"Best Practices" checklist for more reliable operation of Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit

[LiveLife]

Back in 2010, THR members embarked on "root cause analysis" investigation to identify every known operational issue with Lee Pro 1000 and evaluate solution options to resolve them for operational reliability.

After over four years of identifying various problems and solutions, in 2014 we arrived at "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable press operation of reloading sessions and also to help new users to Pro 1000 properly setup press to prevent typical operator induced mistakes and parts damage - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lutions-no-bashing.507454/page-6#post-9614898

Fast forward to 2022 and pre/early production launch of Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit experienced some issues Lee Precision quickly responded to resolutions. And THR members once again pulled our combined resources to focus with "root cause analysis" and better ensure operational reliability to earn Lee Precision's trust to beta test future products in "Open Source" manner of "real time" testing, reporting and response.

Since May, the Pro 6000 thread has pushed past 21 pages with over 500 replies and Pro 6000 unboxing thread has pushed past 16 pages with over 380 replies to address technical problems and solutions with updates from Lee Precision to resolution - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-16#post-12485579

When I checked some online forums threads and videos, I found many users new to SPP/Pro 6000 unfamiliar with press operations improperly setting up press (Example: Primer chute/trough pin pushed to the right/center and not even contacting press column groove rings) and continuing to use pre/early production parts already replaced by Lee Precision which led to unreliable press operation and parts damage.

So once again, I think it's high time for another "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable press operation of reloading sessions.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: This thread is focused on "Best Practices" for more reliable press operation.

Please direct problem/solution posts to Pro 6000 unboxing thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-16#post-12485579

Please direct all other posts/comments to Pro 6000 thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-16#post-12485579
---------------------------------------------------

Following is "work in progress" initial draft of "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable operation of the press before each reloading session:

- Lube ram and all metal-to-metal contact/pivot points with STP/motor oil and wipe off excess (Can put a light coat of oil on twisted part of index rod to lubricate cross slot of index gear)

- Check primer chute/trough pin is contacting frame column groove rings to actuate primer tray shaking

- Mod: Use pen filler sleeve roller to increase pin contact pressure with groove rings

- QC: Check priming rod/pin is moving up and down freely and falls below the slider channel surface (Priming pin with straight shaft has been updated with "self-cleaning" pin)

- QC: Check shellplate for tightness (Shellplate loosening can affect indexing and case sliding from case feeder)

- Check primer slider channel for debri and cycle the ram to ensure slider/guide are sliding smoothly without snagging/binding in the slider channel/trough

- Mod: If spring end is snagging on primer channel/trough hold down tabs, squeeze end with pliers

- Cycle the ram to ensure primer guide is freely and fully entering station #2 without hesitation

- Install and adjust dies with shorter resized case length brass to set case mouth flare, taper crimp amount and OAL/COL of dummy rounds for max/working OAL, especially for using inline bullet feeder to prevent tipping of bullet during shellplate indexing

- QC: Use stations #5/#6 for bullet seating/crimping operations for more consistent OAL/COL variance (Due to offset ram placement under station #1 design of press)

- Install case feeder using a penny as spacer between top of case and bottom of feeder body/feeder body and frame

- Mod: For 380/9mm cases, use a penny drilled with spent .22LR case in the case collator to prevent flipped cases

- QC: Since primer chute/trough won't feed with less than 4 primers, refill primers when half full or just below top of open slot

- QC: Run finger tip over the seated primer to ensure it is seated at least flat and preferably slightly below flush by around .004"

- QC: Lightly tap hopper/factory powder container (If using bottle adapter) 10 times with finger to settle bulky/flaky powders

- Run a case through the progressive steps to ensure proper operation of the press and finished dimensions.

- QC: Measure dimensions of several rounds loaded in progressive mode for consistency with all stations loaded and readjust dies as necessary

- Refill hopper with powder or replace with another factory bottle when powder falls below viewing window

- Loosen breech lock bushing with wrench and turn Auto Drum upside down to return powder back into container

- Wipe press clean with paper towel after reloading session

 

[LiveLife]

Adding primer chute/trough zip tie mod, case collator mod, "Self-cleaning" slider channel/trough and "Enhanced with new priming pin / Primer chute/trough pin not contacting frame column groove rings" links.


Following is work-in-progress "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable operation of the press before each reloading session:

- Lube ram and all metal-to-metal contact/pivot points with STP/motor oil and wipe off excess (Can put a light coat of oil on twisted part of index rod to lubricate cross slot of index gear)

- Check primer chute/trough pin is contacting frame column groove rings to actuate primer tray shaking

- Mod: Use pen filler sleeve roller to increase pin contact pressure with groove rings

- Mod: Zip tie primer chute/trough at two tab points to make it more rigid

- QC: Check priming rod/pin is moving up and down freely and falls below the slider channel surface (Priming pin with straight shaft has been updated with "self-cleaning" pin)

- QC: Check shellplate for tightness (Shellplate loosening can affect indexing and case sliding from case feeder)

- Check primer slider channel for debri and cycle the ram to ensure slider/guide are sliding smoothly without snagging/binding in the slider channel/trough

- Mod: If spring end is snagging on primer channel/trough four hold down tabs, squeeze spring end with pliers to clear

- Cycle the ram to ensure primer guide is freely and fully entering station #2 without hesitation

- Install and adjust dies with shorter resized case length brass to set case mouth flare, taper crimp amount and OAL/COL of dummy rounds for max/working OAL, especially for using inline bullet feeder to prevent tipping of bullet during shellplate indexing

- QC: Use stations #5/#6 for bullet seating/crimping operations for more consistent OAL/COL variance (Due to offset ram placement under station #1 design of press)

- Install case feeder using a penny as spacer between top of case and bottom of feeder body/feeder body and frame

- Mod: For 380/9mm cases, use a penny drilled with spent .22LR case in the case collator to prevent flipped cases

- QC: Since primer chute/trough won't feed with less than 4 primers, refill primers when half full or just below top of open slot

- QC: Run finger tip over the seated primer to ensure it is seated at least flat and preferably slightly below flush by around .004"

- QC: Lightly tap hopper/factory powder container (If using bottle adapter) 10 times with finger to settle bulky/flaky powders and weigh dropped charges until consistent

- Run a case through the progressive steps to ensure proper operation of the press and finished dimensions.

- QC: Measure dimensions of several rounds loaded in progressive mode for consistency with all stations loaded and readjust dies as necessary

- Refill hopper with powder or replace with another factory bottle when powder falls below viewing window

- Loosen breech lock bushing with wrench and turn Auto Drum upside down to return powder back into container

- Wipe press clean with paper towel after reloading session

 

[LiveLife]

Having had a chance to work with the press for some time, here are my tips to maximize/optimize the use of SPP/Pro 6000 kit:

Built-in tool caddy - Black plastic bin bracket that presses into the base of press has holes to hold bushing/die wrench, 1/4" shellplate hex wrench and small Allen wrench to push up the primer guide -

Case slider spring - When the case slider is not in use, push the spring up through the case feed hole to keep it out of the way

Aligning index shaft during carrier cover assembly - If you have trouble aligning the index shaft while lowering the carrier with top cover, insert the hex wrench through the cover/carrier into the index shaft to make alignment easier

Setting up case mouth flare and taper crimp amount - Measure some resized case lengths and use shorter cases to set the flare and taper crimp amount so longer cases will receive slightly more flare and taper crimp. Case mouth not flared enough could tilt bullet during seating and flare not taper crimped enough could rub chamber walls to lock up the slide out-of-battery.

 

[LiveLife]

Push the primer chute/trough pin towards the press to support the pin end - This will better support base attachment point when ram is moving up (Especially for updated assembly with larger diameter pin) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-17#post-12501936

Here is updated larger diameter pin end that is not supported

Here is pin end that is supported by carrier/case retainer

 

[LiveLife]

Adjusting/locking dies with different lock rings and bushings

SPP/Pro 6000 kits are shipped with Smart Lock Bushings with O-rings that allow easy die adjustment and removal - https://leeprecision.com/ez-set-spline-drive-breech-lock-bushing-4-pack.html

But if you don't want dies to move, then you can add Ultimate Lock Rings to lock them (Has O-ring on bottom so you can still use them as easy adjust O-ring lock rings) - https://leeprecision.com/ultimate-lock-rings-4-pack.html

Or you can use "Spline Drive" breech lock bushing with no O-ring to lock dies instead of using Smart Lock Bushings with O-ring (Comes in 2/3/4 pack) - https://leeprecision.com/spline-drive-breech-lock-bushing/

 

[LiveLife]

Revised/updated the checklist to incorporate updated parts released.

Following is work-in-progress "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable operation of the press before each reloading session:

- Lube ram and all metal-to-metal contact/pivot points with STP/motor oil and wipe off excess (Can put a light coat of oil on twisted part of index rod to lubricate cross slot of index gear)

- Check primer chute/trough pin is contacting frame column groove rings to actuate primer tray shaking

- Mod: Use pen filler sleeve roller to increase pin contact pressure with groove rings (Not necessary if using updated primer chute/trough assembly with larger diameter pin)

- Mod: Zip tie primer chute/trough at two tab points to make it more rigid (Not necessary if using updated primer chute/trough assembly with larger diameter pin)

- QC: Check priming rod/pin is moving up and down freely and falls below the slider channel surface (Priming pin with straight shaft has been updated with "self-cleaning" pin)

- QC: Check shellplate for tightness (Shellplate loosening can affect indexing and case sliding from case feeder)

- Check primer slider channel for debri and cycle the ram to ensure slider/guide are sliding smoothly without snagging/binding in the slider channel/trough

- Mod: If spring end is snagging on primer channel/trough four hold down tabs, squeeze spring end with pliers to clear

- Cycle the ram to ensure primer guide is freely and fully entering station #2 without hesitation

- Install and adjust dies with shorter resized case length brass to set case mouth flare, taper crimp amount and OAL/COL of dummy rounds for max/working OAL, especially for using inline bullet feeder to prevent tipping of bullet during shellplate indexing

- QC: Use stations #5/#6 for bullet seating/crimping operations for more consistent OAL/COL variance (Due to offset ram placement under station #1 design of press)

- Install case feeder using a penny as spacer between top of case and bottom of feeder body/feeder body and frame

- Mod: For 380/9mm cases, use a penny drilled with spent .22LR case in the case collator to prevent flipped cases

- QC: Since primer chute/trough won't feed with less than 4 primers, refill primers when half full or just below top of open slot

- QC: Run finger tip over the seated primer to ensure it is seated at least flat and preferably slightly below flush by around .004"

- QC: Lightly tap hopper/factory powder container (If using bottle adapter) 10 times with finger to settle bulky/flaky powders and weigh dropped charges until consistent

- Run a case through the progressive steps to ensure proper operation of the press and finished dimensions.

- QC: Measure dimensions of several rounds loaded in progressive mode for consistency with all stations loaded and readjust dies as necessary

- Refill hopper with powder or replace with another factory bottle when powder falls below viewing window

- Loosen breech lock bushing with wrench and turn Auto Drum upside down to return powder back into container

- Wipe press clean with paper towel after reloading session

 

[LiveLife]

Tip from Lee Precision to prevent primer falling off priming rod/pin when not priming cases:

John,

We made a little revelation in the Six Pack Pro recently that I feel may be useful to your audience.

... When not priming on this press or 'dry running' there are instances where the primer gets knocked off the priming post and fails to return to the guide causing the jam ups that wreck springs and causes issues. Whether that be from movement of the press or some other external factors is unknown and unimportant.

The easy quick remedy for this is to short stroke the press at the bottom of the stroke. The user can listen for the audible click of the detent ball in the shell plate or watch for the alignment pin to just begin protruding into the shell plate. If users are looking for a more positive feeling stop at the bottom, they may place a 9mm case on the press base on the left side of the carrier. The 9mm case is the perfect height to keep the primer pin from engaging but still allow the case feeder and all other key parts to function normally. This method can also be used for individuals that are loading primed brass.

Historically, we have emphasized running the press from stop to stop. It may appear advantageous to short stroke the press at the bottom if there is no case present or the user is not wishing to prime ...

Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision​

 

[LiveLife]

Wow. All that just to make it work.

Me thinks I'll stick to Dillion.

Much of what's outlined as "best practices" were also applicable to my Dillon 650/550 or any other progressive press - Users must be familiar with progressive press operations and ensure press/parts are properly lubricated and setup/adjusted for proper and reliable operation.

Once SPP/Pro 6000 kit is set up properly, especially with updated parts, press operation becomes reliable.

Keep in mind that "best practices" checklist is aimed at initial setup and those new to progressive press operation to not overlook any crucial set up steps/QC checks until user becomes familiar with press operations. Once users become familiar with press operations, press setup and QC checks will get much easier and faster for each reloading session.

 

[RashQuestion]

Keep in mind that "best practices" checklist is aimed at initial setup and those new to progressive press operation to not overlook any crucial set up steps/QC checks until user becomes familiar with press operations. Once users become familiar with press operations, press setup and QC checks will get much easier and faster for each reloading session.

Please keep in mind that this information helps all the members here but also anyone who visits and looks to start enjoying our mutual hobby of reloading!

I was a long time visitor here before I joined and I'm sure there are many like me who do the same!!!

Thanks to all who contribute here.

God Bless and be safe out there!!!!

 

[LiveLife]

Updated listing of press operations, disassembly/reassembly step-by-steps, troubleshooting and updated/new parts list - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-18#post-12564292


Repost from "Pro 6000 unboxing ..." thread for those looking to minimize OAL variance:

Unsorted (by resized length) mixed range brass progressive reloading (shellplate full) OAL consistency with 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)

Following is work-in-progress "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable operation of the press before each reloading session:

- Lube ram and all metal-to-metal contact/pivot points with STP/motor oil and wipe off excess (Can put a light coat of oil on twisted part of index rod to lubricate cross slot of index gear)

- Check primer chute/trough pin is contacting frame column groove rings to actuate primer tray shaking

- Mod: Use pen filler sleeve roller to increase pin contact pressure with groove rings (Not necessary if using updated primer chute/trough assembly with larger diameter pin)

- Mod: Zip tie primer chute/trough at two tab points to make it more rigid (Not necessary if using updated primer chute/trough assembly with larger diameter pin)

- QC: Check priming rod/pin is moving up and down freely and falls below the slider channel surface (Priming pin with straight shaft has been updated with "self-cleaning" pin)(New updated carrier cover is "self-cleaning" with straight priming pin)

- QC: Check shellplate for tightness (Shellplate loosening can affect indexing and case sliding from case feeder)

- Check primer slider channel for debri and cycle the ram to ensure slider/guide are sliding smoothly without snagging/binding in the slider channel/trough

- Mod: If spring end is snagging on primer channel/trough four hold down tabs, squeeze spring end with pliers to clear (Not necessary if using updated spring with smaller end)

- Cycle the ram to ensure primer guide is freely and fully entering station #2 without hesitation

- Install and adjust dies with shorter resized case length brass to set case mouth flare, taper crimp amount and OAL/COL of dummy rounds for max/working OAL, especially for using inline bullet feeder to prevent tipping of bullet during shellplate indexing

- QC: Use stations #5/#6 for bullet seating/crimping operations for more consistent OAL/COL variance (Due to offset ram placement under station #1 design of press)

- Install case feeder using a penny as spacer between top of case and bottom of feeder body/feeder body and frame

- Mod: For 380/9mm cases, use a penny drilled with spent .22LR case in the case collator to prevent flipped cases

- QC: Since primer chute/trough won't feed with less than 4 primers, refill primers when half full or just below top of open slot

- QC: Run finger tip over the seated primer to ensure it is seated at least flat and preferably slightly below flush by around .004"

- QC: Lightly tap hopper/factory powder container (If using bottle adapter) 10 times with finger to settle bulky/flaky powders and weigh dropped charges until consistent

- Run a case through the progressive steps to ensure proper operation of the press and finished dimensions.

- QC: Measure dimensions of several rounds loaded in progressive mode for consistency with all stations loaded and readjust dies as necessary

- Refill hopper with powder or replace with another factory bottle when powder falls below viewing window

- Loosen breech lock bushing with wrench and turn Auto Drum upside down to return powder back into container

- Wipe press clean with paper towel after reloading session​

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

If you have to do all this work to make the 6000 run correctly. Why not just buy another brand that works correctly out of the box?....This is like buying a new car and have to overhaul it before you drive it.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you have to do all this work to make the 6000 run correctly. Why not just buy another brand that works correctly out of the box?

Two reasons come immediately to mind:
1. That "other brand" doesn't exist
1a. Maybe the Mark 7 Genesys

2. Some folks enjoy tinkering. It's the same reason that many shooters like to have their guns optimized by tuning them

 

[RandyP]

After some 15 years running my trusty Lee Classic turret I decided to blindly jump in with both feet and get the Lee Six Pack Pro. Does my shooting volume warrant a progressive? Nope, I just wanted a new toy and a new challenge. This forum's advice and this post's "Best Practices" have been invaluable to this 74 yr old dog trying his best to learn new tricks. I'm still working out the kinks and slowly learning to watch, hear and feel the 6 things happening at the same time - it IS a true learning curve - and without all this great free help, Lee Customer Service would be blocking my phone number. lol

So I just wanted to say a MILLION thanks. You all are the best.

 

[RashQuestion]

So I just wanted to say a MILLION thanks. You all are the best.

+1, 2 and 3 on the quote above!!! I've been watching, reading and learning!!! So helpful for this Old Dog!!! Many Thanks to ALL!!!

God Bless and Stay Safe Out There!!!

 

[LiveLife]

To all THR members,

This is the "High Road" public open forum with perhaps an anticipated expectation that members choose to be "High Road" rather than "Low Road".

As the OP of this "Best Practices" thread, I spent A LOT of time testing this new press to the point of failure to provide Lee Precision an opportunity to address the issues identified, which ultimately will help THR members and guests. And Lee Precision did respond by actively addressing the issues identified by updating the press parts in question to resolution chronicled in full transparency in the "Unboxing ..." thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-18#post-12564292

What is "best practices"?

"Best practices" is a list of practices that prevent/minimize issues/troubles based on "actual experience" with a particular equipment, for this thread a new progressive press made by Lee Precision.

What is "best practices" thread?

"Best practices" thread is for users of specific press (Not haters of that press to post negative opinions) to post their experiences that "best" or optimize press operations for reliability. No, it's not about comparing to other presses and not "Solution to red/green/orange/black colored press problem is a blue colored press" because that would be "Low Road".

When I opened this thread, I clearly posted,

NOTE: This thread is focused on "Best Practices" for more reliable press operation.

Why?

Because this thread is "focused" on "Best practices" of a particular press which happens to be Lee Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit.

Hornady, Dillon, RCBS, Lyman and Frankford Arsenal ... they work right out of the box.

But this "Best practices" thread is not about these other presses. It's about SPP/Pro 6000 kit made by Lee Precision.

And as requested by me, as the OP, if you have SPP/Pro 6000 technical problem/solution experience, to post in the "Unboxing ..." thread,

Please direct problem/solution posts to Pro 6000 unboxing thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-18#post-12564292

And I also requested in the OP to post any other comments to the "Lee Pro 6000" thread,

Please direct all other posts/comments to Pro 6000 thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-6000-press.905987/page-27#post-12570482

Member @Happy Kaboomer, your contribution to this thread has not been "best practices" related along with @Megawatt maker:

If you have to do all this work to make the 6000 run correctly. Why not just buy another brand that works correctly out of the box?

Me thinks I'll stick to Dillion.

Me too ... Hornady, Dillon, RCBS, Lyman and Frankford Arsenal

Of course, you can always start a new "Best practices" thread about a particular press.

I learned to reload on Dillon 550 and happy owner of 650 as well. Both great presses. But particularly fond of C-H "H" type 3/4 station presses.

OK, back to "Best practices" regarding SPP/Pro 6000 kit.

 

[Megawatt maker]

To all THR members,

This is the "High Road" public open forum with perhaps an anticipated expectation that members choose to be "High Road" rather than "Low Road".

As the OP of this "Best Practices" thread, I spent A LOT of time testing this new press to the point of failure to provide Lee Precision an opportunity to address the issues identified, which ultimately will help THR members and guests. And Lee Precision did respond by actively addressing the issues identified by updating the press parts in question to resolution chronicled in full transparency in the "Unboxing ..." thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-18#post-12564292

What is "best practices"?

"Best practices" is a list of practices that prevent/minimize issues/troubles based on "actual experience" with a particular equipment, for this thread a new progressive press made by Lee Precision.

What is "best practices" thread?

"Best practices" thread is for users of specific press (Not haters of that press to post negative opinions) to post their experiences that "best" or optimize press operations for reliability. No, it's not about comparing to other presses and not "Solution to red/green/orange/black colored press problem is a blue colored press" because that would be "Low Road".

When I opened this thread, I clearly posted,

​

Why?

Because this pinned thread (Pinning of thread is done by moderators so members/guests can quickly locate the thread for reference) is "focused" on "Best practices" of a particular press which happens to be Lee Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit.

But this "Best practices" thread is not about these other presses. It's about SPP/Pro 6000 kit made by Lee Precision.

And as requested by me, as the OP, if you have SPP/Pro 6000 technical problem/solution experience, to post in the "Unboxing ..." thread,

​

And I also requested in the OP to post any other comments to the "Lee Pro 6000" thread,

​

Member @Happy Kaboomer, your contribution to this thread has not been "best practices" related along with @Megawatt maker:


Of course, you can always start a new "Best practices" thread about a particular press.

I learned to reload on Dillon 550 and happy owner of 650 as well. Both great presses. But particularly fond of C-H "H" type 3/4 station presses.

OK, back to "Best practices" regarding SPP/Pro 6000 kit.

Fair enough. I apologize for side tracking your thread OP.

I'll note one thing...I'm glad you are working with Lee to improve their product.

As much as I admired Richard Lee, and how he gave so much to the Gun Industry and enthusiasts, he had a steadfast stubborn streak in him when he refused for decades to admit that some of his gear had serious defects, and could have been massively improved had he just listened to his customers.

So...Thank for for the effort OP. I hope you and Lee get it worked out

 

[Walkalong]

Thanks @Megawatt maker , let’s keep this on topic, I’m sure it’s very helpful to readers.

I’ve deleted some off topic for the thread posts which are not only not helpful but distract from the positive in the thread.

Future thread crapping will carry points with the deletions.

 

[LiveLife]

Updated listing of press operations, disassembly/reassembly step-by-steps, troubleshooting and updated/new parts list - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-19#post-12798968


Repost from "Pro 6000 unboxing ..." thread for those looking to minimize OAL variance:

Unsorted (by resized length) mixed range brass progressive reloading (shellplate full) OAL consistency with 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)

Following is work-in-progress "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable operation of the press before each reloading session:

- Lube ram and all metal-to-metal contact/pivot points with STP/motor oil and wipe off excess (Can put a light coat of oil on twisted part of index rod to lubricate cross slot of index gear)

- Check primer chute/trough pin is contacting frame column groove rings to actuate primer tray shaking

- QC: Check priming rod/pin is moving up and down freely and falls below the slider channel surface (New updated carrier cover is "self-cleaning")

- QC: Check shellplate for tightness (Shellplate loosening can affect indexing and case sliding from case feeder)

- Check primer slider channel for debri and cycle the ram to ensure slider/guide are sliding smoothly without snagging/binding in the slider channel/trough

- Cycle the ram to ensure primer guide is freely and fully entering station #2 without hesitation

- Install and adjust dies with shorter resized case length brass to set case mouth flare, taper crimp amount and OAL/COL of dummy rounds for max/working OAL

- QC: Use stations #5/#6 for bullet seating/crimping operations for more consistent OAL/COL variance

- Install case feeder using a penny as spacer between top of case and bottom of feeder body/feeder body and frame

- Mod: For 380/9mm cases, use a penny drilled with spent .22LR case in the 4 tube red color case collator to prevent flipped cases (Not necessary with new 5 tube case feeder with black color disk cover collator)

- If experiencing cases bouncing/jumping out of case slider, consider "gated" 5 tube case feeder

- If experiencing powder spilling out of case, consider using slower "soft twist" index rod/bar

- QC: Since primer chute/trough won't feed with less than 4 primers, refill primers when half full or just below top of open slot

- QC: Run finger tip over the seated primer to ensure it is seated at least flat and preferably slightly below flush by around .004"

- QC: Lightly tap hopper/factory powder container (If using bottle adapter) 10 times with finger to settle bulky/flaky powders and weigh dropped charges until consistent

- Run a case through the progressive steps to ensure proper operation of the press and finished dimensions.

- QC: Measure dimensions of several rounds loaded in progressive mode for consistency with all stations loaded and readjust dies as necessary

- Refill hopper with powder or replace with another factory bottle when powder falls below viewing window

- Loosen breech lock bushing with wrench and turn Auto Drum upside down to return powder back into container

- Wipe press clean with paper towel after reloading session

 

[LiveLife]

Added updated roller handle, Deluxe Auto Drum upgrade kit and inclusion of "soft twist" index rod/bar in new SPP.


Repost from "Pro 6000 unboxing ..." thread for those looking to minimize OAL variance:

Unsorted (by resized length) mixed range brass progressive reloading (shellplate full) OAL consistency with 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)

Following is work-in-progress "Summary of steps/mods/QC measures" checklist to ensure smooth reliable operation of the press before each reloading session:

- Lube ram and all metal-to-metal contact/pivot points with STP/motor oil and wipe off excess (Can put a light coat of oil on twisted part of index rod to lubricate cross slot of index gear). Update with ergo roller handle for more comfortable press operation

- Check primer chute/trough pin is contacting frame column groove rings to actuate primer tray shaking

- QC: Check priming rod/pin is moving up and down freely and falls below the slider channel surface (New updated carrier cover is "self-cleaning")

- QC: Check shellplate for tightness (Shellplate loosening can affect indexing and case sliding from case feeder)

- Check primer slider channel for debri and cycle the ram to ensure slider/guide are sliding smoothly without snagging/binding in the slider channel/trough

- Cycle the ram to ensure primer guide is freely and fully entering station #2 without hesitation

- Install and adjust dies with shorter resized case length brass to set case mouth flare, taper crimp amount and OAL/COL of dummy rounds for max/working OAL

- QC: Use stations #5/#6 for bullet seating/crimping operations for more consistent OAL/COL variance

- Install case feeder using a penny as spacer between top of case and bottom of feeder body/feeder body and frame

- Mod: For 380/9mm cases, use a penny drilled with spent .22LR case in the 4 tube red color case collator to prevent flipped cases (Not necessary with new 5 tube case feeder with black color disk cover collator)

- If experiencing cases bouncing/jumping out of case slider, consider "gated" 5 tube case feeder

- If experiencing powder spilling out of case, consider using slower "soft twist" index rod/bar (Now ships with new SPP)

- QC: Since primer chute/trough won't feed with less than 4 primers, refill primers when half full or just below top of open slot

- QC: Run finger tip over the seated primer to ensure it is seated at least flat and preferably slightly below flush by around .004"

- QC: Lightly tap hopper/factory powder container (If using bottle adapter) 10 times with finger to settle bulky/flaky powders and weigh dropped charges until consistent (Update to Deluxe Auto Drum for $18)

- Run a case through the progressive steps to ensure proper operation of the press and finished dimensions

- QC: Measure dimensions of several rounds loaded in progressive mode for consistency with all stations loaded and readjust dies as necessary

- Refill hopper with powder or replace with another factory bottle when powder falls below viewing window

- Loosen breech lock bushing with wrench and turn Auto Drum upside down to return powder back into container

- Wipe press clean with paper towel after reloading session