Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Update

[OldStumps]

So I've completed the first 1000 rounds through my Lee Pro 1000 Progressive press (one box of Berry's plated in .40 caliber). The last 400 were done over the weekend in about 1-1/2 hours. My process is to deprime and size on a Herter's C press and then clean cases. Then prime with RCBS hand primer. The progressive is used to charge and bell, seat and then factory crimp. Only the progressive part was done over the weekend. The chain return on the powder measure didn't work with my configuration so I ordered the spring return lever from Midway ($2.95) and went to a spring return. That worked perfectly. I believe I have mitigated the weaknesses in this press just fine. They are lightweight construction (resize on another press), poor primer feed and seat reliability (hand prime) and the powder measure return made idiot proof (go back to spring return and check each case for powder level before placing bullet).

The only other issue at this point is just watching for an inverted case from case feeder or at the end of a tube of cases make sure case is fully in case holder before cycling lever arm.

Best $150 I could have spent and have lots of ammo to shoot before I crank out some more (need to order more bullets).

 

[straitnate14]

The chain return works fine if you put a weaker spring on it from a ball point pen. The primer feed works fine if you keep an eye on the chute,I can reliably prime down to 5 primers before you run into problems. I have two one for 38spl and the other for 45, The small pistol primers feed much nicer and the primer feed never gives me any trouble as long as you give it a shake every now and again.

 

[Scimmia]

The chain return on the powder measure didn't work with my configuration so I ordered the spring return lever from Midway ($2.95) and went to a spring return. That worked perfectly.

I'd be interested in hearing more about this. I've been using rubber bands which also work just fine, but a spring would be preferable. I can't just put a spring on the way it is as it would rub on the top of the press, so I figured I would need to make a part and haven't screwed with it.

 

[LiveLife]

I have done both (chain/spring on Pro 1000 and spring on LCT) and the spring works well to fully retract the disk.

You can buy the extra spring and lever (spring uses a different lever) for few dollars.