New 2023 (Gen3) Lee Pro 1000 unboxing

[LiveLife]

Full disclosure: I bought the Pro 1000 kit in 9mm with discount off MSRP offered by Calvin from Lee Precision. I paid full MSRP for 45ACP and .223 shellplates.


Looks like Lee Precision finally addressed all the issues we have been complaining about the Pro 1000 over the years with the latest 2023 model ("Finicky" primer system, "Pesky" spent primer collection, Shellplate index zero, etc.).

To me, there now has been three generations of Pro 1000 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lutions-no-bashing.507454/page-2#post-7561808

• Gen1 - Pre-2018 models with red base started out with round primer tray and aluminum ram lever with wooden ball that experienced updates over the decades:
  • Original base had only vertical internal rib and later cross "X" ribs were added
  • Came with 3 die set and 3 hole turret
  • Came with Pro Auto Disk using bead chain
  • Came with case feeder, tubes and Z-bar
  • Came with small/large primer attachments and priming rods/pins
  • Updated with elongated spent primer slot instead of small oval opening that got clogged
  • Updated with ergo steel roller handle
  • Updated with steel ram lever linkage
  • Updated with folding primer tray

• Gen2 - Post-2018 model with flat base saw major updates but kept the same primer system:
  • Index pin in base for holes in shellplates for absolute shellplate zero
  • Through-ram spent primer collection like Classic Turret
  • Rotated shellplate carrier/die placement for better view/access to cases
  • Carried "WARNING: Only CCI or Remington brand primers are safe use with this press"

• Gen3 - New 2023 model with breech lock press head finally addressed all the issues, especially the primer system:
  • Breech lock bushing press head with built-in tool caddy for 1/4" shellplate hex wrench and paper clip/5/64" hex wrench for primer guide replacement (Instead of 3 hole turrets)
  • Comes with breech lock bushing dies and bushing/die wrench
  • New primer system is similar to SPP/Pro 6000 and uses single priming rod/pin for both small/large primers (Uses small/large primer guides that are easily replaced for caliber change)
  • No more primer brand warning
  • New "floating shellplate" auto-zero index system similar to SPP/Pro 6000 with flat index bar (Instead of hex bar/action rod and no more index zero adjustment bolt)
  • Comes with Auto Drum powder measure (Primer attachment has hole for Pro Auto Disk bead chain)
  • Bottle adapter allows one pound factory containers to be screwed to Auto Drum
  • Comes with universal case feeder/tubes and spring (Instead of solid Z-bar) for tighter case retention to shellplate
  • Comes with finished round collection bin and mount

SPP/Pro 6000 compared to 2023 Pro 1000

 

[LiveLife]

New primer system: Since I am sure everyone is curious about the new primer system, I will start there.

Like Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit, new 2023 Pro 1000 uses similar primer system of primer sliders and guides to move primers from chute/trough to priming rod/pin. Since primers are fed from left side of the press (Instead of right side for SPP/Pro 6000), primer guides are used flipped showing "S" with dimple and "L" on top.



When cycled, spring end does not contact the four hold down tabs built into the primer slider channel/trough.



Due to slot in the primer slider, spring end gets inserted with the opening away from the press.



Showing station #2 with priming pin dropped below primer slide surface (Phillips head screw holds down primer attachment and hole in the square piece is for Pro Auto Disk bead chain use)



Showing priming rod raised (Note index pin that goes through shellplate holes) and primer chute/trough pin contact with frame column that shakes the primer tray (Pin shakes the primer tray sufficiently to flow primer down and I already dry primed different headstamp cases and priming rod does not stick inside primer pocket)



Showing primer slider with guide in station #2 (New primer system works with all brands of primers, including foreign/Metric primers ... I already tried TulAmmo SP and worked fine in different headstamp brass). When there is no case present, primer will be pulled back by primer guide.



Reverse angle showing round hole by primer chute/trough opening that is used to push up on primer guide with paper clip or 5/64" hex wrench to replace. Also, round hole and rectangle cut outs under hold down tabs "self cleans" powder granules/debri as primer slider moves back and forth.



With primer attachment removed, showing bottom of primer rod/pin hole with "self cleaning" triangle opening.



Priming rod/pin and spring compared to priming pin/spring from SPP/Pro 6000 on the left. Priming pin for Pro 1000 is shorter but has same tip diameter designed to seat both small and large primers (Already tested to not leave indent mark on large primers). Note the longer spring for Pro 1000.

 

[LiveLife]

Press walk through and Full step-by-step press disassembly:

NOTE: Shellplate carrier DOES NOT need to be removed from the ram to access index gears/center shaft as they can be removed from the bottom by removing two Phillips head screws. (But I will remove the carrier from ram for this disassembly/reassembly walk through)

Top press head showing openings for quick change breech lock bushings. Index bar is held by station #2 bushing and easily removed. (TIP: Lowering the shellplate carrier all the way down allows the index bar to drop in more freely/easier without damaging cross slot index gear as index bar must "click"into place to allow bushing to drop in) There is built in tool caddy for 1/4" hex wrench to remove shellplate and another hole to accommodate paper clip or 5/64" hex wrench to remove primer guide. (Tab on the left with slot is used with a zip tie to help push finished rounds down the chute if finished rounds do not clear the chute into the bin)



Base of press showing index pin



Bottom of shellplate carrier showing access to two Phillips head screws that holds bracket for cross slot index gear (Note small cylinder protrusion points towards priming pin base and bracket must be installed with this protrusion pointing out).



Showing index bar through cross slot index gear (TIP: Inserting index bar is easier if shellplate carrier is all the way down to "free float" the index gear shaft from cross slot gear and not damage the slots/gears)



Bottom of ram showing through-ram spent primer collection hole and retention clip ring that will lock collection tube adapter



Showing spent primer collection tube adapter locked in with retention clip ring (NOTE: Due to the tube adapter, flush mounting press to bench will require cutting a slot into the bench top or plate/raised mount will need to be used)



Showing easy to remove case ejector similar to SPP and finished round chute with hole for mounting Universal case feeder. Once index bar is removed, remove shellplate by lowering the carrier all the way down so index pin goes through the shellplate hole and loosening center hex shaft with 1/4" hex wrench turning CLOCKWISE.



Removal of shellplate carrier requires loosening hex head bolt



3/16" hex wrench is used for the bolt (1/4" shellplate hex wrench shown for comparison)



I placed the handle of Phillips screwdriver under the carrier and worked the ram lever to loosen carrier from ram (NOTE: When reassembling carrier back on the ram, BE SURE the carrier is all the way seated on the ram or you will crack the carrier when tightening the hex bolt)

 

[LiveLife]

Press walk through and Full step-by-step press disassembly (Continued):

Removal of primer attachment is done by loosening the Phillips head screw and pulling up on the attachment.

With primer attachment removed, you can see the triangle opening at the bottom of hole to remove powder granules that fall through the opening at station #2

Removing the attachment will show priming pin with spring (Spring must be installed on top of pin with longer shaft part pointing up. Priming pin/spring from SPP shown on the left for comparison)

Showing shellplate carrier off ram and primer attachment/detent ball and spring removed



To remove cross slot index gear and center hex shaft, loosen two Phillips head screws to remove bracket (NOTE: Cylinder shaped protrusion of bracket points towards priming pin hole).



Showing cross slot index gear and center hex shaft.



NOTE: Cross slot index gear and center hex shaft can be accessed without removing the shellplate carrier from the ram.

 

[LiveLife]

New primer system: (Continued) Primer seating depth - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...3-lee-pro-1000-unboxing.916672/#post-12566948

Spent the morning with the new primer system and found primer chute/trough will reliably feed primers down to last 3 primers and with the primer guide in front of chute/trough opening, I could tap on the chute to feed the last 3 primers.

Seated CCI/S&B/PMC/TulAmmo SP primers in various headstamp brass (Blazer/.FC./R-P/R-P"."/WIN/FC/G.F.L. pictured) and they fed reliably 100%.

With moderate pressure on the ram lever, primers were seated to .004"-.005" below flush with most seating around .004".

WIN/FC brass were seated with S&B primers using moderate/firm pressure and primers were seated to .004" and .005" below flush.

 

[kmw1954]

Very interesting. Can see improvements over the first gen, similarities with the Gen II and for me the biggest advantage of no plastic on the carrier as used on the ABLP.

Still my foremost question for Lee would be are they going to offer this as a stand alone press or is it again only going to be sold as the complete press kit?

So all of us that are heavily invested in the old Gen 1 press with shell plates, Carriers, Turret heads will not be able to carry forward all of our previous tooling. Now I also see specialty dies sets for use with the Breech Locks.

 

[LiveLife]

I will send Calvin an email whether 2023 Pro 1000 will be offered as press only.

 

[LiveLife]

question for Lee would be are they going to offer this as a stand alone press or is it again only going to be sold as the complete press kit?

I will send Calvin an email whether 2023 Pro 1000 will be offered as press only.

I got the following email response from Calvin.

Hello John,

... Economically, it does not make sense to offer the press as a stand-alone at this time. There are some costs associated with packaging that are an obstacle. There is also a little more setup and assembly, that we would like to avoid. The bulk of the users benefit greatly from this press being as close to bolt on and go as possible.

With all that said, we are working through a solution that seeks to be mutually beneficial.

Tentatively, the option for upgrade that we are considering:

Offer the Lee guarantee of 1/2 merchandise credit for turning in an old product for upgrade. This would come with one big change to how we have done this in the past. Rather than requiring sending the press into Lee, we would accept an emailed photograph of the product as valid proof. We would ask that the old, outdated product would be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

This offer would include an option to upgrade old shell plates that do not have a hole for the alignment pin.​

We are hopeful that if we go this route people will be ethical, honest, and respectful. You can share these thoughts as a possibility, and we will be making more final decisions in the near future.

Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision​

 

[kmw1954]

Thank you for taking the time to correspond with Lee and your contact. The offered upgrade option may be a viable solution.. Sadly with my old Pro I have two carriers, one set up with large primers and one set up with small primers. Have it down to where I can swap carriers in less than 5 minutes. Also have shell plates for 380/223, 9mm, 38/357, 45acp along with all those dies with the 9mm and 45acp being X2 as I also have those dies set up for the ABLP.

Something I am going to have to give some thought.

 

[ReloaderNoob]

Just out of curiosity, why would anyone purchase a 3 station press (really 2 with the powder drop) for $250 when a 6 station press is $100 more?

 

[LiveLife]

why would anyone purchase a 3 station press (really 2 with the powder drop) for $250 when a 6 station press is $100 more?

For more consistent OAL - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/so-what-is-the-2023-lee-pro-1000.916201/#post-12562072

I will be doing OAL consistency testing with the new 2023 Pro 1000 today using mixed range brass so stay tuned.

And perhaps for smallest footprint progressive reloading application like reloading at the range, inside RV, etc. Here's comparison of size with SPP/Pro 6000 and Dillon 550 in the back. (And SPP/Pro 6000 kit is smaller than 550 ... Ryobi drill/driver on bench for size reference)

 

[maxxhavoc]

I got the following email response from Calvin.

Tentatively, the option for upgrade that we are considering:

Offer the Lee guarantee of 1/2 merchandise credit for turning in an old product for upgrade. This would come with one big change to how we have done this in the past. Rather than requiring sending the press into Lee, we would accept an emailed photograph of the product as valid proof. We would ask that the old, outdated product would be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

​

That would be nice. I have been a fan of the Pro 1k for awhile, but these look like a nice upgrade.

 

[kmw1954]

Just out of curiosity, why would anyone purchase a 3 station press (really 2 with the powder drop) for $250 when a 6 station press is $100 more?

Better question would be, why would anyone spend $175.00 more on a press upgrade when what they have works perfectly well.

But to answer your question. Because I can load perfectly fine competition grade pistol ammo using just 3 dies. No need to add to the mix and confusion of three more steps.

 

[LiveLife]

Big difference between Pro 1000 vs SPP/Pro 6000 is while Pro 1000 can load pistol rounds and short rifle cartridges like .223/.300BLK/7.62x39, SPP/Pro 6000 can load longer rifle cartridges including magnums as same ram/linkage/lever for .50 cal BMG Classic Cast press is used for SPP/Pro 6000.

 

[1KPerDay]

Cool stuff. I didn't read every word: is this still applicable with the new one?
"

• Carried "WARNING: Only CCI or Remington brand primers are safe use with this press"

 

[Rule3]

You have become a full blooded Lee Fanboy!

What is the advantage (if any) of this press vs all the write up on the Pro 6000?? It only holds 3 dies??

I did not read all of either, I just skimmed it as I have no need for another press

 

[LiveLife]

is this still applicable with the new one?

"WARNING: Only CCI or Remington brand primers are safe use with this press"​

No.

That warning was present to post-2018 model but no longer applicable to 2023 model due to brand new primer system similar to SPP/Pro 6000. And for SPP/Pro 6000, new primer system is compatible with all brands of primers, including foreign/Metric primers - https://leeprecision.com/pro-6000-six-pack-reloading-press/

"Automatic priming system ... reliable and safe with any brand or size of primer"​

 

[LiveLife]

What is the advantage (if any) of this press vs all the write up on the Pro 6000?? It only holds 3 dies??

For more consistent OAL and perhaps for smallest footprint progressive reloading application like reloading at the range, inside RV, etc. - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...3-lee-pro-1000-unboxing.916672/#post-12568891

You have become a full blooded Lee Fanboy!

I am also fanboy of Dillon, C-H (Now CH4D), Glock, 1911, Sig, S&W, Ruger ...

 

[kmw1954]

YWhat is the advantage (if any) of this press vs all the write up on the Pro 6000?? It only holds 3 dies??

I did not read all of either, I just skimmed it as I have no need for another press

I quit following the Pro 6000 thread because I do not see myself having a need to go that route. Yet I do have a Pro1000 and as with the other RED based presses, 3-4 hole turrets, after they discontinued those they also discoed replacement parts and all support. Which for me is sad because I really use my 3 hole turret press frequently and hard. When if finally fails or wears out I do not know how I will replace it.

 

[Rule3]

I quit following the Pro 6000 thread because I do not see myself having a need to go that route. Yet I do have a Pro1000 and as with the other RED based presses, 3-4 hole turrets, after they discontinued those they also discoed replacement parts and all support. Which for me is sad because I really use my 3 hole turret press frequently and hard. When if finally fails or wears out I do not know how I will replace it.

Lee 4 hole Classic turret press

 

[kmw1954]

Lee 4 hole Classic turret press

Why when I'm only using 3 dies?

 

[GW Staar]

Why when I'm only using 3 dies?

Didn't you used to have an RCBS pro 2000 and use 5 dies once upon a time? Maybe I'm mixing you up with someone else.
I admit 3 dies is less to think about if you're perfectly happy with the resulting ammo! The older I get the more I can appreciate that!

But me? I like new toys to hack! Got to keep my brain active, and 6 or 7 stations does a hell of a job doing that 3 stations? I don't know.....maybe worth a try.....different from what I'm used to for sure!

 

[LiveLife]

But me? I like new toys to hack! Got to keep my brain active, and 6 or 7 stations does a hell of a job doing that 3 stations? I don't know.....maybe worth a try.....different from what I'm used to for sure!

Don't you know that THR is really a support group for reloading "addicts and enablers"?

New 6 station SPP? Yes!

New 3 station Pro 1000? Why not!

New inline bullet feeder with rotary magazine and stepped "M" style powder through expander? Keep them coming!

 

[GW Staar]

Don't you know that THR is really a support group for reloading "addicts and enablers"?

New 6 station SPP? Yes!

New 3 station Pro 1000? Why not!

New inline bullet feeder with rotary magazine and stepped "M" style powder through expander? Keep them coming!

If it had 4 stations like a 550 you might could do that with the inline feeder and "M" pwdrthru expander. For 3 stations only....what you need is jmorris to produce his feed and seat in one station idea, using a windowed seater. Not sure I'm smart enough for that one by myself...... Worth a look though.....

 

[kmw1954]

Didn't you used to have an RCBS pro 2000 and use 5 dies once upon a time?

But me? I like new toys to hack! Got to keep my brain active, !

Nope never had an RCBS progressive but I did have my ABLP set up with an RCBS inline bullet die.
These days a new toy would be a new Bench Rifle.