Ok from a decent experienced single stage reloader like myself, here are my impressions of this press. Got a Pro1000 loader free or loan with dies bullets and all. Can't beat it. First off, I wouldn't call this thing a beginner reloader. Even from my standpoint, it should have someone behind the lever that knows a little about powder, etc.
Sizing/Depriming: Setup was no problem, just follow the directions. ONly issue I see is when doing the whole operation, of sizing/deprime, charging/flaring, seating, sometimes when putting the lever back up, I would pull out the piston. I just couldn't seem to get the hex screw tight enought. This only happened once or twice.
Priming: If done conscienely and carefully, no problem. Got to keep tray full to push the new one in place. Had a few problems where I had to stop the operation and get one that was cockeyed unstuck. Really need a mech. that will stop the primers if need be.
Charging: This surprised me. I looked up HP-38 on the charts and used the disk for 5gr for 9mm luger. I tested out 10 loads on the scale it read 4.9gr all 10 times. Very accurate.
Flaring: No brainer. It flared
Seating/Crimping: With these Lee dies and the rubber gasket, adjusting was tough with out the turret spinning on you. Finally got it right. What I suggest is when you get it right, tighten down good and just use that turret for that caliber. My seating for 100 rounds was 1.123" to 1.129". Pretty consistent.
Press: Not as well constructed as my Rockchucker, but probably not made for rifles. Also wasn't as smooth but alot of stuff going on at once. Very difficult to change calibers or shell holders. Even more difficult for changing from like 9mm Luger to 44 mag.
For autos, this is the trick. I don't know for my 44 mags. I take alot of pride in my target Unique 44Mag loads and like to trim/deburr and clean out the primer pockets. Just not convienent with the Lee press. Maybe use my rockchucker to size/deprime/prime, and trim and deburr separately. Then use the Lee Pro1000 to load and seat
Big country it sounds like you have it pretty well in hand . I have to agree it is not a good press for a beginner .I prefer a single stage over a progressive press myself .I have a couple of them that I hardly use anymore . Sounds like the price was right on the press you got .
Shooter Dan, are you trying to say you had troubles loading with this press? I am just trying to help people who might be interested in this type of press. Any experience you have with this press, let me know how it went.
bigcountry, I don' t have a Lee 1000 but I knew someone who did and they were very unhappy with it. I have a Lee Turret Press that I' ve been using for years and I' ve probably reloaded at least 50000 rounds of pistol ammo and I' ve been happy with it.
Lee 1000 results
