Lee Pro 1000 9mm... what else?

[strat81]

This thread is a continuation of this thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=241471

After looking into the suggestions presented in the above thread, I'm going to go with a progressive press. The amount of time I'll save with one is most important. Maybe once I finish school and have more time I'll tinker with a single-stage.

Anyway, I'm considering the Lee Pro 1000 in 9mm: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=428284 If I purchase it, what else do I need to get? It looks like it has a powder measure, but should I get a scale too? What about a case trimmer? Bullet puller? Hand primer? Should I buy a carbide 3-die set, or does it come with carbide dies? As for manuals, should I get a standard manual like Speer or Hornaday that lists all types of calibers, or should I get a manual for a single caliber (9mm)? I don't plan on testing all kinds of loads, I'll be loading basic plinking ammo so I'm leaning more towards a normal manual (all calibers).

I'll only be loading 9mm, but I might load other calibers in the future. Will I need this to change dies: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=117856

Can the Pro 1000 handle rifle cartridges? The only one I saw listed was .223.

Is the case collator worth it? http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=244455

I am aware of the problem the 1000 has with primer feeding. I'll be using this for plinking ammo only. And not to sound rude, but please don't say "Buy a single stage since you're a n00b." Thank you everyone SO MUCH, this forum has been great.

And just think, once I get the press, you'll get to hear all of my stupid questions about primers, powders, and bullets!
Warmest regards,
resident n00b

 

[Poper]

strat81:
I strongly urge you to read the sticky at the top of this forum. Dave has probably answered most of your newB questions there. I believe you will find the Sticky most helpful.

And welcome to the Wonderful World of Handloading !

Poper

 

[strat81]

Poper, I have read it and while it is very informative, it is not terribly specific. It does answer some of my questions about what to get (scale, puller, calipers) but doesn't address some of my more specific questions re: Pro 1000. Thanks for the reply.

 

[benedict1]

Case Collator and other things--

Yes, you will use the case feeder and the collator is indispensable.

One problem to watch for with 9mm--you'll occasionally get a case upside down. Watch the station where the cases feed to the press--it's easy to catch them.

The problem is that the 9mm cases are very light and the rim isn't heavy enough to absolutely drop them down the tubes base down. It works great with heavy cases like 45 ACP and .38 Special. But this is slight inconvenience given the big increase in loading speed.

If you go to the Lee website and watch the videos on setup and adjustment you should have no problems with your Pro1000.

As to the primer system, from what I've read, you must keep it filled. If there isn't sufficient pressure on the primer column coming down the primer trough it can skip a primer now and then. You will find that priming is the weak link on all progressive presses, be it Lee or Dillon or MEC or whatever. I have used them all and actually find the Lee Load Master priming to be the easiest to use and figure out if something is amiss. The Pro1000 is actually the simplest of them all in terms of moving parts.

Welcome to reloading !

P. S.--one other tip--I lube my 9mm cases by spraying them with Lee Lube diluted 1 part to 10 parts 91% alcohol. Shake it up well to disperse the lube. Put the cases in a plastic bag and spray a couple of squirts of the diluted mix into the bag, shake and then dump out on newspaper to dry for 10 minutes. The tapered case walls of the 9mm are the toughest to resize and by lubing you will minimize the effort to do the resizing and decapping in the first station. I usually put about 250-300 cases in a large baggie. If you are not getting enough lube on them in the bag, while they are on the newspaper, you can hit 'em again with a spray or two. I make sure they are all lying flat so not too much of the spray gets inside the brass, though the lube inside doesn't seem to hurt anything. I have shot thousands of 9mm loaded this way with no problems.

You do not have to clean the lube off the cases. Most of it will be scrubbed off in the carbide sizing die step.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

"It looks like it has a powder measure, but should I get a scale too?"

The Lee's come with certain items. You should check the Lee Precision website to see exactly what you're getting when you ordrer one of their progressives. Yes, You should absolutely get a scale, you use the scale to check the powder measure's settings.

"What about a case trimmer?"

For pistol, you don't need it. For rifle, absolutely.

"Bullet puller?"

You should get one, you're likely to screw up and you'll need it. An inertia one like the RCBS is a good one to get.

"Hand primer?"

Don't need it, but the Lee one is inexpensive, works well and doesn't cost much. Good thing to have. Were I you, I'd order one.

"Should I buy a carbide 3-die set, or does it come with carbide dies?"

Check with Midway or Lee, as these things tend to change over time. It probably comes with carbide dies.

"As for manuals, should I get a standard manual like Speer or Hornaday that lists all types of calibers, or should I get a manual for a single caliber (9mm)?"

You'd be better off getting the Lee manual. If you read my stickied post, there's a suggested list and I advised buying the ABC's of reloading and reading it BEFORE you buy anything else. There's a reason for this - the reason is reading it will answer most of your questions you're having as you get down to the nitty gritty of buying.

"I don't plan on testing all kinds of loads, I'll be loading basic plinking ammo so I'm leaning more towards a normal manual (all calibers)."

This will change in time. It does for most folks. You can load accurate ammo in the same amount of time you can load crap ammo. Think about it.

"I'll only be loading 9mm, but I might load other calibers in the future. Will I need this to change dies"

Yes, you will.

"Can the Pro 1000 handle rifle cartridges? The only one I saw listed was .223."

.223 is it and it isn't too good for loading .223. If you're planning on wanting to reload rifle, you'll be better off with a Lee Classic Cast Turret press long term. It's a much sturdier and capable press for a broad range of cartridges. Or you can buy the 1000 now and get the turret later. They're not expensive.

"Is the case collator worth it?"

Yes, it's an excellent device.

"I am aware of the problem the 1000 has with primer feeding. I'll be using this for plinking ammo only."

Get the Lee Auto Prime as a backup so if you have problems with the primer feed, you're covered.

Hope this helps,

Dave

 

[strat81]

Dave,
You are THE MAN. Thank you so much!!!