Mark_Mark
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Lee 6000 press
- Thread starter Zendude
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American_Fusilier
Member
I've said too much.
In all seriousness, there is no swag. No hats, stickers, patches, shirts, etc. I'm not sure why.
In all seriousness, there is no swag. No hats, stickers, patches, shirts, etc. I'm not sure why.
tightgroup tiger
Member
I'm anxious to see what they have changed on the priming system. From the picture Lee has, the priming system looks like the Pro 1000 system but I can't see it very well, it's mostly hidden.
I'll wait for it to hit the market, there will be a hundred videos on it, I'm sure. Most of them will be second guessing it, as usual.
I'll wait for it to hit the market, there will be a hundred videos on it, I'm sure. Most of them will be second guessing it, as usual.
Mark_Mark
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I did a 1 hour internet search for a Lee Tee Shirt and NOTHING! all the other companies have swag. It’s literally a upload away and Lee can make serious money and free advertisements. I mean you guy already have the shipping and packaging department. Talk to your bosses!!! I would buy Lee Swag in one second and wear it proud!
American_Fusilier
Member
I told you, they don't have anything. I really don't know why. I made a sticker from a warehouse stamp to put on my gun safe.
LiveLife
Member
Got email reply from Lee Precision regarding my pre-order request.
"Hello John,
Thank you very much for your interest in our new Pro 6000. We are getting very close on this new press, just waiting on a couple production parts to finish. Yes, we will allow you to pre-order one of these presses from us directly. I will put you on my calendar to follow-up with mid-June when we are a little closer.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Weber
Lee Precision, Inc.
4275 County Road U
Hartford, WI 53027"
BTW, email I sent to Lee back in 2011:Thank you very much for your interest in our new Pro 6000. We are getting very close on this new press, just waiting on a couple production parts to finish. Yes, we will allow you to pre-order one of these presses from us directly. I will put you on my calendar to follow-up with mid-June when we are a little closer.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Weber
Lee Precision, Inc.
4275 County Road U
Hartford, WI 53027"
On Friday, April 29, 2011, 12:11:50 AM PDT, John <[email protected]> wrote:
I recently bought a Classic Turret and I am very impressed by the quality of construction and functionality. With so many people posting issues with the 3 station Pro 1000, I wondered if you had plans for a 4 station progressive, perhaps based on the Classic Turret frame?
Here's a thread I started on The High Road forum (I have a feeling there are many that would love to see a Lee 4 station progressive) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=590149
"I recently bought a Lee Classic Turret to reload rifle cartridges. While resizing heavier walled military .308 cases rather "effortlessly" and marveling at the hefty construction of the press, I wondered, "Why can't Lee make a 4 station progressive based on the Classic Turret frame?" It certainly can give Lee an opportunity to "improve" on the Pro 1000 and come up with a very popular model based on the success of the Classic Turret.
I looked at the turret press and it seems to be doable:
- 4 hole turret / frame can be used as is
- Ram and lever can stay the same
- Keep the spent primer collection system
- Include the case collator with the press kit
These new items need to be engineered/improved:
- 4 station shell plate (this should be fairly easy)
- Primer seat depth adjustment (could be done with threaded insert on the primer seating rod housing)
- Shell plate carrier using a different/more heftier auto index system (maybe an index system based on an adjustable toggle on one of the frame tubes - this will prevent a partial cycling of the press)
- New primer feeding attachment using square trays (I would simply make the feed tubes longer with better tolerance/materials for improved feeding of primers as large pistol primers work 100% for me.)
- New case feeder with set template/notch adjustment for different case size/lengths (this way the case feeder simply "clicks" into slots)
- Better case ejection and collection system (should be able to attach a bin to catch ejecting rounds)
So, what do you think? Would you be interested in a 4 station progressive based on the Classic Turret frame?"
I recently bought a Classic Turret and I am very impressed by the quality of construction and functionality. With so many people posting issues with the 3 station Pro 1000, I wondered if you had plans for a 4 station progressive, perhaps based on the Classic Turret frame?
Here's a thread I started on The High Road forum (I have a feeling there are many that would love to see a Lee 4 station progressive) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=590149
"I recently bought a Lee Classic Turret to reload rifle cartridges. While resizing heavier walled military .308 cases rather "effortlessly" and marveling at the hefty construction of the press, I wondered, "Why can't Lee make a 4 station progressive based on the Classic Turret frame?" It certainly can give Lee an opportunity to "improve" on the Pro 1000 and come up with a very popular model based on the success of the Classic Turret.
I looked at the turret press and it seems to be doable:
- 4 hole turret / frame can be used as is
- Ram and lever can stay the same
- Keep the spent primer collection system
- Include the case collator with the press kit
These new items need to be engineered/improved:
- 4 station shell plate (this should be fairly easy)
- Primer seat depth adjustment (could be done with threaded insert on the primer seating rod housing)
- Shell plate carrier using a different/more heftier auto index system (maybe an index system based on an adjustable toggle on one of the frame tubes - this will prevent a partial cycling of the press)
- New primer feeding attachment using square trays (I would simply make the feed tubes longer with better tolerance/materials for improved feeding of primers as large pistol primers work 100% for me.)
- New case feeder with set template/notch adjustment for different case size/lengths (this way the case feeder simply "clicks" into slots)
- Better case ejection and collection system (should be able to attach a bin to catch ejecting rounds)
So, what do you think? Would you be interested in a 4 station progressive based on the Classic Turret frame?"
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Mark_Mark
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I’m going to scan your logo and get a hoodie printed! tired of waiting
LiveLife
Member
Pro 6000 certainly looks like Lee responded and addressed issues/desires better than what we expressed and this is what I suggested regarding the priming system:
"- New primer feeding attachment using square trays ... I would simply make the feed tubes longer with better tolerance/materials for improved feeding of primers"
And this from Lee Precision website:
"... Years of comments and suggestions have been incorporated into this new press."
If you look at the zoomed-in picture below, priming attachment "seems" similar to Pro 1000 with pin riding the frame column to "shake" the tray but now shows a perpendicular slider to the right that appears to individually feed a primer into Station 2. If this "slider" drops primers into a cup to prime the case (Like how it is on ABLP/Pro 4000), then it could make priming system more reliable.
And with primer tray/attachment facing forward, it looks like primer level in slide chute will be easy to visualize and monitor.
Attachments
captain awesome
Member
yeah, I've been patiently waiting for the frankford arsenal one. at that price I bet they will sell boat loads if it ever actually comes to market. 5 stations was never enough to get me to try the lee presses, 6 with the breech lock system just might be. For what its worth the play or "slop" that the breech lock system or hornadys lock n load system introduces is a desirable feature for more accurate ammo. the float allows the dies to align better with the brass in the shell plate.
Mark_Mark
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Dear, Stephanie Weber
Lee Precision, Inc.
Why don’t you have a Lee Hoodie? Come on Lee! I really want a Hoodie
cheers,
mark_mark THR’s Swaddler
Megawatt maker
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- 699
You can bet your 401k...the priming system is the same Lee non functional system.
Its their Achilles heal
Its their Achilles heal
um...
Have you read this post?
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-6000-press.905987/page-2#post-12306420
jmo,
.
tightgroup tiger
Member
Thanks for posting this LiveLife.
LiveLife
Member
... priming attachment "seems" similar to Pro 1000 with pin riding the frame column to "shake" the tray but now shows a perpendicular slider to the right that appears to individually feed a primer into Station 2.
To me, it definitely looks different with new perpendicular slider and if you look at the bottom left of picture above of Station 2, there appears a "primer cup" of sort where primer could slide into for priming the brass.
If this is the case, then the priming system of Pro 6000 could be very reliable.
I could mention/suggest a "Lee Precision" t-shirt or hoodie on my next email.
Perhaps like this?
Attachments
Last edited:
Megawatt maker
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I still see the primer tray and feed ramp used by the pro 1000. I've tried for years to make it work, it doesn't. the problem is the primers simply do not slide down the the ramp with anything close to consistent.
So, even if it now has a positive mechanical method that places the primer into position, the primers still won't be there to be placed in the first place.
I hope they corrected the issue...I started on Lee equipment 30 years ago...but the primer system they use is why I moved on...
If reports come in that it actually works..and they actually finally fixed it..I may revist Lee. The price is certainly attractive for a full auto index setup.
LiveLife
Member
While primer tray may be the same, I do not see the same primer chute as Pro 1000 as top opening channel looks narrower.
This was my suggestion to Lee regarding improving the Pro 1000 primer attachment.
I actually think the gravity fed primer attachment design is very workable but found weak points were large opening channel at top that allowed powder granules/flakes to fall inside the channel to impede primer sliding smoothly/freely, especially lighter small primers (And in the Pro 1000 support thread, I recommended using a cover to prevent this ... a piece of clear tape on top will also work).
Also, my suggestion for making the chute longer was to apply more weight on the column of lighter small primers so they feed reliably until the primer tray was empty.
My troubleshooting/root cause analysis of Pro 1000 primer attachment issues came down to - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-pro-1000.881179/page-2#post-12120437
- Improperly installed case sensor spring not dropping priming rod to slide primer into Station 2 which results in unprimed case charged with powder and spilling powder through flash hole and filling Station 2 priming rod hole and into the primer attachment chute.
- Priming rod not dropping down fully (powder debri at the bottom of priming rod hole) causing primer to tilt against the top of priming rod which would contact the bottom of shellplate causing the typical "locked up" shell plate.
- At this point, forcing the ram lever would gauge/indent the primer chute slide surface and aggravate the smooth/free sliding of primers. (In the Pro 1000 support thread, I recommended burnishing/polishing the chute surface smooth with folded copy paper but replacement or primer attachment if burnishing did not restore the chute surface smooth)
Of course, we would have to wait to see if this is the case as we won't be able to verify priming operation until we can examine the press in person or if Lee releases Pro 6000 operation videos.
greyling22
Member
I haven't tried a new lee press since the load master. I love lee stuff, but the LM was a disappointment. Case feed was fiddley, and the priming system, while great in theory, was severely lacking in practice. After I popped a primer that had gotten flipped sideways while seating on the downstroke with a zillion other things happening so I couldn't feel it, I sent the press down the road.
Hopefully they ironed out the kinks with the newer presses. I really want their progressive presses to work. I hate filling primer tubes and paying significantly more for other brands products.
Hopefully they ironed out the kinks with the newer presses. I really want their progressive presses to work. I hate filling primer tubes and paying significantly more for other brands products.
Pre-Covid I had myself talked into a ABLP4000. Once Covid broke you could not find one anywhere. At the time I got on a couple waiting lists and I do not believe ever got notified although I think I have seen a couple in stock.
Now this news breaks. Maybe for the difference it makes sense to go with a 6000 ? I wonder if the improvements in priming, shell/bullet feed will bleed over to the 4000 ? Decisions, decisions.
-Jeff
Now this news breaks. Maybe for the difference it makes sense to go with a 6000 ? I wonder if the improvements in priming, shell/bullet feed will bleed over to the 4000 ? Decisions, decisions.
-Jeff
tightgroup tiger
Member
The Pro 4000 is a small press, I doubt theirs enough room to put a priming system like this on it. The pro 6000 has to be bigger by default to get 6 stations on it but I will be pretty comfortable thinking it will be as cramped for space on top as the 4000 is, just from looking at the shell plate.
Me too. I bought the Lee Auto Prime ll shortly after I bought the Pro1000 (late 1980s) and used it to prime. It worked good if I didn't prime on it, and I used it for a long time that way.
It finally got to where it wouldn't even de-prime reliably so it's under the bench laying now.
I bought the ABLP because it had 4 stations instead of three, and I wanted to seat and crimp in two different steps. I still won't prime on a Lee press to this day, the ABLP system is to slow for me. Still use the Auto Prime ll for priming .357mags for on the ABLP. That thing is about wore out.
I wonder if this new press will still have the safety disclaimer about using Federal primers in it or about using a blast shield?
I hope this press works, I have higher hopes for it due to how well my ABLP works, minus the priming system. I'm pretty sure the press part will work fine. I want to prime with an automatic primer delivery while I'm loading like I do on my Hornady, not have to stop and work an extra appendage hanging off the side of my press to get a primer under the shell plate. That system seemed so much like a "work-a-round" some one came up with because they couldn't get the Pro 1000 priming system to be reliable.
Keep us informed LiveLife, I look forward to your evaluation of the new press when you get it. I really want their press to be reliable.
Me too. I bought the Lee Auto Prime ll shortly after I bought the Pro1000 (late 1980s) and used it to prime. It worked good if I didn't prime on it, and I used it for a long time that way.
It finally got to where it wouldn't even de-prime reliably so it's under the bench laying now.
I bought the ABLP because it had 4 stations instead of three, and I wanted to seat and crimp in two different steps. I still won't prime on a Lee press to this day, the ABLP system is to slow for me. Still use the Auto Prime ll for priming .357mags for on the ABLP. That thing is about wore out.
I wonder if this new press will still have the safety disclaimer about using Federal primers in it or about using a blast shield?
I hope this press works, I have higher hopes for it due to how well my ABLP works, minus the priming system. I'm pretty sure the press part will work fine. I want to prime with an automatic primer delivery while I'm loading like I do on my Hornady, not have to stop and work an extra appendage hanging off the side of my press to get a primer under the shell plate. That system seemed so much like a "work-a-round" some one came up with because they couldn't get the Pro 1000 priming system to be reliable.
Keep us informed LiveLife, I look forward to your evaluation of the new press when you get it. I really want their press to be reliable.
Fite Man
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Curios how you fellas would set up a six position press? I load rifle/pistol on a Pro 1000 and can see the appeal of a 4th station for crimping certain pistol rounds, but not completely sure what I would do with 5th and 6th. Trimmer? Powder check?
When I load 223 I resize first, tumble to get wax off, trim on a wilson (if needed), chamfer/de-burr, remove primer crimp (if needed), hand prime, then load on progressive. But I'm only using the 2nd position to dump powder and 3rd position to seat bullet. 1st position is not used.
Taking once fired military brass that has been tumbled only and running it through a press only once would be neat, but I don't think that can be done with a normal press. Always ready to learn something new though.
When I load 223 I resize first, tumble to get wax off, trim on a wilson (if needed), chamfer/de-burr, remove primer crimp (if needed), hand prime, then load on progressive. But I'm only using the 2nd position to dump powder and 3rd position to seat bullet. 1st position is not used.
Taking once fired military brass that has been tumbled only and running it through a press only once would be neat, but I don't think that can be done with a normal press. Always ready to learn something new though.
Mark_Mark
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Same with me. Pro 4000 .223 is used to finish the .223 after; sized, clean, trim, M-Noe, prime. here my station to finish .223; (1) powder, (2) check, (3) frankford seat, (4) Lee FCD
GeoDudeFlorida
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Keeping in mind I'm playing Devil's Advocate and have no pony in this horse-race... and, thinking of pistol brass only, if you resize/decap and prime off-press or on a different press (like a Lee APP/Hand Prime/Ram Prime, etc. - however you do that part) then you can have flare/charge, seat/crimp, and FCD for pistol pretty easily. That avoids the whole, "Lee's priming system sux!
" complaint, too. I'm not sure I see the advantage of going straight from tumble/dry to resize/decap, prime/flare/charge, seat/crimp for rifle brass, especially not something for use in a milspec self-loading rifle chamber. Then again, I don't see it for pistol/revolver either since it leaves no room for inspection or QC of your cases... but that's me and I'm different.
It seems like for rifle, if you're already doing the resize/tumble, trim/chamfer/de-burr, pocket-cleanup/hand prime as off-press stages, a three hole turret (or even a small, short-throw lever single-stage) will do the job nicely. However! I see the point of the fifth and sixth holes if your clean/tumble/dry process is efficient enough to clean primed pockets well enough AND you are reloading your own fully-processed brass. No need to clean up pockets that are clean, and no need to remove crimps that aren't there: (1) decap/lube, (2) resize/trim/chamfer/prime, (3) charge (4) check, (5) seat, (6) crimp. If lubed cases really annoy you, you can tumble finished in dry media to remove it.
LiveLife
Member
"Automatic priming system - simple, reliable and safe with any brand or size of primer."
By "any brand or size" I wonder if they mean "Metric" sized primers that are slightly larger diameter like Fiocchi? If so, that's great!
"Six stations allow any brand of die be used -- in line bullet feed dies, powder check dies and such."
One setup could be: 1. Deprime/Resize, 2. Prime/Powder charge, 3. "M/NOE" die flare of case mouth, 4. Bullet seat, 5. Crimp, 6. FCD
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tightgroup tiger
Member
Pistol, revolver shells:
De-prime in APP and clean, then: 1 resize, 2 necksize, 3 powder, 4 bullet feeder die w/tubes, 5 seat, 6 crimp. That's what I will be doing it I buy one of these.
We'll see. I've been reloading most all of my own ammo for the last 50 years. I've never blown up a primer in any of my presses and want to keep it that way.
I really hope their right this time. If their system is reliable and safe with all brands of primers, that will be a real game changer for them.
Especially with reliably feeding primers. I'm anxious to get a closer look at one and am really glad they jumped straight to 6 stations instead of going with 5.
De-prime in APP and clean, then: 1 resize, 2 necksize, 3 powder, 4 bullet feeder die w/tubes, 5 seat, 6 crimp. That's what I will be doing it I buy one of these.
We'll see. I've been reloading most all of my own ammo for the last 50 years. I've never blown up a primer in any of my presses and want to keep it that way.
I really hope their right this time. If their system is reliable and safe with all brands of primers, that will be a real game changer for them.
Especially with reliably feeding primers. I'm anxious to get a closer look at one and am really glad they jumped straight to 6 stations instead of going with 5.
Mark_Mark
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you had me at APP! lol
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