Info on LEE PROGRESSIVE 1000

[LiveLife]

I also started on a LEE Pro 1000

I started reloading in 1995 as a new part-time match shooter. The person who taught me to reload had both Dillon 550 and Lee Pro 1000. Fortunately, he covered the pro's and con's of each press and how to address the problems. I chose the Lee Pro 1000 and reloaded over 150,000 rounds on it before retiring it (actually a bit loose and it still loaded well and Lee offered to rebuild it to factory specs for $75, but I bought a new kit from MidwayUSA with carbide dies for $159).

As mentioned previously, the trick with the primer feed is to make sure the inserted wire makes contact with the grooves on the frame tube to keep the primer tray shaking (so primer feed ramp does not run dry of primers) and the timing of the shell plate "clicks into position" before reaching the bottom of the press cycle to press the primer in (and yes, Magtech primers are slightly smaller and feeds better than Winchester/CCI/Wolf/PMC etc.).

As to other problems mentioned in previous comments, not cleaning/lubing or forcing the press mechanisms when they do not function properly will prevent broken parts and a very agitated reloader (been there, done that :banghead. When the press stops loading rounds smoothly, I stop and investigate - usually minor cleaning and lubing will bring the press back into action in seconds (adjust the shell plate timing with a phillips screw driver, clean the rod/ram with paper towel and lightly oil with breakfree - if there is spilled powder, use a brush or compressed air).

To speed up production (I reload up to several thousand rounds a month of 45/40/9mm) and increase quality control, I currently have the second Lee Pro 1000 mounted along side a single stage press. I full-length size and deprime on the single stage and hand prime all the cases. Using the primed cases on the Lee Pro 1000 with the case feeder eliminates the primer feed issue and keeps the ram much cleaner (dirty primer and burnt carbon falls through the slot in the ram). To keep the 9mm cases from feeding upside down, screw a small piece of plastic in the center of the case collator (Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo7KK5E4ERI&feature=related). This setup can reload 600-900 rounds/hour using very little effort on my aging elbow/arm.

BTW, nylon gears inside the shell plate carrier are parts that require regular replacement - a light coating of breakfree on the center shaft keeps them from wear - I replaced the gears only twice during the 150,000 round run on press #1 (and boy did I abuse that press as a new reloader ). I have now reloaded over 50,000 rounds on press #2 - and it functions as smooth as silk (Before you start using your Lee Pro 1000, lightly lube all metal-to-metal contact points - I use breakfree or leftover synthetic motor - and wipe off with paper towel/re-oil as necessary to obtain smooth function)

Over the years, I have taught several friends to reload starting with the Lee Pro 1000 and they have done well (they especially like the auto disk for consistent powder measure). Most have picked up a used single stage press (RCBS, Lyman) for around $25-$35 at gun shows and duplicated my setup. They all hand prime their cases now.

Lee Pro 1000 does take some setup and maintenance, but minor cleaning and lubing will keep you supplied with good reloads - even for match shooting.

There are plenty of Lee and other brand reloader tips and fixes on Youtube and on the internet.

IMHO.

 

[cidirkona]

Don't get me wrong again, I love my Pro 1000 -- it just has picky issues that could/would frustrate a first time reloader.

I keep a brush, a bent paperclip (for the primer tray,) a tweezers (to pick up the wayward primer,) a microfiber towel, a flashlight and some synthetic motor all handy right next to my Pro 1000.

I also found a perfectly sized nylon washer works great in the collator to keep cases the right side up.

 

[LiveLife]

I do agree that Lee Pro 1000 could/would frustrate a first time reloader, but someone brand new to reloading will find issues (reloading issues in general and issues specific to the particular brand and model of press) as time goes by.

Original question asked by rage01 that started the thread was:

"I am brand new to reloading and have never owned a press and just watched a video on lee pro 1000 and it looks pretty straight forward and was wondering if any one could give some info on this press"

Instead of turning this thread into "Which progressive press is the best for a brand new reloader?", we can help rage01 and many others by not just listing issues with the Lee Pro 1000, but what you can do to address those issues to produce quality reloads.

Our shooting group is split between Dillon 550 and Lee Pro 1000. Many have experienced primer feed issues with Lee Pro 1000, but like the auto disk feature for powder dispensing - For some of us match shooters, Dillon requires readjustment of powder charge from time to time that means weighing of powder charge every 100 rounds for quality control, but Lee auto disk does not (auto disk charges are very consistent charge to charge with less than 1/10 grain variation for most powders).

To address the primer feed issue with Lee Pro 1000, most of us now have single stage/progressive stage press setup where we size/deprime on the single stage and hand prime the cases before reloading on the progressive press. This setup has increased the quality control of our reloads and sped up the reloading to 600-900 rounds/hour using primed cases and case collator (also, no more wasted/damaged primers!). Unlike Lee's auto indexing, Dillon's manual indexing and case feeding slows the pace down to about 400-600 rounds/hour. You can duplicate the same setup using just the Lee Pro 1000 press - have the sizing/deprime die on a separate turret ($8) and switch out the turrets - For small cost of new/used single stage ($24-$52), having both presses gives you more reloading options - especially for reloading rifle cartridges (Lee Pro 1000 will only accommodate 223 and 7.62x39)

Can someone brand new to reloading successfully use the Lee Pro 1000? Yes - but you should first learn the basics of reloading principles and common safety practices (this should apply regardless of which reloading press you use).

Info on Lee Pro 1000 kit:
- Progressive auto indexing press
- One set of carbide or steel dies (pistol=carbide/rifle=steel) and standard shell holder
- Shell plate and shell plate carrier
- Auto disk powder measure with 4 disks
- Primer tray feed attachment
- Case feeder with 4 tubes (Does not include the case collator)
- Options: Case collator, bullet feed attachment
- Note: 9mm/40 can be loaded using the same #19 shell plate and small primer feed tube, 38/357 uses #1 shell plate and small primer feed tube, 45ACP uses #2 shell plate and large primer feed tube, 40/45 uses the large case feeder/slideer and the bent Z bar, 9mm uses the small case feeder/slider and regular Z bar. To change caliber, buy another turret ($8), mount the dies ($26) and replace shell plate ($15)/primer feed tube ($11)/case feeder ($19) as necessary or have another shell plate carrier setup ($40) http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProducts.aspx?brandId=1262&pageNum=8

Pros:
- Auto indexing: Shell plate automatically rotate to the next station with each stroke
- Auto Disk: Consistent powder charges are dispensed using fixed volume of cylinder on disk (charge increments of 2-3/10 of a grain - can decrease the charge increment by using double disk kit - Micro disk also available for smaller caliber charges)
- Case feeder: Case feeds automatically with each stroke
- Case collator: Cases fill the case feed tubes simply by shaking the collator with handfuls of cases. Case collator does not come with the Lee Pro 1000 kit and must be purchased separately ($12), but well worth the price (thanks helg for pointing that out ). A simple mod (Right size nylon washer screwed in the middle of the collator - thanks cidirkona) will keep the 9mm cases from falling upside down (38/357/40/45 cases don't require the mod) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo7KK5E4ERI&feature=related
- Primer tray attachment: Primers are easily refilled on the tray and flipped (tray has built-in flip grooves) and primers are easily visualized through the clear tray cover and the open primer ramp
- Bullet feeder: I do not use this attachment as it gives my left hand something to do while my right hand works the ram lever - I can set a bullet just as fast as I can work the lever.
- Cost: $78 for press and $160 for kit from MidwayUSA and Lee http://factorysales.com/html/xcart/catalog/lp1000.html
- Lower cost of accessories: Additional carbide dies, turrets, shell plates, shell plate carrier, and other press parts cost less than any other progressive press

Cons:
- Primer tray/feed attachment does not seat the primer reliably (jammed primer, sideways primer, upside down primer, especially with larger primers like Wolf/PMC) - Solution: Use smaller primer like Magtech or use hand priming tool ($13 at MidwayUSA and $13 for set of shell holders)
- Optional adjustable powder charge bar (instead of the auto disk) is not consistent for larger particle powder - Solution: Do not use adjustable charge bar. Instead, use Auto Disk or Double Disk kit.
- Shell plate timing needs adjustment - Solution: Check and adjust/set the shell plate timing before starting the reloading session (For me, once set, timing is good for several months or 10,000+ rounds).
- Shell plate carrier mechanism gets jammed/sticky - Solution: Clean and lightly lube center hexagonal shaft and actuate lever several times to ensure smooth function of shell plate and shell plate timing (click into station) before starting the reloading session or anytime during session as needed. Nylon gears inside the shell plate carrier does wear out over time - replace as necessary ($1.70 at MidwayUSA). I average 50,000 rounds between gear changes.
- Z bar does not work with large case (40S&W/45ACP) feeder slider - Solution: Bend the Z bar to clear the large slider or order the bent Z bar for large case slider ($2 at MidwayUSA)
- There is no spent primer catch - Spent primers fall through the ram and into the right side of the press body. Drill a large hole under the press and hang a small can/tray to catch the spent primers.

 

[fishin1]

Lee powder die hang up

bds... great job on the thread. Have you in your trials with Pro 1000 had any issues with the Lee powder through die with the auto disk attached on the down stroke hanging up and releasing quick. It almost feels like its binding. I know this is an older thread but I am looking forward to your response. Or anyone else that may have had this issue.

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks, I posted my response on your other thread - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7186998#post7186998

Brand new Pro Auto Disk will be a little squeaky tight until "broken" in or coated with black lubricating graphite powder.

I usually break in new Pro Auto Disk with W231/HP38 and with thumb screws a bit on the loose side. After a few cycles, it starts to loosen up and once the hopper wiper and disk top surface get coated, it starts to slide smoothly.

I then progressively tighten the thumb screws and powder drops become more consistent (usually drops right on the weight). I never wipe off the black coating as blacker it gets, the better it lubricates. I just wipe off any loose dusting of the powder.

Check out this Pro 1000 support thread for more tips - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=507454

 

[jfh]

fishin1: I've had that experience--i.e., the auto disk hanging up and releasing quick. If you investigate your measure assembly, I suspect you will find that there is wear on one of the components: possibly the hopper, more likely the disk itself. the wear is not necessarily casually noticeable, but can be seen if you compare the disk or hopper with another one.

The wear issue may be a stacking problem--i.e., if you have wear on the disk or hopper, also check for such issues as a gummy activation lever, etc.

Jim H.

 

[Pete D.]

To add some.

Lee progressives require constant maintenance/tinkering.

That may be true for some but it has not been so for me. I have two Pro 1000s -one is set up for .45 ACP ammo and the other for .38 Spl.
I shoot a lot more .45 than .38 - that press has loaded more than 60,000 rounds. Once...once....the plastic ratchet broke. Lee sent me two more. I put one in the press. I still have the other one.
Keep the primer feed clean and full and just crank'em out.
The Lee Pro 1000 was my first progressive. I loaded for a couple of years using a Lee hand press.
To give some perspective about my perspective - I also own a Dillon 550 and a Dillon Square Deal B. I don't think any less of the Lee presses than the Dillons. I don't find the Dillons any easier to use. All four make good ammo.
Pete