I've got my lee pro 1000 feeding primers perfectly, large and small, and I wanted to share the simple mods I put together to make the press dispense primers reliably. My intention is not to compare, or judge, or vilify Lee presses, I just want to show and explain what I did with my new LEE to make it feed primers perfectly every time.
First, check your primer trough. With the trough off the press, and level (as it would be installed) drop a single primer down the trough. It should slide all the way down and drop into the hole for the primer punch EVERY TIME. If not, split apart the trough carefully and trim sand (600 grit) any plastic bits that might be slowing the primer's travel.
Second, check your presses index. Adjust index as described, but when you adjust the screw and the shell plate just clicks into place, Keep turning only 1/2
turn more.
Three, install a bigger "cam". On the primer trough, there is a rod that rides on the press post to jiggle the primer tray. I slipped a brass vacuum line connector on the rod to make it rock more when it traveled up and down. I also came up with a substitute material, take a 3/4" long piece of 3/16" brake tubing with a flare on it, and slide it on the trough rod flare end first. The flare will keep it from working off the rod.
Fourth, check your primer tool. Index the press, drop it down and check to make sure the primer punch raises well above the base point where your shell will sit. If not, raise the carrier, loosen the allen head that holds the carrier, and jiggle the carrier down so it FULLY nests against the ram. Lower press and check primer tool again. If adjusted right it will stick up at least 1/16 to 1/8" above shell surface. I screwed up here and had primers half hanging out of the shells causing the press to jam!!!
Fifth, install a small zip tie on the primer trough right under the raised area where the tray slips in.
Sixth, on the base of your primer tray, tape two 5/16" washers in the very top recess on the back side of the tray. This will cause the tray to shake more, assuring a positive feed. Load the tray with 125 primers, put a puff of powdered graphite in the tray, shake again, install lid, put on machine, and go.
Last, take a small screwdriver and bend the small springs inward in the prime and bullet seating stations to insure your shells are seated all the way in the shell plate. You are now good to go. Now, load 100 rounds, trouble free.
This procedure worked for me, I've loaded 1000 rounds this week of 45 ACP, 10mm, and 40 S&W. Yes, no trouble on small primers. Enclosed, a couple of pictures: JOHN
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I CAN'T HELP IT, WE FARMERS LIVE TO TINKER ON THINGS!!!
First, check your primer trough. With the trough off the press, and level (as it would be installed) drop a single primer down the trough. It should slide all the way down and drop into the hole for the primer punch EVERY TIME. If not, split apart the trough carefully and trim sand (600 grit) any plastic bits that might be slowing the primer's travel.
Second, check your presses index. Adjust index as described, but when you adjust the screw and the shell plate just clicks into place, Keep turning only 1/2
turn more.
Three, install a bigger "cam". On the primer trough, there is a rod that rides on the press post to jiggle the primer tray. I slipped a brass vacuum line connector on the rod to make it rock more when it traveled up and down. I also came up with a substitute material, take a 3/4" long piece of 3/16" brake tubing with a flare on it, and slide it on the trough rod flare end first. The flare will keep it from working off the rod.
Fourth, check your primer tool. Index the press, drop it down and check to make sure the primer punch raises well above the base point where your shell will sit. If not, raise the carrier, loosen the allen head that holds the carrier, and jiggle the carrier down so it FULLY nests against the ram. Lower press and check primer tool again. If adjusted right it will stick up at least 1/16 to 1/8" above shell surface. I screwed up here and had primers half hanging out of the shells causing the press to jam!!!
Fifth, install a small zip tie on the primer trough right under the raised area where the tray slips in.
Sixth, on the base of your primer tray, tape two 5/16" washers in the very top recess on the back side of the tray. This will cause the tray to shake more, assuring a positive feed. Load the tray with 125 primers, put a puff of powdered graphite in the tray, shake again, install lid, put on machine, and go.
Last, take a small screwdriver and bend the small springs inward in the prime and bullet seating stations to insure your shells are seated all the way in the shell plate. You are now good to go. Now, load 100 rounds, trouble free.
This procedure worked for me, I've loaded 1000 rounds this week of 45 ACP, 10mm, and 40 S&W. Yes, no trouble on small primers. Enclosed, a couple of pictures: JOHN
I CAN'T HELP IT, WE FARMERS LIVE TO TINKER ON THINGS!!!
- Phil
