Lee pro 1000 progressive
- Thread starter GRIZ1911
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Schwing
Member
yes. I had great luck with mine for about 5 years before going to a 5 stage press. They get a lot of bad reviews. It is an inexpensive press and does have some quirks but most people who spend a little time getting their feet wet will get a great bargain out of one.
ljnowell
Member
Search my name. I have a thread or two, one documenting unboxing all the way through ammo production. I like mine.
maxxhavoc
Member
Been using them for about 20 years. Very satisfied.
I did a little write up on mine
http://www.webcity.net/benchrest/Lee_Pro_1000/Pro1000.htm
Bottom line, if you're willing to tinker it's worth the $.
Edit: I also own a breech lock single stage, a 4-hole turret, three 3-hole auto-indexing turrets, and a Reloader (good for crimping
). Lee equipment has served me well.
http://www.webcity.net/benchrest/Lee_Pro_1000/Pro1000.htm
Bottom line, if you're willing to tinker it's worth the $.
Edit: I also own a breech lock single stage, a 4-hole turret, three 3-hole auto-indexing turrets, and a Reloader (good for crimping
). Lee equipment has served me well.
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ljnowell
Member
No tinkering involved for me. Still none.
Mauser69
Member
LOTS of older threads and discussions on this for your reading pleasure. You will find that there are many Lee haters that badmouth these presses, seemingly just for fun. But there are many more of us who have and love them.
I love them. Bought mine well over 20 years ago and have loaded many thousands of pistol rounds in several calibers virtually trouble free. I have never broken any parts on it, and I do not have to tinker with it to keep it running perfectly smooth. It IS important to keep the primer feed very clean or you will see some mis-feeds there. And if you accidentally get a spent primer laying on the base under the priming station, that can drive you nuts trying to figure out why your primers aren't being fully seated (until you learn to watch for that). The solution for the last issue is very simple - just cut a thin piece from a drink can and slip it into the slot in the ram to stop the rare wild primer jump. This is documented in many forums, so the info is easily found.
I love them. Bought mine well over 20 years ago and have loaded many thousands of pistol rounds in several calibers virtually trouble free. I have never broken any parts on it, and I do not have to tinker with it to keep it running perfectly smooth. It IS important to keep the primer feed very clean or you will see some mis-feeds there. And if you accidentally get a spent primer laying on the base under the priming station, that can drive you nuts trying to figure out why your primers aren't being fully seated (until you learn to watch for that). The solution for the last issue is very simple - just cut a thin piece from a drink can and slip it into the slot in the ram to stop the rare wild primer jump. This is documented in many forums, so the info is easily found.
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staycold66
Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2015
- Messages
- 9
I've had mine for about 3 months and have loaded 3000+ rounds through it. It's a pretty nice set up for the price but it takes some time to get used to. The powder throwing stations is right above the priming station so if that primer station fails you're gonna have powder everywhere and will have to the clean the press. I got fed up with this and started priming by hand. You should clean the unit frequently anyway as most of the problems I've had stem from something being gummed up.
As I said, it's a good unit for the price but it's takes some tinkering to get it to work.
As I said, it's a good unit for the price but it's takes some tinkering to get it to work.
LiveLife
Member
I was taught to reload on Dillon 550 and Lee Pro 1000 by a bullseye match shooting mentor. When rounds loaded on both presses shot equally well for my USPSA match loads, I decided to go with Pro 1000 due to auto index feature that reduced the chance of a double charge and Pro Auto Disk with fixed volumetric disks that would not drift over hundreds & thousands of cycles.
For the past 25 years, I have mainly used several Pro 1000s to load over 400,000+ of 380/38Spl/9mm/40S&W/45ACP/45Colt rounds successfully. Although I currently have Dillon 650 with case feeder, C-H "H" type presses, Lee Classic Turret and single stage presses, Pro 1000s set up for dedicated calibers (9mm/40S&W/45ACP) are the presses I mainly use for most of my pistol loads.
All the various load development and accuracy test loads and shot groups I posted pictures of were loaded on Pro 1000s - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9924922#post9924922
For those in disbelief of my shotgroups, Dudedog verified my actual shooting of shot groups in person and met the range staff who verified my other shot groups - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9646469#post9646469
Is Pro 1000 for everyone? No
Does Pro 1000 require understanding of progressive reloading and some work to keep it running smoothly and reliably? Sure, like any other progressive press. I have taught many reloaders and helped set up their Pro 1000 presses but recommended they first master the reloading principles on "O" ring type single stage press (and this applies to any other progressive press reloading).
On the THR Pro 1000 support thread, solutions to most common problems users run into are well documented and illustrated - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7877744#post7877744
Does Pro 1000 require regular cleaning and lubrication? Yes, like any other progressive press.
ljnowell is a bullseye match shooting THR member who should know what it takes to win matches (yes, he uses Pro 1000 for his match loads) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=784210
ljnowell also shoots PPC matches - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=781052
ljnowell placed first place in bullseye league - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=780168
Bullseye match shooting posts - http://www.thehighroad.org/search.php?searchid=13926979
Believe me, bullseye match shooting requires consistent match loads and Pro 1000 is capable of producing match winning reloads.
To me, Pro 1000 is simply a versatile tool that can be used to produce consistent reloads. I think it got a bad rap because many new reloaders new to reloading/progressive reloading made mistakes and learned on the press with frustrations but it may have been due to "user error".
When I help setup a reloaders on Pro 1000, I point out the common issues illustrated on the support thread and when they follow the step by step checklist and QC checks, they are able to avoid the common problems posted on various forums as to why Pro 1000 is "finicky" and "requires tinkering" - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9614898#post9614898
For the past 25 years, I have mainly used several Pro 1000s to load over 400,000+ of 380/38Spl/9mm/40S&W/45ACP/45Colt rounds successfully. Although I currently have Dillon 650 with case feeder, C-H "H" type presses, Lee Classic Turret and single stage presses, Pro 1000s set up for dedicated calibers (9mm/40S&W/45ACP) are the presses I mainly use for most of my pistol loads.
All the various load development and accuracy test loads and shot groups I posted pictures of were loaded on Pro 1000s - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9924922#post9924922
For those in disbelief of my shotgroups, Dudedog verified my actual shooting of shot groups in person and met the range staff who verified my other shot groups - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9646469#post9646469
Is Pro 1000 for everyone? No
Does Pro 1000 require understanding of progressive reloading and some work to keep it running smoothly and reliably? Sure, like any other progressive press. I have taught many reloaders and helped set up their Pro 1000 presses but recommended they first master the reloading principles on "O" ring type single stage press (and this applies to any other progressive press reloading).
On the THR Pro 1000 support thread, solutions to most common problems users run into are well documented and illustrated - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7877744#post7877744
Does Pro 1000 require regular cleaning and lubrication? Yes, like any other progressive press.
When ljnowell PM'ed me to showcase unboxing of Pro 1000 by a new user to the press, step by step problem identification and resolution to help other users were outlined in this thread - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=761231ljnowell said:
ljnowell is a bullseye match shooting THR member who should know what it takes to win matches (yes, he uses Pro 1000 for his match loads) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=784210
ljnowell also shoots PPC matches - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=781052
ljnowell placed first place in bullseye league - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=780168
Bullseye match shooting posts - http://www.thehighroad.org/search.php?searchid=13926979
Believe me, bullseye match shooting requires consistent match loads and Pro 1000 is capable of producing match winning reloads.
To me, Pro 1000 is simply a versatile tool that can be used to produce consistent reloads. I think it got a bad rap because many new reloaders new to reloading/progressive reloading made mistakes and learned on the press with frustrations but it may have been due to "user error".
When I help setup a reloaders on Pro 1000, I point out the common issues illustrated on the support thread and when they follow the step by step checklist and QC checks, they are able to avoid the common problems posted on various forums as to why Pro 1000 is "finicky" and "requires tinkering" - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9614898#post9614898
oldpapps
Member
I have and have use a Pro 1000 for several years and like it.
The 'pros':
Cost
Suitable quality of end product
Speed, in comparison to a single operation press
The 'cons':
Not a high end/price 'turn key' tool
May require some tuning
For my needs and uses, mine does what I want very well. What it dosen't do for me is be very useful when I load bottle necked rounds or very short/small runs of specialty loads. I am very anil about trimming every bottle necked case, each and every loading (much more than I need to be). This doesn't work well with a progressive. I also prefer to hand seat primers in my target type loads, this too doesn't go well with the operation of a progressive.
But, for loading massive numbers of 9MM, .40S&W and .45 ACPs, my Pro 1000 is great. I guess I could load my .44 Mags and .45 Colts but, those are mostly small run experimental loadings. I have all that is needed to make runs of .223/5.56 and .300 Blackouts but I must trim each one for me to be happy.
It comes down to what you as a shooter and loader want and need. If you interest is in producing massive numbers of fodder to be banged away with, I would go with a stronger progressive. For more reasonable numbers of rounds, all of the same loading, go with the Pro 1000. For small runs of experimentals and special high performance loads, stick with a single stage.
The quality of the Lee Pro 1000 is quite good and the price is very good, if it meets your needs.
I feel that I haven't helped you any.
The 'pros':
Cost
Suitable quality of end product
Speed, in comparison to a single operation press
The 'cons':
Not a high end/price 'turn key' tool
May require some tuning
For my needs and uses, mine does what I want very well. What it dosen't do for me is be very useful when I load bottle necked rounds or very short/small runs of specialty loads. I am very anil about trimming every bottle necked case, each and every loading (much more than I need to be). This doesn't work well with a progressive. I also prefer to hand seat primers in my target type loads, this too doesn't go well with the operation of a progressive.
But, for loading massive numbers of 9MM, .40S&W and .45 ACPs, my Pro 1000 is great. I guess I could load my .44 Mags and .45 Colts but, those are mostly small run experimental loadings. I have all that is needed to make runs of .223/5.56 and .300 Blackouts but I must trim each one for me to be happy.
It comes down to what you as a shooter and loader want and need. If you interest is in producing massive numbers of fodder to be banged away with, I would go with a stronger progressive. For more reasonable numbers of rounds, all of the same loading, go with the Pro 1000. For small runs of experimentals and special high performance loads, stick with a single stage.
The quality of the Lee Pro 1000 is quite good and the price is very good, if it meets your needs.
I feel that I haven't helped you any.
Elkins45
Member
I have had pretty good luck with mine over the last 25 years.
I have one I purchased in the early 80's and another in the last handful of years.
I've hand loaded a gazillion rounds of 38/357, 9mm, 30 carbine, 44 magnum, 45acp.
In the last few weeks I had to replace the base on the older one due to wearing it out.
As mentioned, they may require a bit of tinkering, but it wasn't enough to keep me from buying a second one.
I've hand loaded a gazillion rounds of 38/357, 9mm, 30 carbine, 44 magnum, 45acp.
In the last few weeks I had to replace the base on the older one due to wearing it out.
As mentioned, they may require a bit of tinkering, but it wasn't enough to keep me from buying a second one.
LiveLife
Member
Over the years, Lee Precision has made subtle and major changes to the Pro 1000 to improve the press and operation.
The top picture is older ram design with smaller spent primer hole that sent the primers to the bench top or floor more often than the hole in the base.
The bottom picture shows newer ram design with a slot that features improved spent primer hole/angle that sends more primers to the hole in the base. But with this simple mod (cover for the slot), you can send 99.9% of spent primers to the hole in the base - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7884861#post7884861
If you want to collect spent primers through a tube like the Classic Turret, you can cut a small funnel to fit inside the base - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7561860#post7561860
Other subtle changes won't be seen by most users. Picture on the left shows older base with minimal bracing. Picture on the right shows newer base with more bracing to strengthen the base.
I think the most significant change Lee has made is the improved/stronger ram linkage to the lever and the ergo handle. The older lever with the wooden ball was OK to use but the newer ergo handle with foam grip makes reloading more comfortable with less effort.
The top picture is older ram design with smaller spent primer hole that sent the primers to the bench top or floor more often than the hole in the base.
The bottom picture shows newer ram design with a slot that features improved spent primer hole/angle that sends more primers to the hole in the base. But with this simple mod (cover for the slot), you can send 99.9% of spent primers to the hole in the base - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7884861#post7884861
If you want to collect spent primers through a tube like the Classic Turret, you can cut a small funnel to fit inside the base - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7561860#post7561860
Other subtle changes won't be seen by most users. Picture on the left shows older base with minimal bracing. Picture on the right shows newer base with more bracing to strengthen the base.
I think the most significant change Lee has made is the improved/stronger ram linkage to the lever and the ergo handle. The older lever with the wooden ball was OK to use but the newer ergo handle with foam grip makes reloading more comfortable with less effort.
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ljnowell
Member
Over the years, Lee Precision has made subtle and major changes to the Pro 1000 to improve the press and operation.
The top picture is older ram design with smaller spent primer hole that sent the primers to the bench top or floor more often than the hole in the base.
The bottom picture shows newer ram design with a slot that features improved spent primer hole/angle that sends more primers to the hole in the base. But with this simple mod (cover for the slot), you can send 99.9% of spent primers to the hole in the base - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7884861#post7884861
If you want to collect spent primers through a tube like the Classic Turret, you can cut a small funnel to fit inside the base - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7561860#post7561860
Other subtle changes won't be seen by most users. Picture on the left shows older base with minimal bracing. Picture on the right shows newer base with more bracing to strengthen the base.
I think the most significant change Lee has made is the improved/stronger ram linkage to the lever and the ergo handle. The older lever with the wooden ball was OK to use but the newer ergo handle with foam grip makes reloading more comfortable with less effort.
I think today in going to finally go ahead and install the mod with the soda can in the ram. I haven't done it yet, as it only kicks one out every so often, but it does annoy me when one gets under the carrier.
The bracing is interesting. I have an olde turret with the same base, I'll have to see if it uses the newer or older base. Do you know approximately when that change was made?
I do like the new handle. I wasn't sure at first it I would like it, as I was so used to the rigid aluminum handle of the turret. It's grown on me though. With the casefeeder(which is pure awesome) and the roller handle I can load for long runs without changing my grip. Just pull the handle, seat a bullet. It really makes for efficient reloading. Note I said efficient, not fast. I don't care about rounds per hour, I care about saving motion as I am disabled and have a wrecked back.
Also, thanks for the kind words BDS. I take great pride in winning the trophies and matches I do with the ammo loaded on my lowly pro1k. More than once I've had guys look at my targets and ask what load. I always share the data. Then they say "with that kind if consistency you must use a single stage." When I tell them a progressive they usually go to "oh you use a Dillon?" The conversation gets real interesting after that.
I have actually went to two guys houses now and helped them get their pro1k up and running right. Both were ready to throw them away. I told them if after I helped them they still didn't want the press I would buy them for 75 bucks. Both guys use them to load on now. Both were having simple problems that were lined out and running in under an hour.
Didn't know there was a change to the base design, though I think mine have the extra bracing (Lee sells just the base for $15).
I ended up moving the roller handle to the other side of the linkage to 'center' the force during primer seating - it helped a bit with the torquing.
I ended up moving the roller handle to the other side of the linkage to 'center' the force during primer seating - it helped a bit with the torquing.
LiveLife
Member
The older press was bought in mid 90's and retired after loading 250,000+ rounds (I still use the Pro Auto Disk measure from that press as it meters Red Dot/Promo better than newer PADs). Newer presses were bought around 2005-2010 with the latest model with ergo handle in 2015 (I currently have 4 Pro 1000 presses).ljnowell said:
I had similar experience with other match shooters. As I climbed the local USPSA match ladder, many got curious about my loads. They knew I used Montana Gold FMJ/JHP bullets but were surprised to find I used Pro 1000 to load them.
When my loads produced comparable and smaller shot groups in their match pistols, they brought their scales/calipers to my house and checked out my reloading set up. What they found was that my finished rounds' dimensions were on par with their Dillon setups but my powder charges were more consistent (less than +/- .1 gr) due to fixed volumetric disk holes that did not drift during 1000+ round reloading session.
ljnowell
Member
Didn't know there was a change to the base design, though I think mine have the extra bracing (Lee sells just the base for $15).
I ended up moving the roller handle to the other side of the linkage to 'center' the force during primer seating - it helped a bit with the torquing.
That's a very interesting idea. It looks like it would put your force more inline with the ram.
Looking at mine it seems that it would interfere with the case feeder while seating primers.
ljnowell
Member
Installed in the original position it did interfere with the case feeder, I had to clock the handle to the next position.
Ill go ahead and Chime In
I have 3 Lee pro 100 systems..
1st one was for .223 Only.... then I got another for 9mm Only... and then another for 38s/357
Each has been flawless.... No tinkering needed.... I loaded More .223 than anything and ended up getting a Dillon 650 with case and bullet feeder.. But still use the Lee 1000 for Case Prep
Only real issue I have had is trying the Bullet feeder on the 9mm system. Just didnt wanna work 100%... so It sits as well as the one I got for .357....
I can sit down... fill Powder... and bust out 100's of rounds real fast with any one of my Systems.... Only need to swap Turrets for 38s vs .357 and change the Powder disk.....
I started with a Lee Pro 1000 system... and am very glad I did... Like currently when I load .357/38s It is used more like a Turret press than a Progressive.... 1 case from start to finish.. grab another... do it again. And was how I started... as I got better.. more Confident.... I started loading 10 .223 cases in the feeder and did those... weighed.. checked... and did em again...
As I got fully confident I could then utilize the System as a full Progressive press.. and do 100's per hour easy.
The versatility of the Lee Pro 1000 is great... and the Cost of a complete system is hard to beat...
Love Mine...
Stav
I have 3 Lee pro 100 systems..
1st one was for .223 Only.... then I got another for 9mm Only... and then another for 38s/357
Each has been flawless.... No tinkering needed.... I loaded More .223 than anything and ended up getting a Dillon 650 with case and bullet feeder.. But still use the Lee 1000 for Case Prep
Only real issue I have had is trying the Bullet feeder on the 9mm system. Just didnt wanna work 100%... so It sits as well as the one I got for .357....
I can sit down... fill Powder... and bust out 100's of rounds real fast with any one of my Systems.... Only need to swap Turrets for 38s vs .357 and change the Powder disk.....
I started with a Lee Pro 1000 system... and am very glad I did... Like currently when I load .357/38s It is used more like a Turret press than a Progressive.... 1 case from start to finish.. grab another... do it again. And was how I started... as I got better.. more Confident.... I started loading 10 .223 cases in the feeder and did those... weighed.. checked... and did em again...
As I got fully confident I could then utilize the System as a full Progressive press.. and do 100's per hour easy.
The versatility of the Lee Pro 1000 is great... and the Cost of a complete system is hard to beat...
Love Mine...
Stav
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maddmaxx11
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2015
- Messages
- 48
I have been using one for about 3 years and love it. I did take some time to figure out its quirks but after I did it has been great.
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