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).
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).