I finally figured this Lee Pro 1000 out

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MCgunner

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I got this thing off ebay used and bought a .45ACP carrier plate from ebay and a spare turret from Midway. So, now it's all set up for either .38/.357 or .45ACP. I think about every possible problem I could have had has happened getting things going, but I think I've finally got it goin' and know what it's doin'. Timing adjustment is simple on the thing, just a hidden screw.

I'm pretty happy now 'cause I just knocked out 50 rounds of .45 in under 10 minutes. :D The light was right and I could see the powder level in the case, so I didn't remove the case before seating the bullet for inspection each time. Doin' that really slows me down, but with my .38 specials I have to do that because I can't see the powder in the case and I'm paranoid. So, loading light .38s is a lot slower, but it's a lot faster than the old way on a single stage press, at least. I took my time on the .45s, didn't get in a big hurry, looked everything over each throw. I could speed up a lot, but I don't want any duds or unprimed cartridges or anything. I figure about a 300-400 round an hour rate is fast enough.

The primer feed isn't a problem with .45 so long as the feed tube is full, but I check that each time with small pistol primers, too. It will occasionally not feed down with the small primers just as my auto prime 2 does due to the lighter weight of the primers. So, I force 'em down with a small screw driver each throw.

Anyway, I'm in a zen with it now and like it, even with .38. I have a Dillon SD set up for 9mm, so I don't have to mess with 9 on the Lee, good thing because the Dillon's small primer feed is a lot more positive system and it's faster to use with small calibers.

I got set up in the Lee with two shell plate carriers (the whole head, not just different shell plates) and two turrets for the two calibers for well under a hundred bucks. I'm pretty happy with it all. Thanks, ebay!:D
 
Glad you got it working and your off and running. I am having similar primer issues with mine, but I will get it worked out eventually. I am probably going to buy another progressive press for my .38/.357 loads, but it will either be a Dillon Square Deal or an RCBS.
 
I'd not get the square deal if I had it to do over. I'd get the 550 or something that takes standard dies. The square deal is a PITA if you wanna change calibers, why I got into the Pro 1000 in the first place. JMHO The square deal works find and Dillon is the best for customer service, I just don't like the set up for changing calibers.
 
I'm thinking about getting a 3-hole Lee turret press, especially for my revolvers. I've got a Lee anniv. kit and it has suited me well, so far. I think that I'll use the single stage press for decapping mostly unless I get a wild hair and start making a lot of rifles rounds.:D
tommy
 
That's the way I do it. I have my 3 hole Turret about 3 feet from my single stage which is next to my case trimmer. I use the single stage to resize/decap and prime cases. Everything else is done on the turret. Works well for me...:)

If I ever go to a progressive it would probably be LNL or one of Hornady's turrets (if they have one).

MCgunner...Glad you got'er up and running.
 
MCgunner,

You may want to think about using a bulkier powder for the .38 so that you can easily run a visual check on powder level.

EDITED TO ADD: I believe some folks are having success using "Trail Boss", a very bulky powder used in Cowboy Action shooting. A search should turn up some posts on this.
 
Yeah, true, but bullseye is SO economical. :D You got a point, though. It would make things a lot faster. I was kinda thinkin' last night that I might be able to place an inspection mirror above the bullet seating station so I can see down in the case. Just a hand held one would be quicker than pulling the case.
 
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