Anyone else impressed with the Lee 1000 Progressive Press?

[777funk]

Lee seems to have been around for 3-4 generations now and in my opinion they are great people to work with and a great company. As far as I know they're one of the first to come up with a simple commercial reloading system. Check out this video of the guy who started Lee if you haven't seen it. Cool watching the founder of Lee Precision (Richard Lee) demonstrate his own product:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc

Every time I've called them with a question on their equipment they've been great. Everyone from the front desk to some of the Lees that still work there and answer the phone have been very professional and gave good answers.

I see some bad on them once in a while and I'd guess because it's an inexpensive product or perhaps a dud that made it out of the plant. I'd guess in most cases, the product wasn't being used as intended (I have to admit I've been there and done that when learning to use the equipment). I've seen some areas where a few very minor things have made it past quality control but all in all I've been very happy with what I've received and ESPECIALLY for what I've paid. The very few blips I've had, they've been great and sent parts promptly if I couldn't fix the issue myself.

I don't think the Lee 1000 is the best press ever made but it doesn't really need more than what it comes with, and for $150-$180, it's a killer rig as far as I'm concerned. I could use it for the rest of my life and be completely happy with it.

What it comes down to for me is that I'm getting good reloads and fast (one per pull). I don't see anything wrong with it. By good reloads, I mean they function 100% in everything I've tried them in and are consistent. It's hard to get a double charge with the way they have their Pro Auto Disk set up (the disk doesn't return to recharge itself until the shell plate rotates the charged case to the next station). The dies are fine and work great. They're not polished to a mirror shine, but I'm not sure it's necessary. They work great. It takes about 15 minutes with a drill, a dowel rod, wet/dry paper (400 to 2000 grit), and some duct tape to hold them to the dowel rod, to get them to a mirror shine if a polish is important to a person. But again I'm not sure a mirror finish is an important factor in a die. I'm happy with the three dies that come with the 1000. They do the job and without issues as far as I'm concerned and there's ONLY what you need in the kit (I don't believe the Factory Crimping Die is beneficial if you know how to use the crimping and flaring die properly (i.e. minimally)). There's a resizing die (Carbide in the case of pistol) that decaps while resizing, a powder charge die that charges the case and lightly flares in one step, and a bullet seating/crimping die that gives consistent over all lengths. I found barely flaring and barely (even less) crimping to be the key with the 1000 and probably any die set for that matter. The goal is NOT to un-size the resized case but just to make it possible to seat the bullet. I use Cast and have used FMJ's in the press and both have worked flawlessly once I knew the press.

Anyways, just my thoughts on Lee. I won't say I've not had any trouble, but probably no more than I'd have with say a Dillon or RCBS that I didn't know in and out. I think most of the trouble was getting to know the equipment. Once I got accustomed to the Pro 1000, I really can't say a bad thing against it. I've replaced a few pieces here and there with ideas that I thought could be improved (replaced the chain with a piece of 22AWG electric wire with a knot at both ends and still used the factory spring - works much better and won't break like that goofy pull chain tends to). But really, wow... I'm very impressed for the price. I don't think I'd ever buy another press for pistol reloading. It's cheap, fast, and it works great. I could afford to buy more than one caliber if I ever wanted to. I've been using this Lee 1000 for almost a year now and I'm very happy with it. Money well spent in my book. I really can't see what's not to love about the press (and Lee in general).

I'm a fan.

 

[joegun]

Lee 1000

Hi, glad your happy with the Lee 1000, i have worn the one out and plan on getting a new one, it's. A old model iv been useing since late 1980S , iv been able to keep it running with the help of LEE PRE,, There a great team of folks and look forward to geting a new one, thank you for. Input you helpped me seal the deal on getting a brand new one, be well joegun.

 

[Blackrock]

Asked a question about the pros and cons of the Pro 1000 on another forum and got complaints about primer feeding problems.

I would like to get one for dedicated .45acp loading.

 

[Elkins45]

Asked a question about the pros and cons of the Pro 1000 on another forum and got complaints about primer feeding problems.

I would like to get one for dedicated .45acp loading.

There's no shortage of advice on the internet about how to make the Lee run more smoothly. I have one for 45 acp I bought in 1989, and another that I cobbled together from a Turret Press and some parts ordered from Lee that I use for 300 AAC and other small primer loads.

The large primer feeding system is more reliable due to the smaller relative tolerances. The best advice I can give is that you keep an eye on the feed trough and make sure that it is always full---the primers need the weight of the column above to make sure they are pushed onto the seater during the feeding cycle. The other thing is that you need to make sure that debris and spilled powder don't accumulate in the priming area. Keep a blower bulb, can of computer duster or a brush handy and occasionally get the gunk out of the way of the new primers.

When you get down to the last few primers of a session and there aren't enough in the trough to feed reliably then you need to give them a little help with a bent paperclip tool that can reach into the slit in the priming trough and push the last few onto the seater. If you're doing more that 100 rounds you just need to add the next batch of 100 primers before this happens, so you only have to to this at the end of the session when you are trying to empty all the primers out of the machine.

If you keep it mounted and always use the same primers, and if you don't have to have your rounds finished in exact multiples of 100 than you can just stop shy of the last 100 and leave the few remaining primers in the machine to await the next session.

 

[777funk]

Joegun, I read in their catalog that they'll get you a deal on a new one if you've worn out your old press. So that may save you a few bucks. Sounds like you've gotten your money's worth out of it.

I found I've had to do a few things to each press to make them work better. I'll add most of that (what I remember) to this post.

The BIGGEST issue I faced was the primer feed system. There are basically 4 things that can go wrong (2 are user related and 2 are factory problems):

FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:
1. There is a 1.5" metal rod/pin attached through the right side of the primer trough. THIS IS IMPORTANT. The purpose of this rod isn't to hold things together as I first assumed. Rather it's purpose is to vibrate the primer tray to keep the primers from bridging. If they bridge (and they will without vibration or shaking), they will not drop down into the primer trough/slide down thing. If you look at the rear right column (one of three that hold the press together vertically) that column's got some ring grooves in it (3 grooves to be exact). This is not a decoration. Rather it's so that as the shell plate carrier travels up and down the pin from the primer tray will drag on the column and click into and out of those ring grooves. This SHOULD shake the primer tray and keep the primers falling into the trough like they're supposed to. It ALSO shakes the whole press which makes sure the powder measure fills full. It does the same thing each time which means consistency. The problem is I believe Lee doesn't always make sure the pin is bent enough to contact the column with the ring notches in it (the back right of the three columns). If yours is NOT bent, make sure that it's bent enough to rattle those primers. There needs to be pressure from the pin against the column. If it's not bent into the column enough to hit the ring grooves with force, it won't work properly and you'll have to hit that primer tray every few rounds to keep them flowing. The funny thing is... when I called Lee mentioned primer problems I don't think they ever mentioned the pin or the column. I first noticed how it's SUPPOSED to work on my .45 press where it does work. I always wondered why it's so bumpy/noisy as it goes up and down then it dawned on me. This is why. And this is why my first press wasn't feeding reliably. The pin needs to rattle in each groove on that column to make sure those primers are rattling down the trough. Lee doesn't have enough bend in this pin to hit those ring grooves hard enough.
2. the primer trough/ramp can be a little rough or have burrs (haven't seen this personally). If the primers can't glide down the ramp without hinderance, they won't feed reliably.
3. powder can spill since the primer feed is below the powder charging (primer install on the up stroke, then powder feed on the next down stroke). If powder is spilling, the die isn't making a good connection with the case mouth. I had a little bit of an issue with small ball powder for small rifle. I took the feed die out and with the end of a pencil (eraser end) and 400-1200 wet/dry sand paper quickly polished it a little smoother than factory. There wasn't much spillage but this seems to have helped keep it that much cleaner. Messes are cummulative. Also, I don't use the double disks anymore on small rifle. Instead I reamed the largest hole out to throw the proper charge (24.5 gr in my case). But that said reloading will get SOME powder on other things (the bench and the reloader) and it's clingy. So with that said a quick shot of air around the primer feed area after a little accumulation (I do it every 50-100 shells or so) keeps things moving. Just a little bit of powder mess can impeed the flow with installing primers. But this is 3 for a reason. If 1 and 2 work as supposed to, primers should still run fine.
4. You're out of primers in the tray. You have to keep primers in the tray at all times. If they trough doesn't have weight of primers letting gravity pull them down, they won't come down. Pretty simple concept here. But always keep the primer tray filled with at least some primers. As soon as I see the last one leave the tray I run a few more then go fill it.

That was my biggest issue, after I learned this (and how it was intended to work), it works great! No modifications required. The pin through the primer trough and notches in the column really is a genious idea by somebody.

My other mods are to replace the goofy celing fan chain as I mentioned (a piece of electrical 22awg wire works great I found). I also found that the case feeder slider on the small rifle press isn't tall enough to support the height of cases. It's obviously designed for short pistol cases (the feeder is only about 3/4" tall). I hot glued about another 1/2" in height with a piece I duplicated from the shape of the case feeder and this works great. The small rifle cases would tip over since they didn't have enough support from the case feed slider. This extra added height does the trick and took all of 5 minutes.

As far as I know that's all I've done. Seems like for the most part Lee has everything needed to make this work without mods. I mentioed the case feeder height issue to Lee. I think they are of the mindset that their 1000 press (primarily pistol) just happens to also work for shorter rifle cases. They didn't seem to care much about making a taller case feeder. In my opinion this is the one change I believe they're slacking on with the 1000. But who knows, maybe it'd be a huge outlay to redsign the case feeder. Maybe I'm overlooking something and it didn't need improvement. Who knows... In my opinion, that case feeder slide needs to be taller to support the taller cases. But that's my opinion.

 

[Elkins45]

Lee doesn't have enough bend in this pin to hit those ring grooves hard enough.

I just reach back and give the primer tray a couple of good taps every few rounds and that seems to do the trick.

 

[777funk]

Elkins45: That works, but you shouldn't have to touch the primer tray if things are working as designed (point number 1 in post 5).

Here's what I'm talking about with the pin from the primer tray and the ring groves in the rear right column. These two have to click through the grooves as the shell carrier travels up and down or you'll have trouble. If there's enough bend/tension in that pin, it'll run all day. I consider it like bending an extractor in an automatic. Something that you just do once in a while if you want it to run 100%. Unfortunately Lee seems to not be bending this pin from the factory. I think this is their biggest headache. But it's solved easy enough.

btw you can see my other mods in the picture (the wire instead of the chain and the extra material I had added to the case feeder slider since this is a small rifle press).

The .45 press works great by the way Blackrock. It's very easy to create a round every 3-5 seconds.

Oh... One other mod (if you can call it that)... I hang a small flashlight from the bullet seating die. This gives me a peek at the powder charge before I seat a bullet. Works great. It's VERY hard to get a double charge with this press design but I also want to be sure things are consistent. They always are (the Pro Auto Disk is GREAT) but the light makes me feel even that much more comfortable.

 

[RealGun]

It gets less endearing when you add case feeder and bullet feeder.

 

[777funk]

I've not used the bullet feeder, but I use the case feeder all the time. Once it's adjusted (part of the initial setup), I think it works great. I can go all day with my presses without any major problems. I called Lee a lot when I was first learning to use this press. I have to say I enjoy using the press as much as I enjoy using what I'm reloading... that's only once I got to know the ins and outs of how it works. I have to admit, it was a real pain before I knew how it needed to be setup. Setup is key.

 

[ironworkerwill]

I had been thinking about getting a Lee 1000, but, you guys have not swayed me yet.

 

[777funk]

I can't speak for anyone else or how it will work for you, but I'm 100% certain I could make one in any caliber offered work very well for me. I'm always a happy customer when I feel like I get what I paid for or better. This is the case at least for me (much better than what I paid for). I do think Lee could do better with things like the pin on the primer tray not being tensioned properly out of the box (AND not explaining it's function in the instructions). For that matter, they should do a better job writing a 1000 manual. It's not the best. There have been a few very minor quirks like this but all have been common sense after I understood how it's supposed to work. They're phone support has been great. I wish they'd get involved on the forums a little more... I guess they don't need to but still it would be helpful if they had someone who would. I think it's more a case that they're all pretty old school and aren't internet type. Nothing wrong with that I guess.

 

[Elkins45]

I had been thinking about getting a Lee 1000, but, you guys have not swayed me yet.

It all depends on if you don't mind a little tinkering. I'm happy with mine and the ammo it makes isn't any different than what I can make on a single stage...just faster.

I once had an RCBS Piggyback. The lee is massively less trouble than it was.

 

[oldpapps]

I'll toss in my view.

The 1000 Pro is the poor man's progressive.
It is not what I would want for heavy production or to let people I don't know use.

It is inexpensive, produces quality ammunition, has some quirks that need to be watched but are far from game changers.

I don't like to make the switch from one caliber to another. That's the same with any press. Although I can run mine to load .223/5.56 loadings, I don't. I'm too picky.

I like mine and as an after thought, now think I should have gotten one sooner.

If you don't like or want to tinker or 'must' pump out 10s of thousands of rounds in a day, don't get one. Get something else. Mine does what I like.

 

[44vaquero]

777funk, my thought's exactly! I have repaired or refurbished maybe a dozen Pro-1000's over the years for friends and acquaintances. I have to come across one that I have been unable to make produce quality ammo. They are not the fastest progressive on the block by any means, but for most that's not an issue.

My latest addition to my reloading bench is a Lee Automator (basically a pro-1000 Piggy-back press). It runs like a charm. I have attached a short vid of it in operation. not the greatest video, but you get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J81SAauSuo0

 

[Potatohead]

I can't speak for anyone else or how it will work for you, but I'm 100% certain I could make one in any caliber offered work very well for me. I'm always a happy customer when I feel like I get what I paid for or better. This is the case at least for me (much better than what I paid for). I do think Lee could do better with things like the pin on the primer tray not being tensioned properly out of the box (AND not explaining it's function in the instructions). For that matter, they should do a better job writing a 1000 manual. It's not the best. There have been a few very minor quirks like this but all have been common sense after I understood how it's supposed to work. They're phone support has been great. I wish they'd get involved on the forums a little more... I guess they don't need to but still it would be helpful if they had someone who would. I think it's more a case that they're all pretty old school and aren't internet type. Nothing wrong with that I guess.

Manual writing is definitely not their specialty. I think the manual writing department must have taken early retirement or something.

 

[44vaquero]

777Funk, I know for a fact that Lee Customer service does monitor the forums from time to time. I have had several conversations with them about different postings on another forum.

To date their position has been not to comment or interfere with issues/postings on different boards. I actually agree with their position. Just take a look at my recently locked posting about mods for the Load Master and I think you will see why I agree with them.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=731368&highlight=load+master

 

[777funk]

I'd guess that a good manual written by someone who's learned to use the Pro 1000 (recently so the writer doesn't assume the reader knows something they don't) with steps to set it up start to finish followed by steps to use it start to finish and a good troubleshooting section in the back would give it a 100% better reputation. Too bad for them that they don't do this. They owe it to themselves really. If I was a manual writer, I'd put in an application... lol

To 44Vaquero, that looks very similar to a Pro 1000. You mention speed, I can get mine to run as fast as I can do an up and down stroke. I suppose if I wanted to get crazy with it, I could probably do 1 round per second. But in my mind, I like to feel the primer seat each time and I like to peek into each case as I set and seat the bullet. I've never popped a primer and I think part of that is because I try to feel what I'm doing. I probably go 1 round every 5 seconds which would be over 700 per hour (I never do that many in one sitting, usually just 100 at a time). That of course doesn't count setup time (lube, checking the brass, restocking the primer tray, powder hopper, etc). But that's more than sufficient speed for me. The press itself is capable of plenty of speed. If I were in a hurry and had a helper to keep a backup tray filled with primers, I'd bet I could do one every 3 seconds. I see no reason for that however. It's pretty quick and painless even at the take your time rate I run mine at.

 

[44vaquero]

777Funk, My buddy calls using a progressive for 100 to 150 rounds at one session "Drive-by Reloading". That's the same way I tend to use all of my progressives. 20 to 30 min now and then really rack up the ammo.

The Automator is really just a Pro-1000 mounted on a o-frame press. It did not sell very well and was discontinued in 90 or 91.

You are correct their manuals often assume the reader knows what they know. They have started posting videos on their website that are helpful. Some of them are even from users and not company produced. They are learning if a bit slowly.

 

[Ken70]

Lee needed to write manuals for the last 30 years. They decided to let the videos act as a manual. Lee is probably the first press for I would guess 70% of the reloaders. Not many noobs are going to drop $800 on a 650 and find out they really don't like the tedium of reloading. And it is tedious, doing the same thing for a couple of hours. Like being back on the assembly line.

And being a first press, you get to make a lot of mistakes and screw-ups with it. And you don't have a basis of comparison, so it must be the press. Never the operator....

 

[MrWesson]

I like mine if it's clean and dry.

Lubing it with anything wet(WD) will cause major problems.
If you rush you will lose.
If you don't run smooth you will lose.
Glue a penny to a .22 case and insert it into the case collator.. no more upside down cases(mainly 9mm).

That being said I wished I got the loadmaster instead.
I would like to add a bullet feeding die from hornady with a custom tube but with only 3 stations.. ya know.

 

[Blackrock]

Thanks for all the input. I am a master mechanic by trade and can fix or MacGyver any machine.
So I am sold, gonna b e getting me one pretty soon.

 

[ironworkerwill]

How do you all rate the disk or double disk measure. I'm really ignorant of the Lee measure. And I will confess it(Lee disk) is one reason I haven already got one. How much will the double disk throw?

 

[PapaG]

I have two I would sell for a C-note each. If you thrive on fiddling around they are fine. They have the worst priming system of any progressive made and I have had two Stars, two Pro1000s, a Loadmaster and a dillon 550. The Stars and Dillon are the way to go.
We used the two Stars for years to load commercially, running about 500-700 rounds per hour without a hitch.
Keep your Lees if you like them. I learned my lesson. They DO work great for sizing, charging and seating/crimping but lack a fourth station for taper crimping.

 

[777funk]

I like the double disk. It seems like with REALLY fine powders you have to make sure they're stuck together well or they'll spill a little. I super glued the two I was using and that seemed to work. I'd guess you could get 50 gr if you use the biggest holes stuck together.

In the end I needed 25gr and decided with a little reaming I could easily use a single disk in my pro auto disk measure. Works great. I only reamed the top half of the hole and didn't change the bottom diameter. I like to keep things simpler and that's the only reason I decided to do this. Plus it gives me near infinite variability since I can adjust the volume of the hole.

 

[ironworkerwill]

I been thinking of getting a double disk just to tinker. They're fairly inexpensive. Can you buy more disks?