New 2023 (Gen3) Lee Pro 1000 unboxing

[LiveLife]

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

Mixed range brass with following headstamp cases were expanded to around .380" (Outside diameter) at case mouth with funnel adapter to eliminate the variable of Auto Drum powder measure. Several cases were run through in progressive mode (Full shellplate) to achieve OAL target of 1.130" before following headstamp cases were loaded (Combination seat/taper crimp die set for .378" taper crimp as RMR 115 gr FMJ was sized around .3555"):

1. .FC. - 1.131"
2. .FC. - 1.129"
3. .FC. - 1.129"
4. .FC. - 1.130"
   
5. .FC. - 1.131"
6. FC - 1.130"
7. FC - 1.131"
8. FC - 1.132"
9. FC - 1.129"
10. FC - 1.129"
11. WIN - 1.133"
12. WIN - 1.133"
13. WIN - 1.133"
14. WIN - 1.133"
15. WIN - 1.133"
    
16. Blazer - 1.128"
17. Blazer - 1.128"
18. Blazer - 1.128"
19. Blazer - 1.128"
    
20. Blazer - 1.131"
21. R-P - 1.132"
22. R-P - 1.133"
23. R-P - 1.133"
24. R-P - 1.134"
25. R-P - 1.134"
26. R-P "." - 1.135"
27. R-P "." - 1.134"
28. R-P "." - 1.134"
29. R-P "." - 1.135"
30. R-P "." - 1.133"

Next, I switched out the regular powder through expander (PTX) with R&D sample of stepped "M" style powder through expander (PTX) Calvin sent me to beta test. I expanded the top .050" of case mouth to around .358" (Inside diameter).

Top .050" of expanded case mouth showing distinct inside mark from "step" of expander

OAL variance using R&D sample of Lee stepped "M" style powder through expander using unsorted (By resized length) R-P "." range brass (Combination seat/taper crimp die set for .378" taper crimp as RMR 115 gr FMJ was sized around .3555" and 1.130" OAL):

1. R-P "." - 1.130"
2. R-P "." - 1.130"
3. R-P "." - 1.131"
4. R-P "." - 1.129"
5. R-P "." - 1.130"
6. R-P "." - 1.129"
7. R-P "." - 1.129"
8. R-P "." - 1.130"
9. R-P "." - 1.130"
10. R-P "." - 1.130"

And here are finished rounds (Blazerx2, FCx2, WINx2, R-Px2, R-P"."x2 headstamps) showing incremental bulging of case neck likely from increase in case wall thickness - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nd-bullet-setback.830072/page-3#post-10713822

And all R-P "." headstamp brass showing distinct double bulging of case neck with top bulge from "step" of R&D "M" style PTX

Bullet setback test of finished rounds with regular PTX: (Test pistol Gen3 Glock 22 with KKM 40-9mm conversion barrel and 9mm 10 round factory magazine loaded with 5 rounds - OAL before - OAL after - Bullet setback):

NOTE: Thinner case wall Blazer/FC brass produced shorter OAL while thicker case wall WIN/R-P/R-P"." brass produced longer OAL using same die setting

(TIP: If you want more consistent finished OAL, sort brass by headstamp and use one headstamp brass)

1. Blazer - 1.128" - 1.126" - .002"
2. Blazer - 1.128" - 1.125" - .003"
3. FC - 1.131" - 1.131" - .000"
4. FC - 1.131" - 1.131" - .000"
5. WIN - 1.133" - 1.133" - .000"
6. WIN - 1.133" - 1.133" - .000"
7. R-P - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"
8. R-P - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"
9. R-P "." - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"
10. R-P "." - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"

Bullet setback test of finished rounds with stepped "M" style PTX: (Test pistol Gen3 Glock 22 with KKM 40-9mm conversion barrel and 9mm 10 round factory magazine loaded with 5 rounds - OAL before - OAL after - Bullet setback):

1. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
2. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
3. R-P "." - 1.131" - 1.131" - .000"
4. R-P "." - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000"
5. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
6. R-P "." - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000"
7. R-P "." - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000"
8. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
9. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
10. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"

 

[Blue68f100]

Mixed range brass with following headstamp cases were expanded to around .380" (Outside diameter) at case mouth with funnel adapter to eliminate the variable of Auto Drum powder measure. Several cases were run through in progressive mode (Full shellplate) to achieve OAL target of 1.130" before following headstamp cases were loaded (Combination seat/taper crimp die set for .378" taper crimp as RMR 115 gr FMJ was sized around .3555"):

1. .FC. - 1.131"
2. .FC. - 1.129"
3. .FC. - 1.129"
4. .FC. - 1.130"
   
5. .FC. - 1.131"
6. FC - 1.130"
7. FC - 1.131"
8. FC - 1.132"
9. FC - 1.129"
10. FC - 1.129"
11. WIN - 1.133"
12. WIN - 1.133"
13. WIN - 1.133"
14. WIN - 1.133"
15. WIN - 1.133"
    
16. Blazer - 1.128"
17. Blazer - 1.128"
18. Blazer - 1.128"
19. Blazer - 1.128"
    
20. Blazer - 1.131"
21. R-P - 1.132"
22. R-P - 1.133"
23. R-P - 1.133"
24. R-P - 1.134"
25. R-P - 1.134"
26. R-P "." - 1.135"
27. R-P "." - 1.134"
28. R-P "." - 1.134"
29. R-P "." - 1.135"
30. R-P "." - 1.133"

Next, I switched out the regular powder through expander (PTX) with R&D sample of stepped "M" style powder through expander (PTX) Calvin sent me to beta test. I expanded the top .050" of case mouth to around .358" (Inside diameter).

Top .050" of expanded case mouth showing distinct inside mark from "step" of expander

OAL variance using R&D sample of Lee stepped "M" style powder through expander using unsorted (By resized length) R-P "." range brass (Combination seat/taper crimp die set for .378" taper crimp as RMR 115 gr FMJ was sized around .3555" and 1.130" OAL):

1. R-P "." - 1.130"
2. R-P "." - 1.130"
3. R-P "." - 1.131"
4. R-P "." - 1.129"
5. R-P "." - 1.130"
6. R-P "." - 1.129"
7. R-P "." - 1.129"
8. R-P "." - 1.130"
9. R-P "." - 1.130"
10. R-P "." - 1.130"

And here are finished rounds (Blazerx2, FCx2, WINx2, R-Px2, R-P"."x2 headstamps) showing incremental bulging of case neck likely from increase in case wall thickness - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nd-bullet-setback.830072/page-3#post-10713822

And all R-P "." headstamp brass showing distinct double bulging of case neck with top bulge from "step" of R&D "M" style PTX

Bullet setback test of finished rounds with regular PTX: (Test pistol Gen3 Glock 22 with KKM 40-9mm conversion barrel and 9mm 10 round factory magazine loaded with 5 rounds - OAL before - OAL after - Bullet setback):

1. Blazer - 1.128" - 1.126" - .002"
2. Blazer - 1.128" - 1.125" - .003"
3. FC - 1.131" - 1.131" - .000"
4. FC - 1.131" - 1.131" - .000"
5. WIN - 1.133" - 1.133" - .000"
6. WIN - 1.133" - 1.133" - .000"
7. R-P - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"
8. R-P - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"
9. R-P "." - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"
10. R-P "." - 1.134" - 1.134" - .000"

Bullet setback test of finished rounds with stepped "M" style PTX: (Test pistol Gen3 Glock 22 with KKM 40-9mm conversion barrel and 9mm 10 round factory magazine loaded with 5 rounds - OAL before - OAL after - Bullet setback):

1. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
2. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
3. R-P "." - 1.131" - 1.131" - .000"
4. R-P "." - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000"
5. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
6. R-P "." - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000"
7. R-P "." - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000"
8. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
9. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"
10. R-P "." - 1.130" - 1.130" - .000"

The top picture shows that it's scraping the brass. The reason for a distinct mark. Chuck it up to a lathe/drill and knock that sharp edge off.

 

[drband]

Is the mark left by the PTX m die step a problem? Curious to know.

 

[LiveLife]

Is the mark left by the PTX m die step a problem? Curious to know.

Apparently not for OAL variance.

.002" swing using unsorted (By resized length) mixed range brass in progressive mode (Full shellplate to apply resizing force) is pretty good with R-P "." brass, which BTW produced the most consistent .001" OAL variance for SPP/Pro 6000 and why I decided to use for R&D "M" style PTX testing - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-oal-consistency.911743/page-3#post-12446468

Keep in mind that this is beta testing of first R&D sample of Lee's stepped "M" style powder through expander (PTX) in early development - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...powder-through-expander.916523/#post-12569825

 

[Blue68f100]

It will be scratching the jacket of the bullet or coating. I don't see it causing any variations in OAL like you found out. That step on the M expander should not have a sharp edge, it should be a smooth transition.

 

[PapaG]

I could become a fan again if, and only if, there were a way to taper crimp separately. I don't buy into the seat and crimp in one for autoloaders. Am I missing something?

 

[LiveLife]

only if, there were a way to taper crimp separately. I don't buy into the seat and crimp in one for autoloaders. Am I missing something?

Yes.

Get another combo seat/taper crimp die and use one to seat and the other to taper crimp.

 

[PapaG]

If there are only th

Yes.

Get another combo seat/taper crimp die and use one to seat and the other to taper crimp.

If there are only three stations, 1-size/decap, 2 expand/charge, 3-seat. I want a finished round coming off a progressive. Right now I process size, decap on a single stage, hand prime, and set up a 1000 to expand and charge, seat, taper crimp.
I'm glad they have the primer system improved but it needs a fourth station.

 

[kmw1954]

I'm glad they have the primer system improved but it needs a fourth station.

May be that the Auto Breech Lock Pro is more of what you are looking for. It has 4 positions.

 

[drband]

May be that the Auto Breech Lock Pro is more of what you are looking for. It has 4 positions.

I almost posted the same. It’s too bad the ABLP does not share the upgraded primer system with the six-pack and 2023 pro1000. Still, the ABLP is a great press—I like mine.

 

[kmw1954]

I purchased it just to load 45ACP because I use the FCD with it. My Witness has a very tight chamber.

 

[PapaG]

May be that the Auto Breech Lock Pro is more of what you are looking for. It has 4 positions.

Progressive??

 

[kmw1954]

Yes only it uses the same priming system as the Turret press.

 

[Zendude]

Interesting about the slight neck bulge. I like it. Even with mixed brass mine look like that only when using the Lee undersize sizing die.

 

[LiveLife]

Is the mark left by the PTX m die step a problem? Curious to know.

From "Beta testing Lee Precision stepped "M" style powder through expander" thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...powder-through-expander.916523/#post-12573158

To test the effects of repeated expanding with subsequent "scraping/cleaning of residue", I decided to resize and expand the same brass five (5) times while wiping the inside of case neck with paper towel to check for accumulation​

Blazer, .FC., R-P"." and WIN headstamp brass after initial resizing and expanding to .358" (ID) down .050" from case mouth (Inside case neck not yet swabbed/wiped)​

Blazer, .FC., R-P"." and WIN headstamp brass after five (5) resizing and expanding and swabbing/wiping after each resizing/expanding (5th inside case neck not swabbed/wiped for picture)​

Inside of case necks were swabbed/wiped after each resizing/expanding with accumulated fine brass glitter showing on paper towel​

To test effects of brass "scraping/cleaning of residue", test cases were loaded with RMR 115 gr FMJ and checked for bullet setback.​

Bullet setback of test rounds with R&D sample "M" style PTX: (Test pistol Gen3 Glock 22 with KKM 40-9mm conversion barrel and 9mm 10 round factory magazine - OAL before - OAL after - Bullet setback):

1. Blazer - 1.125" - 1.123" - .002"
2. .FC. - 1.126" - 1.124" - .002"
3. R-P "." - 1.128" - 1.128" - .000"
4. WIN - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000

NOTE: As demonstrated from 2023 Pro 1000 unboxing thread, thinner case wall Blazer/.FC. brass produced shorter OAL with bullet setback while thicker case wall R-P"."/WIN brass produced longer OAL with no bullet setback using same die setting - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...pro-1000-unboxing.916672/page-2#post-12569726

(TIP: If you want more consistent finished OAL, sort brass by headstamp and use one headstamp brass)​

 

[drband]

From "Beta testing Lee Precision stepped "M" style powder through expander" thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...powder-through-expander.916523/#post-12573158

To test the effects of repeated expanding with subsequent "scraping/cleaning of residue", I decided to resize and expand the same brass five (5) times while wiping the inside of case neck with paper towel to check for accumulation​

Blazer, .FC., R-P"." and WIN headstamp brass after initial resizing and expanding to .358" (ID) down .050" from case mouth (Inside case neck not yet swabbed/wiped)​

Blazer, .FC., R-P"." and WIN headstamp brass after five (5) resizing and expanding and swabbing/wiping after each resizing/expanding (5th inside case neck not swabbed/wiped for picture)​

Inside of case necks were swabbed/wiped after each resizing/expanding with accumulated fine brass glitter showing on paper towel​

To test effects of brass "scraping/cleaning of residue", test cases were loaded with RMR 115 gr FMJ and checked for bullet setback.​

Bullet setback of test rounds with R&D sample "M" style PTX: (Test pistol Gen3 Glock 22 with KKM 40-9mm conversion barrel and 9mm 10 round factory magazine - OAL before - OAL after - Bullet setback):

1. Blazer - 1.125" - 1.123" - .002"
2. .FC. - 1.126" - 1.124" - .002"
3. R-P "." - 1.128" - 1.128" - .000"
4. WIN - 1.129" - 1.129" - .000

NOTE: As demonstrated from 2023 Pro 1000 unboxing thread, thinner case wall Blazer/.FC. brass produced shorter OAL with bullet setback while thicker case wall R-P"."/WIN brass produced longer OAL with no bullet setback using same die setting - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...pro-1000-unboxing.916672/page-2#post-12569726

(TIP: If you want more consistent finished OAL, sort brass by headstamp and use one headstamp brass)​

It doesn’t seem like it matters according to your test.

 

[LiveLife]

It doesn’t seem like it matters according to your test.

Yes, if headstamp brass that did not experience bullet setback with regular tapered powder through expander (PTX) do not experience bullet setback using stepped "M" style PTX, then I don't think there's an issue.

I will keep testing with expanded sample size and report back.

 

[PapaG]

Yes only it uses the same priming system as the Turret press.

Looks pretty awkward starting bullets. And I'm not a fan of that priming system, either.
Oh, well, my days of high volume shooting are probably in the rear view. Thanks.

 

[kmw1954]

Looks pretty awkward starting bullets. And I'm not a fan of that priming system, either.
Oh, well, my days of high volume shooting are probably in the rear view. Thanks.

Not a problem. I have one and still would rather use my Pro1000

 

[PapaG]

I run a couple thousand rounds through my primitive Pro1000. Cases are already sized and primed on the old original Lee hand primer. Station one, expand and charge. Two,seat. Three, Crimp.
Pro1000 is fine if you don’t have to size and prime.

 

[kmw1954]

Station one, expand and charge. Two,seat. Three, Crimp.
Pro1000 is fine if you don’t have to size and prime.

I know a number of shooters that use their Pro1000 exactly that same way. I tried that way and it just felt out of sync.

 

[LiveLife]

I will keep testing with expanded sample size and report back.

I actually ended up doing a mini "myth busting" to see if repeated resizing/expanding significantly reduced case wall thickness after ten times - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...powder-through-expander.916523/#post-12574281

And here are the results (Case wall thickness measured .050" below case mouth - Before - After):

• Blazer - .010" - .010"
• FC - .010" - .010"
• .FC. - .010" - .010"
• WIN - .011" - .011"
  
• R-P - .011" - .011"
• R-P "." - .011" - .011"
• GFL - .011" - .011"

 

[vepr12]

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

View attachment 1138042

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).

View attachment 1138041

Showing cross slot index gear and center hex shaft.

View attachment 1138040

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

View attachment 1138039

I was hoping that they had a relief cut in the base at the priming station to aid spilled powder being pushed out of the channel with the priming shuttle, like in the pro 6k. Thanks for the detailed pictures.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

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!

And perhaps for smallest footprint progressive reloading application like reloading at the range, inside RV, etc.

Or on a barstool?
You have my attention.

 

[LiveLife]

I was hoping that they had a relief cut in the base at the priming station to aid spilled powder being pushed out of the channel with the priming shuttle, like in the pro 6k. Thanks for the detailed pictures.

They did.

This is Six Pack Pro primer slider channel that has rectangle shaped cleaning cutout under each hold down tab along with round hole (That you use to push up to replace the primer guide) so as primer slider with guide moves back and forth, debris/powder granules will fall through and out of the channel/trough (To be self-cleaning).

And this is 2023 Breech Lock head Pro 1000's new priming system with same primer channel/trough rectangle cutouts and round hole for debris/powder granules to fall through and out (To be self-cleaning)

... perhaps for smallest footprint progressive reloading application like reloading at the range, inside RV, etc.

Or on a barstool? ... You have my attention.

No barstool for me. One of my retirement projects is to convert my welded landscaping trailer to use as stable shooting bench platform. I already ordered RV stabilizing legs for the rear and with front/hitch raised, welded trailer will be elevated as solid tripod platform to bolt pistol/rifle rest for 25/50/100 yard testing.

Initially, I thought about welding on steel mount to bolt on Pro 1000 but since I have SPP, 2023Pro1K and Deluxe APP already mounted on Lee Bench Plates for Husky height adjustable bench table, I am thinking about mounting the Base Plate to swap out presses - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...st-set-up-with-unlimited-budget.912629/page-3