Tips and Tricks for Lee 1000

Runningfool

Runningfool

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I recently purchased a used Lee 1000 and plan on reloading 9mm, 45, and eventually 223 with it. Any tips or tricks you can share? (please, no boat-anchor comments :p )

I am new to reloading and will be picking up supplies this weekend so that I can make my first few test rounds next week.
 
Congrats on getting into reloading. After the initial outlay of costs to get the gear is over I am looking forward to all the things I can do. I am reloading 12ga, 9mm, 30-06, 38-55, and 303british for now. Right now I don't care at all which press I have. I have a Lee Load All II for the shotshells and another Lee press for the rest. Might not be a turret or progressive press but it does the job just fine. I actually enjoy the downtime to reload.

Get a good reloading manual and pick up as many of the load data booklets and such you can. Every powder/bullet manufacturer has load data for their stuff. Lot of reading to do first.

Have fun and stay safe.
 
Lee Pro 1000's can be finicky. I have a 1000 and it works just fine but it took a while to get used to it and know how to get it to work properly.

Read the manual and get to know your press inside and out so that when something doesn't go right you know how to strip it down and fix it properly.

If something doesn't feel right...don't force it... find out what is the problem and fix it or you may have a bigger problem in the end.

Keep your eye on the primer feed ramp...try to notice if a primer feeds as every case passes the case detector just before station two. If a primer doesn't feed properly, don't go ahead and drop powder only to discover later that no primer was inserted and now you have powder in the primer seating ram...big problem because you have to clean that out before things will seat properly again. Make sure you don't get low on primers...primers work on a gravity feed system and not enough primers means primers may not feed properly.

Keep your press clean and free from debris and once you get passed the learning curve, I think you may like your Lee pro 1000 and the money it saves you in the long run!
 
Ok.. I bought a 1000 about 6 months ago and have loaded 5-6 thousand rounds on it now. First things first. These 2 videos.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRzaPXj4g8D0&ei=7JuiT5mrCcKK2gWxzujvCA&usg=AFQjCNGV_D53hGydDiISXa2tA61I5SmMzw&sig2=6jHk6AQiLgATAXjJhF9Zkw
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCYQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dhd0zk6ijr4M&ei=7JuiT5mrCcKK2gWxzujvCA&usg=AFQjCNGOkm-FEmB19jNdzYTZHEcswFlCrg&sig2=S2TENy51kVVnyxoS0jo1oQ

I don't really agree with the guy about how much they need to be cleaned, but that video is awesome to show you how to disassemble and how the press works.

Second.. Go to Walmart and buy yourself a can of compressed air. I use it occasionally to blow the powder and crap out of the primer feed mechanism.

Third.. Find the Lee rythm. For me.. Smooth when pulling the handle with a 1/4 second pause at the top and bottom. Don't pull the handle too fast.

Forth.. NEVER load more that 100 primers in the tray. With 100 primers the tray will bridge so I tap the primer tray every 3 rounds (for 12 rounds) after filling it up. It seems to be fine one it drops below 90 primers.

Fifth.. Don't let the primer run too low. Basically when you can see the last primer in the feed ramp, its time to fill.

Sixth.. Go to Home Depot and get yourself a new Stainless steel chain for the powder mechanism. The home depot chains are much stronger and more tolerant to screw ups when you are starting out . You will still break it once or twice when you are learning.

Seven.. Replace the super stiff (I swear it could be used on a car) spring that Lee provides for the chain with a spring from a ball point pen.

Eight.. Get a clip on LED light (Bought mine from Costco) and point it towards the last station. This will allow you to check the powder level in every case. I WILL NOT ALLOW A CASE GO BY WITHOUT A VISUAL VERIFICATION.

Thats it... Thats all... If you stick with it I'm sure you will have the same success I did. When I really get moving I can do 500/hour. I would say I average about 350/hour.
 
I prime off the press and have had 0 issues since.
I do use this though as you get the occasional low charge.
Eight.. Get a clip on LED light (Bought mine from Costco) and point it towards the last station. This will allow you to check the powder level in every case. I WILL NOT ALLOW A CASE GO BY WITHOUT A VISUAL VERIFICATION.
Click to expand...

~3500 loaded
 
Keep an eye on the primer feed. You may have to tap the primer holder to get them to slide down the ramp, they tend to bind at the opening to the ramp.

I assume you're using the Auto-disk measure? Ditch the discs and chain and get the micrometer with the spring. More reliable and you can dial in whatever grain weight you want.
 
Its very common to hear about people abandoning the primer system and priming using another method.

Personally I think people get frustrated and its just easier to abandon it.

I had problems in the beginning before I figured it out. Now the only time my primer system screws up is when a Small Pistol primer .45 brass slips through my inspection, or I get a brass with a very stubborn primer that didn't de-prime. I would say, out of 350 rounds I get about 2 or 3 with primers in sideways or backwards.

As to the low charge.. I only get low charges when I use the Micro Charge Bar. I never got low charges with the discs. Unfortunately there isn't really a good disc for 9mm with Titegroup.

Another thing.. Get the case feeder. Its like $25 and makes life so much easier.
 
Use mine with .223. The cases are deprimed and prepped before going into the press. The Press primes well as long as the chute is full, after 3/4 it starts having issues. Compressed air is your friend. Never had a problem since I follow these rules. For more tips visit "Loadmaster forums"
 
those youtube videos are gold for complete take town and assembly.

other then that keep an eye on the primers, my 3 pro 1000's like cci over any other brand, they seem to slide down the primer feed better then winchester. that being said it will use both just fine. they say dont use federal, which i down, but only because of there STUPIDLY oversized packaging. hell i don't even like winchester's.

i've loaded 10k + rounds across 3 pro 1000's in 9mm, 45ACP, 38/357. i've crushed probably 200 primers cause of the crappy feed, but i'm happy with them. although i've come close to smashing them.

i don't clean my presses alot and they still overall run smoothly. i can get 300 rounds in and hour with an acceptable amount of work.

think that's about it.
 
travellerw said:
Ok.. I bought a 1000 about 6 months ago and have loaded 5-6 thousand rounds on it now. First things first. These 2 videos.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRzaPXj4g8D0&ei=7JuiT5mrCcKK2gWxzujvCA&usg=AFQjCNGV_D53hGydDiISXa2tA61I5SmMzw&sig2=6jHk6AQiLgATAXjJhF9Zkw
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCYQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dhd0zk6ijr4M&ei=7JuiT5mrCcKK2gWxzujvCA&usg=AFQjCNGOkm-FEmB19jNdzYTZHEcswFlCrg&sig2=S2TENy51kVVnyxoS0jo1oQ

I don't really agree with the guy about how much they need to be cleaned, but that video is awesome to show you how to disassemble and how the press works.

Second.. Go to Walmart and buy yourself a can of compressed air. I use it occasionally to blow the powder and crap out of the primer feed mechanism.

Third.. Find the Lee rythm. For me.. Smooth when pulling the handle with a 1/4 second pause at the top and bottom. Don't pull the handle too fast.

Forth.. NEVER load more that 100 primers in the tray. With 100 primers the tray will bridge so I tap the primer tray every 3 rounds (for 12 rounds) after filling it up. It seems to be fine one it drops below 90 primers.

Fifth.. Don't let the primer run too low. Basically when you can see the last primer in the feed ramp, its time to fill.

Sixth.. Go to Home Depot and get yourself a new Stainless steel chain for the powder mechanism. The home depot chains are much stronger and more tolerant to screw ups when you are starting out . You will still break it once or twice when you are learning.

Seven.. Replace the super stiff (I swear it could be used on a car) spring that Lee provides for the chain with a spring from a ball point pen.

Eight.. Get a clip on LED light (Bought mine from Costco) and point it towards the last station. This will allow you to check the powder level in every case. I WILL NOT ALLOW A CASE GO BY WITHOUT A VISUAL VERIFICATION.

Thats it... Thats all... If you stick with it I'm sure you will have the same success I did. When I really get moving I can do 500/hour. I would say I average about 350/hour.
Click to expand...

I watched the vids and stripped and cleaned my Lee 1000 today...very helpful. Broke the chain :p, off to Home Depot tomorrow. Thanks again for all of the advice!
 
I have loaded thousands of rounds on my Lee 1000s. I have long ago stopped mashing primers; I might have one every 1000 rounds if I am not paying attention.
My key points, to add to what has been said above, are:
- Slow and deliberate, rather than racing, makes for long term productivity. Trying to go fast and then spending time clearing jams does not help.
- A deliberate pause at the top and bottom of the stroke is best. This allows you to check the primer feed, make sure you have felt the primer bottom out in the pocket, and keep an eye on the system.
- never force the press, especially at the primer feed part of the stroke. Forcing at other times can lead to stripping the nylon bushing that helps to turn the shellholder (I have never replaced mine yet).
- I don't use the case feeder. I find that it is faster and more reliable to have a bucket of brass and put one on the tray.
- I replaced the chain with a nylon cord. This allows for the exact length, and has some spring in it.
- My best rate is around 300-400 rounds per hour. I have never tried to achieve 1000 rounds per hour. I do about 300 rounds at a sitting to avoid being bored.
- The more solidly you have it mounted, the easier it will work.
 
Be patient, take the time to figure out how it works and develop a rhythm. Lee reloaders are NOT for the impatient or the easily frustrated, nor for those who are easily intimidated with mechanical things. However if you take the time to learn how to operate it and get it set up just right, they DO work, and turn out very consistent ammo very very rapidly. You need to pay careful attention while you're reloading to avoid jams and outages which kill your cycle rates. With a bullet feeder, I'm able to crank out a thousand rounds in 90 minutes. Usually I'll do 400 or 500 in a sitting, though, 30 to 45 minutes

If you have a low tolerance for figuring things out on your own and would rather have something that 'just works,' then save yourself some hassle and get a dillon.
 
Primer feeding trick. Put orings or string into the two post grooves used to agitate the primer tray. Works so much better at ensuring continuous primer feed. You do need to keep the chute full however... The lower the primer level in the chute the more apt it is to not position properly.
 
If you have some mechanical aptitude and a bit of patience then you can make a Lee 1000 work very well and it will make you happy. If you have no interest in mechanical problems and are short on patience or time, then a Lee 1000 might not be the machine for you.

The best tip I can give you is to be patient and try to fix one problem at a time. Google can help you find some forums that have very good info on setting up the Lee 1000 and making it work.
 
travellerw said:
Ok.. I bought a 1000 about 6 months ago and have loaded 5-6 thousand rounds on it now. First things first. These 2 videos.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRzaPXj4g8D0&ei=7JuiT5mrCcKK2gWxzujvCA&usg=AFQjCNGV_D53hGydDiISXa2tA61I5SmMzw&sig2=6jHk6AQiLgATAXjJhF9Zkw
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCYQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dhd0zk6ijr4M&ei=7JuiT5mrCcKK2gWxzujvCA&usg=AFQjCNGOkm-FEmB19jNdzYTZHEcswFlCrg&sig2=S2TENy51kVVnyxoS0jo1oQ

I don't really agree with the guy about how much they need to be cleaned, but that video is awesome to show you how to disassemble and how the press works.

Second.. Go to Walmart and buy yourself a can of compressed air. I use it occasionally to blow the powder and crap out of the primer feed mechanism.

Third.. Find the Lee rythm. For me.. Smooth when pulling the handle with a 1/4 second pause at the top and bottom. Don't pull the handle too fast.

Forth.. NEVER load more that 100 primers in the tray. With 100 primers the tray will bridge so I tap the primer tray every 3 rounds (for 12 rounds) after filling it up. It seems to be fine one it drops below 90 primers.

Fifth.. Don't let the primer run too low. Basically when you can see the last primer in the feed ramp, its time to fill.

Sixth.. Go to Home Depot and get yourself a new Stainless steel chain for the powder mechanism. The home depot chains are much stronger and more tolerant to screw ups when you are starting out . You will still break it once or twice when you are learning.

Seven.. Replace the super stiff (I swear it could be used on a car) spring that Lee provides for the chain with a spring from a ball point pen.

Eight.. Get a clip on LED light (Bought mine from Costco) and point it towards the last station. This will allow you to check the powder level in every case. I WILL NOT ALLOW A CASE GO BY WITHOUT A VISUAL VERIFICATION.

Thats it... Thats all... If you stick with it I'm sure you will have the same success I did. When I really get moving I can do 500/hour. I would say I average about 350/hour.
Click to expand...

Well written up. Thank you.
 
You can tape a feeler gauge (thin metal strip) underneath the primer "piston" if you find that need to seat primers a little deeper. Not so much press related but also remember to clean your dies (especially once you start lubing your bottleneck .223 cases).

Travellerw, great post.
 
I have done a number of tweaks to smooth out operation and prevent things from jamming up and breaking my stride when I'm "in the zone". I'm only loading 9mm on mine so my setup is tuned for one caliber only.

I replaced the chain with a solid rod... It's never going to break now and things run smoother.

I have a case collator and did the "9mm Mod" by adding a small square of UHMW tape between the feed holes to help prevent cases from dropping down the tubes inverted.

I made my own case ejector rod that kicks the finished rounds out a little smoother/more reliably than the stock one.

I lined the drop chute with UHMW tape to reduce friction and prevent a "log jamb" of finished rounds.

I shimmed the primer piston to seat the primers a little deeper

I wrapped light gauge copper wires around the grooves in the rear support leg so the primer tray gets agitated vigorously with each stroke.

I filed a groove/notch at the bottom side of the ram guide that aligns with the primer discharge chute. Sometimes a primer would hang on the depriming pin and drop down the chute too late to make it into the spent primer hopper. The primer would jamb up the works when the bottom of the discharge chute passed the bottom edge of the ram housing causing the ram to get stuck at the bottom of the stroke. The little notch provides extra clearance for the primer to fall free of the press if it happens to drop late.

I added a small washer with an offset hole to the top of the ram so that spent primers catch the edge of the washer as they are deprimed and get "flicked" off the depriming pin... I was having problems with spent primers hanging on to the depriming pin and getting started back into the primer pocket when the shell plate was lowered. The spent primer would then be pressed back into place by the fresh primer and the case advanced on to be loaded as a dud round. The fresh primer would either fall free as the shell plate advanced or jamb up the works. I usually would feel the short stroke and catch the fault but I occasionally missed it. Usually when it happened the press would jamb and I'd have to break my pace to clear the malfunction. Reshaping the depriming pin did help lessen the problem but the washer has solved it totally.

I do still get occasional hang ups but they are usually easy to clear or caused by low primer levels in the hopper. I'm at around 300-400 rnds/hr depending on how fast I can fill the case collator/primer tray.

HTH
MB
 
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