Lee 1000 pro convert question

[isisagate]

I'm brand new to reloading, I got an amazing deal on a complete reloading setup with a lee 1000 pro chambered for 9mm. I'm a .45 ACP shooter so I want to convert the press from 9mm to .45acp, and later to 223. I am absolutely confused as to what all I need to accomplish this. Do I just need the 4 Die pack or are there additional parts I will need to order? I wish there was just one pack I could buy that had everything I needed to convert the thing to .45 acp.

Any help you can provide me getting a list of what I need to buy would be appreciated.

 

[Elkins45]

You will need the primer conversion kit and also a different shellplate of the correct size.

 

[Scimmia]

You need the correct shell plate (#2), the large primer feeder and seater pin, and the 3 dies. If you want to use the case feeder, you'll need a whole kit with the large slider, bent z-bar, and large feeder.

 

[jdownj]

Be aware that there is 45 brass with either size primer. I would suggest setting up for large primer and discarding/selling the small-primer brass.

 

[LiveLife]

To do a caliber conversion from 9mm to 45ACP, you'll need to purchase the following:

- 45ACP dies. You can get the 4 die set with the addition of the 4th Factory Crimp Die but Pro 1000 is a 3 station progressive press.
- 3 hole turret to hold the dies.
- #2 shell plate
- Large primer feed attachment (the kit comes with both large/small feed ramps, L/S rods, springs and primer tray so you'll have a spare small attachment)
- Large case feeder
- Large case slider
- Bent Z bar (small slider for 9mm takes the regular straight Z bar)

Also check out fsreloading as they often have lower prices - https://fsreloading.com/category/reloading-equipment/presses/progressive-presses/


If you do not already have it, collator for case feeder is highly recommended. Tip: you'll get some flipped 9mm cases in the feed tubes when using case collator. Drill a hole in a penny to fit a spent 22LR case. 22LR case and penny will fit into the hole in the center of the collator and will allow the 9mm cases to all drop base down (BTW, you don't need to cut down the 22LR case, uncut case will work fine) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6322330#post6322330


Pro 1000 has gravity based primer feed system and may not always feed primers properly (especially lighter small primers) if the feed ramp slide surface has been gouged/damaged. Here's how to address that issue - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7877744#post7877744


Pro 1000 spent primers won't always fall into the collection hole in the base. This mod captures 99.9% of spent primers - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7884861#post7884861


Lee Precision factory videos for Pro 1000 - http://www.youtube.com/user/LeePrecisionInc/videos?query=Pro+1000


Pro 1000 tips & tricks video part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc6mX9nNFx4&feature=related
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_z5RzzV-gQ&feature=relmfu

 

[kingmt]

Will I can't add anything to what bds said. He covered it all.

 

[joecil]

Or you can do with what I've done with each caliber I load. It saves a lot of time and effort in changing calibers. Buy yourself the Lee Pro Carrier #2 Complete which comes with the large pistol primer system already installed for $38.98 at https://fsreloading.com/lee-pro-carrier-2-complete-90645.html I also picked up an indexing rod for each also. Now just need a new turret for $6.98 and the set of dies of your choice either 4 die deluxe or 3 die pistol.

Other wise I suggest you check out http://www.sanfranciscoliberalwithagun.com/default.html some really good step by step videos on the Lee Pro 1000. I learned how to set mine up which I actually bought 2 off for a great price along with many other things. I've since sold one and picked up a Lee Classic to do black powder 45 colt with. However I do my 9mm, 45 acp and 45 colt smokeless powder on the Lee Pro 1000.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 on having another shell plate carrier, if you can spare the extra $$. When I only had one Pro 1K press, I used one setup for 9mm/40S&W as they share the same shell plate and small primer feed attachment and another for 45ACP with #2 shell plate/large primer feed attachment. It made caliber change much faster and easier.

 

[kingmt]

For me it is just as easy to change the shell plate & swap out the primer system.

 

[joecil]

Yes simply changing the shell plate and primer system is cheaper but not easier. The shell plate and primer will run about 26.58. So if a few more dollars to do it easier means much then that also works well.

 

[lamrith]

Not to hijack, but what would be required to go the other direction? 45->9

Is it possible to use the large case feeder and slider for the smaller 9mm?

It sounds like I would need:
Lee Carrier #19 complete
Turret
9mm Dies

Is that really it?

The Lee 1000 I am getting also has bullet feeder,am guessing that needs to change for caliber as well?

 

[larryflew]

New fingers for the bullet feeder. Will likely come with small tube inserted into big tube so you need the large finger kit. Somewhere in the $12 area.

 

[LiveLife]

what would be required to go the other direction? 45->9

Welcome to THR.


If you go the way of complete carrier #19, you'll still need to buy small case feeder, small slider and straight Z bar along with 3-hole turret and dies. No, you cannot use the large case feeder with 9mm cases as they will tilt in the larger drop hole and bind when the slider pushes on the case.


To do a caliber conversion from 45ACP to 9mm without a spare shell plate carrier, you'll need to purchase the following:

- 9mm dies.
- 3 hole turret to hold the dies.
- #19 shell plate
- Small primer feed attachment (the kit comes with both large/small feed ramps, L/S rods, springs and primer tray so you'll have a spare large attachment)
- Small case feeder
- Small case slider
- Straight Z bar

 

[lamrith]

Thanks BDS!!

Pricing it out, it looks like a $10 difference between buying the plate&primer versus the complete Carrier.

BUT, It looks like doing the conversion could run upwards of $100 after shipping. ($91 from FS without slider & zbar+shipping)

On top of $200 for a used 1000 that is setup for 45 with tumbler & digital scale. Versus buying a 1000 new is already setup for 9mm, then a tumbler & scale.:banghead:

 

[isisagate]

Thanks all for the great responses that really helped

 

[TRP]

Check Midway's new flyer, Pro 1000 for $159

 

[Miata Mike]

Check Midway's new flyer, Pro 1000 for $159

$156.99, but all kits seem to be on back order. Like the idea of the new roller handle.