Even with the SPP mounted on the Ultramount (9.75" above the bench; dies just below eye level), I still have to bend over, about 4" (measured from the ball to my hand relaxed at my side while standing relaxed), to complete the downward stroke.
Click to expand...

I added 2" under the ultra mount to get the height right for me. With a bad back ergonomics is critical.
 
9mmepiphany said:
GW Staar said:
I've never cared for the handles because they force you to use it straight on.....otherwise there's uncomfortable resistance.
Click to expand...
I have an Ergo handle on my Hornady LNL and Lee Classic Cast. What I like about them is that I don't have to bend over, at the waist, to complete the downward throw of the handle.
Click to expand...
9mmepiphany said:
I do stand straight on to the LNL as it makes it easier to place the bullets in Station 4 (7 o'clock) ... Even with the SPP mounted on the Ultramount (9.75" above the bench; dies just below eye level), I still have to bend over, about 4" (measured from the ball to my hand relaxed at my side while standing relaxed), to complete the downward stroke.
Click to expand...
Blue68f100 said:
I added 2" under the ultra mount to get the height right for me. With a bad back ergonomics is critical.
Click to expand...
And that's why for my "Reloading Set Up 2.0" for retirement, I chose to go with Husky bench from Home Depot that allows infinite vertical adjustment for comfortable stand up and sit down reloading - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-unlimited-budget.912629/page-2#post-12474182

Being able to adjust the bench height also eliminated the need for strong/ultra mount and I can adjust the height also to visualize the powder charge inside case.

index.php


Removable crank to adjust bench height

index.php
 
Gillie Dog said:
In the beginning I played with that and ended up at full extension and rotated back as far as possible without the lever hitting the bench.

It is not the case feeder, which is the issue, it is the case slider rail which gets in the way of your hand/the ball.

Full extension and rotated all the way back just felt the best. It makes the seating of the primer put some force downward onto the bench instead of all forward. Important to me since my bench is not attached to the "wall" or floor. I use my own mounts and it is rock solid (necessary with Load Masters and probably this one with primer sitting on top of pin when no case is present) but the cycling of this press felt best as stated.

GD
Click to expand...
Good info right there, thanks for posting.

All the pics show the lever about vertical in the ram down/lever-up/start position and others have complained that the long arc of the lever puts it too low when pushed down.
Your: "Rotated back as far as possible without the lever hitting the bench" position puts the lever higher up when at the bottom position.

Sorry to hear that the ball (and your hand) could contact the case slider if you shorten/slide the lever down into the mount. :(
I was thinking a shorter lever would increase the "feel" of the primer seating and eliminate the chance of dumping powder into a case that has no primer AND shorten the arc of the lever.
:D
.
 
Tilos said:
I was thinking a shorter lever would increase the "feel" of the primer seating and eliminate the chance of dumping powder into a case that has no primer AND shorten the arc of the lever.
Click to expand...
FWIW and YMMV, but there is plenty of "feel" of primers seating with the handle at the factory setting.

The only way you wouldn't feel the each primer seating is if you were going too fast or not paying attention to insure that the handle was being pushed all the way forward on the upstroke
 
Tilos said:
Good info right there, thanks for posting.

All the pics show the lever about vertical in the ram down/lever-up/start position and others have complained that the long arc of the lever puts it too low when pushed down.
Your: "Rotated back as far as possible without the lever hitting the bench" position puts the lever higher up when at the bottom position.

Sorry to hear that the ball (and your hand) could contact the case slider if you shorten/slide the lever down into the mount. :(
I was thinking a shorter lever would increase the "feel" of the primer seating and eliminate the chance of dumping powder into a case that has no primer AND shorten the arc of the lever.
:D
.
Click to expand...

I should note that due to a 50 year old injury I sit to reload, that makes a difference with my perspective of course, and the Load Master(s) were just about perfect height and with this one being lower/shorter I am contemplating raising it a bit. Visually it is ok, just have to see how I do on runs of more than the 100 I have been doing.

GD
 
LiveLife said:
Before you do that, consider this.

I asked Calvin about roller handle release for the SPP and he said during testing, since linkage from .50 cal BMG Classic Cast applies so much force, roller handle that extend out applied twisting/torquing of linkage issue with the ram - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-oal-consistency.911743/page-6#post-12466560
  • Roller handle is being considered but there is the issue of off-center twisting of linkage with roller handle and I suggested reshaping the roller handle so it is center-line to press/linkage to not cause off-center twisting of linkage (Roller handle would be by/above red press frame top)
We brainstormed this on both Pro 6000 and unboxing Pro 6000 threads and I suggested possible roller handle that is shaped to be more in-line with the linkage/ram (Like about the location of top press head) to prevent twisting of linkage. I do believe Lee will offer a roller handle for SPP but as indicated by Calvin, it's still under R&D.
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing that out. I'll have to have a look at my Inline handle. I preferred the Inline on the Turret because the bottom of the stoke was not so far down. With where I have my presses mounted the bottom of the stroke for the Turret was WAY down there. The SPP is not that far. I'll have to check the geometry. I did not think about the side torque mentioned. I wouldn't want that. Initially looking at it when I had the two sitting side by side it did not visually look like it would be an issue. Someone said they had done it already I just do not remember who.

-Jeff
 
9mmepiphany said:
FWIW and YMMV, but there is plenty of "feel" of primers seating with the handle at the factory setting.

The only way you wouldn't feel the each primer seating is if you were going too fast or not paying attention to insure that the handle was being pushed all the way forward on the upstroke
Click to expand...

Thanks
"Plenty of feel at the factory setting", that is good to know.
I'm just trying to wrap my head around all the discussion about the priming pin getting jammed up with powder dropped into an unprimed case.
Even Lee is changing components to negate this condition which I consider operator error.
I too can feel the primer being seated in the progressive presses I have and cannot fathom why anyone would continue on after not feeling a primer being seated.
But from what I have read, that seems to be a common occurrence.
I have three 5-station presses; all have inline bullet feeding dies, and run reliably, but I am considering a SPP, just for the case feeder feature.

Thanks to all who have responded to my questions and continue to post in this discussion.
:D
.
 
New
Help please: i have a powder check die in station #3. If I move the powder dispenser to station #3 ( i have used the Lee Auto drum long enough to totally trust it), to avoid spilling powder down on the primer pin, is there anything I can use station #2 for, or just leave it blank?
 
I don't get this.....why are you guys spilling powder in #2? Is it the Lee powder measure? I haven't seen a speck of powder on my plate using the Uniflow. And the primer system works fine on mine except for the last three....just add three extra primers......confused because I haven't seen a problem doing powder on #2, and I sure wouldn't want to make this a 5 station press.
 
GW Staar said:
I don't get this.....why are you guys spilling powder in #2? Is it the Lee powder measure? I haven't seen a speck of powder on my plate using the Uniflow. And the primer system works fine on mine except for the last three....just add three extra primers......confused because I haven't seen a problem doing powder on #2, and I sure wouldn't want to make this a 5 station press.
Click to expand...

For me it was the primer not being fed at times for various reasons, and me not paying attention. Now that I have had the press for awhile and have got used to it and everything fine tuned I am not having the problems I was earlier. I did have a loose primer pocket that caused a primer to drop out that did spill some powder. No it is not the Lee Powder Measure, I use the auto drum and have no powder leakage. It does not take much powder for the primer pin to get stuck.
 
Today, I'm going to order a .223 rifle plate for mine......;) You see I printed up another feeder die in that caliber, since Lee's aren't ready yet, to use in the 6000.

Here' a few pictures to show you the parts printed:
IMG_4137.JPG
I printed this green because the .223 plate on my electric bullet feeder is this color. I like to match the parts color-wise to make it easier to find. 308 plate is red.
IMG_4140.JPG
Add two 3.5mm ball bearings, two small springs, a Lee die nut (soon the twist mount version that came with the 6000 when the plate gets here), and insert in the press.
Below, I just used white paint to fill in the .223 recess cleaned with paint thinner.
IMG_4142.JPG
Would be fun to test and compare with the new Lee Feeder die. I can wait til January. :)
 
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GW Staar said:
Tilos said:
I'm just trying to wrap my head around all the discussion about the priming pin getting jammed up with powder dropped into an unprimed case.
Click to expand...
I don't get this.....why are you guys spilling powder in #2? Is it the Lee powder measure? ... confused because I haven't seen a problem doing powder on #2, and I sure wouldn't want to make this a 5 station press.
Click to expand...
Some users experienced this when cases don't get primed but powder charged, small granule powder leaking through flash hole poured powder on top of priming pin and into sleeve hole.
 
9mmepiphany said:
The homage to Bullitt behind the feeder die is a nice touch
Click to expand...
Only us "old" people even know "Bullitt"!;) One wild Hollywood chase scene.....I tried such a jump in my 68 Goat....and went to the repair shop the next day. Well kids are dumb, aren't they.....I was no exception. I keep those model cars....to remind me. So what did I pay for a brand new 68 GTO back then.....$3500. :)

LiveLife said:
Some users experienced this when cases don't get primed but powder charged, small granule powder leaking through flash hole poured powder on top of priming pin and into sleeve hole.
Click to expand...

Okay......I can see that happening.....but I wouldn't be trying to load more with a powder spill all over the press.....clean up time. Crimped brass can bite you worse, I guess,....especially if a primer goes off while getting mangled. But other than the last three primers, I haven't had any problems seating every time. Kind of like their new priming system.....seems to work.
 
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