After posting my Lee Pro 1000 for sale on GT, I decided I should give it another try before parting ways. I know there are a lot of folks that don't like Lee, but there are a lot who had great things to say, so I thought I should give it a second chance.
I went to all the forums, watched the videos and worked on all the shortcomings. To make a long story short, I think I've got it figured out and now am pretty darn happy with it.
The things I did to change were the standard recommendations:
Priming:
Keep the primer tray and chute clean and lubricated.
Don't let it get too low. As soon as the tray is empty, I fill it again to provide weight to push the primers down the chute.
Have some canned air available to clean things out frequently.
Powder:
I got rid of the cheap chain, and 'downgraded' the Powder measure back to the spring system. It seems to work much better and is a lot easier to make caliber changes and empty after finishing.
Running it:
The biggest change and one that surprised me the most was in how I ran the press. When I first started, I guess i thought it was this completely automatic system where I could just run that handle as fast as i could and crank out endless rounds. When I slowed things down and got a very smooth rhythm going, it was amazing how many problems disappeared. I made sure that my motions were controlled, especially during certain parts of the cycle. I made sure I slid the cases smoothly onto the shell plate, seated the primer carefully, and then checked inside each case to make sure the powder dropped. Just that little extra time ended up yielding great results.
Last night I ran 2 full loads from the case feeder with the following results.
104 rounds of 40 S&W in 12 minutes which equates to 520/hour
98 rounds in 11 minutes or 534/Hour
This AM before work I wanted to make sure it wasn't a dream, so I ran a batch of 45 ACP and made up 135 rounds in 17 minutes or 476/hour.
With results like that, how can I complain. Now I understand what people have said about the 1000. It's not perfect, but if you learn how to operate it, it's a nice little press and can serve you well. Oh yea, it's a pretty good bargain too.
I am going to do one of these within the week. I have been leaning toward the LCT even though I will only load 9mm. (No I won't want to do rifle later- I'm strictly practical shooting these days) Sure like to hear more.
i got 3 used ones in a trade one set up for 9 the second one for 38/357 and the third is for 45 .
they work no there not a dillon but they work fine for me like the op said you figure out there problems and they run fine.
I am going to do one of these within the week. I have been leaning toward the LCT even though I will only load 9mm. (No I won't want to do rifle later- I'm strictly practical shooting these days) Sure like to hear more.
If you are only going to load 9 and have some patience, the Pro will probably work out better for you in the long run. Get the case feeder and possibly the collator if you are doing large quantities. With that setup, the only thing you have to touch is the bullet. For the collator, look up some of the videos that show you how to prevent cases from loading upside down. Only applies to 9.
I think the Pro is also a better bargain because it includes the die set and the powder measure. (You can buy the parts to 'downgrade' to the spring system directly from Lee)
The reason I wrote the post was to let people know that the Pro can be frustrating in the beginning but once you figure it out it works really well. Again, I have to admit that I had unrealistic expectations and thought I had to push it harder than you need to. As with a lot of things, slow and steady works best.
Here are a couple of helpful links to get you going.
Just keep in mind the Pro 1000 is a 3 die press. You will have to seat and crimp at the same time. LCT is a 4 die press.
Good point.
Do you think it's a problem combining the seating and crimp in the one die?
I haven't tried it yet, but I know some reloaders like to resize and prime in a separate step. If you do that and use the Spring activated powder drop, you might be able to shift the dies around putting the Powder Die first. Bullet Seating Second and FCD third. Might be a little awkward setting the bullets because of the location. It would also make it more difficult to look into the case to verify the powder charge.
Do you think it's a problem combining the seating and crimp in the one die?
I haven't tried it yet, but I know some reloaders like to resize and prime in a separate step. If you do that and use the Spring activated powder drop, you might be able to shift the dies around putting the Powder Die first. Bullet Seating Second and FCD third. Might be a little awkward setting the bullets because of the location. It would also make it more difficult to look into the case to verify the powder charge.
Your stuck with it as a three station press. You don't really want to drop powder over the same station you prime in. I am not sure if it's a problem it's just not ideal. I could see it being a PITA with lead or any bullet you use a heavy crimp on as you are seating the bullet while you crimp. I don't shoot lead, don't shoot a revolver and don't even crimp. All I do is deflare. So in that situation it's no big deal. It does complicate die setup a little more. I just want people to be aware of the differences.
__________________
Steve
G34 + G20
TP9 Tactical "FOR SALE"
550B with some red thrown around the bench.
I run the Load-master, most of my die sets are three dies, they work fine. I have started setting up 5 dies on recent calibers, but mostly just to put the sizing die over the primer arm, having that die hold and center the case during priming has stopped all priming problems I had. The last couple sets I bought are the ones with the factory crimp die.. can't tell any difference myself.
i have a LM and a pro1k. they run just fine. the thing about them is to keep the primers full and never lube the primer feed with anything other than graphite.
If you get oil in the primer feed,the primers are going to stick.
I run the pro1k in 45acp and its 3 dies work just great. when i had a pro 1k in 9mm,I loaded thousands of rounds before I even heard of the FL die.
Thanks for letting me hi-jack this thread! Any other advice? I'll prob get the 1000 based on what you all have said so far. So the 4th die crimp is more or less redundant for 9mm?
OK Is the Lee scale good enough to use to check for accuracy?
Oh! One more thing. Do I need to get that micro disc set to load for 9mm? Or that adjustable gizmo?
i don't think you will have a load that will need it. Also,make sure to get the case collator. Make sure the press is bolted down to a immovable bench. a lot of problems are because benches have too much movement.
Just go smooth and steady and you'll be crankin out good ammo.
the lee scale is junk. i could never figure out how it works. you want to buy mine???LOL. get a beam scale.
Btw a great tool to keep the primers in the disk while putting them in the are is a plain ol paint can opener.
Thanks for letting me hi-jack this thread! Any other advice? I'll prob get the 1000 based on what you all have said so far. So the 4th die crimp is more or less redundant for 9mm?
OK Is the Lee scale good enough to use to check for accuracy?
Lee Scale sucks. It works but it's a PITA. Way to touch and time consuming for me and my patience. My friend got one and it was better then mine but still a PITA.
The "4th" crimp is not redundant. It's needed but it's not really a "4th". It is done in step 3 at the same time you seat the bullet with that press.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fkenyon
Oh! One more thing. Do I need to get that micro disc set to load for 9mm? Or that adjustable gizmo?
I didn't like or trust the adjustable "gizmo" gave me some squibs with my chosen powder. You don't need the microdiscs either.
Unless you need a lot of ammo fast I would reconsider getting the LCT as your first press. Seriously.
__________________
Steve
G34 + G20
TP9 Tactical "FOR SALE"
550B with some red thrown around the bench.
I think the adjustable charge bar is well worth the $10. I had a very difficult time getting the right charge from the available disks. Minor changes of a grain or two didn't work well at all. I messed with reaming them out but that was a bad idea. With the Adjustable bar, you can really fine tune your charges without taking the powder hopper off. I just make sure to always run a few charges through it every time i make an adjustment.
I do use the Lee Scale. It works fine for me, but then again, I don't have anything to compare it to. I imagine there are better options.
The case feeder and collator really make the 1000 stand out over the others. Before I got the whole process figured out, I found it was worthwhile just for resizing and then hand priming.
I understand Dillon makes a nice product, but when i found out that you have to load the case, the bullet, and then index it manually, I was glad I figured out the Lee.
I'd still agree with Colorado4wheel on the LCT for your first press. The Pro 1000 was my second and as I said, I was ready to get rid of it even having some prior experience. I hate to have someone miss out on how great reloading can be if they got frustrated with it.
If you do choose it, just be patient and keep working at it and it will be fine.
Why,4 wheel? The LCT is about $60 more after you get dies. I'm not considering the Pro for speed, I just don't want to waste $$.
Because the LCT is a simple, reliable press that most people who own it like it. The Pro 1000 has a reputation of being a press people either like or hate. I mean, throw it in the trash while cursing kind of hate. I started on a LCT and bought a Load Master. I nearly reached that point with the Load Master. It was great at the start but when things went wrong it was REALLY frustrating. And yes, I tried all the "tricks/tips". I am mechanically inclined. It was just really hard to trouble shoot. I hear the Pro 1000 is a little simplier, but don't let this one thread convince you that its going to be easy. Plenty of other threads have gone the exact oppisite of this thread.
__________________
Steve
G34 + G20
TP9 Tactical "FOR SALE"
550B with some red thrown around the bench.
I think the adjustable charge bar is well worth the $10. I had a very difficult time getting the right charge from the available disks. Minor changes of a grain or two didn't work well at all. I messed with reaming them out but that was a bad idea. With the Adjustable bar, you can really fine.
I would and chose not to trust it with Titegroup and 9mm. The instructions say to avoid small volume charges with the thing. It's marignal for 9mm and some of the common powders.
__________________
Steve
G34 + G20
TP9 Tactical "FOR SALE"
550B with some red thrown around the bench.
I hear the Pro 1000 is a little simplier, but don't let this one thread convince you that its going to be easy. Plenty of other threads have gone the exact oppisite of this thread.
I do want to make it clear that the Pro 1000 can work really well but it can and probably will frustrate the heck out of you at certain times. I wasn't trying to promote it, esp to new reloaders. Actually, when i had it up for sale someone completely new to reloading wanted to buy it, but I talked him out of it. I'm just glad now that I stuck with it because it working well for me. Check back next week, might not be the same story.
With a lot of tinkering and practice, you can get it to work well, but I would still go with the Classic Turret and if you like that, try the Pro a little later. Go Classic if for nothing other than the way it spits out spent primers. Much better than the Standard Turret.
I have had the Lee 1000 as well as the Lee Classic Turret press. I would vote for the Classic Turret (which I still have). This press has the best primer disposal system (similar to the Hornady Lock & Load and Projector). I sold a Projector and purchased the Classic Turret and couldn't be happier.
I am back to enjoying reloading instead of speed reloading and timing to see how many rounds per hour I was running. Get the Classic Turret, you will NOT be disappointed.
burfurd
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A penny saved is a government oversight!
I enjoyed my LCT as well. It just "feels right". My 550 feels the same. A lot of Lee Presses don't "feel right" in the hand. To me that matters. The LCT feels like a little mini 550. It primes the same, is smooth and solid. Nice press.
__________________
Steve
G34 + G20
TP9 Tactical "FOR SALE"
550B with some red thrown around the bench.
I did make one modification to the press if it can be called a mod. I changed the handle to a roller handle that I happened to have laying around. Much better control and feel.
burfurd
__________________
A penny saved is a government oversight!
You guys are killin' me. I was all set to go LCT, read this thread and changed my mind back to the 1000. Now you all (most) say go with the LCT. I was hoping to use that extra $100 to get a tumbler.Cabelas $5 shipping runs out tomorrow...
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