Lee 6000 press

LiveLife said:
"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! :thumbup:



"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
Click to expand...
no powder check?
 
Mark_Mark said:
no powder check?
Click to expand...
I have powder check for the Dillon set up as several came with 650 but I never needed for several dedicated Pro 1000 set ups for each caliber and ABLP/Pro 4000 set up as I have inspection mirrors angled for me to visualize the powder charge before setting the bullet.

And my Pro Auto Disk set ups with brass screw mod will consistently meter powders with infinite adjustability and absolutely NO DRIFT even after 500-1000 round reloading sessions.

On Pro 6000, Stations 5 and 6 are right in front of the press so I may not even need inspection mirror to visualize the powder charge inside the case.

1KPerDay said:
Looks like the same gravity-fed slide setup that doesn't work on the Pro-1000. Argh.
Click to expand...
Yes, same gravity fed slide for the primer chute BUT looks like totally different primer handling with slider to move primer into a "cup" for consistent priming of cases.

Keep in mind the factors that caused Pro 1000 priming system to fail (Incorrectly installed case sensor spring to not drop the priming rod, shellplate indexing out of adjustment, damaged chute slide surface, etc.) appear not to be present in the Pro 6000 and if that's the case, then gravity feeding should work reliably.

I think until we inspect the new Pro 6000 priming system in person as to how exactly it operates, we cannot make assumptions as to its reliability.
 
Last edited:
LiveLife said:
I have powder check for the Dillon set up as several came with 650 but I never needed for several dedicated Pro 1000 set ups for each caliber and ABLP/Pro 4000 set up as I have inspection mirrors angled for me to visualize the powder charge before setting the bullet.

And my Pro Auto Disk set ups with brass screw mod will consistently meter powders with infinite adjustability and absolutely NO DRIFT even after 500-1000 round reloading sessions.

On Pro 6000, Stations 5 and 6 are right in front of the press so I may not even need inspection mirror to visualize the powder charge inside the case.
Click to expand...

for short stubby pistol brass, visual too, but U can’t see below the neck of .223. I’m go with a check
 
Mark_Mark said:
for short stubby pistol brass, visual too, but U can’t see below the neck of .223. I’m go with a check
Click to expand...
I am gearing up to do precision .223 testing at 100-300 yards using 69/75 gr bullets (I already produced around 1" 10 shot groups at 100 yards with 18" .223 Wylde barrel). So my current plan was to use Dillon 550C with C-H powder measure with no powder check as it essentially would be a "manual" handloading process.

Since Pro 6000 has 6 stations, I may use powder check for range blasting 55 gr loads.
 
LiveLife said:
I am gearing up to do precision .223 testing at 100-300 yards using 69/75 gr bullets (I already produced around 1" 10 shot groups at 100 yards with 18" .223 Wylde barrel). So my current plan was to use Dillon 550C with C-H powder measure with no powder check as it essentially would be a "manual" handloading process.

Since Pro 6000 has 6 stations, I may use powder check for range blasting 55 gr loads.
Click to expand...
I got a 20” with 62 and 75or77 gn. Need to get some data from you
 
Last edited:
Zoomed in Pro 6000 pdf flyer showing press with shellplate, case feeder and more details for the priming system - https://leeprecision.com/userfiles/ads/SixPackPro_TAR622.pdf

index.php
 

Attachments

  • Pro6000 primer.png
    Pro6000 primer.png
    727 KB · Views: 305
LiveLife said:
Zoomed in Pro 6000 pdf flyer showing press with shellplate, case feeder and more details for the priming system - https://leeprecision.com/userfiles/ads/SixPackPro_TAR622.pdf

index.php
Click to expand...
Looks to be almost the same system used on the pro 1000. It works, but can be funky to get set up, and you still must moderate your speed. Too fast and it goes bonkers and jambs...but that maybe because my Pro 1000 had tens of thousands of rounds through it...even before I inherited it from my granddad.
 
LiveLife said:
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! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I just finished loading the 12,000 ct box of Fiocchi primers that I bought as a stockup before the pandemic. I wish I would have bought 3 of them.
They are the nicest primers I have ever used and I noticed the primer pockets were much cleaner on the fired brass then any other brand I used.
They ran through my Hornady-AP at 100% reliability. They de-primed at 100% reliability. Didn't turn into a cone head like CCIs do and have the guts fall out all over every thing with cup sticking to the punch pin.
I've never used Wolf primers due to hard cups. Won't comment there. I've used all the domestic primers, never got ahold of any S&Bs.
I'd place Fiocchi primers at the top of the quality list and can positively say they are the best primers I've ever used, The only caveat about them is they come in 150 round packs instead of 100. That wasn't much of a problem though.

For me they are the gold standard of primers.
 
Megawatt maker said:
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.
Click to expand...

Well, I quoted your post to direct you to a post that seems to be direct knowledge of the priming system, by someone who works at Lee, to address your prior speculation.
So, you chose to quote me and offer further speculation. :confused:
Besides that, you stated you have already "moved on" (from Lee), the experience you have gained in the past 30 years may be useful if you decide to revisit Lee.
Why not take the wait and see approach rather than the "I don't know, so I'll just speculate" and further bad mouth Lee (again).
:scrutiny:
:thumbup:
 
I am confused by all the sequence of operation postings and challenging the need for 6 stations.
Most posters omit the inline BULLET FEEDER mentioned in the promo features of the Lee Pro 6000 as a great use of one station.

I have found that bullet feeding die changes what my left has to do during the reloading cycle from 2 inputs (load the bullet/load the case) to one (load the case).
That alone has doubled my output, and this Pro 6000 has a case feeder, so my left hand will need to find something else to do. :what:
I can see the added station for a POWDER CHECK as a big benefit for bottleneck/rifle reloaders too, as ARs are becoming the plinking calibers of choice.


I have several 5-station progressives and always wished I had more, even 6-7-8 or even10 stations.
I find myself sizing/priming before loading on a 5 station just to get another station to run both a BULLET FEEDER and a POWDER CHECK DIE.
Reloading has "progressed" way beyond the Pro 1000 and Lee is reaching into the future with this 6-station press (I know others sell presses with more stations) and I look forward to reading all about them from people who OWN them.
:scrutiny:
.
 
Tilos said:
I have found that bullet feeding die changes what my left has to do during the reloading cycle from 2 inputs (load the bullet/load the case) to one (load the case).
That alone has doubled my output, and this Pro 6000 has a case feeder, so my left hand will need to find something else to do. :what:
Click to expand...

I find using a bullet feed die gives me more time to watch what is going on, like when to turn the tubes on the case feeder.
I actually feel like I slow down a little when using a bullet feeder because I'm not setting bullets with my left hand anymore, even though my cycle rate goes up without even knowing it.
 
LiveLife said:
Unfortunately, we have hit a few set backs. You will still be able to receive a preorder from us but the timeline has shifted towards later in July.
Click to expand...

That sounds familiar. A certain 10 station press that never saw the light of day. Let's hope this isn't the same.

Although, I would sooner Lee makes it work correctly before releasing it, especially before I spend money on it.

@LiveLife , looks like you will have to start another thread with your review when the press finally gets to you. I'm thinking positive here.
 
LiveLife said:
Update to post #56 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-6000-press.905987/page-3#post-12307220

"06/23/2022​

Unfortunately, we have hit a few set backs. You will still be able to receive a preorder from us but the timeline has shifted towards later in July.

Sincerely,

Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision, Inc.
4275 County Road U
Hartford, WI 53027"​
Click to expand...
At least they're keeping you informed. I wish more vendors would do that (lookin' at you HP!).
It's possible Lee is running into problems acquiring aluminum castings. I know we're still seeing shortages of aluminum and steel delaying server shipments. Not to mention the on-going "Global Chip Crisis" that gets the blame for every delay. o_O
 
GeoDudeFlorida said:
tightgroup tiger said:
I would sooner Lee makes it work correctly before releasing it, especially before I spend money on it.
Click to expand...
It's possible Lee is running into problems ... and ... shipments.
Click to expand...
I don't think Lee is still doing engineering on Six Pack/Pro 6000 kit rather waiting on full stock of presses/parts to ship to vendors/customers. (And like other companies, Lee may be experiencing the same supply chain/workforce issues to meet production goals)

Many people don't realize that Lee Precision sells/ships all their "Made in USA" presses and parts worldwide and likely outsells all the other brands combined.

IMHO, I have a feeling the new six station press may be a gamechanger for the world's progressive press market.
 
LiveLife said:
IMHO, I have a feeling the new six station press may be a gamechanger for the world's progressive press market.
Click to expand...

I will admit to resisting the purchase of a progressive press for , oh, 25 years or so. I even passed on a new 650 being sold at a ridiculous low price a few years ago by an LGS getting out of the reloading supplies biz.

However, if the Lee 6000 turns out to be a useable system, I will be severely tempted.

I could set it up in 38 Spl, and 32 Long...
 
I have the 4 position Auto Breach Lock PRO (LEE 4000) and like it. It looks like the 6000 is an upsized version of the 4000. It should be a good press mechanically.
My only 'wait and see' issue is the automatic priming feature. If that works, then it is a winner. If not, then I have no reason to 'upgrade'.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

LiveLife
New Lee $339 Pro 6000 kit and $244 Six Pack Pro press finally "In Stock"
2
Replies
29
Views
3K
LiveLife
LiveLife
LiveLife
"Best Practices" checklist for more reliable operation of Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit
Replies
19
Views
4K
LiveLife
LiveLife
K_Dubbya
  • Locked
Progressive Press
Replies
23
Views
2K
jmorris
jmorris
D
Lee 6000 Personal Experience
2 3
Replies
54
Views
3K
9mmepiphany
9mmepiphany
LiveLife
Lee ACP killer ... New Deluxe ACP
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Walkalong
Walkalong
Back
Top