Prowler53
Member
I decided to pick up this press at cabelas 2 weeks ago. I've been going thru about 300 rounds at the range every weekend, and I just could not keep up with reloading with the single stage. Wife and kid like to go along and shoot with me, so 300 or more rounds between us is not hard to do. I've read about some of the issues with the pro 1000 in the past, but I hoped the newer version would have been much better. After loading a few hundred rounds with the new press, I can tell you that it still needs some improvement.
1st problem - Primer feed sucks. Even with a full load of primers they do not want to feed onto the primer rod. I cleaned it, rubbed it out with #0000 steel wool and they still get stuck at the bottom. Every 2-3 rounds I will get one that does not feed and end up with my powder load all over the press and into the primer feed. I'm still tinkering with this to get it right, but it's a real pain in the #@$.
2nd Problem - Primer tray is junk. Slide it to the lock position to remove it from the feed and primers end up all over my bench. I've also had a couple primers that ended up flipping over somehow before they go down the chute. Such a simple thing but I think it could have been improved to work better. If I can get the first problem solved I'm going to see if I can modify another primer tray to work with it.
I just don't think you should have these problems with a brand new press. I know it's not a high end press, but such a simple thing to fix with the newer version and they blew it.
Improvements - I've read about the shell plate going out of sink on the older model, and needing to be tinkered with quite often. The new model does go out on occasion, but you can just turn it with your finger to lock it back into proper position. No need mess with the adjustment screw once it's set.
It came with a lee Auto disk powder dispenser which I like so far, but I just ordered the adjustable charge bar so I can get the exact powder throws I need.
I'm loading faster than my single stage now, but it could be faster if I can get the bugs worked out.
I just wanted to voice my opinion to others who may be thinking about buying this press.
1st problem - Primer feed sucks. Even with a full load of primers they do not want to feed onto the primer rod. I cleaned it, rubbed it out with #0000 steel wool and they still get stuck at the bottom. Every 2-3 rounds I will get one that does not feed and end up with my powder load all over the press and into the primer feed. I'm still tinkering with this to get it right, but it's a real pain in the #@$.
2nd Problem - Primer tray is junk. Slide it to the lock position to remove it from the feed and primers end up all over my bench. I've also had a couple primers that ended up flipping over somehow before they go down the chute. Such a simple thing but I think it could have been improved to work better. If I can get the first problem solved I'm going to see if I can modify another primer tray to work with it.
I just don't think you should have these problems with a brand new press. I know it's not a high end press, but such a simple thing to fix with the newer version and they blew it.
Improvements - I've read about the shell plate going out of sink on the older model, and needing to be tinkered with quite often. The new model does go out on occasion, but you can just turn it with your finger to lock it back into proper position. No need mess with the adjustment screw once it's set.
It came with a lee Auto disk powder dispenser which I like so far, but I just ordered the adjustable charge bar so I can get the exact powder throws I need.
I'm loading faster than my single stage now, but it could be faster if I can get the bugs worked out.
I just wanted to voice my opinion to others who may be thinking about buying this press.