Armory Sponsor
Good god I am so disgusted with Lee Precision right now… Read my warning in the first post dryflash3 (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/12/2026 6:21:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dryflash3][Edited]
Joined:
Jan 2023
Posts:
4079
EE: 0% (0)
|
Shit, fucked that up going prehistoric. I've got 3 pro1000s. First one I got back in mid 80s I got three turrets with universal decapper in #1 & #3 put dillon size/trim dies for 223, 6x45(mod'd 223 die) & 308w (for my ar's & sav99) so all I do is swap turrets, rt1200 & shell plate (#4 & #2) so I got a progressive decapper, full length sizer & trimmer. Need to get a size/trim die for 06' so I can run my garand cases through it. My bolt rifles cases are neck sized. Other two pro1k I just swap turrets, One I load 38 & 357m on, the other 9mm & 40s&w. My other pistol calibers load on the 550. |
|
I know. I do 9mm/40 on one with just a quick change of the die holders. That one has the same bolt pattern as my turret presses of their’s. I bought this one to do 38/357. I swear to God I watch a YouTube video of the “new” one, and it still took the three hole die holders. It showed up, I removed a turret press, and it has a different bolt hole pattern, and it seems very iffy that I could get it mounted to the bench and work directly without buying a stand. I sometimes adjust the case feeder on mine, put on a new die set, do 5.56, then swap die holder, and do a run of 300 BO. I was going to get a third Pro 1000 for that. But this is like loving your Toyota Tacoma, going to get a new one, and it’s a Hyundai Santa Cruz that says Toyota Tacoma on it. I have dies and holders with full die sets and powder dispensers, either for 4 hole turrets or 3, etc. in 300 Win Mag, 30-06, .308. 30-30, .303, 8mm Mauser, 12.7x44R, 7.62x54R, 5.56, 300BO, 9mm, .40S&W, 10mm, 38, 357, 45 Colt, 44 Magnum, 45 ACP, etc. This screws decades of compatibility for me. Guess I’ll be looking at Dillon, Frankford, RCBS. Their 4000 and six pack pro use the same damn swap out each individual die. I never would have bought another 1000 if it wasn’t really a 1000. |
|
I remember when they "redesigned" their hand priming tool from the round tray to their new square ones. That change was very unpopular and folks still talk about it. I remember when someone there decided to unilaterally shorten the collet die in order to leave the mouth flared. They said it was because some folks shooting cast bullets asked for it. That screwed the other 99.9% of folks who didn't want it or expect it. I really hope they pay attention to customer feedback. They have survived a long time and have their niche. In case it helps, I have found these guys to be very helpful with spare parts and turret press parts. https://www.titanreloading.com/ |
Joined:
Jan 2023
Posts:
4080
EE: 0% (0)
|
New pro1k is like three steps backwards making it a paininass to change dies quick. eta: looked at site with them, it's got the quick change bushings. Which is better than screwing dies in/out everytime to change, Just got to buy enough bushing sets for however many die sets you use. Still like the old pro1k with turret since I keep specific caliber dies & old safetydisk powder hopper on it's own turret so only time hopper comes off is if I'm changing powder used and/or grain weight and got to swap disk. Should have bought several more since complete hopper set was like $20 and works great with unique & reddot I use in my 38,357,9m & 40 lead bullet ammo |
|
You guys have it easy. I used a single stage for all of my reloading at first. All of the pistol and rifle. I have a couple of the older 1000 presses now. I also have 3 of the 4000 presses. I tend to just leave them setup they way they are. The twist lock holders is not that big of a deal to swap out. But, thats how it is nowadays with everyone pissing and moaning about something. If it really makes you mad you have to change out the dies, then just buy another press and leave it setup the way you like. The new versions are WAY better than the old ones. You like having to unbolt the press just to clean out the primers? Why are you not complaining about that? Lee should never have done something like that to catch a primer according to your idea how Lee does things. But, hey, who am I to complain? |
"I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing"
Joined:
Jul 2006
Posts:
8470
EE: 100% (334)
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: Snip...... dryflash3 Aren't those quick-change twist lock die holders. You set the die depth just once. Thereafter, it comes out and goes back with a small twist. Am I mistaken? Theoretically. One of the points in their response to my- "If you discontinued the Pro 1000 just make that clear. This is not a Pro 1000. Call it the Pro 1100. Or the 1010, 1020, 1030, whatever depending on how many updates from the original. You took a versatile press and turned it into a limited one and destroyed legacy bolt patterns, die orientation/position, and quick change die sets" 'Well, this way people can store their dies in the original boxes and quick change each one. " And noted your point. But it doesn't really work well that way when your die set is all perfectly set up with the powder device on one, etc. It was fantastic to just do a small twist and change out the entire die set up. |
|
Originally Posted By tommee-boy-72: You guys have it easy. I used a single stage for all of my reloading at first. All of the pistol and rifle. I have a couple of the older 1000 presses now. I also have 3 of the 4000 presses. I tend to just leave them setup they way they are. The twist lock holders is not that big of a deal to swap out. But, thats how it is nowadays with everyone pissing and moaning about something. If it really makes you mad you have to change out the dies, then just buy another press and leave it setup the way you like. The new versions are WAY better than the old ones. You like having to unbolt the press just to clean out the primers? Why are you not complaining about that? Lee should never have done something like that to catch a primer according to your idea how Lee does things. But, hey, who am I to complain? I started with a single stage as well. I have more than one 1000, turret presses, etc. Under one turret I just swap out the 5.55/300 BO set, the others has die sets, etc. Under them is a hole with a funnel that catches primers. Let’s chalk my extreme discontent up to expectations. If what had arrived was actually a Lee Pro 1000 and not some entirely new model that is called a Lee Pro 1000- I pull the turrent press with the broken part they can’t replace, bolt my new 1000 directly into the holes, put a die disc on there, and start reloading. Now I’m looking at new holes, reversing the handle with the new curve pattern - shit, with the new cruces it’s not really reversible, the throw is way lower, the new die angle has issues, it will kind of want to drop loaded ammo off the front of the bench? If one of your older 1000s broke, you would be happy to get the new version instead of just straight swap? |
|
Originally Posted By ScottyPotty: Yes, it takes the are quick change twist lock bushings. Lee calls them breech lock bushings. These...... https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/BW_MEDIAX_AVIF_MEASUREMENT_1306696-T1/images/I/41q-1KP+a1L._AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg Their answer to the Hornady LNL. I would still use a Pro 1000 if I had one, it worked well enough but can't remember why I sold it. |
|
I get the annoyance. But I'm tangentially curious, is thr new design better? Lee can go either way, their handprimer was the best out there, and they screwed that up. But sometimes they can surprise. Their new micrometer dies are actually pretty great, for dirt cheap. Curious the thought o. Their latest press designs. Which they foolishly give the same model number to as before, that's nuts. But I'm still curious. |
|
I agree with OP that Lee should have called it a 1000+ or something. The random model updates make it hard to keep up. I have a Six Pack Pro that uses the quick change bushings. They might make more sense on a six-station press where the cost of a removable die plate would add up. Honestly, for how hard it is to make stuff in the US right now, I am floored by Lee's pricing. They can't be making a lot of money on this stuff. Some of these design choices may have been necessary just to stay in business. |
|
Originally Posted By PlaysWithAtoms: I agree with OP that Lee should have called it a 1000+ or something. The random model updates make it hard to keep up. I have a Six Pack Pro that uses the quick change bushings. They might make more sense on a six-station press where the cost of a removable die plate would add up. Honestly, for how hard it is to make stuff in the US right now, I am floored by Lee's pricing. They can't be making a lot of money on this stuff. Some of these design choices may have been necessary just to stay in business. Obviously, I have decades of use with Lee and have liked them. Their stuff is like a U.S. 5th Gen Hi-Lux/2nd Gen 4Runner , or a Gen 2 Glock 19. And I’m fine with their progression if it was a Gen 5 G19 or 8th gen hi-lux/Toyota Fortuner 2nd gen. But this press is more of a Hyundai Santa Cruz/Tucson / S&W Sigma/SD/SD9VE |
|
Originally Posted By funnelcake: Wait, none of their turret or progressive presses use, well, turrets anymore?!? ![]() @03RN - you gotta at least get a turret press for handgun/semi-auto rifle! He’s a Marine. He’ll run, ruck, shoot, and kick ass. But it will have to be the hard way. No turrets or progressives for him. |
Joined:
Jan 2023
Posts:
4087
EE: 0% (0)
|
Knew everything cost more nowadays. But was a bit surprised when I looked online at midway & seen they're $267 now (titan's @$235, the other lee progressives decent priced too), that's still pretty decent compaired to other progressive prices. Been awhile since bought my third pro1k, iirc it was $150+s&h |
|
My experience with Lee is very much negative Lee is the Snake Oil sales of the reloading world. Every thing they make is supposedly the bestest, most wonderfulest stuff ever made! It's always plastic, aluminum, or crap pot metal whenever possible, because it's cheaper to buy and faster to make. It's never steel or anything else with greater longevity. Half their stuff barely functions, but with shit repeatability. And half the shit they make is pure fantasy that never works. Best case is their stupid little case trimmer. It's a rod that indexes on the inside of the case head flash hole to set the trimmer depth. I suppose that "might" work if all the flash holes were precision drilled ( but if you're loading Lapua cases, I doubt your using Lee). As for all the other cases, the typical burr on the inside of the flash hole means it physically impossible to get a consistent case length trim. It's indexing on a burr, of inconsistent size. I've got ONE use for Lee: if I need dies to reload something obscure, and it's gonna be one box every couple years for my next door neighbour's .32 Win Spl, Lee will function good enough. Barely. Buy any brand you want. But Lee sucks. |
|
Originally Posted By frozenny: My experience with Lee is very much negative Lee is the Snake Oil sales of the reloading world. Every thing they make is supposedly the bestest, most wonderfulest stuff ever made! It's always plastic, aluminum, or crap pot metal whenever possible, because it's cheaper to buy and faster to make. It's never steel or anything else with greater longevity. Half their stuff barely functions, but with shit repeatability. And half the shit they make is pure fantasy that never works. Best case is their stupid little case trimmer. It's a rod that indexes on the inside of the case head flash hole to set the trimmer depth. I suppose that "might" work if all the flash holes were precision drilled ( but if you're loading Lapua cases, I doubt your using Lee). As for all the other cases, the typical burr on the inside of the flash hole means it physically impossible to get a consistent case length trim. It's indexing on a burr, of inconsistent size. I've got ONE use for Lee: if I need dies to reload something obscure, and it's gonna be one box every couple years for my next door neighbour's .32 Win Spl, Lee will function good enough. Barely. Buy any brand you want. But Lee sucks. Lee has its place. Though I don't quite understand the brand loyalty, as they are the TEMU of reloading. They are highly cost effective, and at times the right choice. Their FCD'S are excellent, both rifle and the completly different pistol units; and I have and use such for almost all my ammo Their hand primer was the best. Their new microseater die sets are the best deal out there. Good dies, and with a sliding sleeve bullet seater. For dirt cheap. And include the shell holder (seriously. Wtf, why is that not standard for everyone else??) Historically their turret presses are held in high regard. Their progressives and other presses... much more mixed reviews. A friend had one of their progressives for .45. It was pretty rattly and cheap - But worked i guess.. Their case trimmer is the cheapest route. Not a great call for large production, but if you want the ability to occasionally trim if you need to, and aren't ready for a Giraud, they work - for basically free. Their customer service, isn't- but that is an understood part of the deal. Their reloading manual kind of sums up Lee - they just copied and compiled everyone else' data. I don't hate Lee. But only cherry pick them for a few items that they excel at. That said, not everyone can afford a Dillon 650 - that was kind of a Porche' strut in a Hyundai thread, but OK. |
|
I cannot argue with the thought that yes pick what you like from a company. From Lee I have their -powder scoops which were handy way back in my infancy -universal depriming die, I had to crank really hard on the center spindle or it slips, I have the same issue with Hornady die zip spindles - several of their Factory Crimp Dies - universal expander die to which I have added my own custom turned expanders, It’s a darned simple and flexible system that I like |
|
Basically, if I was going to reload one or two pistol and one or two rifle calibers, I’d probably have a pair of high end progressives and be done. The beauty of Lee is to get a new reloader in the game on a budget. The utility of Lee- You can have a press that does 9mm and 40 and 10mm just swap the heads and go. Another press that does 5.56 and 300BO with a quick swap and go. And one for 44 mag and 45 colt- again just change the head. And a turret for lower volume stuff like 300 win mag, 30-06, and 308- again, just swap the head and go. And a cheap loader for bird shot for trap/skeet/3gun/sass. I’m not by any means saying they are for everyone or the best. But I’d rather have a handful of presses that work and require a single change to swap calibers vs a high end one with much more work to swap. Friday night I decided to do a steel challenge match at the last minute vs a cowboy action match. (Two surgeries in the past 12 months and not quite ready to run and squat around cover, barrels, go,prone, etc.) You just stand and reload in SC where I go. SASS is basically shoot, take a step or two, shoot, take a step or two. Anyway,- I walked up to my oldest Pro 1000, pulled the 9mm head, put on the 40 head- Poured in some powder, and cranked out a bunch of 40. As simple as can be. Same with another press when I swap between 44 mag and 45 colt. This press was going to be for my 38/357 swap. You guys that do single die swaps, maybe it works great. But it was not at all what I was expecting. I’m a big boy and fine with the heat. It’s just opinion/preferences. |
| Lee uses their quick change bushings now. I am not a fan I just screw one in with loctite and leave it in the press and twist in the dies manually for my single stage presses, but yes I see what you mean by the change. I would just do the 50% off and sell it recoup your money, maybe try someone else who doesn't want to constantly change desings on people. I think they are trying to copy the Hornady design, but most Hornady owners do the same thing I do not want to buy the damn bushings, I mean you end with $100 in bushings for every few dies, then they won't work on anything else. |
|
Originally Posted By Colt653: REMOVED, THIS POST IS OFF TOPIC IN A LEE THREAD. dryflash3 @dryflash3 Just trying to help. OP says he's "...disgusted with LEE..." I'm providing good info to this forum, as always maybe you should try decaf, or lighten up a bit. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
73080
EE: 100% (1)
|
Originally Posted By Colt653: @dryflash3 Just trying to help. OP says he's "...disgusted with LEE..." I'm providing good info to this forum, as always maybe you should try decaf, or lighten up a bit. Your post would have been fine in a "which brand is better" type of thread. Not the case here, you were off topic.. I just want the guys that use Lee equipment not to get the blue wave when they post here. Your advice on my moderation is noted. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
|
I've been using my Lee Loadmaster for about 10 years and have loaded tens of thousands of 9mm and at least another 10k of .223. Yes, there are periodic adjustments that need to be made and some of the plastic parts occasionally wear out. I just make the adjustments and carry on. My biggest problem has been bulged 9mm brass, but once I figured it out, I just keep reloading. If it weren't for threads like this, I wouldn't know it was supposed to suck. |
|
ive used a Lee 4 hole press at least 20 years, loaded thousands of rounds. the priming mechanism was the only thing that would get on my nerves. this was back when I was younger, dumber and still had more patience than Job running it. It did what it was supposed to do. The case feeder was genius in my view and very cost effective. Still have lots of Lee dies and parts for the press, long since sold it when I got old and cranky. |
|
Originally Posted By mannyCA: ive used a Lee 4 hole press at least 20 years, loaded thousands of rounds. the priming mechanism was the only thing that would get on my nerves. this was back when I was younger, dumber and still had more patience than Job running it. It did what it was supposed to do. The case feeder was genius in my view and very cost effective. Still have lots of Lee dies and parts for the press, long since sold it when I got old and cranky. I see what you did there. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
Joined:
Jan 2023
Posts:
4102
EE: 0% (0)
|
Started reloading 308w, 38/357 & 45acp with a lee challenger load package/308kit, dippers & 2 pistol dies packs & hodgdon powder/load book in 86', iirc $140 bucks, which was a lot of funds since I was in hs & had 40hr/job to pay bills. I added gear through the years as I needed & had funds to buy. I've got plenty of lee, rcbs & dillion presses on my bench. Dies are lee, rcbs, redding & dillion. Lots of lee, rcbs, dillion, hornady, lyman etc reloading gear that works fine loading the ammo I use. Doesn't matter what brand of gear, if it works I keep and use it, if it don't I trade it off to someone that wants it. |
Joined:
Nov 2022
Posts:
5313
EE: 100% (4)
|
If I were to buy a LEE press, I think it would be something simple such as a Classic Cast or a bench-mount Breech Lock press. Their dies, while not the most refined seem to work reasonably well, but I've only tried them for pistol cartridges. I vaguely recall when their "micrometer" seater first came out, while looking like a micrometer, did not have an anti-backlash feature. Can anyone confirm or refute that? Do they now have that feature? They have all sorts of tools to help the reloader, really quite a lot. My final thoughts on LEE comes from you guys. The LEE Perfect Powder Measure is supposedly very good (as in the best or nearly so) for large-grained extruded powders, despite its low price and plastic bits. The APP press is well regarded, no? |
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: If I were to buy a LEE press, I think it would be something simple such as a Classic Cast or a bench-mount Breech Lock press. Their dies, while not the most refined seem to work reasonably well, but I've only tried them for pistol cartridges. I vaguely recall when their "micrometer" seater first came out, while looking like a micrometer, did not have an anti-backlash feature. Can anyone confirm or refute that? Do they now have that feature? They have all sorts of tools to help the reloader, really quite a lot. My final thoughts on LEE comes from you guys. The LEE Perfect Powder Measure is supposedly very good (as in the best or nearly so) for large-grained extruded powders, despite its low price and plastic bits. The APP press is well regarding, no? The PPM was my first powder measure, and I keep it around for use with IMR 3031 because my other measures don't like it. |
|
I had a Lee Load All for about a box of shells. Frustrating trash. Some life lessons you learn from experience. I do like their FCD and have a die set or two. Many of us know about their auto-presses and what to expect from them. |
Preferred pronoun: MARINE
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: I vaguely recall when their "micrometer" seater first came out, while looking like a micrometer, did not have an anti-backlash feature. Can anyone confirm or refute that? Do they now have that feature? Relies on o-ring for backlash control. Works well enough for pistol cartridges and have not had issues with the thimble moving (have loaded over 5k rounds of 9mm, 38spl, 357, and 44mag). Can't speak on how well it works with rifle cartridges though. |
|
Originally Posted By wildearp: I had a Lee Load All for about a box of shells. Frustrating trash. Some life lessons you learn from experience. I do like their FCD and have a die set or two. Many of us know about their auto-presses and what to expect from them. To be fair the metal base one was fine for cranking out some 12 gauge of your choice. The current plastic base one is pretty bad. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
73090
EE: 100% (1)
|
Originally Posted By ramairthree: To be fair the metal base one was fine for cranking out some 12 gauge of your choice. The current plastic base one is pretty bad. Was the point of your thread to blow off some of your frustration? Or was it searching for a replacement from another brand of press? |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
|
My point was frustration with companies completely changing a product but still calling it the same thing. Making the product worse, etc. Gun wise it happened with a big ammo box manufacturer a while ago. I had half a dozen of their ammo boxes. Ordered another half dozen a couple of years later. Same product code and name. But completely different. Their response- but we made them better! Ok, change the damn sku. I want the same box to stack. Not a new one that won’t. Some is venting, some is a warning to others. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
73092
EE: 100% (1)
|
Originally Posted By ramairthree: My point was frustration with companies completely changing a product but still calling it the same thing. Making the product worse, etc. Gun wise it happened with a big ammo box manufacturer a while ago. I had half a dozen of their ammo boxes. Ordered another half dozen a couple of years later. Same product code and name. But completely different. Their response- but we made them better! Ok, change the damn sku. I want the same box to stack. Not a new one that won't. Some is venting, some is a warning to others. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
|
Originally Posted By dryflash3: Ok, so you aren't looking to change press brands then. Thanks. No, I’m a birthday or two from 60, started with a Lee single stage in the 90s, and a 3 hole turret soon after, a 4 hole auto index soon after that, converted the 3 hole to 4 hole auto index, then a Pro 1000, snagged a used another Pro 1000 after that, have a RockChucker for brass 12 gauge shells, never got around to also getting 50 BMG dies for it, a classic current gen turret press, bought the new pro 1000 I posted about- I am going to mess with it more I decided- And, a kick ass forum member just sent me their old pro 1000- It’s perfect- I’m going to shift my 5.56 and 300 blackout to that I was doing on my old turret press that wore out. -The cross pin in the arm linkage wore the circle holes into ovals- The guy that taught me to reload in the mid 90s was a Dillon guy for 45 ACP progressive ammo loading, nut single stage for their national match stuff. Many a time over the years I have considered some new stuff/a changeover- But when all is said and done for a guy that deprimes/sizes then hand primes, - The Pro 1000 cranks out powder, seat, crimp very well. I would like to do deprime/prime from a time and efficiency perspective with the other steps- And it does seem to work great when I am using new brass- But over the years using fired brass I get sick of stoppages/bad round from slit or cracked brass, primer James from crimped primer brass, etc. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
73095
EE: 100% (1)
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
|
Originally Posted By dryflash3: Well if you want a more efficient decapping process, Lee make a great press for that. Called the APP. Automatic processing press. https://i.imgur.com/PJzdlZyh.jpg My APP in action. Case feeder tube, when empty, you rotate to the next one. Top of feeder tubes is a round hopper. Dump handful of cases in shake hopper and cases drop base down into the tubes. Slick. Every pull on the press handle drops a decapped case into bin. Last week I decapped 1k of 10mm and 500 44 mag cases in less than 2 hours. That includes bolting press to bench, changing over from bullet sizing to decapping. Setting up press for 10mm, then changing over to 44 mag. When finished unbolting press and placing it in storage for next time. I use a Lee Universal decapper as I always decap before wet tumbling. That’s pretty cool. I have never looked into it. I have turrets with 4 different depriming/sizing dies in them. I pull the auto index rod. Then run a container through. I catch most casing with issues. Then I hand prime the cases at some point. I’ll get rid of a few more cases with issues- And catch some more with priming issues. Doing it on a press with a case feeder would certainly save some time. I don’t know where I would squeeze it in. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
73098
EE: 100% (1)
Good god I am so disgusted with Lee Precision right now… Read my warning in the first post dryflash3 (Page 1 of 2)
Armory Sponsor





