Lee Pro 6000 unboxing and testing for OAL consistency

[f.g]

Thank you very much for alls informations about this press ...
This thread is very intéresting

 

[RashQuestion]

After lurking for years while on other gun forums, I decided to post on THR ....... as I found THR more friendly and welcoming, particularly to new reloaders. It's a great forum I have no issues referring new and seasoned shooters/reloaders to.

I as well, pass on the great words about THR to the loaders and shooters I meet. This is the first place I ever posted after many years searching out and about!!! Just LUCKY I stumbled in!!!

Great folks and an abundance of knowledge that many are not afraid of sharing with everyone and anyone that happens by!!!

Thanks to all and God Bless!!!

 

[GW Staar]

Sounds like around my house. I just get back on both feet and my wife falls in Pa and breaks her knee. Then won't go to a doctor up there, so I have to drive her the 500 miles home and take her to the hospital she works at in NC. Now she's in a steel splint for 8 weeks.
We've been married for 43 yrs.

500 miles......no big deal.....she's worth it. 8 weeks! Wow! You both will learn some patience. Hope the knee heals right.....and I hope she gets to actually sleep nights. Knees can be painful. Best wishes!

One of the reasons my wife is resistant to retire is because she'd have to spend more time with me. She took a fall recently and has been stuck with me for a couple of months...it's driving her crazy.

Another patience course! Be on your best patient behavior.....rewards result! Funny....patience for the patient and patience for the patient help provider....

About now Walkalong will come along and tell us to get back to the topic.

I still don't see the subject of this thread available still.....They better get the lead out.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I still don't see the subject of this thread available still.....They better get the lead out.

At least some are out in the Wild.

I understand Frankfort Arsenal wanting their FX-10 to be Right before they send it out, but it's been vapor ware for a while.

My name is currently on the Titan Reloading notification list for when they have stock again. I just have to decide if it should be mounted on the Inline Fabrication Quick Change plate on an Ultramount or on the one set in the bench top

 

[GW Staar]

Decisions, decisions! I need to just sit in a chair on the back wall of my reloading room/garage/weight room, and do some serious thinking of where &n how my coming "winter project" is even going to fit!

I don't have the problem waiting for F.A. Fx......I know I don't need that during my life's wind down. If I were honest the same can be said of this project, but it's a minor expense. And what else can I do this winter to keep me from thinking about the downfall of our country and WW3! Too old to join the American "red" army. Geeze why didn't they pick another color.....like green!....Yeah Green! Already have a red army....and look what it's into! Destroying the Ukraine.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I don't have the problem waiting for F.A. Fx......I know I don't need that during my life's wind down.

I actually just read that the first 50 units will be available in 5 days...11/10/2022

 

[GW Staar]

I actually just read that the first 50 units will be available in 5 days...11/10/2022

Good news for you 9mm! Canceling your 6000, now? (just joking)

Curiosity.....went to their site.....took a screen shot. Now you all have two count downs this week. Hope the first one doesn't backfire on us......VOTE everybody!

 

[LiveLife]

If I were honest the same can be said of this project, but it's a minor expense.

At 56, after almost 30 years of shooting and reloading and accumulating 15 reloading presses, due to my parents' medical issues I had to liquidate/PIF most of them for an anticipated move into another state to support them. I had thought of keeping Dillon 550/650 along with Lee ABLP but to reduce reloading footprint, I decided down to 550 and ABLP.

And when NIB Pro 1000 kit came back from PIF, ABLP went to my sister/BIL who wanted to reload after moving to Texas. Now that I no longer have to move, I am essentially restarting back setting up to reload for retirement.

At first Dillon 750 with case feeder was the obvious choice to replace 650 with case feeder. Then FA FX-10 was anticipated to be released so I put the 750 on the back burner until I could learn more about FX-10. Fast forward to 2022 and Lee announced the release of Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000. Since I already liked the ABLP, having 6 stations and being able to load any pistol/rifle cartridge (Same linkage as .50 cal press) along with new primer system, it was "no-brainer" for me.

I have unlimited reloading budget and building hard mount machine rest to bolt to 5'x8' welded trailer to use as shooting platform to also do reloading while I am testing loads. So tall and massive FX-10 is out along with 750. SPP/Pro 6000 is about the size of 550 and I can readily set up for reloading on the trailer.

For those starting out reloading or tight on budget but who needs a progressive press, SPP/Pro 6000 at $259/$359 is a very compelling "practical" choice that may end up outselling all the other progressive presses combined. With demonstrated finished OAL variance down to .001"-.002", even match shooters may start buying SPP/Pro 6000.

 

[GW Staar]

At 56, after almost 30 years of shooting and reloading and accumulating 15 reloading presses, due to my parents' medical issues I had to liquidate/PIF most of them for an anticipated move into another state to support them. I had thought of keeping Dillon 550/650 along with Lee ABLP but to reduce reloading footprint, I decided down to 550 and ABLP.

And when NIB Pro 1000 kit came back from PIF, ABLP went to my sister/BIL who wanted to reload after moving to Texas. Now that I no longer have to move, I am essentially restarting back setting up to reload for retirement.

At first Dillon 750 with case feeder was the obvious choice to replace 650 with case feeder. Then FA FX-10 was anticipated to be released so I put the 750 on the back burner until I could learn more about FX-10. Fast forward to 2022 and Lee announced the release of Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000. Since I already liked the ABLP, having 6 stations and being able to load any pistol/rifle cartridge (Same linkage as .50 cal press) along with new primer system, it was "no-brainer" for me.

I have unlimited reloading budget and building hard mount machine rest to bolt to 5'x8' welded trailer to use as shooting platform to also do reloading while I am testing loads. So tall and massive FX-10 is out along with 750. SPP/Pro 6000 is about the size of 550 and I can readily set up for reloading on the trailer.

For those starting out reloading or tight on budget but who needs a progressive press, SPP/Pro 6000 at $259/$359 is a very compelling "practical" choice that may end up outselling all the other progressive presses combined. With demonstrated finished OAL variance down to .001"-.002", even match shooters may start buying SPP/Pro 6000.

Oops! Did not intend to insinuate a negative on the 6000! Changed that last post just a tad. No faulting your reasoning. Dillons are easy to sell. My two RCBS progressives not so easy to sell, and thankfully, since they work just fine, I doubt they'll get replaced. The 6000 is just flat interesting and I'm going to get one. At that price point, easy to buy, easy to mod if I have to, and easy to sell if it serves no superior or complimentary purpose to what I have. I just have to reorganize my whole stupid room, that'll be a part of the winter project for sure.

As for F/A's 10 station? Intriguing for sure! But I'm not going to be first, unless they want to give me one to test. Not holding my breath on that one. The price for what you get ($1200) is very reasonable, if it works like a Dillon.....that has to include the case feeder as well. Cost of changing calibers is going to be a factor too. That's a big expensive tool head and ditto for the case plate.

 

[LiveLife]

Oops! Did not intend to insinuate a negative on the 6000!

None taken.

Actually, I would welcome negative findings with SPP/Pro 6000 so we can troubleshoot and do root cause analysis. Some of the videos I watched where parts damage took place were due to improper operation/user error and posters stated as such.

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks to member @Gillie Dog, we have an issue/resolution identified for SPP/Pro 6000 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-6000-press.905987/page-12#post-12454985

On the primer slider channel/trough, there are four (4) tabs that prevent slider from lifting out of the channel/trough. But the spring end can contact/snag on the tabs to prevent smooth sliding of slider and make clicking noise. Using pliers, I gently narrowed the spring end (while ensuring there was enough opening to clear the slot where spring end slides down into). Now primer slider slides smoothly without making noise.

 

[LiveLife]

Oh god, I'm talking myself into buying a Pro 6000

My name is currently on the Titan Reloading notification list for when they have stock again

If you are interested in the Pro 6000, Titan Reloading has 6.5 Creedmoor kit in stock - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/new-339-lee-pro-6000-kit-finally-in-stock.912231/

You can add $25 shellplate to the order to reload any other caliber - https://www.titanreloading.com/prod...-six-pack-pro/pro-6000-six-pack-shell-plates/

 

[RashQuestion]

With demonstrated finished OAL variance down to .001"-.002", even match shooters may start buying SPP/Pro 6000.

Everything that @LiveLife has shown with this in-depth analysis of the press is compelling. I've had my 4000 for about 2 years and I have been very happy with it. Even though I get a bit more variance in OAL than I would like. IMO, this 6000 may be a great purchase and at a very good price. At least for me anyway!!!

Thanks Again for all the information shared here!!! God Bless!!!

 

[LiveLife]

I've had my 4000 for about 2 years ... I get a bit more variance in OAL than I would like

As we have already illustrated, case wall thickness, resized case length, case mouth flare and bullet tilt during seating and consistency of bullet nose profile/ogive all contribute to finished OAL variance.

Try sorting by same headstamp brass to see if OAL variance decreases. To enhance bullet setting on flared case mouth (since amount of case mouth flare is dependent on resized case length), measure some resized cases and use shorter case to set the case mouth flare for minimizing/preventing bullet tilt during seating (And if you are getting OAL variance fron inconsistent ogive, use consistent bullets like RMR in-house) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-oal-consistency.911743/page-3#post-12446468

• Blazer unsorted - OAL of 1.128"-1.133" (.005" variance)

• G.F.L. unsorted - OAL of 1.129"-1.133" (.004" variance)

• .FC. unsorted - OAL of 1.128"-1.131" (.003" variance)

• FC unsorted - OAL of 1.130"-1.132" (.002" variance)

• WIN unsorted - OAL of 1.131"-1.133" (.002" variance)

• R-P unsorted - OAL of 1.133"-1.134" (.001" variance)

• R-P "." unsorted - OAL of 1.134"-1.135" (.001" variance)

 

[tightgroup tiger]

9mmepiphany said:
At least some are out in the Wild.
I understand Frankfort Arsenal wanting their FX-10 to be Right before they send it out, but it's been vapor ware for a while.

I think the FX-10 is out for me permanently, at least until someone can prove that the powder measure can be moved to a different station other than station 7 and operate the way they advertise with the rod linkage so there is no powder measure hangups.
Their present configuration doesn't allow for a "powder check die after the measure, bullet feeder die, and seat and crimp in two steps" if the measure can't be moved to a station 6. That for me is the sole reason to have a 10 station press and for me is a total no go.

We will see when they start delivering them and our members get their hands on them.

 

[boredkender]

If you are interested in the Pro 6000, Titan Reloading has 6.5 Creedmoor kit in stock - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/new-339-lee-pro-6000-kit-finally-in-stock.912231/

You can add $25 shellplate to the order to reload any other caliber - https://www.titanreloading.com/prod...-six-pack-pro/pro-6000-six-pack-shell-plates/

Just ordered plates for 10mm, 45AARP, and 223 so I can truly replace my loadmaster. Still going to hang on to my single stage for my 6.5swede and the krag but i don't think i will be buying any more presses within any reasonable future. Just don't see how a blue-boi is going to be any improvement over the 6k

 

[eugenesan]

UPDATE: Progressive Mode compilation of OAL consistency (shellplate full) from Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 loading sorted and unsorted mixed range brass:

NOTE: Calipers used were verified by pin gages and Brown & Sharpe micrometer - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ks-for-digital-calibers.821135/#post-10545265

• RMR 115 gr FMJ RN sized around .3555" were used
• Case mouth was flared to .380" at Station #5 (Using .750" length resized case)
• .378" taper crimp was used (Using .750" length resized case)
• Bullets were seated and taper crimped in same step at Station #6

FYI, of interest is case wall thickness .200" below case mouth where most of neck tension is applied to the bullet base - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nd-bullet-setback.830072/page-3#post-10713822​

• Blazer unsorted - (.010"-.012" average thickness) produced OAL of 1.128"-1.133" (.005" variance)

• G.F.L. unsorted - (.012"-.014" average thickness) produced OAL of 1.129"-1.133" (.004" variance)

• .FC. unsorted - (.011"-0.012" average thickness) produced OAL of 1.128"-1.131" (.003" variance) and FC unsorted 1.130"-1.132" (.002" variance)

• R-P sorted by resized length - (.012"-.014" average thickness) produced OAL of 1.134"-1.137" (.003" variance)

• WIN unsorted - (.012"-.014" average thickness) produced OAL of 1.131"-1.133" (.002" variance)

Running in Turret Mode (One case in shellplate) using R-P headstamp brass sorted by resized length of .750" produced following OAL variance (Essentially .001" variance from 1.125" to 1.126" with the exception of one):

• 1 round at 1.124"
• 19 rounds at 1.125"
• 10 rounds at 1.126"

I've received my SixPack and being playing with it for a few days but my COL variance is not even close to yours.
I am using Lee 9mm 4 piece die set and I am getting random COL variance of up to 0.015".
Same rounds in turret mode go to 0.001" variance.

Either my press is defective or I am doing something incorrectly.
I tried to move the dies around (to place crimping dies opposite to sizing die to minimize shell-plate tilt), many combinations of sizing/crimp dies depths, lubing the cases but nothing helped.

Could you please describe how did you setup your progressive testing?
Which dies and how did you adjust them?

 

[LiveLife]

Could you please describe how did you setup your progressive testing?

Which dies and how did you adjust them?

Sure:

• I used 3 die set (No FCD) that was included with the 9mm Pro 6000 kit
• NOTE: Since I found the shellplate loose during disassembly, I recommend you check the shellplate for tightness before reloading
• Resizing die was inserted into station #1 and adjusted while resizing a case until there was no daylight between bottom of die and top of shellplate
• I used R-P brass with a dot to the right with resized length of .750" to set the case mouth flare to .380" at station #5 and seat/taper crimp to .378" at station #6
• Resizing die was checked with full shellplate and adjusted so no daylight was seen between bottom of die and top of shellplate

 

[LiveLife]

getting random COL variance of up to 0.015"

And for finished OAL testing, I exercised extreme care to set the bullets straight on case mouth so they didn't tilt during seating, which will affect OAL variance.

Measure some resized samples of different headstamp cases you have and use shorter ones to set the case mouth flare as if you used longer case, shorter cases will end up with less flare and will likely end up tilting the bullet during seating.

Most of my resized case length was around .750" with some swings in both directions up to .002"-.004". I ended up using R-P brass (with dot to right) for reference as it has proven in past testing to be more consistent in resized length.

 

[LiveLife]

And if you are getting OAL variance fron inconsistent ogive, use consistent bullets like RMR in-house

If bullets you are using have inconsistent nose profile/ogive where the seating stem pushes down on, it will translate to greater OAL variance tolerance stacked to factors addressed in my two previous posts.

And why I use RMR in-house FMJ for all of my bullet related testing.

 

[eugenesan]

If bullets you are using have inconsistent nose profile/ogive where the seating stem pushes down on, it will translate to greater OAL variance tolerance stacked to factors addressed in my two previous posts.

And why I use RMR in-house FMJ for all of my bullet related testing.

I am using very consistent flat nose bullets which seat with 0.001" variance in turret mode.
I tried your method for adjusting sizing die, it didn't work.
I even tried a different set of Lee 4-pice dies.

I suspect my problem is the Factory Crimp Die.
I wonder if the bullet sitting die provided in the kit with Factory Crimp Die can also do taper crimping.
On Lee website there is only one option for Pistol sitting die and it looks identical to the one I have.

Also,
Are you using Lee's powder-thru expander die from the kit?

 

[LiveLife]

I suspect my problem is the Factory Crimp Die.
I wonder if the bullet sitting die provided in the kit with Factory Crimp Die can also do taper crimping.

The third die in the 4 die set is combination bullet seating/taper crimp die for 9mm.

Are you using Lee's powder-thru expander die from the kit?

No, I eliminated the powder measure from finished OAL testing for greater consistency and used the powder funnel adapter to load dummy rounds (No primer, no powder).

Also, make sure all the primers are seated to below flush as higher seated primers will affect measured OAL to be longer.

With light to firm push on the ram lever, I was able to seat all domestic/foreign metric primers to .002"-.004" below flush - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ing-for-oal-consistency.911743/#post-12442618

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks to member @Gillie Dog, we have an issue/resolution identified for SPP/Pro 6000 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-6000-press.905987/page-12#post-12454985

... Using pliers, I gently narrowed the spring end (while ensuring there was enough opening to clear the slot where spring end slides down into). Now primer slider slides smoothly without making noise.

Just got this email. They must be happy about the consistency of finished OAL variance down to .001"-.002". And regarding the slider spring end, quick response to customer feedback on the launch of the new press to ensure smoothness of operation.

11/07/2022

Hi John,

Awesome to hear the finished OAL sample sizes.

Thanks for your comment on the primer feed spring, we did see this on the THR and have begun squeezing the end hook on to the slider to prevent the contact with the tabs on the slider rail.

Sincerely,

Stephanie
Lee Precision, Inc.​

 

[Gillie Dog]

And regarding the slider spring end, quick response to customer feedback on the launch of the new press to ensure smoothness of operation.

11/07/2022

Hi John,

Awesome to hear the finished OAL sample sizes.

Thanks for your comment on the primer feed spring, we did see this on the THR and have begun squeezing the end hook on to the slider to prevent the contact with the tabs on the slider rail.

Sincerely,

Stephanie
Lee Precision, Inc.​

They are also updating the case slider due to an issue with it. I did not mention the primer slider spring when I emailed them about the 30 Carbine die and case slider issue. They are responsive to customer issues found on roll out of new product(s) for sure.

As Posted on other thread

GD

 

[LiveLife]

FYI, Graf & Sons have Pro 6000 kits ($339) and also press only for $244 but quantities are limited (1-5 in stock) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-press-finally-in-stock.912231/#post-12456812