Lee Progressive 1000

[Yugo]

Just bought one (thanks jpkar)
I want to reload
.40
.45
.223/5.56
7.62x25
7.62x39
7.62x54
.308

Which dies do I need? Can this press do all those? Any other info is great too

[geedavell]

I don't know the answer but......Shouldn't you ask these questions BEFORE you buy?

[Yugo]

it was a great deal. I know for a fact it will do the pistol rounds im just not sure about the rifle rounds.

[mchava]

you can load most of those calibers. you will need to get die sets for each one and also the shell plate holder for them. The only once I think will be hard is the 308 and the 54r. they may be to tall to fit in the press. You will also need other stuff to process the rifle brass. What else did you get with the press?

[MaHoTex]

Sorry yugo... 223 is about as tall as you can go.

[Yugo]

ok.223 is good. I have the press and a .45 die set in it. The 3 plastic tubes.

I know I will need:
powder
primers
bullets
casings
tumbler (harber-great)
medium for tumbler, what kind?
digital scale
little scoops and cups etc.

what else?

[Yugo]

oh and what a shell plate holder? is that a Lee part or?

[jimmythebrain]

When I had my LEE Pro 1000 presses I only reloaded for pistol calibers.
Even with the short pistol cartridges, I found that the AOL varied considerably compared to the same brass/bullets/dies in a single stage press. Because of this I never trusted the press to load rifle cartridges. However if you want to load short rifle cartridges that you plan and spraying down range in a less than accurate manner, then this will Lee Pro 1000 will probably do the trick.

It is best to buy the LEE "Carbide" pistol die sets with the powder through expanding dies. Other brands of pistol dies usually do not have the powder through dies.

I have since sold all my Lee Pro presses and bought a Hornady progressive press. The AOL on my pistol reloads do not vary much in my loads now.

[Yugo]

well for now I have only 3 calibers I want to press. For the price its a good starter.

like this? bhttp://leeprecision.com/4-die-set-40-s-w-carb.html

[bigbossman]

Set up properly, the Lee 1000 is an inexpensive and reliable press. I shot IPSC for years, and that's all I ever used for my .45.

That being said, it is really just a pistol press. To load a short rifle round, for example 7.62x39, was a PITA. You have to double up the powder disks, that that proved a bit messy.

I gave up on that idea, but as a pistol press I loaded 10's of thousands of 45acp rounds on mine. Still have it, and it was probably the biggest bang for the buck on reloading gear that I ever got. At the time I bought it, the complete kit to reload 1 caliber was $104.

[Yugo]

yeah im over the rifle loads. i will buy another for that.

[Yugo]

So should all the dies be Lee? Or I can use different dies?

[BruinGuy]

Are you new to reloading? If so, you should come to one of the clinics up n Santa Clarita....right in your 'hood! Should be one in January or early February. If you can't wait, hit up Intoforever. I am pretty sure he knows how to work the Lee progressive presses.

As far as dies go, get the Lee 4 die set for the pistol cartridges (carbide for sure), the 3die set for .223 and a rifle powder through die, and the 3 die set for the other 2rifles carts. The Lee sets all come wth the appropriate shell holder. I don't know that press, but you can pick up a single stage press for $30-60 for the larger cartridges.

For a tumbling medium, hit the pet shop and buy a bag of walnut reptile bedding and the auto supply for a bottle of nu-finish.

You'll also need to decide on a case lube for all of your rifle carts. I like Hornady one-shot case lube because I am lazy.

I would also recommend a powder measure for your rifle cartridges. RCBS one is excellent, lee is cheap and works. I assume the 100 comes with a powder measure drop that works for it?

I just got a turret press and am looking forward to churning out pistol rounds. Like I said, I don't know that press but I'm happy to help you out with everything else - just shoot me a pm.

Edit: I should add that 7.62x25 will be a special case...the dies usually aren't carbide, and you have to load it like a rifle round (although it is short so will work in your 1000).

[Yugo]

Thanks bruinguy, i have already talked to intoforever Yes im new he said he will show me everything I was just so exited thought I would start here. Always good to hear from other people.

[NorCalFocus]

Thats the shell holder kit. $25 for all the shell plates you need. Make sure you get the green box kit.