Lee Pro 1000

[Marc2]

Anyone out there use the Lee Pro 1000? If so, how has it worked for you? I have a Dillon 550, 650 and a Square Deal but was thinking of getting a Pro 1000 for 45 Colt. The price of the whole press, set up to go, is'nt much more than a conversion after you figure in the cost of dies for the Dillon. Also does the disk powder measure system work well. Would it be possible to use the Dillon powder/belling die with the Dillon powder measure on this press?

Thanks,
Marc

[slughammer]

I have a Dillon 550, 650 and a Square Deal but was thinking of getting a Pro 1000 for 45 Colt.

IMHO If you have 3 Dillons and go to a PRO 1000, you will not be pleased. Even the Square Deal is 1.5X the machine as the Lee. The 550 and 650 are 2X.

[David R]

What he said !

[Cherokee]

I've got a friend that has Lee 1000. He likes it. Powder disk system seems to work fine but he will not use the unreliable primer system. He loads 38/357, 9mm/44/45 on it, and that is all he has. Me, I've got a Dillon 650 and would not even think about the Lee 1000.

[LAH]

Howdy Marc2. Welcome to the board.

[Marc2]

Thanks LAH

Marc

[Herb in Pa]

What Slughammer said............

[MGySgt]

I have had a 550B for over 20 years. The one time I had problems with it about 4 years ago, I called Dillion and they said ship it back and we will look at it. (Priming arm was sticking and not returning to battery)

I sent it back as I left for a hunting trip and it was back before I was. The problem was fixed and there was a parts list included in the box.

$90.00 plus parts was replaced in the Dillion - They fixed/replaced parts that I didn't know was worn out.

My Cost - Shipping to Dillon, the rest No charge to me. It worked at least as well as it did when it was new if not better.

I don't think there is another progressive loader on the market that can beat the Dillions.

So would you be happy with the Pro 1000 - I don't think so, I know I wouldn't be. Lee has some darn good items on the market that are inexpensive, But you have the Cadilac of progressives - why drive a VW bug?

Now Single station presses - I still love my original Lyman Spartan (C press) that is over 30 and still going strong. I have a Rock Chucker IV, but I like my Lyman better.

Drew

[David R]

I think I sent my LEE loadmaster back 4 times and it still agravates me every time I use it.

David

[longhorn]

I used to own 2 1000's; I'd advise you to buy the conversion parts for the Dillon.

[Marc2]

Thanks for all your advise. Based on the recommendations here I'll stick with the Dillon. I too, own several Lee products I've been happy with, molds, dies, casting pots, etc. Its a shame their progressives don't seem to be reliable.

Marc

[nvbirdman]

I have a Lee Pro 1000 that I bought used. It is set up for 9mm. After MUCH tinkering with it, it started cranking out rounds very reliabely.
This is a one caliber press.
If I ever need to load for more 9mm, I will set this press up on my bench again, but I will NEVER try to set it up for another caliber again.
Bottom line, if you only shoot one caliber the Lee may be your best bet, but if you open your safe and play eenie,meeny, minney, mo to decide which gun to shoot today, buy a Dillon or maybe a Lee turret press.

[kenjuudo]

I must own the only decent one on the planet. The primeing system is to be avoided. Once I got it adjusted in, I've never even worn out the nylon indexing gear. Tens of thousands of rounds in three calibers went through it, it sits on a shelf now only because I needed the ability to load rifle calibers and went to a Hornady AP, space is tight on my bench.

[NVcurmudgeon]

I have a Dillon Square Deal, one of the earliest, that I have used in .45 ACP for maybe 20 years. I recently added a .44 Magnum conversion, and will probably add at least one more conversion, or maybe a second Dillon machine. My SD has been back to the factory twice. The only expense has been shipping to Dillon, and it gets all the upgrades each ti;me it makes the trip to AZ. After all that free service, I would not look at anybody else's progressives. I am as happpy as a dog with two tails.

[doc25]

I have the Lee Loadmaster and some days it works fine other days it's a nightmare. As stated you have the best there is why change it. The lee presses are even too light to make good boat anchors!