Using my Lee Pro 1000 to process 300 BLK
I have been converting 223 cases into 300 Blackout and I was struck with the enormity of time that is consumed. Cutting each case, then lubing and forming each case, then trimming each case, then chamfer and debur, then primer crimp swage, then the tumbler, then anneal each case.
The tumbler is the only step that I don't have to handle each case. Each step runs about an hour to do 300 to 500 cases dependent on intteruptions and my brain functioning well.
I windered if there was some way that I could use my Lee Pro 1000 to combine steps. I have been waiting for the Lee Quick Trim to be available since I first saw it in a Lee teaser video two years ago. They hit the market in January and I got my hands on the deluxe cutter a couple of weeks ago. It trims, chamfers, and deburrs at the same time. But there are two problems. 1. it is hand crank and not adapter is available for a drill, 2 there isn't any die available for 300 AAC. I solved the first problem by fitting a 1/2 inch socket into the cavity at the top of the crank, epoxied it into place, and plugged in a socket drive adapter. I took off the black plastic crank so that it wouldn't be spinning around with the cutter and possibly whack my knuckles. The second problem was more elegant. I ordered a 357 quick trim die. It trims 300 AAC to about 1.290, which is obviously too short. I just experimented with several washers that fit on top of the trim die with the cutter shaft in the washer hole. I was able to find a washer that without modification made the cutter trim 300 AAC to 1.358. The 357 die has a collet on the base that when the shell plate contacts it, it closes and puts a firm grasp on the 300 AAC case, keeping it from spinning as the cutter turns.
I put that contraption in the number two position of the Lee Pro 1000. The number 1 slot is the forming die. Now, after cutting the 223 cases, I tumble lube them and drop them into the case feeder tubes. I pull the handle, that loads the case, and sizes the brass, and on the next pull, it loads a case, sizes a case, and puts a case into the trim die. I squeeze the trigger on my electric drill for about 4 seconds and that trims the case to 1.358 and chamfers and deburrs. Now every pull handles what was three separate steps.
I was thinking I could modify the primer seater on my 223 Lee Pro 1000 carrier to act as a primer pocket swager, kinda shaped like the swager rod on the RCBS primer pocket swager. But that will have to wait until I get a lathe. For now, I am super happy with this new set up.
I will post pictures later.
Ken
