So what is the 2023 Lee Pro 1000 ?

[Zendude]

It looks like the big change is going from the removable 3 hole turret to a fixed 3 hole mount that uses breech block bushings.
The other looks like it incorporates the indexing system from the 4000 press, with no index adjustments for caliber changes.
I don’t know if the priming system is different from the original 1000, but it’s not the safety prime system used on the 4000.

So I like the idea of no indexing adjustments, but I did like the old turret head which was easy to switch out for caliber changes.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I don’t know if the priming system is different from the original 1000, but it’s not the safety prime system used on the 4000.

Looks like the system off the Six Pack Pro

 

[LiveLife]

I don’t know if the priming system is different from the original 1000

Looks like the system off the Six Pack Pro

Calvin from Lee Precision already confirmed new priming system for Pro 1000 is similar to one used on SPP/Pro 6000 kit - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-oal-consistency.911743/page-6#post-12466560

Next generation of Pro 1000 will have new priming system similar to SPP

At this rate of Lee updating their presses, what will we "tinker" with? https://leeprecision.com/reloading-presses/progressive-presses/pro-1000/

• Improved design for 2023!
• New tool head accepts quick change bushings. Breech Lock dies accompany the press, and are mounted into new Smart Lock bushings.
• Bushings are color coded enable tool-free die adjustments.
• Automatic primer feed is simple and reliable; safe with any brand or size of primer.
• Improved automatic indexing, no adjustments required.
• Cartridge changeover is simple and fast, the only tool required is a 1/4" hex wrench and its included.
• Case ejection has also been improved, no tools to install and ejects any sized case with no adjustments. We even include the bin to catch your completed rounds.

And looks like Pro 1000 will ship with Auto-Drum powder measure with bottle adapter that will accept 1 lb powder containers.

 

[kmw1954]

So I guess my two questions to Lee Precision are these; does it retain the complete metal carrier of the original Pro 100 or the plastic clad of the Pro 4000? Will this press be sold as a stand alone or upgrade or is this going to be like the upgraded Pro 1000 and have to purchase the whole press kit with all the Dies, powder measure and such?

Once again if it is not going to be offered as a stand alone upgrade then I will not be buying a new one. I already have powder measures and dies for every caliber I load. So Now I will have to dump all my turrets and buy bunches of separate bushings that are still more costly than buying turret heads.

 

[LiveLife]

Will this press be sold as a stand alone

For product launch, 10 caliber kits are available for sale but as in the past, I do believe press can be purchased separately. I would call customer service to see if press alone can be purchased.

does it retain the complete metal carrier of the original Pro 1000 or the plastic clad of the Pro 4000?

No, as the priming system similar to one used on SPP/Pro 6000 kit is new. If you look at the picture below, press top is new to accept breech lock bushings with new shellplate carrier incorporating the new primer system with flat base/index pin through shellplate/spent primer through ram collection carried over from 2018 model.

I have my 2023 Pro 1000 on order and will do an extensive overview when I receive the kit.

 

[kmw1954]

To clarify my question as to the carrier. Is it all cast metal or is it plastic clad such as the Auto Breech Lock Pro? I have both presses and believe the move to the carrier used on the ABLP was and is a mistake. I feel it is inferior to the all metal carrier used on the original Pro1000

Also when they upgraded to the new base the Pro1000 was not nor is offered as a stand alone purchase. I asked Lee and was told flatly that the press was only available as a complete unit. With 5 sets of dies, turret heads, shell plates and 4 powder measures and a second complete carrier I certainly didn't need another full set.

 

[1KPerDay]

No idea but the switch to the safety prime will fix 99.99% of the issues with the pro1K. It bugs me that I can’t use my press in full progressive mode because the priming system is so buggy. My pro 1K just sits there while I load on my LCT.

 

[refuse2bafool]

LEE has been on quite a roll with new and improved products. The priming system was my only real issue with the Pro 1000, though I got it working fine after a while. Using the same one as the 6000 is a huge improvement.

Tool heads are outdated technology. They are expense and take up a too much real estate. The Hornady Lock and Load and LEE Breech Lock are far superior. The systems are so similar I would guess that LEE pays Hornaday a patent fee. Dillon and RCBS quality control is very high, but you pay for it. Neither company brings the word "innovation" to mind.

On the other hand LEE still has a problem with quality control. Clever and innovative design, but too often their parts simply don't fit together. I had trouble with the APP and it was because the ramp was out of spec. The new part I ordered was 0.005 inches less in width than the original. It worked fine then. I like their round boxes for my tool heads, but when I ordered extras the tool heads did not fit in them properly.

My Pro 6000 is almost perfect. Caliber changes are a breeze and not needing to change out primer pins is a huge advantage over everyone else. Still, I had to figure out a fix when the agitator pin did not firmly contact the support column, and the lack of clearance between the carrier and the column precluded the old zip tie fix. The ink cartridge fix did not work for me either, so I had to figure out something else.

How can you design a great press like this and not correct a known issue on previous products?

 

[kmw1954]

The priming system was my only real issue with the Pro 1000, though I got it working fine after a while.
Tool heads are outdated technology. They are expense and take up a too much real estate. The Hornady Lock and Load and LEE Breech Lock are far superior.

The greatest thing about opinions, we each get to have one and they don't have to agree.
I have been using a Pro1000 for almost 7 years now, since I started loading again for the second time. I also use it exactly as it was designed, Size/deprime station one, prime and powder drop in station two and seat bullets in station three. Never had a problem priming on this press that wasn't operator error.

Tool heads? I have them on the Pro1000 and a 3 hole turret press that I specifically purchased to complement the Pro1000. I also have an Autp Breech Lock Pro with the bushings and I despise them. Can't buy them in sets of 3 and I find the are more costly than the turret heads. Especially when I can pick up used ones for next to zero money. Also Dies in the bushings do not fit back into the die boxes or the Round Red die boxes. So again I disagree on all aspects.

So I will keep using what I have and use it the way I am accustomed and be absolutely contented in doing so.

 

[dh1633pm]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I too am looking for a progressive.

 

[LiveLife]

Tool heads are outdated technology. They are expense and take up a too much real estate. The Hornady Lock and Load and LEE Breech Lock are far superior. The systems are so similar I would guess that LEE pays Hornaday a patent fee.

Actually, Lee Precision owns the patent for the spline drive breech lock bushing - https://patents.justia.com/patent/8234963

System and method for mounting dies on a press - "... invention comprises a specifically designed press with a socket that is adapted to receive an adapter for mounting a conventionally threaded die."
Patent number: 8234963
Type: Grant
Filed: Aug 13, 2008
Date of Patent: Aug 7, 2012
Patent Publication Number: 20100037758
Assignee: Lee Precision, Inc. (Hartford, WI)
Inventor: Richard J. Lee (Hartford, WI)
Attorney: Philip J. Lee
​

Here's a list of Hornady patents - https://www.hornady.com/corporate/patents

 

[kmw1954]

Actually, Lee Precision owns the patent for the spline drive breech lock bushing - https://patents.justia.com/patent/8234963

I think you quoted the wrong person.

 

[refuse2bafool]

The greatest thing about opinions, we each get to have one and they don't have to agree..

Rock on!

I am far from the first to have issues with the Pro 1000 priming system. We all have different experiences and there are tons of "fixes" for it on this forum.

I have not tried to store the breech locks in the box yet because I only have one set of them. All my other stuff is in turrets.

I like to write as concisely as possible. I put long reading long emails and posts well ahead of root canals on my list of least favorite things to do. I avoid character comsuming prefaces such as "based on my experience" or "I think that" as being redundant. Who else's opinion would it be?

Maybe I should put that in my tag line... that it's all just my opinion.

I don't suggest anyone discard their current setup just to have breech locks, or for any other reason if they are happy with it. I certainly did not. At the same time, if I was designing a new press line I would not go with tool heads, and I would have a flat, space efficient box, that would accomodate breech locks. Our issue is situational because we already bought into the tool head system. My reason for buying the 6000 is I wanted to use a lock out die and seperate crimping on the same press. I still happily use tool heads in their red round boxes for my 1000 and my Classic Turret. See?



My reloading area is about 12 sq. ft. and has to share my garage with a cabinet mounted table saw, a cabinet mounted miter saw, a squat rack, 500lbs of weights, a recumbent bike, two diamond frame bikes and a SUV.

LEE tool heads are indeed pretty compact and priced very low. Then I see pictures of guys that have a 400sq. ft. work area and rows of Dillon, RCBS and Redding T7 tools heads... Those don't look so compact. I just checked the price of a tool head for the T7 on Midway. They are a real bargin at $99 a pop. The tool head holder is $55 and looks about a foot and a half high. I envy the guys that can accomodate that kind of set up, but what works for them does not work for everybody.

But that's all just my opinion...

 

[refuse2bafool]

Actually, Lee Precision owns the patent for the spline drive breech lock bushing - https://patents.justia.com/patent/8234963

LiveLife is the man!

As Mr. Spock would say: Fascinating!

I thought the L&L came our first. It appears they are seperate patents. I know that Dillon used LEE's patent for their case actuated power through measure, or at least they did at one time according to Modern Reloading.

 

[kmw1954]

Rock on!

I am far from the first to have issues with the Pro 1000 priming system. We all have different experiences and there are tons of "fixes" for it on this forum.

My reloading area is about 12 sq. ft. and has to share my garage with a cabinet mounted table saw, a cabinet mounted miter saw, a squat rack, 500lbs of weights, a recumbent bike, two diamond frame bikes and a SUV.

But that's all just my opinion...

I am fortunate that I was able to commandeer and empty upstairs bedroom after we became empty nesters. This bench is made from 2 old kitchen base cabinets with a 1.5" thick plywood top that is 2'X4'. It has a 5/16" steel plate inset that is also drilled and tapped to mount the Lee presses and as I can only use one at a time this setup works terrific for me.
So at present I have already invested enough money into Lee Precision and what I have fills my needs very well. Decided I don't need an APP, Pro6000 or a new Pro1000 if they will not market them as a stand alone item for upgrade. Already have 2 sets of 9mm and 45acp dies, 380, 38spl, 223 and 243 dies and shell plates. More 3 hole turret heads than I have dies for.
My advice to newbies always is to figure out honestly with yourself what your needs and usage will be. Not everyone needs Progressive presses when a turret or single stage will suffice.

 

[refuse2bafool]

View attachment 1136388 View attachment 1136389 View attachment 1136390
Not everyone needs Progressive presses when a turret or single stage will suffice.

Looks like a nice clean set up. And I agree 100% that a lot of us get lured into progressives when a SS or a turret (especially the LCT) would be just fine. The fact is most guys, including me, always get a kick out of having the latest and greatest piece of gear.

Ask any hardcore guitar player how many axes they need, and you will always get the same answer: One more than I have now.

From that perspective my lack of space is a blessing. Keeps me in check.

I do Precision Pistol type shooting and don't go through 5,000 rounds a month like the run and gunners. I could probably toss everything except my LCT and be happy. But I'll be even happier if I don't.

 

[refuse2bafool]

No idea but the switch to the safety prime will fix 99.99% of the issues with the pro1K. It bugs me that I can’t use my press in full progressive mode because the priming system is so buggy. My pro 1K just sits there while I load on my LCT.

Have you checked some of the fixes on THR. There is a whole string dedicated to the Pro 1000 in general.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-pro-1000-solutions-no-bashing.507454/

Have you posted the specific issue and asked for help?

 

[LiveLife]

I think you quoted the wrong person.

Oops ... I was responding to @refuse2bafool but forgot I had your "reply" quote open with anticipation to finish responding after unboxing the 2023 Pro 1000 kit (which should arrive sometime this week).

ETA: OK, fixed the quote.

 

[wannabefree]

Here is an honest question, Why would someone prefer a new pro 1000 over a Pro 6000. If you are looking to get a progressive press it seems to me you would be pretty limited with only 3 die stations.Even if you do not use all 6 on a pro 6000 you would still have the option if you ever did want to use them. Plus I doubt that the price difference is all that great a difference all things considered.
I don,t mean to derail this thread just a question for anyone contemplating there choices.

 

[1KPerDay]

Have you checked some of the fixes on THR. There is a whole string dedicated to the Pro 1000 in general.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-pro-1000-solutions-no-bashing.507454/

Have you posted the specific issue and asked for help?

Thanks. I’ve done all the fixes. Still spend more time futzing with primer issues than it takes to load a whole round on the LCT

 

[1KPerDay]

Here is an honest question, Why would someone prefer a new pro 1000 over a Pro 6000. If you are looking to get a progressive press it seems to me you would be pretty limited with only 3 die stations.Even if you do not use all 6 on a pro 6000 you would still have the option if you ever did want to use them. Plus I doubt that the price difference is all that great a difference all things considered.
I don,t mean to derail this thread just a question for anyone contemplating there choices.

what is the actual price difference?

 

[kmw1954]

Here is an honest question, Why would someone prefer a new pro 1000 over a Pro 6000. .

More isn't always better as I have iterated previously. I personally have 2 three hole presses and use them the most, even over my 4 hole ABLP. There is not a single pistol cartridge made that I cannot quickly and easily reload on these two presses. I use the turret press for load development and the Pro1000 for production. On the Pro1000 I can produce a years worth of ammunition for 4 different pistols in just a couple weeks and that is still working at a comfortable pace. Lastly I have yet to see any company come out and release a 6 pcs die set. I am not loading 5k a year of any one caliber so I have no need for a motorized case or bullet feeder.

 

[refuse2bafool]

Sorry to hear you has such bad luck with the Pro 1000.

For the kit the price difference is $110 on Midway. Like you suggest, I would probably pass on the 1000 and spend the extra money. I have never yet regretted buying "up" when it comes to tools.

However, I it appears others feel differently. If sales for the Pro 1000 dropped off after the introduction of the 4000 and 6000, I doubt LEE would have invested in upgrades to their production process. Time will tell if they were right.

Do you want to crimp and seat in separate operations?
Do you want to use a lock out or powder check die?

If you answer "no" then a three die set, which is what many people have successfully used for decades, is fine. The savings would almost buy you a whole box of primers with shipping and Hazmat

 

[9mmepiphany]

For the kit the price difference is $110 on Midway. Like you suggest, I would probably pass on the 1000 and spend the extra money. I have never yet regretted buying "up" when it comes to tools.

This is what I lean towards also.

For the extra $100, you get a priming system which is vastly superior and double the die stations, which would allow seating and crimping in separate stations, a powder check die, and a bullet feed die

While I'm not a big fan of the overused saying, it does apply very well here: Buy once, cry once

 

[LiveLife]

Why would someone prefer a new pro 1000 over a Pro 6000 ... limited with only 3 die stations

For more consistent OAL.

All progressive presses experience some sort of shellplate tilt/deflection that affect OAL variance. Larger the shellplate size, greater the potential for shellplate tilt/deflection affecting bullet seating depth/finished OAL variance.

3 station shellplate of Pro 1000 actually benefits from smaller size to reduce OAL variance, along with ram under station #1 design (Instead of centrally placed ram) where resizing force takes place. Since Pro 1000 utilizes "floating shellplate" design like Pro 4000/6000, resizing force simply deflects shellplate down to contact carrier to limit movement (This design works similar to Dillon 550 where case rim actually contacts fixed subplate and not held by shellplate, like for 650/750, to produce more consistent OAL variance ... Kudos to @9mmepiphany who confirmed this who BTW is an IDPA state champion).

Here are results from myth busting thread where OAL variance was compared between regular mixed range brass vs pre-resized brass loaded on Pro 1000 using RMR 115 gr FMJ and 124 gr FP bullets that have very uniform nose profile/ogive (FYI, RMR in-house jacketed bullets are used by ELEY for their centerfire match ammunition) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...progressive-press.833604/page-2#post-10779806

BLAZER - 9mm RMR 115 gr FMJ:

• Regular: 1.115" - 1.118" = .003" OAL variance
• Pre-resized: 1.115" - 1.116' = .001' OAL variance

R-P - 9mm RMR 115 gr FMJ:

• Regular; 1.115' - 1.118" = .003" OAL variance
• Pre-resized: 1.115" - 1.116' = .001" OAL variance

WIN - 9mm RMR 115 gr FMJ:

• Regular: 1.114" - 1.117" = .003" OAL variance
• Pre-resized: 1.114" - 1.115" = .001" OAL variance

BLAZER - 9mm RMR 124 gr FP:

• Regular: 1.070" - 1.072" = .002" OAL variance
• Pre-resized: 1.069" - 1.070 = .001 OAL variance

And here are results from SPP/Pro 6000 OAL variance measured using mixed range brass by headstamp and RMR 115 gr FMJ - 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)

To me, .003" OAL variance using mixed range brass is pretty good and .001" OAL variance using pre-resized brass is match grade.

And this is confirmed by bullseye match shooting member @ljnowell who I helped set up a new Pro 1000 new out of the box (Yes, he was impressed with .001" OAL variance I posted for Pro 1000 testing) and went on to win many bullseye matches with Pro 1000 loaded match rounds - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/first-place-in-bullseye-league.780168/