Lee Pro 1000 in 45 ACP

[firemachine69]

I have used three styles of presses:

Single Stage - RCBS Rockchucker

Turret Press - Lee Classic Cast Turret Press

Progressive Press - Dillon Super 1050.


I have only two of those on my workbench right now, the RCBS for match loading (.338 Lapua, 6.5 x 284 Norma) and the 1050 for 9mm, 45ACP, .223, and 30-06.

After tasting the blue coolaid that is Dillon, I will never use a Lee press again.

The usable speed of my Lee, including the relatively frequent jams and malfunctions, was around 60-100 rounds per hour, working quite hard.

With the 1050, I can load around 1100 pistol or 900 rifle per hour, this includes everything from filling hoppers, sorting primers, and changing songs on my Ipod. I have never broken a sweat yet.

I just finished loading 3500 rounds of .45ACP over the last three nights, working less then 2 hours a night including tumbling. That is enough ammo to last me for at least 4-6 monthes.

I enjoy reloading, but with the Lee, I had to devote most of my time in my loading room just to get enough rounds for the next weekend, so it became a real hastle. The 1050 reignited my love for loading.

If you need lots of ammo, and you don't want to spend your life loading it, invest in the Blue. The 650 or 1050 are hugely reccommended by me. Great presses.

The 1050 is also the price a beater car.



But yeah. Loadmaster.


(I've only got a Challenger press so far - only load .308 - and I'm liking it very much. )

 

[MudChucker]

sadly I dont believe my issue was my going too fast, I was trying to learn how it all worked as I prepared (with an open mind) to start the tinkering and adjusting process...

I adjusted the shell plate so it would line up as it should.. ran one piece of brass through the positions and it lined up perfectly...

I adjusted the case feeder so it would push the brass all the way into the shell plate

I adjusted the Z bar for clearance on the brass (45 ACP specific apparently)

I niggled the handle so my upstroke had a better feel for priming a single case with no other brass in the shell plate

I niggled with the chain on the powder measure

I added some additional bumps to the primer shaker

once I had done the above I filled the powder hopper and bullet feeder tubes and inserted a tray with 100 primers in it...

I never made a single round without an issue of some sort...

the unit is brand new, I believe the needed setup requirements had been achieved anything beyond was simply shoehorning a bad piece of equipment into my work space, rather then try and justify a bad purchasing decision I accepted that I had a mistake and returned the unit for my full refund.

had I of bought the unit used for a 100 buks I might have continued to niggle, I might have even machined another post so I could have had some more clearance for my hand as I place a bullet on the brass..

I am cool to continue on a single stage for now.

 

[NavyCuda]

We use a Dillon XL 650... what a great piece of hardware.

We got a Lee originally, but both of us didn't like the way it was designed and put together and went and got the Dillion.

I went partners with a friend on the 650, which really cut the cost down and get a serious reloader that we can stand around and enjoy making ammo.

 

[volks_r_us]

I have a loadmaster I use it for .9mm .45 .357 .38
Took me many hours to get run right (behind the finicky lady and behind youtube and loadmaster forum).
I always have 10 Spare little primer arms in stock. I chew them every 500-800 rounds. I get about 10 flip primers every 500 rounds.
For 400$ I can live with that and it get the job done.
Flip primer is about the only problem I get.

If you want to reload keep in mind that you are doing it as a Hobby not so save $$$ for another hobby. This is the kind of commitment hobby involve

Lee have a Very good customer service. If you have a problem contact them and they will help

 

[Moike]

I did the Lee thing as well based upon advice of friends who reload. What I discovered was that if you load 100 - 150 rounds a month and don`t mind the occasional flipped primer, or other screw up they are adequate for club level shooting. If you want to spend as little time as possible reloading and want the best quality reloads (aka like factory) buy a Dillon. Almost without exception, everyone I know that reloads, and are at the top tier of their respective shooting sports (ex. PPC, IPSC) are using a Dillon product. I prefer the 650 Model as it is easier and cheaper to change calibers. I consider the 650 I have to be the best piece of sporting equipment I have ever purchased. In addition, they have a lifetime, no hassles, warranty (the 1050 only one year).

 

[windage]

I had the lee 1000 in a 223 setup and I thought it was garbage. For the last few times I reloaded with it, I took out the indexer and used it as a manual multistage press, which really wasn't the purpose for buying it. I still bought a lee product but it is fairly new. The Lee Classic Turret 4 stage is a beautiful press that hasn't let me down yet. Plus you can load all the calibers with it.

 

[easyrider604]

I had the lee 1000 in a 223 setup and I thought it was garbage. For the last few times I reloaded with it, I took out the indexer and used it as a manual multistage press, which really wasn't the purpose for buying it. I still bought a lee product but it is fairly new. The Lee Classic Turret 4 stage is a beautiful press that hasn't let me down yet. Plus you can load all the calibers with it.

The most troublesome Lee press is IMO the Pro1000. There are patient or lucky people get them to work fine for them, there are those who have nothing but bad things to say about it. Makes one wonder why Lee still makes it. Had one, did get it to work, yes. But it is not for everyone.

IMO the best designed and most useful Lee press is the Classic Turret 4-hole. For shooters who need only 150-200 rds per hour production capacity, this press is heaven-sent. Inexpensive, well-designed and built with the proper materials to last a very long time and many many thousands of rounds.

If I were limited to only one press and and a maximum of 250 bucks to spend on a press (with one set of dies, powder measure), this would be it. It is an entry level press that one can use for the duration of his shooting career.

 

[Glockster]

My Pro 1000 experience was initailly VERY positive. The first 400-500 rounds went by great. Then the wheels came off. Now I'm lucky if I can load up 15 at a time without some sort of problem, primer feed issues, case lining up problems, the timing needs to be set every 5th round. It needs to be taken apart and cleaned every 100 rounds or so to keep working. AARRGHH I really wish had my $250 back to put towards a Dillon or LNL.