gnome@olivee.UUCP (12/06/85)
Article: 12:3 Well, here are some first impressions of the Lee 1000 progressive reloader. First, it has a very cohesive look to it. Unlike the RCBS, which looks like a manual press that they managed to retrofit, the Lee is acts like a smoothly operating machine. Unpacking: It comes in a box about two feet high by 8" x 10". As shipped from Natchez in Tenn., the dies come mounted in their turret and the shell-plate is mounted to the shell plate carrier. The only loose components are the auto-disk powder feed disks, primer tray, powder hopper, and actuating handle. The instructions are comprised of a general Lee 1000 assembly and use instruction sheet as well as die parameter sheets that apply to the caliber of dies that the unit was shipped with. Assembly: Assembling the unit was pretty easy; even for a beginner like me. When mounting the unit, I did forget to leave enough room for the dead-primer exit that is located on the right side of the press at the bottom. That was easily rectified. Adjustments: There are the usual die adjustments that set the die positions vertically. The shell plate adjustment is done with a little screw that sits under the shell plate. The screw acts as a worm- gear and moves the casing's position in respect to the dies. I found that the case-feeding slide (made of grey plastic) had to have a little flashing taken off in order to stop a slight hang- up about 1/8" to 1/16" from it's "case fully inserted" position. Make sure to check for this fault before trying to size the first casing. If the case is not fully up against the inner curve of the shell plate, give it a little push to see if it seats. If it moves in about 1/16" more, you might have to check to see where the case feeder is hitting. On mine, it was hitting on the lower right inside of the grey plastic case pusher. To remove the case pusher, actuate the press as if you were sizing the first casing. Back it off about 1/4" and pull out the rod that is inserted into the case pusher's side. You can now slide it back and easily check or trim the pusher block. I also found that in a dry run (sending a case through without a primer or bullet) the casing didn't eject correctly at the end of it's trip. It turns out that this hangup doesn't happen when the weight (and stability) of the bullet is added. Summary: I like it. The carbide dies (for 9mm) makes it a VERY quick procedure to pump out rounds in a hurry and the auto disk powder feed is fool proof in that no case means no powder! The primer feed system is a horizontal tray where the primers sit side-by-side and are less likely to be fed in upside down (like on the RCBS). If you are thinking of getting one, check out the Shotgun News for the sale ads. The mail-order price comes out to about $130 as compared to local store prices of $199. Natchez Shooting Supplies is my favorite because they don't believe in back orders or holding your order to wait for late items. They also take VISA, where other companies will make your order sit until your check clears. Clearly a win. That's all folks! Gary (hplabs,allegra,ihnp4)oliveb!olivee!gnome [submitted to both net & mail]