Pros and cons of Lee Pro-1000 vs. Lee Auto Breech Lock

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Meroh

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I can't get parts for my old Lyman Primer system, so it's time to upgrade.

I'm thinking of either the Lee Auto Breech Lock or their Pro-1000.

Which one is better? Why?
 
Only 3 stations on a pro1000 is a joke imho. With a case collator and 2 depriming dies it makes for a good depriming tool, but that's about it. The breech lock seems more promising imho.
 
I have a Breech Lock Pro which I bought as a dedicated press to load 38 Spec. Outfitted with a case collator and case feeder it works extremely well, especially given the low cost (got it for just over $100 US). The 4 stations with breech lock bushings make calibre changes quick if that's what you want to do. My only real issue is the Safety Prime system. It actually works quite well but it requires a separate action as it is not automatic so it slows down the reloading process somewhat. It's not an issue for me as I hand prime my target 38's to make sure the primers are fully seated but it may be if someone was looking for full automation and maximum reloading speed.
The 4 stations are a big plus over the 3 stations of the Pro 1000, especially if you want to taper crimp or use the Lee Factory Crimp on your loaded rounds. Full disclosure I have no hands on with a Pro 1000 but from what I have read the priming system leaves something to be desired.
Overall I'm really pleased with it.
 
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ted_dent said:
I have a Breech Lock Pro which I bought as a dedicated press to load 38 Spec. Outfitted with a case collator and case feeder it works extremely well, especially given the low cost (got it for just over $100 US). The 4 stations with breech lock bushings make calibre changes quick if that's what you want to do. My only real issue is the Safety Prime system. It actually works quite well but it requires a separate action as it is not automatic so it slows down the reloading process somewhat. It's not an issue for me as I hand prime my target 38's to make sure the primers are fully seated but it may be if someone was looking for full automation and maximum reloading speed.
The 4 stations are a big plus over the 3 stations of the Pro 1000, especially if you want to taper crimp or use the Lee Factory Crimp on your loaded rounds. Full disclosure I have no hands on with a Pro 1000 but from what I have read the priming system leaves something to be desired.
Overall I'm really pleased with it.
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^^^Pretty much this. Got mine just before Christmas, set up for .38 special. I also prime off press; although I have used the safety prime on the Lee turret press, and for what it is, it works well enough. I've got shellplates for 9mm and .223 coming, as well as the universal case feeder.
 
ted_dent said:
I have a Breech Lock Pro which I bought as a dedicated press to load 38 Spec. Outfitted with a case collator and case feeder it works extremely well, especially given the low cost (got it for just over $100 US). The 4 stations with breech lock bushings make calibre changes quick if that's what you want to do. My only real issue is the Safety Prime system. It actually works quite well but it requires a separate action as it is not automatic so it slows down the reloading process somewhat. It's not an issue for me as I hand prime my target 38's to make sure the primers are fully seated but it may be if someone was looking for full automation and maximum reloading speed.
The 4 stations are a big plus over the 3 stations of the Pro 1000, especially if you want to taper crimp or use the Lee Factory Crimp on your loaded rounds. Full disclosure I have no hands on with a Pro 1000 but from what I have read the priming system leaves something to be desired.
Overall I'm really pleased with it.
Click to expand...

Could you send me a PM with the contact info for the company that you bought it from? Do they have all the accessories; here in Canada, the only two that I can find only have shell plates; nothing else?

Thanks

Lexthedestroyer said:
^^^Pretty much this. Got mine just before Christmas, set up for .38 special. I also prime off press; although I have used the safety prime on the Lee turret press, and for what it is, it works well enough. I've got shellplates for 9mm and .223 coming, as well as the universal case feeder.
Click to expand...

Currently with my Lyman, it is a separate action also; I do want to prime in the process. The Lee safety prime system looks frail and week in comparison, but one does not have to fill the brass primer tubes either... so it might be OK. It is the priming system on my Lyman that I can not get parts for.
 
I'm also in the market for a press.
Looking at your options, I'd spend a little more and get the Lee Loadmaster.
Can now be had for $375 for 9mm.
 
Rod B said:
I have had the Lee Pro 1000, the Challenger & the Classic turret press.

The Classic Turret press is by far the best unit in the Lee progressive press line up.

The Lee Loadmaster is an overly complicated unit that requires much tinkering.
Click to expand...
The Classic Turret is a nice press if someone is looking to upgrade from a single stage but if their goal is a "progressive"' rate of production they will be disappointed with it. It's not even close to any true progressive press in production speed.
 
One major advantage I see with the auto breech lock is priming system. I think pro1000 uses the same prime at top as my loadmaster, and it's the biggest weak point of the earlier generation of lee progressive press.

Also auto breech lock can handle 223 where the pro1000 is a pistol round only press (I believe).
 
I was almost ready to move on the Lee, but after reading some of the other forums where they have been out for a while, I'm holding off. The reliability seems very questionable. The Dylan is out of the running because I already have all the standard dies. I am leaning towards the Hornady at present, but it not cheap either.
 
Meroh said:
I was almost ready to move on the Lee, but after reading some of the other forums where they have been out for a while, I'm holding off. The reliability seems very questionable. The Dylan is out of the running because I already have all the standard dies. I am leaning towards the Hornady at present, but it not cheap either.
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You can use your standard dies on a dillon, (except the square deal b), there's just barely enough threads on the standard dies.
 
snooker said:
You can use your standard dies on a dillon, (except the square deal b), there's just barely enough threads on the standard dies.
Click to expand...

Yes, and the square deal is about the only one I might be able to justify the cost. LOL
 
Meroh said:
I was almost ready to move on the Lee, but after reading some of the other forums where they have been out for a while, I'm holding off. The reliability seems very questionable. The Dylan is out of the running because I already have all the standard dies. I am leaning towards the Hornady at present, but it not cheap either.
Click to expand...

I didn’t have any major problems with the Lee auto breech lock pro. Just a bit of a learning curve and tweaking. It sure beats reloading pistol rounds on a turret or single stage. For the cost, you can’t beat it. (I paid $105 US for the press.) Overall, the Lee ABLP is a very good press for my needs and I don’t see it as being unreliable at all.

I did 1000 rounds of .40 at about 250 rounds per hour. All complete in a couple reloading sessions. The rounds were excellent reloads and you wouldn’t be able to tell if they were reloaded on a Lee, Dillon, Redding etc. I hand bombed all the primers and projectiles.

Like you, I’m not going to invest in new dies for the Dillon SD. If I consumed more ammo, then I would invest in a Dillon XL650. A Dillon progressive press will sit unused on my bench for 9-10 months. Rather spend the $$ on other stuff.��
 
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