Just ordered a 9mm Lee Pro 1000... what am I in for?

[1KPerDay]

I'm a huge fan of the LCT and have loaded about 42,000 rounds on it the past 4 years or so, mostly 9mm but a lot of .40, .45 ACP, .357, .38, .380, and some .30 carbine, .308, and .30-06. I mostly shoot 9mm in local matches and when I'm teaching new shooters they mostly prefer 9mm so I'm hoping this press speeds up the process a bit. I figured for the price it was hard to go wrong, as long as it works okay. I'm a fan of Lee stuff and have found so far that it is remarkably good stuff for the money.

Please LMK any gotchas or tips with this press. Thanks!

 

[1KPerDay]

By the way jet has a deal right now for about $140 shipped for this press with code SPORT25

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Good look
I hope you post about your experiences with it when you get it up and running and can give a good review.

 

[noylj]

As_long_as_you_are_content_with_only_three_die_stations,_have_fun.
Best_is_to_go_to_the_"LoadMasterZone"_for_information_about_gettting_your_Lee_up_and_running.

 

[AZAndy]

I have two of them-- one for large primer, one for small, because I'm too lazy to convert back and forth. I started with a turret, too, and I think you'll be impressed with the speed advantage. You might want to send a single case around a few times just to get the feel for it. It's good to know when the primer seating doesn't feel right, and then you can run the shell-holder up to its unlocked position and pull out the case to check it.

Most of the trouble that occurs will be because of the primer feed. Putting a couple of nylon cable ties on the rod that the vibrator arm rides on will help with that, as would polishing the inside of the primer chute. When there's a primer-seating failure, powder will get down into where the primer arm is-- I keep a can of compressed gas handy for that, because having powder on top of the ram will bollix things up. (Don't worry, it doesn't happen that often). There are setup tips and tricks videos in abundance on YouTube.

If you didn't get the collator for the case feed tubes, that should be your first purchase. You can grab a handful of brass, dump in in the collator, and shake the tubes to fill them. Sure beats dropping them in one at a time.

Congratulations to you-- I think you're going to be happy with it. I'm really pleased with mine. A box of fifty used to take twenty minutes on the turret, and it's less than half that on the progressive-- I think I'm running about six or seven minutes a box, and I'm not in any hurry. Too bad you have to re-fill the primer tray every hundred rounds, or it would be even faster.

 

[FROGO207]

Tinker with it a bit at first to tune it up and then make a pile of ammo. I think Lee does not adjust it completely at first so the end user is forced to learn how it works and then can keep it in adjustment for the life of the press. Yes there are a pile of youtube videos on mods/hints to keep it running you might want to check out before you try to set it up though.

 

[1KPerDay]

I've been running 3 stations on my LCT for 9mm so I think I got that down. Wondered about any common issues like the aforementioned primer chute or any other known areas of concern. Thanks for the ideas so far.

 

[Tilos]

Love mine in 45acp.
At 1st use for me, a priming problem was tracked/caused by an index out of adjustment, from the factory.
Watched the vid at Lee on index adjustment, made the adjustment, and it's been running without problems since.
http://leeprecision.com/pro-1000-help-videos.html
There's lots of tweak vids online and a bds/pro1000 thread here to:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/lee-pro-1000-solutions-no-bashing.507454/
I use this to add pressure to the primer stack to feed the last few primers:

 

[AR-Bossman]

Does spending ~$200-$250 more for a much superior machine like the LnL AP look that far off the budget? Not like I'm getting a $20k family car but would sure love a $100k Corvette.
Many of us have multiple hobbies. And one thing I've learned is that "entry" level products can create as much of a headache as the learning process itself. In fact it can make you quit a hobby.
If you load as much as you say you do, esp long runs of one caliber.. don't scrimp on the equipment. You are making life harder than it needs to be.

 

[jmorris]

I figured for the price it was hard to go wrong, as long as it works okay.

If you enjoy learning things and doing a little research, I bet you can get it to work for you.

Lee gives the least amount of instructions out of everyone that makes progressives, that along with its designed price point gives it a steeper learning curve than others.

For Lee progressives, how well they work seems to be up to the user more so than the machine.

Not that it matters now but Titan has the Lee Loadmaster for $165.
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-...es/lee-load-master/lee-load-master-press-only

 

[joz]

This guy's videos have been a big help to my Pro1000 mastering.

 

[Varminterror]

I have two of them-- one for large primer, one for small, because I'm too lazy to convert back and forth.

Same here.

If you didn't get the collator for the case feed tubes, that should be your first purchase.

Totally agree on this too.

I still use two LCT's for most of my loading - same deal, one for large, one for small - but I do my "high volume loading" on Pro1000's. I've had Blue & Green Progressives, and I've had another Hornady ammo plant in my cart about a dozen times in the last 5yrs, but for the price of the Lee Pro1000's, it's hard to complain about them. I run 223rem, 9mm, 45acp, 6.8, 204R, and 44mag on mine - but I leave them commonly set up for 223rem and 44mag respectively.

The Pro1000's were just too cheap to ignore - I load a lot of 223 and 44mag, so it's nice to have (relatively) dedicated presses to be able to crank those out at high rate whenever I want.

 

[thomas15]

Does spending ~$200-$250 more for a much superior machine like the LnL AP look that far off the budget? Not like I'm getting a $20k family car but would sure love a $100k Corvette.

I don't disagree with what your saying at all. But...my wife quit her job when she was 5 months pregnant with my son and didn't return to the workforce until my daughter was in first or second grade. For over 10 years we lived on my paycheck alone and with a few weekend extra jobs we managed to keep up with the mortgage and other bills. All during that time I did little shooting and when I purchased something it was entry level. I couldn't afford to join a gun club so I used a local state shotgun training range which forced me into getting a hunting license. I purchased a shotgun to give me something to shoot, a Remington 870 Express which cost at that time I think $199.00 and I later purchased a Lee Load-All for less than $50.00 (to load shot shells) and all that was a major expense for me at the time.

So now my youngest is 23 and just finished with college so for the last 6 years I have been blessed to have the means to make up for lost time and thus have some decent mid range to very good gear, both on my bench and in my range bag. But the one lesson I have learned from this is that while I was able to shoot during those years using inexpensive gear, and can look at the time with nostalgia and the 870 Express is a good field gun that I wish to take to the grave, I will never use the Lee Load-All again, I hate it so much I wouldn't give it away for free. I did make for me some ammo. I remember drooling over MEC 600 Jr's and thinking the price was astronomical but if I have toughed it out back then and got the MEC I would still love my press today.

I have the LNL and if I have 1 small hiccup during a 1000 round run that would be a lot. I think if a Lee is all you can afford period then live with the issues but I'm so glad those days are behind me. Of course in those days past I had better eye sight, faster reflexes and no back pain but such is life. While Lee gear works there is absolutely no comparison to Hornady or Dillon as far as construction and function are concerned but sometimes priority makes the decisions for us. I personally think that handloaders on this or other like forums are doing our fellow gun friends (who are thinking about entry into the hobby of handloading) a disservice by praising to the high heavens this particular manufacturer as the performance doesn't live up to the hype but if I was able to see the reality then others I'm sure can also.

 

[AR-Bossman]

I personally think that handloaders on this or other like forums are doing our fellow gun friends (who are thinking about entry into the hobby of handloading) a disservice by praising to the high heavens this particular manufacturer as the performance doesn't live up to the hype but if I was able to see the reality then others I'm sure can also.

Great reply. Are you referring to Lee or Hornady ? I'm assuming Lee, but I wanna make sure. Hornady certainly can have issues.

 

[Bang!]

I bought one of those about two months ago. $129 delivered. Geez, why not at that price? Just wanted to check it out. When it came in I only cleaned the dies, and used one of my older powder drops (didn't want to break in the new one). Did it this way to evaluate the press as sent from factory. Loaded up consumables and started cranking. No problems. None. Wanting to witness first hand those "Pro 1000 junk Lee press" problems is why I bought it. Turned out to be anti-climatic. Loaded up 4K .38spl waiting for problems to arise. Again, none. Time now (when I get time, lol) to take it a part and misalign/dirty up things to see what problems I can induce. Should be entertaining.

I probably got a good one. Have no doubt everyone won't have the same experience. But like already mentioned, whether or not a press runs is more about you than the press. Well? Maybe in most cases. Sometimes you the get "that one" made on the proverbial 'Friday' evening just before shift end on a holiday weekend. It happens. Like the new Hornady LnL I gladly sold after replacing just about everything in it to get it to run.

Now granted I avoided dirty die and new powder measure problems, my press was trouble free. I like using it. There's something fun about it. It's not in the same tool class as my XL650 and not in the same price range either. The design of the Pro 1000 is sound. Three station setup is not a problem for making most pistol ammo. Others than one's lak of abilities, I see no reason not to be happy with this press.

 

[1KPerDay]

If you enjoy learning things and doing a little research, I bet you can get it to work for you.

Lee gives the least amount of instructions out of everyone that makes progressives, that along with its designed price point gives it a steeper learning curve than others.

For Lee progressives, how well they work seems to be up to the user more so than the machine.

Not that it matters now but Titan has the Lee Loadmaster for $165.
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-...es/lee-load-master/lee-load-master-press-only

Thanks that seems like a good deal. Now price it again including the price of a powder measure and a coleader and a primer feeder and all the other things that are optional equipment and additional cost. Still probably a good deal. But the pro 1000 I'm getting comes with a set of dies and a powder measure. Which means the press itself was less than 100 bucks. Which is a good deal in my opinion

 

[1KPerDay]

Does spending ~$200-$250 more for a much superior machine like the LnL AP look that far off the budget? Not like I'm getting a $20k family car but would sure love a $100k Corvette.
Many of us have multiple hobbies. And one thing I've learned is that "entry" level products can create as much of a headache as the learning process itself. In fact it can make you quit a hobby.
If you load as much as you say you do, esp long runs of one caliber.. don't scrimp on the equipment. You are making life harder than it needs to be.

It's only harder if it doesn't work. If it works then I got a good progressive press very cheap. How much is a lock and load cost after you add all of the stuff you're going to need to make it run?

 

[Bang!]

It's only harder if it doesn't work. If it works then I got a good progressive press very cheap. How much is a lock and load cost after you add all of the stuff you're going to need to make it run?

And if you're going to step up past most of the headaches you'll have to step up to Dillon. My 650 is great but so are my Lee presses. To change calibers on my 650 cost more than the press you just bought. If you have the funds then by all means get the higher quality tools. If not, the Lee presses will still serve you well.

 

[RussellC]

I've used lots of Lee stuff and find it very serviceable. Some if not most of it is a little "fiddley" so if you are not so inclined it may not be the choice for you. The most fiddely thing is their little scale. Until you get a feel for when it is operating correctly, you will get various weight for the same item. It was the first thing I replaced, with a dillon scale, so much better and easier to use. For the money, the turret press I currently use is worth every cent.

I would suggest reading the bds post on that unit, if he thinks it is worth using it likely is, and his advice will be spot on regarding its use.

Russelc

 

[WessonOil]

Been using one since 1983 and added another one several years ago.
I've handloaded .38/357, 9mm, 30 carbine, 44 mag, and 45 ACP.
Tens and tens of thousands of rounds.
I now keep one set up for 9mm and another for 45 ACP.

Tons of YouTube videos.

Keep primer trays full...once they only partially fill the chute you'll have issues.
I fill five primer trays in advance so I don't have to keep filling.

Always keep any eye on powder hopper to make sure it doesn't run out.

Typically, every couple of thousand of rounds I remove the shell holder plate and clean off excessive powder.

I'd buy a third one.

Once again, this coming from someone who has used these extensively since 1983.

 

[zb338]

I did the same thing you did AZ Andy. Except, I did it with two Dillons. I never
regretted it either.

Zeke

 

[BSA1]

It is hard to find factual discussion about the LEE PRO 1000. Dillon fans usually jump in trashing the LEE while bragging about how great Dillon is. I find it assuming they many of them think that the replacement parts did not cost them anything.

I have a LEE PRO 1000 for many years in 45 ACP and Colt and have many thousands of rounds in it. My Lee functions best with a regular, steady pulls on the handle. Mine also feeds best with Winchester primers even though Lee recommends CCI.

Since The Lady has brought herself a new S&W M&P our 9mm appetite is huge. I am also considering adding another LEE PRO 1000 rather than converting my existing one.

 

[maxxhavoc]

I have 3 of them...1 for large primers, 1 for small, and recently, one setup for the .38spl load my wife likes. She only shoots .38, so it is set up just to crank out rounds for her.

I have loaded over 50,000 rounds on Pro 1000s since '94. Once you get to know them, any issues are trivial to fix. Some pointers to start out:
-Start out without the case feeder and bullet feeder. Coming from a turret, it will be more natural, and it is easier to get access to cases without them on.
-Try to use the chain on the powder measure. There are many folks who advocate removing it in favor of a spring. If you only use the chain, the chance of a double charge is nil unless you manually index the shellplate. If you cant get it to work, just be careful.
-Go all the way up, all the way down on every stroke. If something feels funny, stop and look at the primer ram under the carrier.. A normal seated primer will show about 1/8" of ram. A stuck primer will show more. A missing primer will bottom out the carrier.
-If anything goes wrong, CLEAR THE PRESS. Raise the carrier 1-2" and the shellplate will turn freely. Turn the shellplate and remove all cases and inspect them. Put them back on the press in the third station (with the ram raised as above) and index the press backwards to finish the OK rounds. So if it has powder, put a bullet on it, index to the seating station and finish it. If you have one primed, index back to station 2, LOWER THE RAM then run that one through normally. If you do not clear the press, you run the risk of indexing backwards and making a double charge.
-If the shellplate jumps forward a little when you are seating a primer. Clear the press and turn the index screw forward a bit.
If the press came with the disk powder measure, consider getting the auto-drum later. It's not critical, but it makes dialing in exact charges easier.


I do not go for speed. I don't use the bullet feeders or case feeders still. I like to handle each case, helps me find splits before they get into the press. I also visually inspect each load before seating a bullet. I have a magnetic sewing machine light shining down into the cases. The bullet feeder gets in the way. I can only load about 250-300 loads an hour this way, but visual inspection eliminates squibs.

I think you made a good choice. With this forum to help, it can be made to run nearly flawlessly. I loaded 1000 rounds of 38 today, and the only issues were from damaged cases.

 

[1KPerDay]

Many thanks! Lots of good info. Excited to get started

 

[LiveLife]

As_long_as_you_are_content_with_only_three_die_stations

You can resize in separate step then seat and crimp in separate stations. Like Walkalong, for my match loads, I resized brass in separate step which allowed me to inspect primer pockets to clean as necessary and hand prime for more consistent primer seating depth of .004" below flush.

Please LMK any gotchas or tips with this press. Thanks!

ljnowell who shoots bullseye matches placed first in his league with rounds loaded on Pro 1000 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/first-place-in-bullseye-league.780168/

When ljnowell got his Pro 1000, I did step-by-step PMs to do proper set up which are outlined in this thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/preventing-pro-1000-set-up-problems.761231/

Pro 1000 reloading session checklist with QC for reliable operation - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lutions-no-bashing.507454/page-6#post-9614898

Best suggestions I can make for trouble-free Pro 1000 set up and operation are:

- Lube all metal-to-metal contact points

- Put a drop of oil on your finger tip and lube the center hex rod (action rod) and cycle the ram until shellplate indexes smoothly (and put additional lube during reloading session to maintain smooth indexing)

- Check index timing so shellplate clicks into station before shellplate carrier reaches the press base

- Use CCI/Winchester/Magtech SP primers for most reliable primer feed operation. Fiocchi/PMC/Tula/Wolf SP primers have slightly larger diameter primer cups and will cause more primer feed problems.

- Make a cover for top of primer attachment so powder granules do not fall in (#1 culprit of primer feed issue) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lutions-no-bashing.507454/page-3#post-7878007

Debri in the primer attachment chute will not allow primer to slide on top of seating rod and debri under the seating rod will prevent the rod from dropping completely flat with primer and tilted primer will drag/lock up on bottom of shellplate - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lutions-no-bashing.507454/page-3#post-7877744

Preventing debri from falling into the primer attachment with a cover and allowing the seating rod to drop even with primer will allow primers to slide into station for reliable primer feed operation. So definitely use a cover.