Lee Pro 6000 unboxing and testing for OAL consistency

hoardingthemanual said:
my first progressive and my first new press ... took my time setting up the press ... configured to load 223 Rem.

Today was my first time loading with it and I couldn’t be happier. It just works ... I doubt that I’ll buy another press
Click to expand...
Congrats and good to hear about your new press setup working well.

This is precisely the reason why I compiled the "Best Practices" check list so new users to SPP/Pro 6000 would set up the press properly initially and operate reliably on a continuing basis - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...x-pack-pro-pro-6000-kit.913577/#post-12564288

After liquidating down from 15 reloading presses (Including Dillon 650 with case feeder) to Dillon 550/Lee ABLP to better support my aging parents out of state due to medical reasons, I thought about replacing 650 with 750 and even FA FX-10 when situation improved later (It now has) and after using the SPP/Pro 6000 that replaced the ABLP, I no longer have the desire to consider 750/FX-10.
 
Tilos said:
Thanks for posting all this info
I solved this "last primer in the chute" by adding a pusher (wooden skewer) on my Pro 1000, that might work on the sixpack.
Mostly plastic and wood, with one steel part that could be fab'ed out of brass, all to minimize any sparking.

I hate leaving primers in the chute/tray when I'm finished loading.
View attachment 1110786
Former steel rod in use:
View attachment 1110814
More weight could be taped to the skewer if needed.
The skewer will end up above the priming pin once the last primer is used, so it needs to be watched.
jmo,
.
Click to expand...
OK, quoted myself to update with pic of latest version, and I got a "like" today on the original post.
The metal angle was removed, and the chip clip bent 90 degrees to replace it:
BentClip.jpg
Only metal left is the spring.
Edit: Another change I made to improve primer trough shake and flow was to replace the pin in the trough with a longer finish nail and wrap a spring around the column.
Pic:
NewPin S.JPG
I spun the nail in a drill and filed the end down to the same diameter as the OEM/Lee pin.
Sorry if this is an echo of a previous post. :uhoh:
:thumbup:
.
.
 
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Hello,

I'm having a strange problem. My primer carrier doesn't go all the way forward most of the times. It stops before riding over the priming pin, therefore I can't get it to prime most of the times.
I think the carrier doesn't go all the way back as well. Sometimes it doesn't pick up a primer from the feed tray even if the chute it full.

What can I do?

Thank You,
Tiago
 
TQB said:
problem ... primer carrier doesn't go all the way forward most of the times ... It stops before riding over the priming pin, therefore I can't get it to prime most of the times.
Click to expand...
Welcome to THR.

FYI, here's an indexed listing of SPP/Pro 6000 troubleshooting and solutions - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-18#post-12564292

FYI, here's "best practices" guide to set up SPP/Pro 6000 press for more reliable operation - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...x-pack-pro-pro-6000-kit.913577/#post-12564288

Just to make sure, check the shellplate and make sure it is tight as loose shellplate can prevent primer guide entering station #2 fully.

Next, raise the shellplate carrier so bottom of priming pin is free. As you can see from picture below, top of priming pin should be slightly below flush to not snag primer guide from entering station #2.
index.php


If top of priming pin sticks above, there may be powder/debri in the priming pin hole or bottom of carrier cover. Tap on the bottom of priming pin quickly several times to see if this will allow the top of priming pin to drop down slightly below flush (Picture below shows bottom of priming pin without the bottom carrier cover)
index.php


Once top of priming pin drops down slightly below flush, cycle the ram to see if primer guide enters station #2 fully. (If priming pin does not drop down fully, you may need to disassemble the carrier covers to check. Refer to "Press Disassembly and Reassembly" for my step-by-step and Lee Precision's instructions)
index.php


TQB said:
I think the carrier doesn't go all the way back as well. Sometimes it doesn't pick up a primer from the feed tray even if the chute it full.
Click to expand...
Picture below shows early production black primer slider on the left with black hold down cover that's not needed for current longer gray primer slider on the right. Powder/debri could prevent primer slider from sliding freely.

Notice the round hole by primer chute opening and four rectangle holes under the hold down tabs that are meant to clear powder/debri from the primer slider channel/trough.
index.php


Cycle the ram to see if primer slider moves freely without hesitation. If you have the early production black slider, note that spring end has larger round end (See above and below pictures for size comparison) that could snag on the four tabs of primer slider channel/trough (Current longer gray primer slider comes with smaller spring end). If snag/hesitation is caused by spring end hitting the tabs, use a plier to squeeze the end smaller to prevent contacting the tabs.

index.php

index.php


Early production black primer slider showing larger spring end
index.php


I hope these helped and welcome to THR again.
 
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LiveLife said:
Welcome to THR.

FYI, here's an indexed listing of SPP/Pro 6000 troubleshooting and solutions - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-18#post-12564292

FYI, here's "best practices" guide to set up SPP/Pro 6000 press for more reliable operation - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...x-pack-pro-pro-6000-kit.913577/#post-12564288

Just to make sure, check the shellplate and make sure it is tight as loose shellplate can prevent primer guide entering station #2 fully.

Next, raise the shellplate carrier so bottom of priming pin is free. As you can see from picture below, top of priming pin should be slightly below flush to not snag primer guide from entering station #2.
index.php


If top of priming pin sticks above, there may be powder/debri in the priming pin hole or bottom of carrier cover. Tap on the bottom of priming pin quickly several times to see if this will allow the top of priming pin to drop down slightly below flush (Picture below shows bottom of priming pin without the bottom carrier cover)
index.php


Once top of priming pin drops down slightly below flush, cycle the ram to see if primer guide enters station #2 fully. (If priming pin does not drop down fully, you may need to disassemble the carrier covers to check. Refer to "Press Disassembly and Reassembly" for my step-by-step and Lee Precision's instructions)
index.php



Picture below shows early production black primer slider on the left with black hold down cover that's not needed for current longer gray primer slider on the right. Powder/debri could prevent primer slider from sliding freely.

Notice the round hole by primer chute opening and four rectangle holes under the hold down tabs that are meant to clear powder/debri from the primer slider channel/trough.
index.php


Cycle the ram to see if primer slider moves freely without hesitation. If you have the early production black slider, note that spring end has larger round end (See above and below pictures for size comparison) that could snag on the four tabs of primer slider channel/trough (Current longer gray primer slider comes with smaller spring end). If snag/hesitation is caused by spring end hitting the tabs, use a plier to squeeze the end smaller to prevent contacting the tabs.

index.php

index.php


Early production black primer slider showing larger spring end
index.php


I hope these helped and welcome to THR again.
Click to expand...
Thank You,

After disssembly and cleaning the primer it is just bellow flush (less than yours). The carrier still doesn't pick up primers reliably. Taping it seems to help and the primmer sort of falls into the guide.

I will continue to test and post back.
 
TQB said:
The carrier still doesn't pick up primers reliably. Taping it seems to help and the primmer sort of falls into the guide.
Click to expand...
Primer chute/trough needs to be full of primers for reliable primer pick up by the primer guide.

This issue was addressed with an updated part with larger pin that shook the primer tray more to keep the primer chute/trough filled - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-16#post-12495371

The updated primer trough assembly with larger pin is $3 - https://leeprecision.com/six-pack-pro-primer-trough-assembled
 
Adding frame column bolt torque specs to "Press Disassembly/Reassembly". Adding conclusion of beta testing bullet feeder die/rotary magazine and stepped "M" style powder through expander going to production under "Update Parts/New Products".

Also adding "myth confirming - Sorting Brass ..." to "Fine tuning press operation for consistency" with finished OAL data from SPP/Pro 6000 and 2023 Breech Lock Head Pro 1000.

Press Set Up:
New Priming System:
Press Disassembly and Reassembly:
Fine tuning press operation for consistency:
Troubleshooting and Solutions:
Lee Precision Update Parts/New Products:
 
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Thank you for all your work. Wouldn't it be something if all the reloading manufacturers would beta test new products this way. Win win for both manufacturer and customers. Of course they have to find someone like you....willing to do all the beta testing work, and documentation.
 
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LiveLife said:
NOTE: Please keep in mind that product operation and update parts information of this newly launched press is dynamic and changing with pre/early production parts; therefore, presses with different mix of production run parts may exist. While I attempt to stay current and be accurate as possible, do realize that information posted on this thread are based on my personal experience with my personal press and parts that have been clarified with contact with Lee Precision. Parts design/update/production runs/lots can vary and influence how they perform in your press.

FYI: Consider there may exist different, conflicting, incorrect or misinformation posted on internet forums.

Press Set Up:
New Priming System:
Press Disassembly and Reassembly:
Fine tuning press operation for consistency:
Troubleshooting and Solutions:
Lee Precision Update Parts:
Click to expand...
what good 1st class work you do... thanx from queensland........ gday mate
 
LiveLife said:
Adding frame column bolt torque specs to "Press Disassembly/Reassembly". Adding conclusion of beta testing bullet feeder die/rotary magazine and stepped "M" style powder through expander going to production under "Update Parts/New Products".

Also adding "myth confirming - Sorting Brass ..." to "Fine tuning press operation for consistency" with finished OAL data from SPP/Pro 6000 and 2023 Breech Lock Head Pro 1000.

Press Set Up:
New Priming System:
Press Disassembly and Reassembly:
Fine tuning press operation for consistency:
Troubleshooting and Solutions:
Lee Precision Update Parts/New Products:
Click to expand...
well now live, i have a fair amount of reading to do
 
LiveLife said:
My Pro 6000 finally arrived.

View attachment 1110437
View attachment 1110438
View attachment 1110439
View attachment 1110440

I am in the process of redoing the reloading area and replacing the 2'x3' portable bench that was PIF (Thinking about this one from Home Depot) so decided to temporarily mount the press on the 2'x2' portable bench I used for resizing/depriming pistol brass (Short bench does fine for resizing/depriming brass but bench priming requires stepping on the bottom shelf).

View attachment 1110441
View attachment 1110442

Top of bench was made from boxed 2x4 frame with CDX plywood on top but reinforced with another 2x4 underneath the press. Two bottom bolt holes run all the way through 4" side of 2x4 and large fender washers were used in conjunction with flat washers to not compress the wood.

View attachment 1110443
View attachment 1110444

There's onboard tool storage for bushing wrench and Allen wrench

View attachment 1110445
Click to expand...
you go into in depth info... 1st class ... AAA....; thanx,, hg in Queensland
 
Solution to spilling powder and tipping/tilting bullet during shellplate indexing.

While beta testing inline bullet feeder die/rotary magazine and stepped "M" style powder through expander, Calvin and I examined other causes that could tip/tilt the bullet and spill powder during shellplate indexing.

Similar to Hornady AP LNL indexing that slows down shellplate indexing speed by 1/2 on upstroke and 1/2 on downstroke, final solution to tipping/tilting bullet and spilling powder during shellplate indexing came the way of slower "soft twist" index rod/bar. (Due to clutch engagement, "soft twist" index bar is for .223 and shorter cases and available for SPP only) - https://leeprecision.com/six-pack-pro-soft-twist-index-rod

Regular index bar on top and "soft twist" index bar on the bottom and difference is significant to address spilt powder and bullet tipping/tilting issue.

SlowTwistIndex.jpg
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Adding slower "soft twist" index bar and roller handle to "Update Parts/New Products".

Updated "Best Practices" checklist.

Press Set Up:
New Priming System:
Press Disassembly and Reassembly:
Fine tuning press operation for consistency:
Troubleshooting and Solutions:
Beta testing/Product development:
Lee Precision Update Parts/New Products:
 
Last edited:
LiveLife said:
Similar to Hornady AP LNL indexing that slows down shellplate indexing speed by 1/2 on upstroke and 1/2 on downstroke, final solution to tipping/tilting bullet and spilling powder during shellplate indexing came the way of slower "soft twist" index rod/bar
Click to expand...
Having come from a Hornady LNL AP, the abrupt movement of the shell plate of Pro 6000, was a bit distracting...almost as bad as a Dillon 650/750

The Soft Twist Index rod is a great addition...and an easy replacement (also take the opportunity to lube the twisted section)...and saved me from a likely disastrous decision to attempt to twist it myself
 
9mmepiphany said:
rotorloader said:
For those with 3D printers here is a link to the case ejector.
Click to expand...
How is it different than the factory case ejector?
Click to expand...
Looks like almost duplicate of factory case ejector as linked post mentions crushing the factory ejector and made a replacement.

"I managed (somehow) to crush a case into my Lee Six Pack Pro ejector. I didn't see one here on thingiverse, so I made one."​
 
9mmepiphany said:
Having come from a Hornady LNL AP, the abrupt movement of the shell plate of Pro 6000, was a bit distracting...almost as bad as a Dillon 650/750

The Soft Twist Index rod is a great addition...and an easy replacement (also take the opportunity to lube the twisted section)...and saved me from a likely disastrous decision to attempt to twist it myself
Click to expand...
What did you lube it with?
 
To not hijack another thread, I moved my reply to this thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-pro-at-4k-rounds.925330/page-4#post-12813416

You should see the countless emails that were exchanged during several hundred posts in "problem identification - root cause analysis - product update/redesign - product testing - resolution of problem - Happy customers". 😅 Calvin and I spent a lot of time brainstorming, struggling through "Houston, we have a problem" to "How about this ..." and "John, we have a solution!" to high fiving celebrations. 👍

After Lee Precision asked me to beta/product test and inquired what I would suggest for current and future product lines, I expressed clearly problems/issues I was identifying to breaking points needed to be addressed to RESOLUTION. Not just a temporary patch fix, rather FULL RESOLUTION to "industrial level" to be "bullet proof", so to speak.​
​
I said, "Why not? This is 2023, not 1993 when I started reloading. Lee Precision has the resources TO DO ANYTHING THEY WANT TO, on a global scale. Time to BE the hero, not zero or second best for lifetime customers who stood by Lee Precision and to attract new customers. We/I want to help, participate and celebrate with "Made in USA" manufacturer (Almost last of its kind other than C-H) sensitive to OUR NEEDS and WANTS.​
​
And to maximize rare opportunity of manufacturer involved "open source" collaboration of product development with the entire THR forum members with consented full transparency (I am allowed to share/post on THR anything expressed in our email exchanges, both good and bad, even parts breakage/design/production issues), I let the emails fly with wide range of ideas, thoughts, hopes and even dream level of product development (And yes, Lee Precision is working on them ... Standby to be impressed/surprised). And to my pleasant surprise, response from Lee Precision has been immediate consideration, prompt product update/redesign and effective product development from idea conception to product launch with customer-centric focus as to how the end user will actually use the products as demonstrated by SPP/Pro 6000 kit launch and updates - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-oal-consistency.911743/page-19#post-12798968​
​
Believe me, THR forum threads/posts and customer experiences have been driving current product updates/redesign in addressing all the previously identified issues/problems and steering future product design and development. Just look at how fast WE identified and resolved ALL the SPP/Pro 6000 kit issues to resolution. Yes, WE DID THIS ... together. 👍​
​
And based on commitment sentiment shared by Calvin of John Lee/Product design and development team, we have just begun with our "open source" collaboration.​
 
LiveLife said:
Auto Drum with Bottle Adapter allows you to screw the factory powder container so there's no need to transfer powder ...

And if you prefer the regular red hopper with lid, you can still get it - https://leeprecision.com/hopper-cov-round-red.html
Click to expand...
Rule3 said:
The dumbest idea they ever came up with, This and the plastic clear bottle. The old red container with lid is much better. I still use it. The new system doesn't allow you to test drop charges and dump back in the hopper. You have to keep a open bottle of powder on the bench,
When I bought a new auto measure the ad/picture still showed the red hopper, when I got it it had the clear bottle. I wanted the red hopper but NOOO they would not exchange it for one, had to buy it as an extra.
Click to expand...
Just for you, I sent "special request" emails asking if they could do Auto Drum with "old" red powder hopper.

Ask and you shall receive. (This illustrates Lee Precision's sensitivity to customer base needs and wants ... Thanks Calvin :) I am sure John Lee got a kick out of one particular "urgent" email :oops:)

We had several email exchanges where I pointed out the positive virtues of the red powder hopper with lid, mainly the lid that allows dumping back of powder along with don't fix what's not broken ..., What are we to do with powder charges we test weighed ..., etc. etc. 😁 (Poor Calvin ... You guys should see some of the emails I sent to him, especially before my morning coffee :rofl:)


So, new for 2024 ... Deluxe Auto Drum with red hopper and lid - https://leeprecision.com/deluxe-auto-drum-powder-measure

(BTW, 50 drop test of Auto Drum with 90% of W231/HP-38 within .04 gr of target - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/50-drops-lee-auto-drum-powder-measure.924637/)

Deluxe Auto-Drum Powder Measure with new red anodized swivel adapter that provides a larger gripping area for adjusting into your press, and raises the powder measure to clear the tallest dies, and eliminates the need for the riser.​
​
Automatic case actuated drum powder measure. Accurately and automatically dispense powder in your favorite cartridge. Two infinitely adjustable drums included. These Quick Change drums will accurately and reliably drop charges from 1 to 80 grains of powder.​
  • Case actuated; never spill a charge.
  • Exclusive elastomer wiper prevents powder shearing, works great with difficult metering extruded powders.
  • Machined body with labyrinth groove mates to the precision molded nylon drums providing a leak free fit with the finest powders.
  • Drum is actuated by a steel sector and pinion gear train.
  • Quick-change hopper has on/off valve to quickly change powders.
  • Sleek modern design, all gears springs and levers inside the die cast housing.
  • Features red anodized swivel adapter, makes adjusting and moving measure fast and convenient. Also provides clearance for the longest reloading dies.
0004804_deluxe-auto-drum-powder-measure_550.jpeg
 
After kidda falling in love with my Pro 4000 cheapo. I think I’ll get a Pro 6000 for the extra stations!

Pro 4000 with a powder check… It’s really good! Hopefully I can integrate Sizing & Priming on the 6000

just waiting for a promotion!!!
 
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