Lee Pro 6000 unboxing and testing for OAL consistency

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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@LiveLife would you recommend contacting Lee to get the longer primer slider and the new retainer ring ?

If the shorter black slider is working fine with the black hold down piece, no.

And there was never an issue with the black case retainer ring. Since Calvin was sending me the longer gray primer slider, he added the gray case retainer ring.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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Yes, that is an understandable part of the assembly of these pieces and the need for alignment is paramount.

... field removal of core is never needed and it will be a "permanent" install at the factory which has set up for it

I agree as precise alignment of carrier core to ram with index pin is crucial to press operating properly as well as shellplate alignment with dies (If top press head is removed).

And since the three hex bolts on top press head is much easier to remove (Not torqued down) and alignment done using shellplate full of cases, there's no need to ever remove the carrier core from the ram.

@LiveLife : Is the bolt holding the carrier core on of such they could go to a High Security Tamper Proof head to lower the chance of this being removed?

Like previous presses, I have a feeling "word of mouth" among Lee press users will quickly spread "through the grapevine". Lee did not initially/really mention the self-adjusting zero auto-index feature of the new shellplate indexing system for ABLP but word quickly spread and is now common knowledge.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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My press did not have the rounded/radiused end and I do believe that was part of the problem I was having with the pin sticking. I did not know about the different pin until I checked one of the new pins I had received in a parts order and compared it to my old pin and I could see and feel the difference.

And as confirmed by Calvin from Lee Precision and verified by my test run, current production priming rod/pin with rounded tip won't stick in the primer pockets when performing depriming operation only.

Calvin confirmed production priming rod/pin end that is rounded/radiused with diameter that won't stick in the primer pockets. I deprimed several cases of different headstamp brass and priming rod/pin did not stick inside primer pockets.

 

[trdjohn]

My press did not have the rounded/radiused end and I do believe that was part of the problem I was having with the pin sticking. I did not know about the different pin until I checked one of the new pins I had received in a parts order and compared it to my old pin and I could see and feel the difference. It would be nice if Lee would post a list of parts that they have updated on their site. A lot of people don't know about the newer parts.

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency and troubleshooting on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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If the shorter black slider is working fine with the black hold down piece, no.

And there was never an issue with the black case retainer ring. Since Calvin was sending me the longer gray primer slider, he added the gray case retainer ring.

So I had another call into Lee yesterday morning, about 2 items - black case retainer ring and my priming pin. My black ring was curled upwards from station 1 to station 2 right out of the box, and continued to curl up more as I used the press. Called them last week for new primer slide spring, was told new spring, new gray long slider and retainer ring would be in the kit they were going to send. Well it came w/ new spring installed on the longer gray slider, but the new gray ring was not included and hand written note "none" was on the ring line item. May have limited quantities?

After snag, after snag at station #2 and looking at my priming pin versus the pics posted here, I asked for updated priming pin...was told there were no updates to the pin, they even said they talked to tech dept and there were no production changes to the pin. In my conversation w/ Lee CS about the pin they said maybe other people that posted on THR about rounded pins, were sent the wrong item. Huh? Talking further w/ CS, I referenced a few posts here on THR, they wanted me to upload a pic of my priming pin. Sent them images and links to THR thread too. I uploaded my pin pic, 15 min later I got email back from CS that new pin and spring are on the way. The pins at a glance look pretty similar, I wonder if the wrong pins were delivered to factory assembly areas? Or if they're trying to work through inventory of older pins? Just speculation on my part....

I'm in IL so hopefully I should have new pin later this week... I'll install, line up the upper/lower cover plates like LiveLife outlined and hopefully be cranking them out!

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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Called them last week for new primer slide spring, was told new spring, new gray long slider and retainer ring would be in the kit they were going to send. Well it came w/ new spring installed on the longer gray slider, but the new gray ring was not included and hand written note "none" was on the ring line item. May have limited quantities?

Likely. The current production gray colored "hard plastic" case retainer ring looks to be made on commercial production machine, not printed on 3D printer.

I am sure they have many commercial/retail vendor orders they are filling by the hundreds and when they went to fill your kit, they may have been out of the new gray case retainer ring. I would suggest making another contact with customer service to send you the new gray retainer ring when available.

Talking further w/ CS, I referenced a few posts here on THR, they wanted me to upload a pic of my priming pin. Sent them images and links to THR thread too. I uploaded my pin pic, 15 min later I got email back from CS that new pin and spring are on the way.

Great.

 

[Tilos]

So I had another call into Lee yesterday morning, about 2 items - black case retainer ring and my priming pin. My black ring was curled upwards from station 1 to station 2 right out of the box, and continued to curl up more as I used the press. Called them last week for new primer slide spring, was told new spring, new gray long slider and retainer ring would be in the kit they were going to send. Well it came w/ new spring installed on the longer gray slider, but the new gray ring was not included and hand written note "none" was on the ring line item. May have limited quantities?

After snag, after snag at station #2 and looking at my priming pin versus the pics posted here, I asked for updated priming pin...was told there were no updates to the pin, they even said they talked to tech dept and there were no production changes to the pin. In my conversation w/ Lee CS about the pin they said maybe other people that posted on THR about rounded pins, were sent the wrong item. Huh? Talking further w/ CS, I referenced a few posts here on THR, they wanted me to upload a pic of my priming pin. Sent them images and links to THR thread too. I uploaded my pin pic, 15 min later I got email back from CS that new pin and spring are on the way. The pins at a glance look pretty similar, I wonder if the wrong pins were delivered to factory assembly areas? Or if they're trying to work through inventory of older pins? Just speculation on my part....

I'm in IL so hopefully I should have new pin later this week... I'll install, line up the upper/lower cover plates like LiveLife outlined and hopefully be cranking them out!

It would be easy enough to chuck-up that square-edged pin you have in a drill and stone or file a radius on the corner.
That pin does not function as is, so stoning a radius on the corner would not make it any less useful and could work well NOW, instead of waiting for the new one to arrive.
jmo,
.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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It would be easy enough to chuck-up that square-edged pin you have in a drill and stone or file a radius on the corner.

You are going to void the warranty if you do that.

Actually pretty good idea.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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Problem: Primer chute/trough pin does not contact the groove rings on press column enough to shake the primers down in tray - On my press, the pin contacts the upper groove ring but not the lower groove ring. After thinking about bending the pin and zip tying the press column, came up with a simpler more elegant solution.

Solution: Make sleeve roller for the pin from a pen filler - I looked around the house looking for a sleeve material that could work as "roller" for the pin and found the pen filler from Paper Mate was perfect fit as it was slightly loose fit enough to be a "roller" for the pin.

NOTE: If you use a pen that is not retractable and use a cap, then the pen can still be used for writing even though you cut off the end of the filler tube

I made a clean cut slightly shorter than 3/4" (11/16" actual)

After moving the ram to put the pin in the lower groove ring, I inserted the pin through the "roller" and now it makes contact with the lower groove ring and shakes the primer tray better with the upper groove ring.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTICE: Important product update and no charge replacement if you are experiencing priming rod/pin sticking and/or powder charging in station #2. Updated self-cleaning priming pin resolves pin sticking problem and self-cleans even though powder granules are poured/dumped in station #2.

Anyone that wants a new pin simply has to give us a call or email with address. These pins started running today, 11/30. We are still a one shift company and the machine can only run 8 hours a day, please urge patience. We will make this right to anyone that reaches out at no charge.​

As expressed, let's exercise patience as Lee Precision replaces priming pin for users who are experiencing problems.


Got this email today:

Hello John,

We read through some of THR posting going on and want to furnish some new and updated information with you to share.

In my previous communication I said we were looking into the primer sticking problem. John Lee redesigned the pin, and the resultant product is now almost goof proof. We are very fortunate the pin is easily retrofitted on any press. Every press shipped from today forward includes this pin.

Anyone that wants a new pin simply has to give us a call or email with address. These pins started running today, 11/30. We are still a one shift company and the machine can only run 8 hours a day, please urge patience. We will make this right to anyone that reaches out at no charge.

Attached are some pictures showing the primer pin and guide area. You will note a copious amount of small grained powder is present. Our redesigned primer pin will allow this incredible amount of spilled powder to be self-cleared without any user intervention. (Still try to avoid powder or debris in this area)

People are really hung up on your posts pertaining to the primer pin. The radius on the tip of the pin was not the change that prevented them from sticking in the primer pocket rather it was the diameter. That radius difference most likely came from a very minor change in the setup of the machine that run. All that is a moot point with the new pin.

Attached is a picture of the old and new side by side for positive identification.

Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision
​

(Following pictures were emailed to me by Lee Precision and cropped to show detail)

New self-cleaning priming pin on top compared to "old" priming pin that could stick in the sleeve with powder granule.

​

Yikes, talk about pouring/dumping powder in station #2

​

The new updated priming pin shaft design allows the pin/sleeve to be self-cleaning. If powder got poured/dumped, I would brush/blow station #2 clear and cycle the pin to clear the sleeve of powder granules.

​

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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Update to post #308 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-13#post-12477680

Just got done stress testing the DIY sleeve roller for the primer chute/trough.

• Two different primer trays were tested
• CCI and S&B SP primers and Winchester LP primers were tested
• Primer chute/trough pin tested at different lengths of insertion
• Ram lever was cycled slow, normal and fast (3 seconds per ram cycle to 1 second per ram cycle)

Several tray loads were tested to see if primers were "shaken" enough to slide down the tray to fill the chute/trough. Pin was started from centered position to pushed almost to the left side and sleeve roller worked well to feed primers down to the chute/trough.

One primer did not slide down to the chute/trough but when I pulled off the tray, I saw that it was tilted and stuck between two covers of the tray (So primer tray operator error ).

After swapping out to LP primer guide and filling the tray with Winchester LP primers, I realized I did not have .45ACP shellplate. No problem, took a bit longer but still was able to test primer tray shaking.

Initial Impression: Other than one stuck primer sandwiched in the tray, 100% of SP/LP primers of domestic and foreign metric primers fed the chute/trough. Of course, faster ram cycling speed increased the shaking of the primer tray but the average ram cycling speed of around 2 seconds effectively shook the tray.

Obligatory Disclaimer: Modification done to primer chute/trough pin done for educational purposes. Mass produced press equipment can have varying levels of finished tolerances and results from my press/modification may not reproduce same exact outcome in other presses. Modifying press parts may void factory warranty and do so at your own risk.

 

[curlysir]

Update to post #308 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-13#post-12477680

Just got done stress testing the DIY sleeve roller for the primer chute/trough.

• Two primer trays were tested
• CCI and S&B SP primers and Winchester LP primers were tested
• Primer chute/trough pin tested at different lengths of insertion
• Ram lever was cycled slow, normal and fast (3 seconds per ram cycle to 1 second per ram cycle)

Several tray loads were tested to see if primers were "shaken" enough to slide down the tray to fill the chute/trough. Pin was started from centered position to pushed almost to the left side and sleeve roller worked well to feed primers down to the chute/trough.

One primer did not slide down to the chute/trough but when I pulled off the tray, I saw that it was tilted and stuck between two covers of the tray (So primer tray operator error ).

After swapping out to LP primer guide and filling the tray with Winchester LP primers, I realized I did not have .45ACP shellplate. No problem, took a bit longer but still was able to test primer tray shaking.

Initial Impression: Other than one stuck primer sandwiched in the tray, 100% of SP/LP primers of domestic and foreign metric primers fed the chute/trough. Of course, faster ram cycling speed increased the shaking of the primer tray but the average ram cycling speed of around 2 seconds effectively shook the tray.

Obligatory Disclaimer: Modification done to primer chute/trough pin done for educational purposes. Mass produced press equipment can have varying levels of finished tolerances and results from my press/modification may not reproduce same exact outcome in other presses. Modifying press parts may void factory warranty and do so at your own risk.

Like your disclaimer . I added the sleeve to the pin and did some testing of my own. My test was not as intensive as yours but my results were positive and it does appears to help. Hopefully Lee will see these postings like they have others and come up with a good factory solution.

 

[LiveLife]

My test was not as intensive as yours but my results were positive and it does appears to help.

Nice.

 

[Bartojc]

Got this email today:

Hello John,

We read through some of THR posting going on and want to furnish some new and updated information with you to share.

In my previous communication I said we were looking into the primer sticking problem. John Lee redesigned the pin, and the resultant product is now almost goof proof. We are very fortunate the pin is easily retrofitted on any press. Every press shipped from today forward includes this pin.

Anyone that wants a new pin simply has to give us a call or email with address. These pins started running today, 11/30. We are still a one shift company and the machine can only run 8 hours a day, please urge patience. We will make this right to anyone that reaches out at no charge.

I guess I'll open a ticket w/Lee. I did ask about the primer slide and they are sending one for free. Guess I should have waited a day.

I did spill powder once initially when setting up. Spilled because a primer was not set, so a small amount. I could sense and hear binding so it wasn't good. I basically put that in the memory banks to not do that any more. Nothing like what they had in the picture. If I have the new pin and have any issues I can decide whether to replace or not.

-Jeff

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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I did spill powder once initially when setting up. Spilled because a primer was not set, so a small amount. I could sense and hear binding so it wasn't good. I basically put that in the memory banks to not do that any more. Nothing like what they had in the picture. If I have the new pin and have any issues I can decide whether to replace or not.

I guess John Lee, president really wanted to ensure the "self-cleaning" priming pin was effective in "self-cleaning". When I opened the pictures Calvin emailed, he wasn't kidding when they poured/dumped powder in station #2 to test - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-13#post-12478009

I have Accurate No 2 and several fine granule/ball powders I could do pour/dump test with to see how well the redesigned priming pin works to self-clean.

 

[Blue68f100]

The long extruded powder may be a harder test.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Guess I should have waited a day.

I'm waiting a bit before asking for upgrades also...not that I've experienced any issues yet.

1. Primer punch - mine isn't beveled, seems to be working fine; I haven't spilled much powder as my powder measure in at Station 3... now I'll wait until the new anti-jam one becomes available
2. Long primer slide/smaller spring - I have the one with the black plastic on the end of the trough; no hurry as it seems to be working fine
3. Gray small case retainer - Mine is black, but I've only loaded .45ACP so far and haven't used/installed it

 

[Bartojc]

I'm waiting a bit before asking for upgrades also...not that I've experienced any issues yet.

I took the opposite approach. Even though I have not had any real issues I did experience the pin binding, or something binding with a small amount of powder spill. Nothing like the pictures.... My thought was get the updated parts and have them on-hand. If these issues bubble up I'll have the new updated parts to make the change.
FWIW the response by Lee customer support has been great. I had a response yesterday in less than an hour stating the pin would be in the mail this morning.

-Jeff

 

[2 Horse]

I have a question that no one has committed on yet. My press has a spot about half way on the down stroke that gets tight. Just about the time it hits the location pin. Feels like it’s hitting a undersize hole or is off center a bit. Is this normal or is your press smooth throughout the cycle.

 

[Bartojc]

I have a question that no one has committed on yet. My press has a spot about half way on the down stroke that gets tight. Just about the time it hits the location pin. Feels like it’s hitting a undersize hole or is off center a bit. Is this normal or is your press smooth throughout the cycle.

That does not sound normal. I do not experience that.

-Jeff

 

[Gillie Dog]

I have a question that no one has committed on yet. My press has a spot about half way on the down stroke that gets tight. Just about the time it hits the location pin. Feels like it’s hitting a undersize hole or is off center a bit. Is this normal or is your press smooth throughout the cycle.

If I understand properly, my press does it in both directions as the driver clutch gets to the twist in the index rod and does its 60 degree turn to rotate the driven clutch/drive bolt/shell plate on the way down and rotates back on the way up but it is clear of the driven clutch. When the driver clutch is in the straight sections of the index rod there is no felt "tightness" and no movement of driven clutch. This does happen just before the index pin enters the shell plate on the way down and just after shell plate clears the index pin on way up. On the way up you can see slight movement of the index rod where it is held down by the breech lock bushing on top.

Just a guess from what you are describing. Other than that, no felt tightness in my machines travel up and down, with no cases entering dies of course.

GD

 

[trixter]

Help please: i have a powder check die in station #3. If I move the powder dispenser to station #3 ( i have used the Lee Auto drum long enough to totally trust it), to avoid spilling powder down on the primer pin, is there snything I can use station #2 for, or just leave it blank?

 

[2 Horse]

Don’t know why I didn’t think of the indexing rod before but, I removed it and cycled the press, still have it. With the rod still out, I bumped the ram up and down while holding the locator pin. Could feel the pin move ever so slightly as it contacts the plastic cover

 

[curlysir]

Don’t know why I didn’t think of the indexing rod before but, I removed it and cycled the press, still have it. With the rod still out, I bumped the ram up and down while holding the locator pin. Could feel the pin move ever so slightly as it contacts the plastic cover

Check your linkage for over tightness and lube it good. I have found STP to be the best. Mine was like yours at first but it got better with use and I don't notice it now. My linkage was too tight and a very slight loosening helped the situation. Also loosen the 3 screws that hold the bottom plastic cover on and align the locator pin in the center of the cap hole.

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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Check your linkage for over tightness and lube it good. I have found STP to be the best. Mine was like yours at first but it got better with use and I don't notice it now. My linkage was too tight and a very slight loosening helped the situation.

Good point. This Lee Precision video on press disassembly and reassembly at 5:00 minute covers proper reassembly of linkage:

• Clean and lubricate all metal-to-metal contact surfaces with STP or motor oil and wipe off excess

• Bottom linkage: Center spacer is installed with wavy washers facing out and tightened with 5/8" nuts to allow movement (Recheck nuts on regular basis and re-tighten is loose)

• Top linkage: 11/16" lock nut goes on left of 5/8" bolt and after making it full tight, back off half a turn to allow free movement of the bolt

• Ram lever: Install with lever about 1.5" away from bench top and tighten with 1/2" wrench

 

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Listing of step-by-step press set up, operation, enhanced practice for greater consistency, troubleshooting/solutions with factory updates on this post - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-12#post-12476131
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Help please: i have a powder check die in station #3. If I move the powder dispenser to station #3 ( i have used the Lee Auto drum long enough to totally trust it), to avoid spilling powder down on the primer pin, is there snything I can use station #2 for, or just leave it blank?

You can leave station #2 empty if not using all the stations.

If you are using all the stations and need to use station #2 for powder charging, you can request redesigned priming rod/pin from Lee Precision at no charge - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-13#post-12478009