Lee Pro 1000?

[RAM4171]

Thoughts anyone?
Just curious what ya'll think for an inexpensive progressive loader.
If I take a shine to loading I would definitely step up to a nicer press.
Is it junk? Or a good place to start?

[Sputz]

It does what it says and makes ammunition and works fine once you get used to it. There are better out there, however you will recoup your investment faster with the lee 1000. I use it for 223, 40, and .380. I have not had any issues with double charges but I have had squibs that were operator error not the loader. The auto primer takes some getting used to but once you figure out its quirks it'll run smooth. I prefer to use the double disk set up so I can get closer to the amount of grains I want in each cartridge and you will learn quick that the autodisk data is typically 10% off when you match up the grains to the disk size. It's best to ask others before buying a powder if it meters well in the autodisk since some powders just don't like it, I know from experience bullseye and unique don't like to be used in the autodisk.

Sputz

[TX0303]

I only load 9mm on mine and it works well as long as you:
1. Use smooth steady strokes
2. Keep it clean. If powder gets spilt in the primer feed area, blow it out before continuing. That's the biggest cause of primer errors.
3. If it messes up, stop and correct the problem. Carefully check the rounds that are in the turrent. Changing directions mid-stroke might cause hang-ups or double charges.
4. Keep plenty of primers in the feed tray. When it empties fill it back up, do not try to run the press with primers only in the feed chute. You need more weight to make sure they feed correctly. Also, keep an eye on the feed tray. If the primers hang up and are not falling into the chute, drum on it with your fingers to break the jam.

I usually do not have problems while loading and turn out some quality ammo. I think it was worth the money to purchase and is a good starter progressive. If you've never reloaded before though, I would suggest a single stage manual press to learn reloading on.

[tubular031]

I upgraded from the classic turret press and will never go back! Once you figure out the 1000, its a great little press!

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Keep the primer tray full. I always reload it when the last primer leaves into the shoot. I often need to tap on the tray to keep primers in the shoot. You will get the hang of it.

When something does not go smooth, stop, pullout the next brass and remove all stations and start over. Put the primed brass piece to the side (after dumping the powder back into the hopper) to load at the end of the session. Clear all stations and start over. Almost all my misfeeds are because I let the primer shoot get low and it stuck a primer sidways. My fault for not paying attention.....

I have loaded maybe 3-4k rounds on my pro1000 and it works well. I can do about 100 rounds in 15 minutes if I am really working it.

[michael e]

Have had one for several years, I love it. Sure there is faster better ones but when I got into reloading I was 18 and the Lee was what I could afford. Over 20k rounds later its still going.

[philbo]

once you get it running right it'll put out great ammo - but the learning-curve is steep and frustration-levels will be high.

Andy's comments are right on. the Pro 1000 maybe a poor choice if you're not mechanically inclined and/or easily frustrated. With that caveat it is capable of turning out ammo at an affordable price once you learn how to operate it. I have 2 that have easily cranked out 20K rounds. I purchased both with the thought I'd upgrade at a later date... haven't seen a compelling reason to do so as they just keep working. They long ago recouped my initial investment and while I might not recommend them to everyone, I'm not selling mine anytime soon.

[Seabear]

I have been researching this one for several months. I have reloaded before, I'm mechanicaly inclined, I'm stubborn, and I'm cheap. LOL Heavy on the stubborn. Heck I went against the masses and tuned a 1996 vintage Mini-14 into a dang fine 'yote gun, and a Taurus 1911 9mm into a sweet Steel gun. If nobody can give me a good reason not to, I think I will pick one up at Cabelas when I go up to Austin in October.

My theory is try one in .45acp, and if it goes well, I'll get one for the 9mm so I don't have to switch back and forth.

One problem I do have a question about. The .45 brass I have is about half and half large and small primer (Winchester and Federal) should I just get rid of the small primer stuff or is it easy enough to change the setup?

[LJM]

I Have a Lee Pro 1000 in 45 and 9mm as well as all the dies to so 38, 380, 44 & .223. I enjoy loading with mine. I recommend doing a little research to eliminate the chain on the powder drop as well as the advise to keep the primer feeder slot from getting empty. In answer to the question of changing primer setups. The 45 will come with the large primer setup only so you will not have the equipment to load both in the beginning. If you decide you like it and purchase the 9mm you would then have all the pieces needed. To change out the primer devices requires you to take the machine almost completely apart (about the same as changing shell plates.) Lots of typing to say I enjoy mine but they are not for everybody. They work pretty well for pistol but I will do my .223 on my old RCBS from now on. Case feeder works well, bullet feeder not so much.
Hopes This Helps.

[Seabear]

I Have a Lee Pro 1000 in 45 and 9mm as well as all the dies to so 38, 380, 44 & .223. I enjoy loading with mine. I recommend doing a little research to eliminate the chain on the powder drop as well as the advise to keep the primer feeder slot from getting empty. In answer to the question of changing primer setups. The [b]45 will come with the large primer setup only so you will not have the equipment to load both in the beginning[/b]. If you decide you like it and purchase the 9mm you would then have all the pieces needed. To change out the primer devices requires you to take the machine almost completely apart (about the same as changing shell plates.) Lots of typing to say I enjoy mine but they are not for everybody. They work pretty well for pistol but I will do my .223 on my old RCBS from now on. Case feeder works well, bullet feeder not so much.
Hopes This Helps.

Thanks, I was not aware of that, I thought I had read somewhere that it came with both sizes. Hmmm That's cool, I wasn't sure I wanted to mess with small primers in the .45 anyway.

Looks like they are on sale at Cabelas plus 50cent shipping.

[rm9792]

Small primers in .45??? I hae loaded over 10k rounds of range pick up brass (very mixed lots) and never seen small primers in them. Do you mean regular and magnum large pistol? I have used magnum primers on accident and it shot just the same.

[Seabear]

No, I mean small. I have a bunch of Federal from Wal-Mart that has small primers.

[Jumping Frog]

Small primers in .45??? I hae loaded over 10k rounds of range pick up brass (very mixed lots) and never seen small primers in them. Do you mean regular and magnum large pistol? I have used magnum primers on accident and it shot just the same.

It started with the lead-free rounds (they often have "NT" for non-toxic on the headstamp). I've seen small primer .45 cases from Blazer and Federal. Maybe others, but I don't recall right now.

[Jeremae]

Small primers in .45??? I hae loaded over 10k rounds of range pick up brass (very mixed lots) and never seen small primers in them. Do you mean regular and magnum large pistol? I have used magnum primers on accident and it shot just the same.

It started with the lead-free rounds (they often have "NT" for non-toxic on the headstamp). I've seen small primer .45 cases from Blazer and Federal. Maybe others, but I don't recall right now.

I have encountered Blazer, Speer and Win NT 45 acp cases with small primer pocket. I sort out after tumbling and toss them.

I also will pull the WCC headstamps as these seem to sometimes have a crimped primer.