Try to stop me! :mad:

Steve Smith · May 10, 2000, 11:36 PM

I'm just about to wrap my brand-new Lee Pro 1000 around someone's neck! Everything works great EXCEPT the priming system. Please tell me if there's a fix beyond the "zero-adjustment" method that doesn't do diddly. I'm really close to selling my whole setup and buying a Dillon. Speaking of Dillon, do they have rediculously aggrivating problems like this too? (the SQB or 550 B) I don't think so, since you guys always rave bout them. Hey, that was supposed to have a "mad" face!

------------------
Frontsight!
=========================
"Put a rifle in the hands of a Subject, and he immediately becomes a Citizen." -- Jeff Cooper

[This message has been edited by Frontsight! (edited May 11, 2000).]

Casey · May 11, 2000, 07:27 AM

I am having a small problem with my Square Deal "B"; I keep snapping the center screw in half. I have run about 5000 rounds of .45 ACP through it, and just last night I broke the second screw. Other than that, the only problem I have had was a bent primer cup, it caused the primers to ocassionaly load up-side down.

I would give Dillon a strong "buy". Although the screws broke, they replace them for free by mail.

Casey

Jack Straw · May 11, 2000, 08:28 AM

Frontsight,

Exactly what problem are you having? I used to have problems with the primers refusing to slide down the channel into the primer feeding cup. Not to sound like a smart@$$, but I fixed the problem by getting a Dillon 550. I've been entirely pleased with it.

Jack

tonyz · May 11, 2000, 08:50 AM

I use the Dillon SDB, after loading 4000-5000 rounds there has been no problems of any kind
It just keeps going and going and going.
You get the Idea.

Tony Z Master Blaster

------------------
www.vote.com
also for gun accessorys. http://gungoodies.com

[This message has been edited by tonyz (edited May 11, 2000).]

Art Eatman · May 11, 2000, 09:24 AM

I bought one of the early Dillon Blue Mosheens; I think Dillon is the definition of "progressive loader".

So far, I've had occasional problems with a dumb-butt operator, but never anything mechanical.

FWIW, Art

Rounder · May 12, 2000, 02:50 PM

Front sight: I love my Dillon 550 B. The only hassle is if I screw up and have to cycle the press, I first have to disconect the primer rod to keep from cycling a primer or, pick out the primer and stick it back in the tube. I think that's hard on it cuz it has to be squeezed a bit but so far (knock on wood) no problems. I've had to call for help a couple of times and they have an excellent support staff. Sorry, can't help with the Lee pro 1000.
Good luck,
Rounder

char923 · May 12, 2000, 04:11 PM

Rounder It is not going to hurt to leave the primer in the primer slide. I leave my primers in and have not screw up a primer yet.

Bill Daniel · May 12, 2000, 06:21 PM

Frontsight
I have been reloading only a few months but love my Dillon Square Deal B. All my problems have been operator induced and the Dillon support staff has graciously solved all my snafu's. No primer feed problems with WLP or WSP primers loading for 45 ACP and 357 calibers.
Bill Daniel

kegrin · May 12, 2000, 08:31 PM

Love my 550B. Only use it for .40S&W and .45ACP so far, but you can't do better unless you pay more to Mr. Dillon.

beemerb · May 12, 2000, 08:48 PM

I have at least 25,000 rounds through my 550.Have had 2 minor problems and both my fault but dillon gave me the new parts anyhow.My opinion is you can't go wrong with Dillon.
PS I can run 500 rds an hr of 45 .Now thats fast.

------------------
beemerb
We have a criminal jury system which is superior to any in the world;
and its efficiency is only marred by the difficulty of finding twelve men
every day who don't know anything and can't read.
-Mark Twain

Steve Smith · May 14, 2000, 12:44 AM

Thanks for the input guys. I guess this is another painful lesson in the "you get what you pay for " deal. As soon as my local salesman gets more 500Bs (this week) I'm getting one. I figure that I'll buy it from him so I've got a local "Dillon" rep. (same price of course). I can even get replacement parts from him on the spot vs. waiting a few days.

45King · May 14, 2000, 07:25 AM

I have a Square Deal for .45ACP which has been continuously up and running since 1987 with no problems. I also have two 550's (small & large primer setup) which have been running continuously since 1990. No problems in all that time and all those rounds (50K?)

Dillon is THE WAY!

------------------
Shoot straight & make big holes, regards, Richard at The Shottist's Center

[This message has been edited by 45King (edited May 14, 2000).]

Patrick Graham · May 14, 2000, 07:37 AM

I bought a RL550 back in the 80's, before it was a RL550B. I recently had to upgrade it to a B. I've got 50k plus rounds through it, maybe more. In 1994 my credit card recipts show that I did 8k of 45 acp alone, that was only one of 6 calibers I was loading that year. I also did 5k of 38/357 (125 gr JHP), 3k of 223, 3k of 115 gr jhp 9mm.... and so on.. a busy year for bullet manufacturers. I had to intentionally cut back or end up divorced.

rinoray · May 14, 2000, 09:37 AM

I purchased a Dillon 550B after a three month research quest for reloading information. Have been thoroughly pleased with it and Dillon (one stuck large primer tube - replacement arrived in 3 days NO BS warranty is true). Only real problems I've had are pilot error.

Joe Portale · May 14, 2000, 09:23 PM

Frontsight and all,

The biggest problem that I have seen with the Lee equipment is the primer feed. Here is a possible list of things that can cause the primers not to feed:

* not enough primers in the tray. You need at least twenty primers to get them moving down the ramp.

* grit or oil in the ramp

* flashing from the plastic injection that made the ramp (found this on one of mine)

* the little hair pin spring on the carrage popped off (happens to me fairly often) Look on the right side of the shell plate carrier and see if it is there.

* crude in the primer rod well that is preventing the rod from dropping back to the neutral position.

* high tides and the phase of the moon

I have been using the Lee 1000 for awhile. All I can say is that when it runs, it runs great, when it doesn't, it screws up ina small way and makes life miserable. My dream machine is a Dillion 650 with all the bells and whistles.

Hope this helps.

Hope this helps.

------------------
Joe Portale
Tucson, Arizona Territory

True Gun Control: Weaver or Isosceles.

Sportster · May 16, 2000, 02:47 AM

Got a Lee Loadmaster. Crushed and jammed a primer early on,but nothing ever since. Gotta keep an eye on the primer feeder,make sure they're sliding down the ramp and tap em if they're not,but other than that....she's a beauty....

Steve Smith · May 16, 2000, 10:23 AM

Joe Portale, being miserable is something I can't tolerate well, when I have a choice. Seems like some people are more patient with this than I am. The primer trough is clean, and spring is there (it should not be popping off anyway!) and there are no ridges in the trough. I have to have 50+ primers for them to go down the trough reliably, and still they often "logjam" at the mouth of the flip disk so that there are 15 in the trough, and all the rest in the disk. Frankly, ita a crappy setup. The Dillon setup is much more foolproof that the Lee. I'm definately changing over this week.

------------------
Frontsight!
=========================
"Put a rifle in the hands of a Subject, and he immediately becomes a Citizen." -- Jeff Cooper

jim-alex · May 16, 2000, 09:35 PM

I'm looking for a second Pro-1000. If you really want to unload, see my post in Accessories, Gear Wanted. Jim

ARshooter · May 18, 2000, 12:54 PM

How many times have we read posts regarding the problems encountered with Lee progressive loaders?

To everyone thinking about getting a progressive press, Just get the Dillon, period!!!

It doesn't cost that much more, will last a few life times, has great customer service and won't give you headaches.

You buy a progressive press to turn out a lot of ammo, not to work on.

bk40 · May 18, 2000, 01:20 PM

progressive reloading machines for rifle and pistol, buy a Dillon, any Dillon!

May 10, 2000, 11:36 PM	#1
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	I'm just about to wrap my brand-new Lee Pro 1000 around someone's neck! Everything works great EXCEPT the priming system. Please tell me if there's a fix beyond the "zero-adjustment" method that doesn't do diddly. I'm really close to selling my whole setup and buying a Dillon. Speaking of Dillon, do they have rediculously aggrivating problems like this too? (the SQB or 550 B) I don't think so, since you guys always rave bout them. Hey, that was supposed to have a "mad" face! ------------------ Frontsight! ========================= "Put a rifle in the hands of a Subject, and he immediately becomes a Citizen." -- Jeff Cooper [This message has been edited by Frontsight! (edited May 11, 2000).]

May 11, 2000, 07:27 AM	#2
Casey Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2000 Location: Delaware, OH, USA Posts: 279	I am having a small problem with my Square Deal "B"; I keep snapping the center screw in half. I have run about 5000 rounds of .45 ACP through it, and just last night I broke the second screw. Other than that, the only problem I have had was a bent primer cup, it caused the primers to ocassionaly load up-side down. I would give Dillon a strong "buy". Although the screws broke, they replace them for free by mail. Casey

May 11, 2000, 08:28 AM	#3
Jack Straw Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 362	Frontsight, Exactly what problem are you having? I used to have problems with the primers refusing to slide down the channel into the primer feeding cup. Not to sound like a smart@$$, but I fixed the problem by getting a Dillon 550. I've been entirely pleased with it. Jack

May 11, 2000, 08:50 AM	#4
tonyz Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Location: Wa Posts: 922	I use the Dillon SDB, after loading 4000-5000 rounds there has been no problems of any kind It just keeps going and going and going. You get the Idea. Tony Z Master Blaster ------------------ www.vote.com also for gun accessorys. http://gungoodies.com [This message has been edited by tonyz (edited May 11, 2000).]

May 11, 2000, 09:24 AM	#5
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I bought one of the early Dillon Blue Mosheens; I think Dillon is the definition of "progressive loader". So far, I've had occasional problems with a dumb-butt operator, but never anything mechanical. FWIW, Art

May 12, 2000, 02:50 PM	#6
Rounder Member Join Date: May 6, 2000 Location: Camden, ME, USA Posts: 16	Front sight: I love my Dillon 550 B. The only hassle is if I screw up and have to cycle the press, I first have to disconect the primer rod to keep from cycling a primer or, pick out the primer and stick it back in the tube. I think that's hard on it cuz it has to be squeezed a bit but so far (knock on wood) no problems. I've had to call for help a couple of times and they have an excellent support staff. Sorry, can't help with the Lee pro 1000. Good luck, Rounder

May 12, 2000, 04:11 PM	#7
char923 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2000 Location: Anchorage AK Posts: 237	Rounder It is not going to hurt to leave the primer in the primer slide. I leave my primers in and have not screw up a primer yet.

May 12, 2000, 06:21 PM	#8
Bill Daniel Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2000 Location: Bowling Green, KY. Posts: 518	Frontsight I have been reloading only a few months but love my Dillon Square Deal B. All my problems have been operator induced and the Dillon support staff has graciously solved all my snafu's. No primer feed problems with WLP or WSP primers loading for 45 ACP and 357 calibers. Bill Daniel

May 12, 2000, 08:31 PM	#9
kegrin Member Join Date: May 11, 2000 Location: Tulsa, OK, USA Posts: 16	Love my 550B. Only use it for .40S&W and .45ACP so far, but you can't do better unless you pay more to Mr. Dillon.

May 12, 2000, 08:48 PM	#10
beemerb Junior member Join Date: October 2, 1999 Location: AZ Posts: 1,759	I have at least 25,000 rounds through my 550.Have had 2 minor problems and both my fault but dillon gave me the new parts anyhow.My opinion is you can't go wrong with Dillon. PS I can run 500 rds an hr of 45 .Now thats fast. ------------------ beemerb We have a criminal jury system which is superior to any in the world; and its efficiency is only marred by the difficulty of finding twelve men every day who don't know anything and can't read. -Mark Twain

May 14, 2000, 12:44 AM	#11
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Thanks for the input guys. I guess this is another painful lesson in the "you get what you pay for " deal. As soon as my local salesman gets more 500Bs (this week) I'm getting one. I figure that I'll buy it from him so I've got a local "Dillon" rep. (same price of course). I can even get replacement parts from him on the spot vs. waiting a few days.

May 14, 2000, 07:25 AM	#12
45King Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 1999 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,033	I have a Square Deal for .45ACP which has been continuously up and running since 1987 with no problems. I also have two 550's (small & large primer setup) which have been running continuously since 1990. No problems in all that time and all those rounds (50K?) Dillon is THE WAY! ------------------ Shoot straight & make big holes, regards, Richard at The Shottist's Center [This message has been edited by 45King (edited May 14, 2000).]

May 14, 2000, 07:37 AM	#13
Patrick Graham Junior member Join Date: January 18, 1999 Location: Kokomo, Indiana USA Posts: 674	I bought a RL550 back in the 80's, before it was a RL550B. I recently had to upgrade it to a B. I've got 50k plus rounds through it, maybe more. In 1994 my credit card recipts show that I did 8k of 45 acp alone, that was only one of 6 calibers I was loading that year. I also did 5k of 38/357 (125 gr JHP), 3k of 223, 3k of 115 gr jhp 9mm.... and so on.. a busy year for bullet manufacturers. I had to intentionally cut back or end up divorced.

May 14, 2000, 09:37 AM	#14
rinoray Member Join Date: March 11, 2000 Posts: 71	I purchased a Dillon 550B after a three month research quest for reloading information. Have been thoroughly pleased with it and Dillon (one stuck large primer tube - replacement arrived in 3 days NO BS warranty is true). Only real problems I've had are pilot error.

May 14, 2000, 09:23 PM	#15
Joe Portale Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 1999 Location: Tucson, Arizona Territory Posts: 715	Frontsight and all, The biggest problem that I have seen with the Lee equipment is the primer feed. Here is a possible list of things that can cause the primers not to feed: * not enough primers in the tray. You need at least twenty primers to get them moving down the ramp. * grit or oil in the ramp * flashing from the plastic injection that made the ramp (found this on one of mine) * the little hair pin spring on the carrage popped off (happens to me fairly often) Look on the right side of the shell plate carrier and see if it is there. * crude in the primer rod well that is preventing the rod from dropping back to the neutral position. * high tides and the phase of the moon I have been using the Lee 1000 for awhile. All I can say is that when it runs, it runs great, when it doesn't, it screws up ina small way and makes life miserable. My dream machine is a Dillion 650 with all the bells and whistles. Hope this helps. Hope this helps. ------------------ Joe Portale Tucson, Arizona Territory True Gun Control: Weaver or Isosceles.

May 16, 2000, 02:47 AM	#16
Sportster Member Join Date: June 5, 1999 Posts: 62	Got a Lee Loadmaster. Crushed and jammed a primer early on,but nothing ever since. Gotta keep an eye on the primer feeder,make sure they're sliding down the ramp and tap em if they're not,but other than that....she's a beauty....

May 16, 2000, 10:23 AM	#17
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Joe Portale, being miserable is something I can't tolerate well, when I have a choice. Seems like some people are more patient with this than I am. The primer trough is clean, and spring is there (it should not be popping off anyway!) and there are no ridges in the trough. I have to have 50+ primers for them to go down the trough reliably, and still they often "logjam" at the mouth of the flip disk so that there are 15 in the trough, and all the rest in the disk. Frankly, ita a crappy setup. The Dillon setup is much more foolproof that the Lee. I'm definately changing over this week. ------------------ Frontsight! ========================= "Put a rifle in the hands of a Subject, and he immediately becomes a Citizen." -- Jeff Cooper

May 16, 2000, 09:35 PM	#18
jim-alex Member Join Date: March 14, 2000 Location: tired of NoVa Posts: 83	I'm looking for a second Pro-1000. If you really want to unload, see my post in Accessories, Gear Wanted. Jim

May 18, 2000, 12:54 PM	#19
ARshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 1999 Posts: 142	How many times have we read posts regarding the problems encountered with Lee progressive loaders? To everyone thinking about getting a progressive press, Just get the Dillon, period!!! It doesn't cost that much more, will last a few life times, has great customer service and won't give you headaches. You buy a progressive press to turn out a lot of ammo, not to work on.

May 18, 2000, 01:20 PM	#20
bk40 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 1999 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,004	progressive reloading machines for rifle and pistol, buy a Dillon, any Dillon!