Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 45 ACP

Product #: 351321
| Manufacturer #: 90638
Status: Available
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Just add a bullet and load a cartridge with each pull of the lever - all other operations are automatic. For added safety, primers and powder are fed only if a case is present. For fine adjustments or for experimenting, an alternate loading sequence allows for loading only one case at a time. Makes learning easy for the first time user. Made with steel, cast aluminum and polymer.

The Pro 1000 features a 3-1/2" ram stroke, 3 stations, auto indexing and the ability to accept all standard 7/8"-14 threaded dies.

Kit Includes:

  • Caliber specific die set
  • Pistol Calibers include Carbide 3-Die sets, while the Rifle Calibers include Pacesetter 2-Die sets and rifle charging die.
  • Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure with 4 disks
  • Pro 1000 Primer attachment
  • Case Feeder attachment with tubes
  • Shell plate

    Extra turrets and shell plate carriers available (sold separately). All Lee products come with a 2-year warranty. For reloaders buying this kit who plan to load more than the caliber listed in the description with this press. Please note that the Pro Auto-Disk powder measure (included as part of the kit) will only work with Lee powder-through expanding dies.

    • Application Charts & Information

    Overall Rating:
    4.2 out of 5
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    5 stars
    Albin Bertics of Tobyhanna, PA
    Date posted: 8/27/2007
    I read all the reviews and I bought this press. I prime my cases by hand so I removed the primer feed system and the press works great. I moved the dies and installed the factory crimp and the bullet feeder. I am going to buy another for my 38 spec.
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    5 stars
    J Klein of Canfield, Oh
    Date posted: 9/6/2007
    I recently bought the 9mm set up and was so happy with it I decided to purchase the .45 ACP as well. A lot faster than worrying about converting one caliber to the other, and at that price, (was on sale) a no brainer. I did have a friend help set my 9mm press up, but I was able to get the .45 set up within a very short time. I just needed to adjust the bullet depth a little and it was off to the races. I just tested my first loads today and I'm here to write about it! (LOL) No KaBooms! Lee Pro 1000's cannot be beat for the money! Take the money you save and invest it in powder, primers and bullets. By the way, Midway delivered it FAST!
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    5 stars
    Keith Karschner of Montoursville, PA
    Date posted: 4/27/2007
    A little hairy to set up with the instructions that come with it and I would not recomend it to a first-time reloader but if you been working a single stage press for years and are very, very good at watching what your doing, these presses are the great for the money and easily get 350 - 400 per HR with a good steady load. They are allso very accurate, so much so in 2 weeks, I got one in 9mm because its cheaper to buy 1, new press and swap it on the bench than it is to buy conversion parts and go through the trouble to set up each time from 45acp to 9mm and back and forth
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    5 stars
    D Jacobs of Lexington, SC
    Date posted: 8/5/2007
    This is the first reloading press I've owned. I was a little unsure about buying a progressive press for my first press but have been amazed at how easy this press is to use. I have had problems with the primer feeder but after some time on the press you tend to be able to catch problems before they get to bad. I have only loaded several hundred rounds so far .45 and 9 mm and have been very pleased with the performance of this press. For the money I don't think you can beat it. I was going to spend $200.00 on another companies single stage press but I'm glad I got this one. Just learn to feel for the primer seating and you will have no problems.
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    5 stars
    Gerald Kagan of Foxboro, MA
    Date posted: 2/29/2008
    I just bought this press, and I am thoroughly pleased with it. While it is my first press, and I am new at reloading, it was fairly simple to set up and begin operating it. Within two hours of opening the box, I'd produced my first 100 rounds of reloads. I would definitely buy this again instead of the more expensive progressives out there. Though sometimes there are minor hiccups, it is easy to spot them and correct them. I suppose this might be the difference between this and the more expensive presses, but to me, it's well worth the money I've saved. Thanks Midway!
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    5 stars
    Marc Walter of Albrightsville, PA
    Date posted: 5/18/2008
    For the money this press can't be beat. I started reloading with an RCBS single stage press. I wanted to increase production but was on a limited budget. So I decided to give this press a try. Here is what I found. First of all it was easy to set up. It comes mostly pre-assembled and only requires a couple of steps to complete the build. The primer feeder and priming station is worthless. I read and tried all the tricks but it kept jamming and I couldn't get primers to feed at all. So I repositioned the dies. Slot 1 is the bell and charging die. Slot 2 is the bullet seater die. Slot 3 is the factory crimp die. I kept my single stage RCBS on the bench next to it. I do the resizing and priming on that press and then throw the sized and primed brass into the case collator on the Pro 1000 which finishes the process. I think it takes just as much time doing it this way as it would playing around with the primer feed all the time. There is no question that even using this process it speeds up reloading time immensely. Plus the priming stage still gives the primer a second push to make sure it is fully seated. The only other bad thing was the chain on the powder charger broke twice even though I followed directions. I replaced it with an elastic band and it works fine. Even though this press has a couple of short comings I still give it 5 stars because they are easily tweaked and what you get for the price is worth the rating. I'm still glad that I learned on a single stage press. Understanding the reloading process allowed me to tweak the pro 1000 into a fine press in no time.
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    5 stars
    Bill Crowe of Milwaukee, WI
    Date posted: 1/16/2008
    I've been using this press for about three years and it's a little bit of a love/hate relationship. Early on I tried using Unique and Bullseye powder. It just plain did not meter very well and I ended up with some dry cases. I have switched all my handgun loading to Titegroup and all is well. Good powder and meters very consistently at 4 to 6 grains. Once you figure out that the primers will stop feeding if the ramp gets dirty or empty and the shell plate adjustment needs to be checked from time to time this press will deliver thousands of good rounds with minimal tinkering around. Keep it clean and adjusted and you'll find it's the best for the money out there. If you shoot another caliber get the entire carrier and by all means get the case collator. If any of the 1 star people are going to throw yours out throw it my way.
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    5 stars
    John O'brien of Jacksonville, fl
    Date posted: 2/8/2008
    This product is awesome. I have the LEE Load Master and I had problems getting it to reload. Probably operator error on my part. I am going to send it back to LEE to ask them to help me get it set up. I found it very complicated. I reload in 45 ACP and 9MM Luger, also Tokarov 7.62 x 25 mm. ( I wish LEE made carbide dies for this caliber). I have 2 Lee Pro 1000 presses. The LEE PRO 1000 is "KISS" keep it simple stupid!!!! The directions are not as bad as some reviewers say. Believe me!! I am Mr.BAD WRENCH !!! I had my wife read the directions about stetting up the autoprime. She finally took over and got the chain working. Just like LEE said , you bolt it down and start relaoding in about 30 mins. I finally got the case feeder to work. I had to play with that. I have found that even with a carbide sizer the cases sometimes are very difficult to remove on the down stroke. So I lube every fifth case or so with LEE lube. This strangely only has happen with the 45 ACP, not the 9MM. I have yet to attach the bullet feeder. But let me tell you, I have had a Lee Classic Turret 4 hole press. On a good day I was reloading about 60 rounds an hour. But with the LEE PRO 1000, I can reload 150 to 300 round an hour. I even taught my 7 year old grand daughter how to reload under supervision of course. I just wish LEE offered the LEE PRO 1000 with 4 or 5 stations for a crimp die. It is a great value for the money compared to other reloaders costing three or four times as much and do not come with all the features as standard. I love it !!!!! If you reload BUY THIS PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!! LEE also has helpful videos for setting up their presses, Also buy Ricnard Lee's book (Modern Reloading) second edition on reloading, a valuable resource of load data and a life time of reloading information.
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    5 stars
    Jorge Domingo of Central, IL
    Date posted: 3/30/2005
    I would give this press a 5 star rating. I started out with this press 8 years ago reloading 45 ACP semi wadcutters and have loaded thousand of rounds through it. I started reloading even before I learned how to completely disassemble and assemble a 1911. That's how inexperienced I am when I got started then I learned how to reload with this press. Very good value. I've had some problems like no charge cases, the primer not seated properly, as stated in the other reviews. These problems are cause by HUMAN ERROR not the machine. And can be seen in other more ridiculously expensive presses. NO charge cases because your stroke was incomplete or short, you let the hopper go empty; primer problems because your stroke was not firm enough, you loaded upside down primers in the tray, etc although it would not feed the primers if you down to the last 10. Finicky about flakey powder, so is that other blue press. Doesn't index, then you can't read instructions or you don't have a flat head screw driver on you. Add a $9 case collator to the case feed and that's one step less than the other press. Theirs cost hundreds and they also jam, I've seen it. Do not get the bullet feeder. Adjusted properly it would work for a couple of hundred round then it will quit. But then, nobody has a bullet feeder, at least for non-commercial presses. Overall, great press for the money, bucks you save can buy you more bullets, powder and primers so you can practice more. Finally got tired of switching plates so I got 2 more through the years. Got a Loadmaster too for 38 Super reloads, nice press too. I've tried the "D" presses, you have one more move to load an empty case, more time less rounds, more gadgets more money less rounds.
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    5 stars
    Jeffry Reed of Fort worth, TX
    Date posted: 3/30/2005
    I dont know what the one star rating people are talking about. I love this press for the money. Sure Dillon makes a better press but I can have 5 of these for the price of one of theirs fully set up with everything this has. I've used mine for over 7 years loading everything from .38, 357, 40 cal, 38 super, .45acp, 44 special and .44 magnum. Sure if the primer feed ramp isnt full, it will cause problems. All you gotta do is keep an eye on things and make full strokes up, and full strokes down and the machine works great. Problem I see is people dont do full up and down strokes. And they let the primer feed ramp go dry. I suggest a single stage press to the one star rating people until they figure out what it is they are doing wrong. Think about it, you are paying for a progressive press. Follow the directions, make damn certain its bolted down on a flat surface that is very stable, and keep the primer feed ramp full. Use full up and down strokes and you will have no problems. I've got 10000 plus rounds out of mine to prove it.
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    5 stars
    D Evers of Minneapolis, MN
    Date posted: 9/14/2003
    Once you have the press setup and the dies set for the proper seating depth and crimp, you are good to go. It certainly feeds cases just fine and make sure to keep your primer tray full. The primer feed ramp MUST be full of primers for them to feed properly. The action is pretty smooth for such an inexpensive press. There is adjustment screws for tweaking it as needed. The 45acp setup is designed for large primer pockets ONLY!!! WIN NT cases will not get primed. (small magnum primers I guess) Make sure you are using this on a good solid level table or bench, or else the cases coming from the case feeder will be off once they fall through the cute.
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    5 stars
    Lance Dickison of Locust grove, OK
    Date posted: 5/18/2004
    I've personally own three of these presses. I've disabled the junk primer mechanism on all of them; this is something Lee really needs to work on; it is a piece of crap on virtually all their progressive machines. Despite this, I've gone over to polishing, hand inspecting resizing and priming all of my cases, which is something a conscientious reloader should do at least regularly anyway, particularly if other people shoot your ammo, or just buy new, pre-primed brass and set the press up for a three station run using the case neck flaring/powder drop die in number 1 (in front of the case feeder), the bullet seater in number 2 and the factory crimp in station number three. With a case coallator, this press will easily produce 300 rounds an hour with little effort, only feeding bullets and replenishing components from time to time. The consistency of the ammo produced is excellent; 185 grain Raniers with Unique or Power Pistol will make a performance barrel like a BarSto, Kart or something of roughly equal quality purr like a kitten, minimal recoil and should produce velocities somewhere in the 900+ fps range. We consistently shoot 1.5" to 2" groups off hand at 45 feet with this load. The machine is just good, as long as you accept and work with it's limitations and, given the price, we (my partner and I) now have them set up and adjusted for every major pistol caliber a person would want to shoot.
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    5 stars
    B. Carlton of Fort Worth, Tx
    Date posted: 6/13/2006
    To me this press is better than the Loadmaster and works just as well. I bought mine used from a buddy and it needed some parts and adjusting but after all of that,,, it is up and has been working great for thousands of rounds.
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    5 stars
    Pepper Jones of Fort Worth, TX
    Date posted: 12/27/2006
    This is a very good loader by LEE! It does the job it was intended to do and hands down there is nothing that will even come close for the money. I have two of these loaders one in 45 long colt and one in 45acp and I will be getting one for 38/357 soon. I highly recommend these loaders, but you do need to take your time and completely understand how it works. Probably one of the most important things I can say about the LEE Pro 1000 and learning how to use it is, Get the feel for it and understand how it cycles. There is something going on in every stage (of course) and knowing what to feel for when something is wrong or even right is what will make you a better loader. Don't be afraid of this machine, just understand how it works and you'll be fine. Good luck and good shooting!!!!
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    5 stars
    Rick Fox of Van Buren, IN
    Date posted: 11/22/2005
    I have used the Lee Pro 1000 for years. Once you get it set up and learn how to use a progressive press, you will be so glad that you purchased a Lee. Their customer service is second to none. I highly reccommend anything made by Lee!
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    5 stars
    bill price of bealeton, va
    Date posted: 1/5/2006
    I have read many reviews of the Pro1000. At first I was put off by some, but I've been so happy with my 4-hole Lee turret press and wanted more output--I could only squeeze about 200/hour out of the turret press with the wind at my back--that I decided this would do the job best for me. I decap, size, tumble and prime my brass (I use the Lee Auto Prime) before my brass ever hits this press, so the 3 available positions were perfect for me. The Lee tech support people told me I could use those positions for case-mouth expansion/powder charging, bullet insertion, and crimping using the Lee factory crimp die. The setup was so intuitive for a turret press user that it took me an hour and a half from the time my knife hit the Midway box until I was loading progressively--and if I'd have been able to find my drill bits faster (to mount the press on my bench) it would have taken even less time. Anyone can make a press, it takes genius to make one that anyone can afford and use. Amazingly clever. I'll get the big funnel to feed brass into it more quickly, and I’m going to try the bullet feeder too. After using this press for a few minutes, I truly believe that if a person can't figure out how to set up and use this press, maybe they should be buying their ammunition.
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    5 stars
    Jack Burton of Ball Ground, GA
    Date posted: 9/15/2008
    Honestly a very frustrating set of instructions (They are absolutely horrible!) The first 100 rounds were very frustrating. Spent some quality time looking everything over and how it works and made some minor adjustments. This machine now runs flawlessly. Tips: 1. Resize/decap die needs to be slightly "loaded" so that when at full down stroke the die holder is ever so slightly raised, this will keep the dies from wiggling around and keeps all the other dies in proper place. 2. Keep primers in the primer tray 3. Make sure that the powder chain is also slightly loaded (spring should be 25%-50% compressed when idle. 4. Make sure powder chain is not pulling the powder system at an angle, this will cause the dies to move and decap pins to break. 5. Lube the ram. 6. Lube the detent ball under the case in the bullet seat die. I used DuPont Krytox, and the machine almost loads ammo itself! 7. Make sure that your flares and crimps are right. This machine runs near flawless and just purchase the 9mm version with even better results. By the way the case funnel is really awesome and simple.
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    5 stars
    richard harris of Tucson, AZ
    Date posted: 8/9/2009
    I bought this 1000 in 1986. I have no idea the number of rounds it has loaded. I feel guilty for not replacing it. But why?? it does it’s job. As to powder, primers, brass, it has its likes and dislikes. but so do I.
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    5 stars
    Tim Anable of Port Orchard, WA
    Date posted: 1/1/2009
    I have loaded over 10,000 .45 ACP rounds through my Lee Pro 1000 with great results. I have had a few rounds with little or no powder charge, and a few primers either upside down or sideways (usually my fault for going too fast...). Others in my gun club have suffered similar challenges using the much more expensive blue presses. A fourth station with a crimp die would be helpful. I use a Lee Hand loader to crimp my ammo. I am very pleased with this product and will buy to load .38 & .357 ammo for my wife!
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    5 stars
    Alfred Amrhein of San antonio, TX
    Date posted: 12/23/2008
    I've used Lee since 1985, and I am very happy with it. I reload 9mm, 38SP, 40S&w, 45ACP and 223. Changing calibers is a snap you can go from one to another in about 7 minutes (9mm to 40S&W all you have to do is change the dies and not the shell plate). Yes I agree the instructions for setup lack in clarity, but Lee has a website with Vids to show you how to set up and fine tune the press. The reloads I have made are more accurate than factory loads, my groups are a lot tighter. The primer problem is fixable I use graphite from a pencil to LUBE the feeder, but as the instructions say KEEP the tray full. I will buy Lee time and time again they are well worth their money
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    5 stars
    George Maske of Carbondale, CO
    Date posted: 1/8/2009
    After a very long lay-off from shooting and reloading I bought a new 45ACP and naturally I decided to get back in to reloading. I had all my old gear and a RCBS Partner press. I didn't want to do the one at a time route again so I sprung for a Lee Pro 1000. Getting it up and going was a bit of a trick but after you get it dialed in the thing is pretty awesome! The BANG FOR THE BUCK is tops with this unit. I'm looking at getting a second unit to load 38/357. I bought the shell plate and die head so I could switch back and forth but for the price of the complete unit, why not just get a second one. I'm totally pleased!
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    5 stars
    Chris Walley of Waynesboro, MS
    Date posted: 6/1/2009
    This is an excellent press!! I have been using mine since December of 1997. It has only been back to Lee one time, and I think that was so it could get some R&R!! I can only imagine how many rounds I have loaded on this press. The cartridges are good enough to run through a full auto Tommy-Gun with no malfunctions!!
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    5 stars
    ROBERT WEIKEL of LANSFORD, PA
    Date posted: 5/18/2009
    I bought this press from Midway almost 2 years ago. I am finally reviewing it after I had time to fully use and evaluate this press. I give it 5 stars. Here is my reasoning. 1. The press was very easy to set up. Lee has a video on their web site to help you if you have any problem. If you are an experienced reloader you should not have any problems. 2. I was at first leary of the priming system, having read the horror stories of other reviewers here. I found that after proper set up. NO PROBLEMS! Due to the design you have to keep the feed tray filled with primers to ensure proper feeding. LEE instructions specify this. 3. I was used to a fully adjustable green powder measure which gave me the capability to throw charges of pistol or rifle weights. since I bought this press for loading pistol rounds, I really did not need that capacity. I found the pro-disc set up that came with the press more than satisfactory. I check the powder charges and I found the pro-disc system to be very accurate, and consistent. No settings to come out of adjustment, as the discs are preset to a specific amount of powder for each charge hole on the disc. LEE supplies a nice little chart that allows you to choose the right disc and charge hole for your specific powder and charge weight. However the charges are fixed and cannot be adjusted to 10th of a grain weights. If you so desire this ability LEE offers an adjustable drop plate to remedy this. 4. The speed of this press is surprising. with the auto case feed I found I am averaging 200 + rounds per hour, easily. The Press came with the Dies for my preference, (.45 ACP) and once adjusted worked flawlessly. This is an outstanding press for the value, and as an 22 year veteran of reloading, I have not seen any other manufacturer give so much for so little cost. For someone that wants to produce large numbers of quality pistol rounds, I highly recommend this press!!! Note. it is primarily set for pistol calibers. it will load limited rifle calibers, but it was not intended for large rifle calibers. With patience and practice this press will more than meet most shooters needs!!
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    5 stars
    Theodore Plessner of Dingmans Ferry, PA
    Date posted: 6/8/2009
    A beginning reloader doesn't have to be afraid of the Lee Pro 1000. My only experiences reloading were shotshells over 25 years ago. The only problems I had were that the ram wasn't tight to the shell plate and the indexing was off. The instructional videos and the FAC section on the Lee web site are really great and eliminate most problems setting up the press. LEE live tech support was extremely helpful when it came to 'tweaking' adjustments for expanding and crimping. I would highly recommend the LEE Pro 1000!!!
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    5 stars
    Jeffrey Grason of Victoria, TX
    Date posted: 9/29/2008
    I don't see why everyone knocks the instructions, as they are simple and to the point. The press works very well, just make sure that the bench is substantial enough to prevent flexing. The bead chain on the powder measure leaves some to be desired, however very minor. Have had very few problems with the primer feed. Best press by far for the money investment.
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    5 stars
    Bob Canter of Chicago, IL
    Date posted: 12/7/2009
    I had a friend set it up for me and taught me all the tricks to making it work reliably. I've loaded about 2,000 rounds and I'm happy (so is my wallet/wife). I liked it so much to buy one more in 357 magnum. Good value.
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    5 stars
    Cameron B of Cedar City, Ut
    Date posted: 12/15/2008
    I give it the highest rating because there is no way you should be able to crank out ammo for this price. I use it only for 45 ACP, and the only reason I bought a more expensive unit (~$500) is because I insist on having five stations and need something to handle magnum rifle cartridges. I really wish I could adapt the shell feeder to my other unit. However, people give it bad reviews for two reasons; they aren't mechanically inclined (needs to be dialed in), or they are sloppy and in a hurry (it needs to be kept clean and the primer feed needs to stay full). Contrary to what many others say, don’t give up on the primer system. Instead, just pay attention and keep it clean. It works fine. This machine will make you more mentally sound by the meditation of watching and feeling the primers seat. Compressed air or a vacuum can be used to clean without disassembly. When I got mine, I scanned the manual, set up the machine, ran a single shell through each station and set everything how I like it, found the correct disk for the load and confirmed it, and started progressive reloading. I quickly learned what happens when you don’t seat a primer; you get to learn about the machine by taking it apart and cleaning it. This is when you learn how everything works. I then put it back together and found it is a quick an easy process if you take the hints in the instructions. I then payed attention to primer seating and tray fullness and cranked out 400 rounds, no problem. Once started I can average about 80 per 15 minutes. I saw some review say something about static on plastic parts. Anyone who reloads should know about dryer sheets and their magical anti-static abilities.
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    4 stars
    Paul Couch of Louisiana, MO
    Date posted: 9/23/2005
    It is a very good press for the money. I would buy another one any day. Here is some help: The primer feed, at the start and say every 1000 or more rounds Keep the primer slide clean, I use plain silcone spray lube to slick it up. Buy a package of Pipe Cleaners the kind for Smoker's Pipes. What I did in the primer tray near where the primers come out and slide down the slide, I drilled a small hole from the top clear lid to the black bottom. Now I load the 100 primers in the tray, snap on the lid, and now poke a short toothpick or part of a Pipe Cleaner into hole, mount the tray on the press and then remove the stick. Also use the pipe cleaner inside the primer slide from time to time to clean and lubicrate. Dry Silicone. ..... Bullet Feeder: not many other presses or reloader use them...BUT what I did, on the bullet seater DIE I polished the lower outside lip of die where the bullet feeder fingers rub and part. Work fine just take any tool that will polish metal, I used a Dremel Tool. I also moved the bullet feeder from the back to the left side.... .... Also Polish the ramp where the final finished rounds slid down to your box. ...... Buy from Mid-Way
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    4 stars
    Chris Baker of Clayton, NC
    Date posted: 11/6/2001
    I've owned this press for about 8 years and though there are things to to get used to, I love this machine. I've loaded thousands of rounds (small rifle and pistol) and haven't hade a problem with the finished product. For starters, set up is fairly simple if you have the extras. Although, I have a few complaints about some things that I've encountered. One being the powder drop unit. When the powder becomes statically charged it sticks to the drop tube. However, rubbing the whole unit and charge disks with a dryer sheet takes out that static. (I used arm and hammer). Now for the primer feed, there were occasions that the primers would feed sideways or even upside down. You can fix this by adjusting the little pin mounted on the side of the primer feed tube so it doesn't vibrate the collector as much. After these alterations, I haven't had a problem since. I do need to check to make sure the primers are feeding though. This is part of my normal operation of checks and balances. As far as everything else, there are no complaints. It feeds the brass fine, timing is flawless; once I time it (only a few seconds and a phillips screwdriver). As far as it loading 600 to 800 rounds in an hour, I've never accomplished it. I take great pride in my reloads and I don't rush. I constantly check to make sure the machine is working properly and the powder, primers and brass aren't running low because once you get started, you get into a rhythm and you may forget. I love this machine, but I need to upgrade to a 5 or more station press. So if you are just starting out in the progressive world of reloading and you want a lot press for little cost this press will serve your needs.
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    4 stars
    bob harrison of lenoir, tn
    Date posted: 2/13/2006
    Have used for 10 years, loaded thousands of rounds. Still using all original parts. Yes primer feed has to be continually watched and tweaked but great fast machine for the bucks. Machines lightness causes vibration and tilted primers but if you stand and load there are very few problems with this machine.
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    4 stars
    Mark Halliday of Salt lake city, UT
    Date posted: 2/16/2003
    Good Progresive to start with, I realoaded 10mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, .223, and 7.62x39 Rus. Great little press. Works great if you do not need more than three stations. Works good with auto bullet feeder. Very fast with bullet feeder, and case feeder. You can't beat it for the price, case feeder is great.
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    4 stars
    William Mastop of Vernon, BC
    Date posted: 6/4/2003
    15,000 (that's fifteen thousand) rounds so far, and still enjoy the press. It is important to take care in the initial set up, and when something sticks, to take the time to determine what the problem is. Generally, if there is a problem, it is the primer feed mechanism. Primers by their nature do not like to feed. Calibre change over is a headache, even with the fresh shell holder and a die holder. It's better to just buy another press with all the attachments. I bought the bullet feeder. I don't use it anymore. It had problems from time to time, and I like to be able to get a good look that the powder is there in the shell. The powder has never not been in the shell, but I like to look anyway. The ammunition is always well within spec, and feeds with no problems. A good press, and great when you consider the cost! Happy shooting.
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    4 stars
    Nick Van of Somewhere, WI
    Date posted: 4/5/2004
    Works fine as long as you keep an eye on things. Those in the one-star rating section of this area appear to be too stupid to reload.... I have ran at least 5,000+ rounds through mine. Bought it used from a one-star minded person for pennies. Bullseye with 155 or 185 Gr SWC lead. Master Bullseye scores.
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    4 stars
    BRANDON CRITCHFIELD of ELIZABETH CITY, NC
    Date posted: 6/15/2009
    The product is good. If you have never reloaded before then you may want to try a single stage first. The Primer feed is so-so, just make sure you have plenty of primers in the feed. Also I made small marks on the vertical slides to make sure I was seating the primer all the way, other wise it feels like it was seated but is not. The powder die is good if you are lucky like me and find the size you want, other wise you may have to make a new load based on the dies that are available. My biggest advise is just take your time! This product is good if you know what you are doing and have a some patients.
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    4 stars
    Andrew B of Artesia, NM
    Date posted: 2/7/2005
    This is a handy little press, especially for the money. It's got more going for it than the "blue press" square deal. I've had mine for years and have loaded 1,000's of rounds of .45 on it. My only gripe? I wish it had a fourth station for a factory crimp die.
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    4 stars
    Steven Fortriede of Huntertown, IN
    Date posted: 3/13/2006
    Excellent press for the money. I bought mine in '92. 62,280 rounds through it so far according to my records. I load .380, 38 spl, .357, .45acp, .45 long colt, .223 rifle ammo all on the same press. I probably should buy another one so I don't have to change the setup so much, but I don't really have room on my bench. I have had very little trouble with primers - I don't tip 1 in 1,000. You do have to be careful. Keep the primer tray full, make sure all the primers are right side up, and spray the feed trough with silicone every now and then. The only problems I've had with it traced back to operator error.
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    4 stars
    Bob Greene of Glen Allen, VA
    Date posted: 12/2/2007
    I'm new to reloading and can't compare the Pro 1000 to anything else. It seems to work well. The only negative I can find is some of the most poorly written instructions I've seen for a long time. It's a bit of a struggle for a newbie to decipher how the thing goes together and is supposed to work. After that, seems to do very nicely.
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    4 stars
    Stephen Wentz of Brookings, OR
    Date posted: 4/7/2007
    Equipment came quickly. It hasn't got any directions with it (Kind'a strange) so I would say if you haven't used a Pro1000 you have some learning ahead. The machine works well though.
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    4 stars
    Patrick Rolighed of Spicer, MN
    Date posted: 12/31/2007
    It took me some time to get familiar with it, but I consider this loader a great value. Occasional primer feed problems limit my review to 4 stars. I also bought the bullet feeder, which is really slick, but too much going on at one time for this rookie. After more time, I will put it back on. This thing can really crank out ammo if you pay attention to what is going on.
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    4 stars
    Benjamin Manier of Belleville, MI
    Date posted: 11/23/2008
    I have had this press for about five years or longer, I like it a lot but the two things that go wrong is if you pay no mind to the primers if you run low about half way down the (ramp) it will not insert one, The biggest problem is getting the correct powder charge, I have the auto disk and the double disk for the larger 44mag rounds it gets close but not exact. I have also bought the adjustable auto disk NOT GOOD FOR SMALL LOADS, the 45 ACP or smaller, that is what I have found. I do wish I bought the load master but at the time I did not have the extra money.
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    4 stars
    Steven Baker of Knox, NY
    Date posted: 1/4/2008
    I have owned three of these presses, because it was almost as inexpensive to buy another whole press as it was to buy the parts to convert calibers. I have had good experiences with all of them and recommend the Pro 1000 to anybody that is looking for a progressive press. A few things to keep in mind: 1) this is not a $500 press, don't expect $500 performance - nevertheless it is a great value. 2) Nobody who is just beginning to reload should start with a progressive, there's too much going on at once. They need to learn the basics on a single stage press first. That said it's not hard to set the Pro 1000 up as a single stage press to learn, especially if you have an Auto-Prime. 3) The primer feed is the biggest single problem. However, problems can be greatly reduced by keeping the press CLEAN. 4) Anything that has more than one moving part will have a problem sometime - pay attention to what you're doing. 5) Don't try to set speed records for reloading. Yes, you can load 400-500 rounds per hour, IF everything goes right. 200-300 per hour is more realistic and isn't that so much better than what can be accomplished on a single stage press. I don't believe anybody's claims of 500 rounds per hour on any kind of hand operated press. 6) If you're going to change calibers often, buy the complete carrier assembly and extra turrets. Changing the carrier assembly and turret makes it an EASY 5 minute changeover, including adjusting the case feeder. I never bought the bullet feeder I've never seen the real benefit to it. 7) BUY THE CASE COLLATOR. I have loaded thousands of .45 ACP, .38/.357 and .44M rounds on mine and I am quite happy with the product.
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    4 stars
    Bill Turner of West Union, IL
    Date posted: 1/15/2007
    Used the Pro 1000 for last couple of years. Excellent press, except for the primer feed. Never have got mine to work but that’s o.k. because I like to hand prime while watching t.v.
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    4 stars
    Gene Osborn of Odessa, TX
    Date posted: 10/29/2006
    Much has been said about this press already but I feel the need to give my opinion. The first day I got this press I couldn't have been happier. Within just about a half hour it was spittin' out bullets, no issues at all.. The next time I used it the primer system gave more trouble than imaginable. I was frustrated beyond belief. Once I got the primers going again, I am in the middle on this product. For the price it will perform, human error does lend a hand to most of the problems, but every so often a primer just turns over or sideways or what have you. But to pay less sometimes you have to invest more of your time. With a better primer feed this is a 5 star product!!!
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    4 stars
    Benjami Manier of Whitmore Lake, MI
    Date posted: 6/5/2006
    I have owned the Lee pro 1000 for about 10 years. I like it a lot, but the down fall is the auto primer. You need to keep an eye on it. I have also, over the years, have changed the auto powder from the disc that came with the press. I have bought the up-graded disc, but I have now went to the adjustable power measure, the reason being none of the powder measure systems are correct, they are close with some powders but not with others, you need the Lee Safety Powder Scale for the correct weight. Also you need to keep an eye on your powder it will run out and you will not know it. I love the turret. You can change your cal. very fast without messing up the first one. This press is easy to use and set up. It takes a little to get use to but works fine.
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    4 stars
    Joe Beck of Cherry valley, CA
    Date posted: 5/18/2006
    Dollar for dollar, this press is a steal. The value your dollar buys is worth much more with this press. I've used mine for thousands of rounds in .223 and .45acp. It works fine. The primer thing does jam, that's the weak link in the system. You just have to keep it clean and filled and you will have little to no problems. The user must know how to read to set this system up though, if you don't read the instructions you will have trouble. Make sure you keep the steel parts lubed with silicone or oil, because it will surface rust on you.
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    3 stars
    Jim Clark of HSV, AL
    Date posted: 2/16/2002
    This loader can work, but you will wonder if it will for the first couple of hours. Setup is very frustrating. I have loaded around 1000 rounds, but have gone back to a hand primer tool out of frustration with the one on this loader. I would recommend it to patient folks who are good with puzzle solving - even so you will have an occasional round without powder and some intermittent jams.
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    3 stars
    Terry Meyer of Issaquah, WA
    Date posted: 12/2/2001
    This has been a good press for the thousands of rounds loaded on it. The primer feed needs to be keep free of powder and grease. I have found that a dusting of powdered graphite keeps the primers moving smoothly. I started running my ammunition through the Factory Crimp Dies to improve consistency. Got tired of having to perform this as a secondary operation on another press so I bought a Load Master with five turret positions. If you plan to load a lot of ammunition, I would recommend spending the extra bucks for the Load Master right from the start.
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    3 stars
    Rusty Morgan of La Porte, TX
    Date posted: 10/25/2001
    A fair press for the price. The primer feed is prone to jams or misfeeds if allowed to get close to empty. The power measure is inaccurate with some flake powders. An experienced handloader can overcome most of the shortcomings with practice and care.
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    3 stars
    Kevin Pratt of Longview, TX
    Date posted: 10/25/2001
    This was my first progressive loader. I used one for about 10 years before I got wise. It's a GREAT machine when it's brand new. I could load well over 1000 rnds/hour when it came out of the box. Caliber conversions weren't all that tough if you bought all the extras (shell plate carrier KIT) etc. But after only about 10,000 rnds it started to have problems. Before I finally got rid of it I was down to about 300 rnds hour. Every few rounds it would jam. The Shell plate carriers (even after replacing all the movements) would come out of alignment and would require adjusting. The Auto Powder measure caused me no end of hassle at the range. When using the little plastic discs and trying to come up with a light load, the powder would develop a static charge and cling to the hole in the disc and NO powder or only a partial load would make it into the shell. I gave up on light loads until I got a Dillon. The primer feed would jam all the time. Even when it was still pretty new I started having problems with it. See, the whole way the thing feeds brass and primers is by vibrations. There are notches milled in one of the pillars and a piece of spring steel that's mounted to the shell plate carrier housing. As you move the lever up and down, the little rod "bounces" along the milled places. That causes the primers to fall and the brass to feed. The thing is, if a primer is already in place (like when you've got a full load, or even a 1/2 load in the tray) it tends to vibrate the whole machine so much that it flips the primer either sideways or upside down. And since it's recessed the whole time, you never see it until it's too late.... This is a good, cheap machine for a beginner. But go slow, and don't wear it out too fast.
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    2 stars
    Jeffrey Erickson of Pontiac, MI
    Date posted: 12/26/2001
    I found that this press will give you problems if you try to go at the pace they say that you can. If you feed it with primed brass it will load for hours without a hitch, but if you rely on the primer station to do its job you will be dissappointed. It is prone to jams and primers upside down and sideways. But you have to remember that this is an inexpensive progressive press and is ok to start with but you will upgrade soon if you are serious about your ammo and expect nothing but the best results.
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    1 stars
    Rick Lammert of Spanaway, Wa
    Date posted: 4/9/2009
    Sorry, not to beat on "LEE", but what a piece. Two days, and 6 hours later, I have 7 rounds that are good, and about 25 that are crap. Jams on the primer station, only de-primes when it feels like it, and the turret never aligns correctly, I constantly had to adjust it. I guess the old saying is true, "you get for what you pay for." Its being returned and I’m going to spend a couple of extra $$$ for something much better.
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    1 stars
    Mike Adams of Combine, TX
    Date posted: 1/3/2009
    What A piece of JUNK!!!. After 3 hours of on-line videos and reading Lee's poor excuse for directions over and over, I finally got it set up. Only to find out that no matter how firm, fast , or slow I work it, the silly thing stops it's index about 1/8" short. I'm a little slow, so it took me 3 or 4 destroyed pieces of brass before I stopped blaming the operator and took a look at the equipment. This thing stinks. I'm sending it back and getting a T-Mag.
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    1 stars
    Don K of Harding, PA
    Date posted: 6/4/2009
    One word "junk" Primers failed to feed unless the tray was kept almost completely filled. Continuously jumped time and jammed. The automatic powder dispenser is extremely unreliable. Out of the first two test batches several rounds had no powder at all and even more were under or over charged. I'm going back to my old RCBS single stage. It may be slow but it's dead reliable.
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    1 stars
    Mike Belinge of Sandusky, Oh
    Date posted: 10/18/2008
    Blows up primers that don't feed. Press is junk. Will never buy another one save your money.
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