Making Ammo on a Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press: Part 1 - INTRO AND DISCUSSION

[jdgabbard]

The majority of safety issues with lead is usually associated with consumption. Simply touching the cast boolits, and then smoking a cigarette (putting your hands to your mouth), eating, etc is where the issue is. SImply washing your hands before you do such activities will reduce your chances of exposure to nill. Been casting for years, I don't wear gloves, and I have basically zero exposure per my latest blood test. It's good to get tested on a yearly basis just to be certain.

[sfliberal]

@jdgabbard Agreed on all counts.

[MavHunter20XX]

What do you mean by liberal, cuz I do beleive if you call your self a liberal, you're a liar, cuz you even reload your own ammo...and I mean that in a good way.

[sfliberal]

@MavHunter20XX LOL! Actually I do this and advocate it to others precisely *because* I'm a liberal. If you'd like to know more of just what this means, head over to my Web site and have a look. I'd post the URL here, but YouTube/Google don't seem to like URLs in comments. Ah well....

[PastOurPrep]

This is the first video I have seen where PPE is mentioned! Kudos for stressing the importance of not touching lead with your bare hands!

[econewpower]

Love your reloading videos man, you make the best instructional videos on reloading and bullet casting, sizing, etc. The fact that you use Lee equipment shows you're an astute individual who spends his money wisely. Take care my friend.

[sfliberal]

@econewpower Thanks! Those presses have saved me a bundle. Nothing wrong with the Dillon/RCBS/Hornady/etc. gear, either, it's good stuff if you've got the budget. And the Lee stuff's good, too. That press will shortly have 30,000 rounds on its clock at the rate I'm going.

I would recommend Dillon's Eliminator scale, though, even over my RCBS 10-10. It's an Ohaus-made unit, very solid, and priced competitively.

[sluggo45]

soon as i heard liberal i shut it off ,liberalism working great out there in cali huh what a joke

[sfliberal]

@sluggo45 LOL! Well, unfortunately the CA government is sorely lacking in true liberalism. Those are pinko-Commies running things out there, so I can't say I blame ya. Real liberalism--Founding Father liberalism--is actually very pro-freedom, and that's what I am.

[TigerBlack338]

Just put out 2000 9mm on my pro 1000 today. took a cupple of hours, but this thing works.. It's not a dillon, IMHO it's way better than a 550B, Way more efficiant anyway.. The only thing I dont care for is the ejection shute, Have yet to figure out a fix for that, But mine works fine and has saved me a sh*tload of cash on ammo.. Tomorrow it's 45ACP time.. got 1500 rounds to make :D

[sfliberal]

@TigerBlack338 Dillons aren't bad presses at all, but with the money you save by buying a Pro 1000, you can get a lot more reloading components. That's what I did. Some folks have polished the ejection chute with some NuFinish and say they get good results from that.

[theripmon81]

@sfliberal I've seen one person bend a small piece of wire into a sort of "S", and used it to push the completed round out. This seemed to work, longer arm to guide it off onto the chute.

Side note: Love your videos, you've sold me on the Lee 1000, going to be buying one soon!

[sfliberal]

@theripmon81 Not a bad idea, that S-shaped wire. There should be a way to hook it up permanently so that each stroke automatically pushes the round down the chute. Do you happen to have a link to where you saw this person do this? Sounds like a handy mod.

[BigAgitator]

That case collator is the shit!!!!

[sfliberal]

@BigAgitator Totally. The collator makes filling those feeder tubes *SO* much easier. Needs a mod for optimum 9mm use, but the mod's easy to do.

[sfliberal]

Just checked it out. Yep, that's a good deal directly from Lee. Same warranty, same everything. If I needed another one, I'd definitely go that route.

Good find!

[45Blackjack]

$150 from midway(Turrets sold separately.$8.49). $126.50(turret included) from Leeprecision closeouts, reconditioned, same warranty, cheaper shipping.

[geckboywantstolearn]

Gah, I hate how you talk, just talk like a regular person!

[sfliberal]

@geckboywantstolearn Actually, I'd kinda like to sound like Isaiah "Old Spice Guy" Mustafa does in his "battle" with Fabio. :-)

[jdh10475]

Can you change the dies for different ammo?

[sfliberal]

@jdh10475 You certainly can. I do it regularly going between .38/357, .44 Spl, and .45 Colt. Matter of fact, we've got a video series for how to do just that.

[bneutube]

hahaah that shit is hallarious  way to go darth liberal!!!!

[csxconductor100]

is he black?

[Just1Spark]

A little tip, blow in the gloves before you put them on.

[GetTheNet1963]

Quick comment about your latex gloves... pour baby powder in them... shake and put on

[sfliberal]

@GetTheNet1963 Yep, I figured that out shortly after making this series.  :-)

[blackgaymidgetjew]

lee says not to use federal primers because they are more explosive and volitile. im willing to take that chance to be able to use federal primers in my ammo. federal is the best.

[sfliberal]

@blackgaymidgetjew Federals are good, no question, especially if you've got a lightened hammer strike. Just know that you are taking that chance.

[txstang84]

@sfliberal I've heard and read that same warning from Lee literature numerous times, but I've loaded over 4k rounds (perhaps more) with Fed primers and I've never experienced a detonation. I understand things can and do happen, but I guess I've never rammed the handle up hard enough to set one off, or had large enough debris in the seater plug in either of my two turret presses-works for me!

[hwystithes]

wow, latex gloves and a face mask???wtf, only a liberal would go to that extreme.

[sfliberal]

@hwystithes Thanks! :-)

[txstang84]

@hwystithes latex gloves recommended if you don't enjoy absorbing lead into your blood stream, or other fun stuff from the powder...also good for keeping fingerprints off the nice shiny brass. Face mask/safety glasses recommended by Lee and most other reloading tool companies for use during priming...not about anything other than personal safety.

[Heyalth]

An entire minute and a half on putting latex gloves on.. learn to edit man

[300superMEXICANS]

pussy

[sfliberal]

@300superMEXICANS meow

[gunguy40]

@sfliberal hiss

[gunguy40]

@sfliberal purr

[poik12]

@sfliberal owned XD

[sfliberal]

@poik12 No, no, that's "pwned"! C'mon, dude, work with me here!

[marsolca]

Only a san fransiscan would need latex gloves because firearms equipment is only known to cause cancer in Californians

[marsolca]

@marsolca And he threw on a full face mask. He's probably annoying because guns and reloading are too much for that city

[sfliberal]

@marsolca Tell me about it! Rest assured that not everyone in SF has the Pelosi/Feinstein anti-Constitution attitude. A lot of us from SF are pro-gun. We're just not talked about by the media outlets, not even Fox News. I do believe in peace 'n' love...and as my Dad taught me, at times it must be through Superior Firepower.

[sfliberal]

@marsolca Hey, what else would you expect from somebody from the Land of Fruits, Nuts, and Flakes? LOL :-D

[FastisFast]

Is it really worth it? I mean after looking up some prices, it comes close to the price of a full box of ammo!

[sfliberal]

@FastisFast You bet it's worth it! The press setup that you see in this video series paid for itself in about 6 weeks. The version in .45 Colt paid for itself in 2 weeks. From there on, the cost savings per round go straight into my pocket. :-)

[FastisFast]

@FastisFast Maybe I was looking in the wrong places for pieces.. where do you get everything from?

[sfliberal]

@FastisFast Vendors like MidwayUSA, Graf's, Factory Sales, Widener's, Cabela's, TnT Reloading, etc. All are good vendors.

[TheMrozymandias]

I found him to be quite annoying.

[glightum]

san fag liberal... pussy with lead.... 3 mins + just to watch him put on gloves. a liberal thats using lead which the liberals are trying to rid the world of, this vid sux less you want to spend your time watchin someone talk aimless and put on his gloves instead of learning bout the press. sry just callin how i seeum.

[mjmoto72]

ok i need to know if my charge of 6.8 grns of bullseye is ok for a 135 fmj bullet . 40 S&W .. that and what might be the min. charge so i dont get it stuck in the barrel . if anyone can help please do thanks .. also my auto disc " lee " powder charge says .71 but it always puts out less. " like my girlfriend " thanks again.

[zombieknifenut]

can you get different dies for other calibers is the press designated to one caliber?

[sfliberal]

@zombieknifenut You certainly can. The Pro 1000 is designed to be able to switch between cartridges pretty quickly.  I go between .44 Special and .45 Colt on one of mine all the time.

[B17MIKE]

How do you make sure the cases go down the tube the right way? Thanks!

[sfliberal]

@B17MIKE Turns out the case collator is just slightly funnel-shaped.  The vast majority of the cases will therefore roll around such that the case head is toward the bottom of the "funnel" as it's rolling toward the four holes for the case feeder tubes. With rimmed revolver cartridges, this works especially well, but it also does pretty well for "rimless" cases like 9mm. You will get an occasional one turned upside down, but it's easy to see and flip over while you're loading.

[TheJ0ne]

The video begins at 4:10 , befor that he onely brags about his swiftness and shows off his latex glows... ;P

[sfliberal]

@TheJ0ne Oooh...sexy! LOL

I may just give those latex gloves credits in my next vid, as much as they've upstaged me in this one...! :-D

[meesterp]

the Lee bullet feeder is great for these.

[ferks60]

I have read many bad reviews on this press, the main problem people were complaining about was the primer feed system, it seems to work ok as I watch your videos, do you have any problems with this press and would you recommend it to a beginner ?

Good Videos by the way !

[sfliberal]

@ferks60 Thanks!

I wouldn't recommend that a beginner start out with *any* progressive press, regardless of brand. I always recommend starting in single-stage first and getting your fundamentals down pat. Check out the press "Miss B.H.C." is using in one of the videos. It's $28 at Midway. After you get at least 500, and preferably 1,000, rounds under your belt in single-stage, then go progressive. At that point, a Pro 1000 would be a fine choice. I use and like both of mine a lot.

[passout18]

get powdered gloves, they're much easier to get on

[sfliberal]

@passout18 I know, I know! The next set will be powdered. :-)

[kawakz900]

buy bigger gloves ;)

goodvideo

[abe2517]

Is making your own ammo a hobby, or does it save serious money? Prices have been going up for a while.

[sfliberal]

@abe2517 Both. Here's a chart of what I can make vs. what I can buy it for (all figures are for 50-round boxes).

.38 Spl: factory for $15, homemade for $3.25.

.357 Mag: factory for $20-$25, homemade for $4.50

.44 Spl or .45 Colt: factory for $35-$50, homemade for $5.10

.45 Colt "Magnum/Ruger Only": factory for $85, homemade for $8.00.

So, I save a boatload *and* have a lot of fun doing it. Pretty good, huh? :-)

[ferks60]

@sfliberal Wow, that's some big savings, do you have any recommendations on where to get the brass, thanks !

[sfliberal]

@ferks60 I would recommend Starline. Just do a search for "starline brass", and it should be the first link.

[zhukie]

@abe2517

Not only much cheaper (and fun/satisfying) but from a target shooting competition standpoint, handloading squeezes as much accuracy out of a particular firearm as is possible, which can't happen with factory ammo (created with too wide a range of tolerances to be tailored for one specific gun - or barrel).

I'm about to start reloading soon, and that's the theory.

[sfliberal]

Ah, that does make sense. This may be more of an issue with the shorter semi-auto cases than the much taller revolver cartridges that I generally use. Again, good tip. Thanks!

[n2185x]

@sfliberal The problem is that if something bumps that screw, it can take your shellplate out of alignment and you'll have problems priming. In this case, it can only pull it clockwise, since the way you have it configured right now has the shellplate carrier acting as a forward stop on the screw head (so it can't be pushed in, it can only be pulled out).

Chances are, it won't be much of an issue for you, but it's a possibility. Enough so that I'd fix it if I were you.

[n2185x]

@sfliberal For the benefit of those who have watched these videos (sfliberal probably already knows this), note that you don't have to disassemble the top of the turret in order to remove the shellplate carrier. You can remove the carrier by removing the powder drop chain, raising the carrier about 3/4 of the way up, then pulling the ram out of the carrier and lowering it all the way, and then rotating the carrier (horizontally and vertically) in such a way that it comes out.

[sfliberal]

@n2185x That's true, and it's also a quick way to change shellplate carriers when you're switching cartridges. Sounds like n2185x is himself an experienced Pro 1000 user and has some good tips to impart. That's what this is all about, folks--sharing knowledge of our hobby, so the more, the better.

[MyOwnYTAccount]

Just got my Pro 1000 today - when it rotates to the bullet seater/roll crimp station, a bit of powder spills out from the case. I'm using Winchester 231, using the .37 cc disk (4.3 gn) loading 124 gn 9mm.

Any thoughts?

[sfliberal]

@MyOwnYTAccount Hmm...I haven't run into that particular issue yet, even with nearly full cases of 2400. My guess is that something's slightly sticking for just long enough to cause the spillage when it un-sticks. Can you try pulling the handle very slowly and see if anything's catching somewhere?

[n2185x]

@MyOwnYTAccount The reason powder is spilling out of the case is that the amount of pressure generated by the spring underneath the shellplate indexing ball is a bit on the high side, and that "snaps" the plate into position too rapidly.  It comes that way from the factory. I replaced that spring with a lower tension spring and eliminated the issue. It took a bit of searching through one of those spring kits you can buy from the local hardware store to find a suitable one.

[MyOwnYTAccount]

@n2185x That makes sense - I'll haveto look into getting a lighter spring. Thanks!

[n2185x]

@MyOwnYTAccount There is one caveat to the lighter spring: the ball keeps the shellplate from turning in reverse when you raise the ram, so the spring pressure has to be enough so the ball can serve that function. It will require experimentation on your part to find the right pressure, since there seems to be considerable variation in the parts that make the system work.

[hibylittle8]

can you load rifle shells like 30-06 with this press

[sfliberal]

@hibylittle8 I'm afraid not, unless you disable the auto-index. The Pro 1000 is really geared toward high volumes of handgun cartridges. The 30-06 cartridge is a bit too long to clear the dies when the auto-index ratchet turns the shell plate. Same for the .308 Winchester. For these larger cartridges, I'd recommend Lee's Classic Turret Press.

However, the Pro 1000 will happily accommodate shorter rifle cartridges like .223 Remington and 7.62x39 Russian.

[hibylittle8]

can you load rifle rounds such as the 30-06 with this system

[pocketjedi]

when loading the casings in the top how do they end up right side up? an not upside down, is this do to the measurement of the butt of the casing and the opening of the casing in comparison to the load tube size?

[sfliberal]

@pocketjedi There's a slight slope downward from the edges to the center four holes. The heaviest part of a case being the head, that part rolls down toward the holes first. With revolver (rimmed) cases, you very occasionally (maybe 1 in 300) get one turned upside down. 9mm cases can get flipped a little more often, but it's not too bad, and there's an inexpensive trick for fixing what little there is (it's on YouTube).

[laobunlee]

Loading your own ammo really saves you money than buying a finished product ammos?

[sfliberal]

@laobunlee

Oh yes, it saves a lot of money! The box of ammo you see me make here costs $3.25 to make. By contrast, buying a box of .38 Special, even the cheap stuff, is $14. And for the larger cartridges like .44 Special, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt, the savings are even greater.

[Daytonaman675]

Dude you crack me up! How fast were you when you started?

[sfliberal]

@Daytonaman675

Heh...not very. :-) It took me a few hours to do my first box of 50.

[Daytonaman675]

@sfliberal Looking at one in .45acp I started shooting steel at my local range and need less expensive ammo options. This looks to be a good press for the money and pretty quick to boot.

[sfliberal]

@Daytonaman675

You're right, for the money, they are pretty darn good. Also consider watching the strip/clean/reassemble series. It'll help you figure out how the press works.

For .45 ACP, you might also consider casting your own bullets. I save a lot of cash this way *and* avoid leading. My 50-round boxes of .45 Colt cost me $5.10 to make this way, assuming 8 reuses of the brass. Used lead wheel weights are the perfect alloy for .45 ACP-type pressures.

[BlackSabbath1204]

will that powder work for 9mm?

[sfliberal]

@BlackSabbath1204

Yep, works great in 9mm, too! Be sure to consult a couple of good reloading manuals, though, as always.

[crimson408]

Hi. Like dogishappy0 i'm looking in to reloading 45acp. I never reloaded any ammo. But my question is what comes with the lee pro 1000 set.? Is the press all i need to reload? So just buy the kit then the primers, bullet, powder? Or is there anything else do i need to buy after the lee pro 1000? Do i need tumbler? I really dont have anything right now but the idea of reloading ammo. LOL. tnx for the video. I learned allot watching your posts.

[sfliberal]

@crimson408

Glad they're helping. I would strongly recommend a tumbler to clean your brass. I would also recommend a decent beam scale. Lee's Safety Scale is good to start with. Get two good reloading manuals. Also, you should have eye protection, just as you saw me using. Finally, get Lee's case collator. It's worth the $12, believe me.

Please watch the series that "Miss BHC" and I made of her loading in single-stage mode. For your own safety, please do this. The fundamentals matter!

[crimson408]

@sfliberal

I watched the videos And I have been watching different basic fundamental videos about reloading. So you would recommend a tumbler and scale plus 2 manuals. Sounds good. What about the press? Do you think i should start with the Single-stage like Miss BHC or the leepro1000? Im in the same boat as you about safety. For me safety is always first so i have already got the safety items you listed like the gloves, face shield etc. Did the pro1000 come w/ the collator and the 3 hole turret

[sfliberal]

@crimson408

I would start single-stage. I'd recommend at least 500 rounds this way first. That little press she was using cost $30 from MidwayUSA and will load 30-06 with no problem.

The Pro 1000's come with dies and the turret, but not the case collator; that's an extra $12. You can use the same dies from your Pro 1000 on the single-stage, too, so no need to buy 2 sets of dies.

[dogishappy0]

i'm looking at getting into reloading 45ACP ammo. And i just figured out that there are two types of primers. Which size do i need to buy, and what is the difference? If i buy the wrong size by accident, can i use them to reload my shotgun shells if i should decide to get into that too?

[sfliberal]

@dogishappy0

The .45 ACP isn't one of the ones I happen to reload, but the principle is exactly the same for all straight-walled handgun cartridges.

You really need to pick up at least two reloading manuals and read them thoroughly. For one of them, I'd suggest Lyman's 49th Edition or later. Others have suggested "The ABC's of Reloading." Since you're considering shotgun, I'd also suggest Richard Lee's "Modern Reloading."

[dogishappy0]

@sfliberal

you really know your stuff, thanks for the advice. I wish there were more people like you out here. The "liberals" at college are just closed minded robots that can't think for themselves. We could use a few liberals like you in our shooting sports club, fell like moving out to NH?

[sfliberal]

@dogishappy0

:-)

I feel your pain about the "liberals" in a lot of colleges. Believe me. They don't know what really being a liberal is.

Have 'em read a paper I wrote about "The True Meaning of the Second Amendment: A Liberal's Epiphany". YouTube won't let me post the URL, so just Google for it. You'll find it right away. And if they balk, remind 'em you don't get more liberal than a native of San Francisco, California!

[glencowcow]

doesnt the primer tray block the opening when turned a certain way?? instead of sticking that tool in the tray while you attach it to the press?

[sfliberal]

@glencowcow

If it does block the opening, I haven't figured out how to do it yet. :-) Doesn't look like it does, so that's why I use a bent paper clip or a small allen wrench. Some folks also drill a small hole for the paper clip in the tray's exit chute with good results.

[CJYFamily]

you put the glove for the evil stuff... but I saw it on the glove...

[fusionstar916]

You need some bigger gloves haha.. Good video :)

[sfliberal]

@fusionstar916

LOL! You're right. I now use a little talcum powder before I put those on. :-)

[sfliberal]

@iLove12GaugeSlugs

Yes, and I do this regularly. As long as both cartridges use the same primer size (e. g. small pistol, small rifle), it's pretty easy. Be sure to get the shell plate for the other cartridge, too (e. g. .38 Special and .223 Remington take different shell plates). If you're changing primer sizes, better to just get the entire shell plate holder assembly for the second cartridge.

[donttreadonme52]

My brother-in-law just handed me one of these yesterday, in less than stellar shape, of course--still, bless his heart. I found your tutorial and thought , fantastic! , just what I need, but after 3 + minutes of safety prep, my libertarian impatience forced me to move on. I will view when I have more time. Have to locate primer tray and probably some other parts first, though.

[sfliberal]

@donttreadonme52

Well, the safety prep stuff does matter, especially in case a primer goes pop on you. Hasn't happened to me yet, but one day....

If your "new" Pro 1000 is in less than stellar shape, have a look at my series on how to strip, clean, and reassemble them. If you've got to replace a few parts, fortunately they're inexpensive. Once you get the press dialed in, I think you'll be very happy with the rate and quality of ammo production.

[donttreadonme52]

Shouldn't this be called "How to put on protective gear prior to reloading"? Oooh! watch that lead -- how have we survived???

[sfliberal]

@donttreadonme52

I can't argue there. :-) I actually did start using TheMos's little talcum powder tip, and things go a lot better now.

Hey, we're a full-service YouTube channel here--reloading *and* comic relief. :-D

[sfliberal]

@TheMos2818

You meant for the gloves, not the primer feed chute, didn't you? I just figured it out. So I'm a little slow...and you're right, that would help w/ the gloves. <sheepish grin

[climbingtothetop]

using talcom powder on your hands will help get the gloves on easier.

[sfliberal]

@climbingtothetop

Ah, so *that's* what TheMos2818 was referring to! He also suggested talcum powder. I thought he meant the primer chute! Gawd, I'm slow sometimes....

And you're right, that'd probably help. :-D

[MillerOutdoors1]

There's no way you hit 300 rounds/hour if you factor in putting on all your protective gear.

The part with struggling to put the gloves on reminded me of a watching the special olympics...

Nice job reloading, though... :o)

[sfliberal]

Hey, I'm good-looking and liberal, didn't say anything about being coordinated! :-D

Thanks! (I think)

[sfliberal]

@TheMos2818: I assume you mean in the powder feed chute. You really don't need talcum powder for the primers to feed right if you keep the chute clean. That's really the key to this press, generally--keeping that primer mechanism clean.

[sfliberal]

@TheMos2818: You're probably right. I know Hillary Clinton wants to put a stop to handloading, so Nancy is probably lock-step w/ her.

That's why I want lots and lots of Americans doing this. The more we have, the stronger our 2A rights remain. That's why I'm making these videos.

[SouthPawPatriot]

I've noticed that you have a few pro 1000 presses. Do you have them set up for different calibers?. Also what I've done so far on my pro 1000 primer tray is drilled a small pilot hole in the top cover and attached a paper clip to it and now I can load the full tray of primers with no problem and after the tray is installed, I just pull up on the clip and the primers fall. Works pretty good but I'm sure I'll come up with something better. Just thought it might be a help. Thank you for your vids.

[sfliberal]

@SouthPawPatriot: Yes, I have two of them. One's in .38Spl/.357Mag, and the other is .45 Long Colt. I use the .45LC press for .44 Spl/Mag as well, since they use the same shell plate (#11). Just swap the turret.

Some others have used the pilot hole trick, and it's a good one. I might try that later on.

Also watch my series on how to clean them when the primers start feeding sideways.

BTW, the other one you saw was a Lee Classic Turret Press. Great piece of gear.