It is worth mentioning that the 4th station allows the use of a either a powder check die, a Lee factory crimp die, or separate dies for seating and crimping.
Add a bullet feeder and really crank out rounds. I'm really happy with my Pro 4000. It isn't flashing like a big blue product but it's a solid and reliable press. Sure there's some plastic parts here and there, but almost all of these parts are cosmetic pieces. Everything that should be made of metal is. To all you Lee haters, Lee must be doing something right. They've been in the reloading business forever. Not all of us can afford a Porsche GT , Ferrari Enzo or a McClaren. The rest of us get by quite well with 911s, Corvettes, and Alfa Romeo 4Cs.
I am looking for a releading press and I was going to buy a dillon but why if this works I have a Lee right now a single stage I am just looking to buy something that I don't need to do everything. If this Lee works why buy something that's 3 times the price? Now that I know you guy buy feeders there is no point in buying a dillion
I love mine... For a first time reloader I feel its a great starter kit for the beginner. The only thing I do different is I hand prime my brass before I put my brass in the tubes. I feel that it is one less step I have to do while keeping a eye on the powder charge and seating a projectile. Thanks for the video
@@GarfieldEnjoyer1878 Yes, and while the Safety Prime works on the press, You get less primers ending up on the floor with that Safty prime on the press.
And Check out Dillon Precision, RCBS, Redding , Forester, Lyman, Herters, and even Frankfort Arsenal . They all been around for a hundred years except Dillon. And none of them manufacture the "Half Fast" crap that Lee does. Their prices is what keeps them selling products to the ignorant. Remember the old saying......... You get what you pay for'
If you mount the press directly to your bench and don't use the bracket, be sure to connect the spent primer tube prior to get a proper alignment. If you don't, you will probably mount it to far inward and not have enough room for the tube to clear the edge of the bench.
Your video is one of the strongest to push me toward my first progressive loading kit. I had originally considered Lee's four station turret press, but this makes WAY more sense. I just received mine this morning and already have it mounted on my bench and assembled. Settings will come tomorrow!
Brand new to reloading. Doing research before buying. Looked like I was going for Lee Classic Turret Kit then saw your review of the Lee Pro4000Kit for 223/5.56 ammo. Looks like this kit includes everything to get started other than brass, bullet, powder, and primer.
I've had several Lee presses over the years. I started reloading with a Lee Pro 1000 for pistol and a Lee Classic Cast Iron single stage press for rifle. The main attraction to the Lee presses was their very low price, and reviews that told me that Lee equipment was built plenty good enough to meet the needs of an average reloader. To this day, I still own and use the single stage press. It is an outstanding, well-built and simple press. I had a number of frustrations with the Pro 1000, but as long as I was willing to fiddle with the press before each loading session and at least twice during a loading session, I could sometimes knock out 2 or 3 hundred rounds over the course of a couple-three hours. After a couple years, I thought that maybe I just had a bum sample, so I bought another one. It developed the very same need for regular fiddling, especially in the area of primer feeding. In a fit of frustration while fiddling with the Pro 1000, I threw up my hands and decided to buy a higher end press. I wanted to go with a Dillon, but couldn't justify spending the money. After all, I was seeing reviews of the Hornady Lock-and-Load progressive press that said it worked as well as Dillon for a lot less money. I went with a Hornady L-n-L AP Ammo Plant and figured that my days of frustration were over. Boy, was I wrong. The press was miles better than the Lee progressive press, but I still had issues, primarily in the bullet drop and case feed mechanisms. Before I could even use the press, I had to spend hours with fine files and stones cleaning up the shoddy machining of surfaces that needed to slide against one another to make the press operate smoothly. This was maddening, as I had paid WAY more money for this press than I had on all of my Lee presses combined and expected to not need to do this degree of fiddling around. Eventually, I encountered timing issues and had to fiddle with that as well. I finally got fed up with the Hornady press, so I did what I should have done in the first place and dropped the money on a Dillon XL750. It has been a vast improvement over the Hornady press. I had relegated the Pro 1000 presses to decapping of brass in preparation for wet tumbling. In pretty short order, they became so troublesome that I decided I needed a new cheap progressive press for decapping brass. About that time, Lee introduced the Breach Lock Pro, and again I was suckered in by the siren's song of a cheap progressive press and bought one. Long story short, it is also a piece of junk. Decapping brass with it is better than using the Pro 1000 press for this duty, but it is far from reliable and frequently locks up, requiring disassembly to clear jammed up spent primers under the shell plate, or to adjust the indexing which for no understandable reason will simply lock up. Ah, the joys of cheap plastic gears... I am done with Lee progressive presses. Do yourself a favor and stay away from them. They promise the world and deliver primarily frustration and heartache.
@@todive4 I've never owned or used a Load Master, so I really can't say. If there were similar issues with it, though, I would not be at all surprised.
I feel the same way. If you have a week free time to kill, you can actually repurpose old primers with household stuff. There is a video on it on gun friendly bitchute app.
@@DangerClose13E gunbroker is a huge part of this manufactured problem. If they didn't enable this behavior it would be harder for people to price gouge products that they obviously bought to take advantage of others. If cancel culture were going to cancel anything, gunbroker would be the best place ever to start.
@@beakerunrefined4230 Supply and demand is what it all comes down to. No one is forcing anyone else to pay these prices. It's a choice between buyer and seller. Why are you not blaming the manufacturers for not producing enough product? Have you found out why there isn't even a trickle of supply from them?
Funny how when Gavin gets ANYTHING ,he never has to return it or modify it in any way! Must be nice to get equipment that works as advertised especially from Lee!!!
I bought a lee 4000 it is fine until it throws a case in wrong on stage 1 that is when all of the plastic breaks including the drive gear also plastic which you can not get to because they have over torqued the Allen bolt that holds it all together I have broken 3 different socket Allen wrenches before I threw the press in the corner where it will stay for all of eternity primer system also drops more on the floor than it places in the cases thanks for the review I do love my lee classic single stage by the way
Absolute best quality reloading vids on YT. Great, thorough info, clearly, and succinctly presented. Always learn something new from you. Thanks for all your effort. Sub'd a while ago.
Idk, I love my loadmaster and pro1000. I do get an occasional flipped primer, 1 out of 2000 or so I would guess but you can feel it immediately imo. A slight modification to auto disk and good powder gives me drops very consistent. I ran 100 throws and 2 out of 100 were .1 over using titegroup.
I don’t like how that case feeder flops around that would drive me crazy, but other than that seems like it’s an OK press. I really like the four whole tour it press button mine has a tendency to overshoot it station about every two cartridges.
Thank you first if all for all your videos helping all of us get into reloading. I just purshased the Lee 90900 and I may need some start up help from time to time, Changing and ordering different Dies. I will be buying all attachments piece by piece. I live near a Firing Range and recover brass and Steel caseings daily. So, I've got alot to get started with. I watch your Channel daily...
Actually, he does mention it, in the video write up.. "In the next story, we'll do a caliber changeover, setup the included Safety Prime, and load some rifle ammunition."
@@JM-nh8yp then you have very bad “progressive” if you can rely on priming system. Why to slow down whole process considerably by off the press priming?
@@ZhuJo99 I never said anything about not being able to rely on my press for priming. I dont have a bad progressive press. Its very reliable. A lot of people choose to not use a progressive press for priming.
@@JM-nh8yp Yes. There is so much compound leverage on a progressive that there is no feel for when the primer bottoms out in the primer pocket. When I am doing high volume, I will use the primer feed on the press. When I am going for precision, I will use a hand priming tool.
Good clear overview of this unit. That being said, it looks to have quite a bit of plastic components (hence the budget price point) that can easily break, stress, wear out, etc. Has anyone experienced any issues with the plastics on this or had similar concerns?
Bought this unit couple months ago, can't beat the price for what you get, I also added the bullet feed system. It takes some time to get the rythem but I can pump out 25-30 rounds per minute once I get going, only real weak spot is the on press primer, if works but can be a little fumbly with more practice I am sure it would be ok. I also fixed an endo scope on the press pointing at the powder charged case to keep an eye on double or missed drops. Case feed works well and the powder measure is accurate, it will leak ball powders as most taper drum powder measures do, but there are some u-tube fix that help considerably if you get one that leaks, mine is fine.
@@poppys3728 I use the Lee bullet feed kit for 37/357 and purchased the conversion kit for 45 colt. Works well, there definently is some set up to get it working the way you want, but once set, I had no issues, I am looking at trying the Hornady bullet feed dies seeing that they are simmular priced, looks like a simpler system with less clutter and moving parts, will see if their gimmick or not.
@@llkj7944 Thank you. Looking to start reloading, trying to find the best fit. So far, looks like the pro 4000 will be a good choice for me based on capabilities and price. I have several pistol and rifle calibers I want to reload.
This is a great press but I don't use it the way he demonstrated. First I run the brass through with only a sizing/decapping die. Wet wash the brass. Prime with a bench prime. Load cases and do the rest. This method gives a much better rhythm and gives an open space to visually check the powder. I also much favor the Auto Disk over the Auto Drum. The Disk won't leak and there's much less to go wrong.
Been waiting for this, you set a high standard for professional reviews. It's real unfortunate to see the manual primer designed on this one. Interested to hear your perspective on Lee's Bullet Feeder with any of Lee's progressive presses (and how to get it to work, hopefully most of the time). Also a video on clamber changeover for this model.
@@tjvohs1 yeah, i use it on the turrent press. fairly certain he covers it in depth in at least one of his other Lee press videos. Personally I would greatly preferred Lee to design into this press a similar system to the other two Lee progressive presses.
Perfect press for making PLINKING ammo. I have the same one. It's not a Dillon, but if you on a budget and are ok just making plinking ammo this is hard to beat! I use the priming system with no problems at all. I've found I get better results using the factory crimp die on my cast bullets.
Lee make brilliant tools for loading, I use many of their dies and am very happy with them. their single stage presses are also nice, like the 50 BMG classic cast. but when it comes to progressive presses I think you would be better served with a Dillon machine. even a couple of single stages or turret press would a better option than the Lee progressive offerings, I mean the pro 1000 uses bath plug chain to operate, and the 4000 has way too much plastic and less than ideal priming system
Priming system actually works well with this press. The previous issues seem to have been resolved with this upgraded primer feeder. Looks like the old one but has better internal springs and feed rail.
Love my Lee Loadmaster, Classic Cast, APP, powder measures, die sets etc etc, and f for the price they, produce accurate concentric ammunition! Now if Lee would just charge a little bit more and throw a bit more development, it would be even better yet, as in, some of the tools have to go through a "wear-in" process, before they become silky smooth (Loadmaster, APP press + accessories).
I have 5 pro 1000 progressives as well as a Loadmaster--- loaded 25k + rounds various calibers--- worth every penny wen I bought them for 89.99 ea. and 139.95 for the loadmaster.... also Lee will give you free parts ! great company great equipment IMO.
So it is a breach lock pro all done up... I had that biggest pain in the butt ever. To much going on have to add bullet and primer and so on. I gave mine 5 days but i was loading 223. Atleast the loadmaster or pro 1000 you just add a bullet when done up.. As the primer feed is at bottom of stroke. And its not that I am new to the safety prime as my Lee turret is my main press. Saving for a Dillion 550c now.
Personally I think you should have showed it loading while using the safety primer feed system. I feel people are going to get the wrong impression of the press, and think that they have to load primers manually. Lots of people look to you for product reviews and to be honest, I really don't know if you did justice to the Pro 4000 in this video.
The 4000 looks cool. Seems a bit limited though. Glad I got a Loadmaster. Not sure of the price diff but the 4000 don’t look very upgradable. On my LLM I have the upgraded bullet feed with the four tube setup. Works great for knocking out big batches of pistol ammo for range day.
I still have my pro1000 from an eternity ago, gave me a host of issues including a blown up pistol once. Honestly their single stage are decent, but for progressives I strongly suggest going safe with Dillon.
@@seanrossouw9936 apparently the press dropped very little powder in one casing and I didn't notice cause I was testing the newly installed bullet feeder, at the range I was doing a double tap drill and could't stop in time: basically the first bullet got stuck in the barrell when in less than a second I shot the second one, as a result the entire frame cracked and the mag shot out like a rocket, no damage to my hand fortunately and also the barrel and the slide got out unscaved (recertified by H&K Germany)
Finished! Thank you. Hope you got a good buy on the Glock. That looks like a pretty good Lee press. Does look like feeding the primers is a little tedious. What did you think?
Confusing, why would you have a priming system on a progressive loader that you feed manually. I was always told not to handle primers when ever possible as oils from your fingers can contaminate them. Is this Lee's answer to their problematic priming systems on their other progressive loaders?
I had a single stage Hornady that flipped primers like crazy. It is very possible to flip primers manually! I now only prime off press with a lee bench prime.
Isn't there supposed to be a dish looking collator on top of case feeder where you can simply drop a bunch of cases shake it up and they all drop down?
Far from it. The turret produces one completed cartridge every 4 cycles. This produces one every cycle, I have both presses and this thing works great when setup properly. The LCT is great for single stange and precision loads.
Interesting video. I’m struggling with decisions about my first press and more importantly my Perfect Bench. My friends are Dillon fans. I’m leaning towards going with a progressive Dillon press. As far as the G21 service weapon I carried one on duty for many years. Fine weapon but the gem 1 grip was a bit large and less than ideally ergonomic. Plenty you can do with a match barrel, optimized trigger drop in, and after market recoil spring. Have fun.
I added this press to my collection and I must say I’m not quite happy with it. I realized after about 250 blackout rounds that the powder drop linkage had slow been slipping. Eventually I noticed the powder drum not rotating enough to even drop any powder. I had to measure each previously loaded round to determine how many did not receive powder. Something you really need to pay attention too!
You're definitely not setting up the powder drum measurer/rifle charging die correctly. Read the directions! It explains precisely what to look for when setting it up.
I would like a all in one press. 9mm,45acp,rifle. And a separate one for 12 gauge. Which Lee press?? Love Chanel, I'm a little slow on this stuff. You seemed a little rushed on this video. Please remember most of us were not born knowing what you now know!
I'm not Gavin, but I would like to offer you some assistance/advice/guidance on your question. As far as a one press that is always ready to do all of the calibers you mentioned, I don't believe such a thing exists. However, all presses use dies, which handle the tasks of resizing the brass, removing the spent primer, expanding the necks, and seating and crimping the bullets. These dies are ordered in whatever caliber you desire. Virtually all modern presses use the same style dies(aside from the Dillon square deal B and I think a few older Lyman ones). If you get a progressive press, it will also have what is called a shell plate. This is size specific for the caliber you wish to reload. If you get a press with a removable "tool head"(the part that holds the dies), you can simply buy spare tool heads, fill each one of them with dies of the caliber you want to load, and then swap out the tool head and shell plate for the proper caliber(this holds true for the lee load master, which would be my recommendation if you want a progressive press). If you want a turret press(much easier for a beginner to learn on, but a fair bit slower than a progressive), the lee classic turret press is very hard to beat. Again, it uses a tool head that holds the dies, and you just swap it out to the caliber with the dies you need and use the appropriate shell holder for whatever caliber you wish to reload. If you are new to reloading, I would strongly recommend getting a reloading manual before anything else. The Lee manual and Lyman manual are both very good.
I hope the primer feed on this one works better than it does on the Pro 1000 my Pro 1000 is basically a semi automatic press what I've ended up doing is priming my cases in the beginning and not even bothering to use the primer feed on the Pro 1000 so I hope the Pro 4000 is better if you can even find one
The only problem I see is the quick change bushings, I load 10 different calibers; that's a lot of bushings. Probably best for just one or two calibers. Nice vid :)
Ok, so several ppl already made a comment about this, but here goes... The priming system that came with it, was like the hand priming system, why didn't you use it? is there a problem with it's function? Also, why don't you show more about the setup of powder, we have no idea how incrimental the amount of powder you can put into the case is unknown... Please show how easy/difficult it was to get to your desired charge wt. and also your seating depth... you always say "drop a comment, and we'll start a discussion, well, you never do your part! I have left several comments, on multiple video's you have done, but yet to get a response... I even give you my email address.... what gives Gavin? why don't you take time to answer the ppl who ask a direct question.. I'm disappointed. beside that point, I love your video's, but your fan-ship, is not up to par brother.
First of all... I appreciate your videos so much.... Your tests are very scientific and not just opinionated. Yes you go over presses, dies, trimmers, But now, I would like you to go over your favorite, go to equipment ..... ie: press, dies, trimmer, reliable primers, temperature sensitive powders and so on.... What you use on a regular basis. Also your thoughts on annealing time in the flame. Not in the market for an “Annealing Made Perfect yet. I just bought a Bench Source and that seems to be the go to for most people that reload. One more thing... I had the hardest getting a proper shoulder bump because my Harrell press has some over cam at the top of my stroke. May try My RCBS Summit Press. Please, your thoughts.
...over 25 years ago I had two Pro1000s- stupidly sold them after my stroke in 2002...thinking of gettin the newer 4000 with the extra station for the FCD. Why didn't you use the auto primer feed???
I've got a new 4000..haven't set it up yet..wondering if I can set/adjust each die at the front station where it's easiest to see and work on, since all of the dies index off the the ram....I'd be using the breech link system on all the dies
Thanks for the video as I'm considering one of these reloaders. I notice a lot of wobble in the case feeder tube section. Is this an issue? Will that much wobble tend to loosen the connection of the case feeding assembly or contribute to premature wear and breakage?
Where is the primer pressure adjuster? I have the pro 1000 and primers protruding from the bullet so far out it wedged between the rotation plate and the trough casting the thickness of the primer . Can't pull it out without slowly crimping the primer. Either way now i'm here with a bullet wedged in the pro 1000 as it doesn't come adjusted correctly from LEE.
Can you review this press with the lee bullet feeder? Just purchased one and have the bullet feeder already but don’t know if I want to install it just yet. Thanks and awesome videos by the way!!!
Looks like an upgraded on the value 4 hole turret press basically . I have the load master and think ill stick with it. Honestly the pro 4000 looks like it would wind up pissing me off lol. My ? Is the presses indexing system . Is it internal or a indexing rod like on the load master?
So do you not need to crimp? I’ve seen videos of people doing 223 (what I’m about to do) and they don’t have a crimping die on it. I’ve always crimped with my single stage press. But the manual doesn’t say or show one
Seems like a hassle to run with that priming system. Honestly, not sure why someone wouldn't just save a little longer and at least get a pro 1000 or better yet a dilkon square deal B
i agree, the priming system makes it not much of a progressive imo. Having to do multiple steps each pull of the press would be a pain. Faster than a turret or single stage but cant really be called progressive
You hAve smAll pistol primers?/?/ I haven't seen those things since early spring. I still have Toilet paper in the freezer, guess I should have stocked up on primers instead.
I like their dies, but there is such thing as going too cheap in manufacturing on their presses. Oddly I hear reports of their cheap powder measurer throwing more accurate charges than many of the costly ones. Only thing is powder seeps out some.
I have nothing to compare it to other than my Chargemaster Lite, but the "Perfect Powder Measure" is surprisingly consistent! It's cheap feeling but damn does it work well. Not bad at all for $25
I’m currently stationed at Colorado springs and we don’t have a lot of stores to buy fun stuff. I’m trying to get the lee 4000 and all stores are out of stock of them. I checked all local stores as well as hundreds of websites. I know it might sounds weird, but may be you know where is it possible to get it and also what store do you use to buy reloading supplies like primers and etc. thank you in advance.
It is worth mentioning that the 4th station allows the use of a either a powder check die, a Lee factory crimp die, or separate dies for seating and crimping.
Add a bullet feeder and really crank out rounds. I'm really happy with my Pro 4000. It isn't flashing like a big blue product but it's a solid and reliable press. Sure there's some plastic parts here and there, but almost all of these parts are cosmetic pieces. Everything that should be made of metal is. To all you Lee haters, Lee must be doing something right. They've been in the reloading business forever. Not all of us can afford a Porsche GT , Ferrari Enzo or a McClaren. The rest of us get by quite well with 911s, Corvettes, and Alfa Romeo 4Cs.
I am looking for a releading press and I was going to buy a dillon but why if this works I have a Lee right now a single stage I am just looking to buy something that I don't need to do everything. If this Lee works why buy something that's 3 times the price? Now that I know you guy buy feeders there is no point in buying a dillion
I just ordered one in 223. Now that you've had yours for a couple years how do you like it?
@sluggou812beotch Why did you buy a 4000 when the six pack pro has been out for a year?
I love mine... For a first time reloader I feel its a great starter kit for the beginner. The only thing I do different is I hand prime my brass before I put my brass in the tubes. I feel that it is one less step I have to do while keeping a eye on the powder charge and seating a projectile. Thanks for the video
More reliable too
@@GarfieldEnjoyer1878 Yes, and while the Safety Prime works on the press, You get less primers ending up on the floor with that Safty prime on the press.
As I Said.... "Half Fast"
And Check out
Dillon Precision, RCBS, Redding , Forester, Lyman,
Herters, and even Frankfort Arsenal .
They all been around for a hundred years except Dillon.
And none of them manufacture the "Half Fast"
crap that Lee does.
Their prices is what keeps them selling products to the ignorant. Remember the old saying.........
You get what you pay for'
If you mount the press directly to your bench and don't use the bracket, be sure to connect the spent primer tube prior to get a proper alignment. If you don't, you will probably mount it to far inward and not have enough room for the tube to clear the edge of the bench.
And if you have the lee quick change bracket already mounted you will have to get a saw and cut a notch in your bench. Ask me how I know.
Like I said .... "Garbage"
Your video is one of the strongest to push me toward my first progressive loading kit. I had originally considered Lee's four station turret press, but this makes WAY more sense. I just received mine this morning and already have it mounted on my bench and assembled. Settings will come tomorrow!
I have an older Lee turret press with 3 stations. It's a bit slower, but then, I enjoy the time spent at the bench.
Reloading is very relaxing for the most part !
You're married too huh...
Brand new to reloading. Doing research before buying. Looked like I was going for Lee Classic Turret Kit then saw your review of the Lee Pro4000Kit for 223/5.56 ammo. Looks like this kit includes everything to get started other than brass, bullet, powder, and primer.
That’s not true it doesn’t come with a crimper
I've had several Lee presses over the years. I started reloading with a Lee Pro 1000 for pistol and a Lee Classic Cast Iron single stage press for rifle. The main attraction to the Lee presses was their very low price, and reviews that told me that Lee equipment was built plenty good enough to meet the needs of an average reloader. To this day, I still own and use the single stage press. It is an outstanding, well-built and simple press.
I had a number of frustrations with the Pro 1000, but as long as I was willing to fiddle with the press before each loading session and at least twice during a loading session, I could sometimes knock out 2 or 3 hundred rounds over the course of a couple-three hours. After a couple years, I thought that maybe I just had a bum sample, so I bought another one. It developed the very same need for regular fiddling, especially in the area of primer feeding.
In a fit of frustration while fiddling with the Pro 1000, I threw up my hands and decided to buy a higher end press. I wanted to go with a Dillon, but couldn't justify spending the money. After all, I was seeing reviews of the Hornady Lock-and-Load progressive press that said it worked as well as Dillon for a lot less money. I went with a Hornady L-n-L AP Ammo Plant and figured that my days of frustration were over. Boy, was I wrong. The press was miles better than the Lee progressive press, but I still had issues, primarily in the bullet drop and case feed mechanisms. Before I could even use the press, I had to spend hours with fine files and stones cleaning up the shoddy machining of surfaces that needed to slide against one another to make the press operate smoothly. This was maddening, as I had paid WAY more money for this press than I had on all of my Lee presses combined and expected to not need to do this degree of fiddling around. Eventually, I encountered timing issues and had to fiddle with that as well.
I finally got fed up with the Hornady press, so I did what I should have done in the first place and dropped the money on a Dillon XL750. It has been a vast improvement over the Hornady press.
I had relegated the Pro 1000 presses to decapping of brass in preparation for wet tumbling. In pretty short order, they became so troublesome that I decided I needed a new cheap progressive press for decapping brass. About that time, Lee introduced the Breach Lock Pro, and again I was suckered in by the siren's song of a cheap progressive press and bought one. Long story short, it is also a piece of junk. Decapping brass with it is better than using the Pro 1000 press for this duty, but it is far from reliable and frequently locks up, requiring disassembly to clear jammed up spent primers under the shell plate, or to adjust the indexing which for no understandable reason will simply lock up. Ah, the joys of cheap plastic gears...
I am done with Lee progressive presses. Do yourself a favor and stay away from them. They promise the world and deliver primarily frustration and heartache.
you think the Lee Load Master would have the same issues as the Pro 1000?
@@todive4 I've never owned or used a Load Master, so I really can't say. If there were similar issues with it, though, I would not be at all surprised.
I agree Lee stuff will get you frustrated 😢
Thanks for the info. I have a Lee system that I bought and have not set up yet. It’s good to go in knowing what to expect.
this guy makes the best videos. thank you
Looks good but still not ready to give up my Lee Turret.
I had one. Junk. Back to classic turret.
I have the Lee Turret press and it seems easier and faster. I load 45acp,9mm and .556 on it.
We need a system for making primers. If you’re looking to get into reloading now, be ready for the frustration of not being able to get primers.
I actually found like 6 boxes of primers at a store near me that was packed with people and I thought that was odd
i am down to my last box of 1000... SHIT!!
That's no joke, haven't been able to find any for a while now.
Uncle Joe has all the primers hidden under betos bed
@@moscasucio1686 I knew it.
Been waiting for you to do the Lee 4000. Thank you!
Looks like the missing priming system is a good subject for tomorrow’s video. If you had a reason to not use it, please say so.
You are correct. Why did Gavin not use the automatic Primer feeder?
I had the same question, I always run with the auto prime, goes much much faster.
@@MrReconmanone probably because it doesn't come with the kit. He didn't use a case collator either
@@XvREByrd3vX It comes with kit.
GAVIN!!! what good is all this equipment if we cant get PRIMERS!!! I'm so frustrated.
You can get them. You will pay 5 times normal price though. www.gunbroker.com
I feel the same way. If you have a week free time to kill, you can actually repurpose old primers with household stuff. There is a video on it on gun friendly bitchute app.
Sorry.. i've been hording some... :)
@@DangerClose13E gunbroker is a huge part of this manufactured problem. If they didn't enable this behavior it would be harder for people to price gouge products that they obviously bought to take advantage of others. If cancel culture were going to cancel anything, gunbroker would be the best place ever to start.
@@beakerunrefined4230 Supply and demand is what it all comes down to. No one is forcing anyone else to pay these prices. It's a choice between buyer and seller. Why are you not blaming the manufacturers for not producing enough product? Have you found out why there isn't even a trickle of supply from them?
Funny how when Gavin gets ANYTHING ,he never has to return it or modify it in any way! Must be nice to get equipment that works as advertised especially from Lee!!!
😂 So true, also it's not the tiniest but annoying to place primers manually 😂😂😂
I just ordered this same kit.it’s all I could find that wasn’t sold out.I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.thanks for the video
Glad they got you your pro 4000, I ordered mine back in July and am still waiting for it to even ship!!!
I bought a lee 4000 it is fine until it throws a case in wrong on stage 1 that is when all of the plastic breaks including the drive gear also plastic which you can not get to because they have over torqued the Allen bolt that holds it all together I have broken 3 different socket Allen wrenches before I threw the press in the corner where it will stay for all of eternity primer system also drops more on the floor than it places in the cases thanks for the review I do love my lee classic single stage by the way
Absolute best quality reloading vids on YT. Great, thorough info, clearly, and succinctly presented. Always learn something new from you. Thanks for all your effort. Sub'd a while ago.
Thank you so much. I’ve learned so much from you. I can’t WAIT for you to pick the best one that came out this year. I’m looking forward to buy one.
Idk, I love my loadmaster and pro1000. I do get an occasional flipped primer, 1 out of 2000 or so I would guess but you can feel it immediately imo. A slight modification to auto disk and good powder gives me drops very consistent. I ran 100 throws and 2 out of 100 were .1 over using titegroup.
I don’t like how that case feeder flops around that would drive me crazy, but other than that seems like it’s an OK press. I really like the four whole tour it press button mine has a tendency to overshoot it station about every two cartridges.
Thinking about moving back into progressive loading- very helpful video. Thank you
Thank you first if all for all your videos helping all of us get into reloading. I just purshased the Lee 90900 and I may need some start up help from time to time, Changing and ordering different Dies. I will be buying all attachments piece by piece. I live near a Firing Range and recover brass and Steel caseings daily. So, I've got alot to get started with. I watch your Channel daily...
Why were you not using the priming system that came with the press? Not even a mention of it!
Actually, he does mention it, in the video write up.. "In the next story, we'll do a caliber changeover, setup the included Safety Prime, and load some rifle ammunition."
I never use the priming system on presses. I prime off the press
@@JM-nh8yp then you have very bad “progressive” if you can rely on priming system. Why to slow down whole process considerably by off the press priming?
@@ZhuJo99 I never said anything about not being able to rely on my press for priming. I dont have a bad progressive press. Its very reliable. A lot of people choose to not use a progressive press for priming.
@@JM-nh8yp Yes. There is so much compound leverage on a progressive that there is no feel for when the primer bottoms out in the primer pocket. When I am doing high volume, I will use the primer feed on the press. When I am going for precision, I will use a hand priming tool.
Good clear overview of this unit. That being said, it looks to have quite a bit of plastic components (hence the budget price point) that can easily break, stress, wear out, etc. Has anyone experienced any issues with the plastics on this or had similar concerns?
I have a Glock 21 that I just ordered a 10mm conversion barrel for it. Now one gun can serve 2 different ways
Bought this unit couple months ago, can't beat the price for what you get, I also added the bullet feed system. It takes some time to get the rythem but I can pump out 25-30 rounds per minute once I get going, only real weak spot is the on press primer, if works but can be a little fumbly with more practice I am sure it would be ok. I also fixed an endo scope on the press pointing at the powder charged case to keep an eye on double or missed drops. Case feed works well and the powder measure is accurate, it will leak ball powders as most taper drum powder measures do, but there are some u-tube fix that help considerably if you get one that leaks, mine is fine.
which bullet feed system did you go with?
@@poppys3728 I use the Lee bullet feed kit for 37/357 and purchased the conversion kit for 45 colt. Works well, there definently is some set up to get it working the way you want, but once set, I had no issues, I am looking at trying the Hornady bullet feed dies seeing that they are simmular priced, looks like a simpler system with less clutter and moving parts, will see if their gimmick or not.
@@llkj7944 Thanks. Do you know if the bullet feed for the pro 1000 will work on the pro 4000?
@@poppys3728 it says it will work on 1000-4000 and loadmaster.
@@llkj7944 Thank you. Looking to start reloading, trying to find the best fit. So far, looks like the pro 4000 will be a good choice for me based on capabilities and price. I have several pistol and rifle calibers I want to reload.
This is a great press but I don't use it the way he demonstrated. First I run the brass through with only a sizing/decapping die. Wet wash the brass. Prime with a bench prime. Load cases and do the rest. This method gives a much better rhythm and gives an open space to visually check the powder. I also much favor the Auto Disk over the Auto Drum. The Disk won't leak and there's much less to go wrong.
Been waiting for this, you set a high standard for professional reviews.
It's real unfortunate to see the manual primer designed on this one.
Interested to hear your perspective on Lee's Bullet Feeder with any of Lee's progressive presses (and how to get it to work, hopefully most of the time). Also a video on clamber changeover for this model.
@@tjvohs1 yeah, i use it on the turrent press. fairly certain he covers it in depth in at least one of his other Lee press videos.
Personally I would greatly preferred Lee to design into this press a similar system to the other two Lee progressive presses.
Got a 4000 couldnt be happier. Switched heads out to classic turret so.i can change calibers eadier
Perfect press for making PLINKING ammo. I have the same one. It's not a Dillon, but if you on a budget and are ok just making plinking ammo this is hard to beat! I use the priming system with no problems at all. I've found I get better results using the factory crimp die on my cast bullets.
Great press for the price. Bought two. One’s dedicated to 223 and the other will be for 9mm and 7.62x39.
I have that press to load pistol rounds I not sure how well or long it’s going to work with full length sizing
Love the price and fairly fast too. I hope I can keep the rhyton of the task at the top of the stroke and the bottom? coordination ya know.
I’ve probably cranked out over 20k 9mm rounds on mine. Love it!
I really didn't like the priming system on the loadmaster but stuck with it for years. Can't wait for my pro 4k to arrive!
Lee make brilliant tools for loading, I use many of their dies and am very happy with them. their single stage presses are also nice, like the 50 BMG classic cast. but when it comes to progressive presses I think you would be better served with a Dillon machine. even a couple of single stages or turret press would a better option than the Lee progressive offerings, I mean the pro 1000 uses bath plug chain to operate, and the 4000 has way too much plastic and less than ideal priming system
Priming system actually works well with this press. The previous issues seem to have been resolved with this upgraded primer feeder. Looks like the old one but has better internal springs and feed rail.
Got me. I just bought one a few minutes ago. Thanks.
Love my Lee Loadmaster, Classic Cast, APP, powder measures, die sets etc etc, and f for the price they, produce accurate concentric ammunition! Now if Lee would just charge a little bit more and throw a bit more development, it would be even better yet, as in, some of the tools have to go through a "wear-in" process, before they become silky smooth (Loadmaster, APP press + accessories).
I have 5 pro 1000 progressives as well as a Loadmaster--- loaded 25k + rounds various calibers--- worth every penny wen I bought them for 89.99 ea. and 139.95 for the loadmaster.... also Lee will give you free parts ! great company great equipment IMO.
I remember the 1st time I used 3 holes in a 4 hole press. Use all the holes!
So it is a breach lock pro all done up... I had that biggest pain in the butt ever. To much going on have to add bullet and primer and so on. I gave mine 5 days but i was loading 223. Atleast the loadmaster or pro 1000 you just add a bullet when done up.. As the primer feed is at bottom of stroke. And its not that I am new to the safety prime as my Lee turret is my main press. Saving for a Dillion 550c now.
Personally I think you should have showed it loading while using the safety primer feed system. I feel people are going to get the wrong impression of the press, and think that they have to load primers manually. Lots of people look to you for product reviews and to be honest, I really don't know if you did justice to the Pro 4000 in this video.
The 4000 looks cool. Seems a bit limited though. Glad I got a Loadmaster. Not sure of the price diff but the 4000 don’t look very upgradable. On my LLM I have the upgraded bullet feed with the four tube setup. Works great for knocking out big batches of pistol ammo for range day.
Wel I have the same thing but I’m the 4K
Thinking I should have order my two new presses in the pro 3000
dammit Gavin this is the 3rd time you've done this !!! Get out of my buying mind lmao
I still have my pro1000 from an eternity ago, gave me a host of issues including a blown up pistol once. Honestly their single stage are decent, but for progressives I strongly suggest going safe with Dillon.
Yeah, I have no experience with progressives, but Dillon offerings look like the best option.
@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill The Hornady LNL is a good option as well.
@@silentbob267 yeah. Much simpler than a Dillon
How did the press blow your pistol up?
@@seanrossouw9936 apparently the press dropped very little powder in one casing and I didn't notice cause I was testing the newly installed bullet feeder, at the range I was doing a double tap drill and could't stop in time: basically the first bullet got stuck in the barrell when in less than a second I shot the second one, as a result the entire frame cracked and the mag shot out like a rocket, no damage to my hand fortunately and also the barrel and the slide got out unscaved (recertified by H&K Germany)
watching some skinny arm dude struggle to open a carboard box always gets a thumbs up! lol
At last!
Thanks from over the pond
Finished! Thank you. Hope you got a good buy on the Glock. That looks like a pretty good Lee press. Does look like feeding the primers is a little tedious. What did you think?
Lee has factory recon 4000's for $86 + $35 shipping on their site right now.
Confusing, why would you have a priming system on a progressive loader that you feed manually. I was always told not to handle primers when ever possible as oils from your fingers can contaminate them. Is this Lee's answer to their problematic priming systems on their other progressive loaders?
@kimdani1 Question is why. I have seen several videos on this press and none so far has shown the use of the priming system.
Semi-progressive. That primer is manual, but no chance of flipped primers.
Lee includes their Safety Primer Feed system. He just didn't use it in the video.
According to the manual, the primer kit is optional, and he was probably reviewing only what you get in the box. Just a guess.
I had a single stage Hornady that flipped primers like crazy. It is very possible to flip primers manually! I now only prime off press with a lee bench prime.
...just got mine via Brownells today...
Isn't there supposed to be a dish looking collator on top of case feeder where you can simply drop a bunch of cases shake it up and they all drop down?
Costs extra.
Hmm, I find my Classic Turret to be as fast or faster...!
Far from it. The turret produces one completed cartridge every 4 cycles. This produces one every cycle, I have both presses and this thing works great when setup properly. The LCT is great for single stange and precision loads.
@@jayinla228 You must be really good if you can get this press turning out rounds. I couldn’t.
Interesting video. I’m struggling with decisions about my first press and more importantly my Perfect Bench. My friends are Dillon fans. I’m leaning towards going with a progressive Dillon press. As far as the G21 service weapon I carried one on duty for many years. Fine weapon but the gem 1 grip was a bit large and less than ideally ergonomic. Plenty you can do with a match barrel, optimized trigger drop in, and after market recoil spring. Have fun.
I added this press to my collection and I must say I’m not quite happy with it. I realized after about 250 blackout rounds that the powder drop linkage had slow been slipping. Eventually I noticed the powder drum not rotating enough to even drop any powder. I had to measure each previously loaded round to determine how many did not receive powder. Something you really need to pay attention too!
Too me it looks like a sneeze would break the unit, with all the light casting and plastics choices to cheap it up.
You're definitely not setting up the powder drum measurer/rifle charging die correctly. Read the directions! It explains precisely what to look for when setting it up.
I would like a all in one press. 9mm,45acp,rifle.
And a separate one for 12 gauge.
Which Lee press??
Love Chanel, I'm a little slow on this stuff. You seemed a little rushed on this video. Please remember most of us were not born knowing what you now know!
I'm not Gavin, but I would like to offer you some assistance/advice/guidance on your question. As far as a one press that is always ready to do all of the calibers you mentioned, I don't believe such a thing exists. However, all presses use dies, which handle the tasks of resizing the brass, removing the spent primer, expanding the necks, and seating and crimping the bullets. These dies are ordered in whatever caliber you desire. Virtually all modern presses use the same style dies(aside from the Dillon square deal B and I think a few older Lyman ones). If you get a progressive press, it will also have what is called a shell plate. This is size specific for the caliber you wish to reload. If you get a press with a removable "tool head"(the part that holds the dies), you can simply buy spare tool heads, fill each one of them with dies of the caliber you want to load, and then swap out the tool head and shell plate for the proper caliber(this holds true for the lee load master, which would be my recommendation if you want a progressive press). If you want a turret press(much easier for a beginner to learn on, but a fair bit slower than a progressive), the lee classic turret press is very hard to beat. Again, it uses a tool head that holds the dies, and you just swap it out to the caliber with the dies you need and use the appropriate shell holder for whatever caliber you wish to reload.
If you are new to reloading, I would strongly recommend getting a reloading manual before anything else. The Lee manual and Lyman manual are both very good.
Sounds like, good advice thanks
Love your Videos!
Ok could you explain why your Lathe is staged off the wall and you have a tool cabinet in front of the Mill?
I hope the primer feed on this one works better than it does on the Pro 1000 my Pro 1000 is basically a semi automatic press what I've ended up doing is priming my cases in the beginning and not even bothering to use the primer feed on the Pro 1000 so I hope the Pro 4000 is better if you can even find one
Im about to load up some .45acp on my Pro 1000! Gonna make some pews for bowling pin shooting with my G41. Im trying 250gr extremes.
Glock 21.....How you say? 460 ROWLAND!
The only problem I see is the quick change bushings, I load 10 different calibers; that's a lot of bushings. Probably best for just one or two calibers. Nice vid :)
Any concerns about the plastic heavy construction with these high volume cartridges?
Ok, so several ppl already made a comment about this, but here goes... The priming system that came with it, was like the hand priming system, why didn't you use it? is there a problem with it's function? Also, why don't you show more about the setup of powder, we have no idea how incrimental the amount of powder you can put into the case is unknown... Please show how easy/difficult it was to get to your desired charge wt. and also your seating depth... you always say "drop a comment, and we'll start a discussion, well, you never do your part! I have left several comments, on multiple video's you have done, but yet to get a response... I even give you my email address.... what gives Gavin? why don't you take time to answer the ppl who ask a direct question.. I'm disappointed. beside that point, I love your video's, but your fan-ship, is not up to par brother.
First of all... I appreciate your videos so much.... Your tests are very scientific and not just opinionated. Yes you go over presses, dies, trimmers, But now, I would like you to go over your favorite, go to equipment ..... ie: press, dies, trimmer, reliable primers, temperature sensitive powders and so on.... What you use on a regular basis. Also your thoughts on annealing time in the flame. Not in the market for an “Annealing Made Perfect yet. I just bought a Bench Source and that seems to be the go to for most people that reload. One more thing... I had the hardest getting a proper shoulder bump because my Harrell press has some over cam at the top of my stroke. May try My RCBS Summit Press. Please, your thoughts.
What do you mean: "turn the die down until a bullet seats perfectly in the case after it's flared"? What is "perfectly flared" in measurements?
Will the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro 4000 also reload 30-30 and 30-06 rounds ? Thanks and Love your Videos
...over 25 years ago I had two Pro1000s- stupidly sold them after my stroke in 2002...thinking of gettin the newer 4000 with the extra station for the FCD. Why didn't you use the auto primer feed???
I love dillion but since dillion is on back order on every thing Im considering this press Case feeder to sacrafice for auto primer no biggie
I've got a new 4000..haven't set it up yet..wondering if I can set/adjust each die at the front station where it's easiest to see and work on, since all of the dies index off the the ram....I'd be using the breech link system on all the dies
Was there a prime feeder ? Thanks for your wonderful videos and thoughtful instructions
So, one could not use a lyman M die, or other with NOE plug, because of the powder through system...
Thanks for the video as I'm considering one of these reloaders. I notice a lot of wobble in the case feeder tube section. Is this an issue? Will that much wobble tend to loosen the connection of the case feeding assembly or contribute to premature wear and breakage?
Would be nice to see the press close up versus all of your surroundings.
Nice review. Best reviews on UA-cam.
Where is the primer pressure adjuster? I have the pro 1000 and primers protruding from the bullet so far out it wedged between the rotation plate and the trough casting the thickness of the primer . Can't pull it out without slowly crimping the primer. Either way now i'm here with a bullet wedged in the pro 1000 as it doesn't come adjusted correctly from LEE.
Can you review this press with the lee bullet feeder? Just purchased one and have the bullet feeder already but don’t know if I want to install it just yet. Thanks and awesome videos by the way!!!
What should you do with the glock, hmmmm 🤔. Throw it away and get a CZ 😀👍. Besides that great video
I didn’t get that base with my pro 4000.that really lifts it off of the table
Looks like an upgraded on the value 4 hole turret press basically . I have the load master and think ill stick with it. Honestly the pro 4000 looks like it would wind up pissing me off lol. My ? Is the presses indexing system . Is it internal or a indexing rod like on the load master?
Why was the safety primer system not installed and utilized?
So do you not need to crimp? I’ve seen videos of people doing 223 (what I’m about to do) and they don’t have a crimping die on it. I’ve always crimped with my single stage press. But the manual doesn’t say or show one
Can you add a bullet and primer feeder into this system?
Seems like a hassle to run with that priming system. Honestly, not sure why someone wouldn't just save a little longer and at least get a pro 1000 or better yet a dilkon square deal B
i agree, the priming system makes it not much of a progressive imo. Having to do multiple steps each pull of the press would be a pain. Faster than a turret or single stage but cant really be called progressive
He didn't use the priming system it comes with, that's something he should have explained rather than just hand load each primer.
I have issues with the powder system when using fine powders leaking out
We have a Lee 4000 also. I notice you don't use the primer feeder. I don't like it either.
You should convert that G21 to .460 Rowland.
if I got to set each primer in the press ITS A NO GO FOR ME Ill stick with my Dillon 550C
huh? why would you even consider this over a 550c? makes no sense lol
unless you prefer red to blue
I don't like to touch my primers. Possible contamination.
You hAve smAll pistol primers?/?/ I haven't seen those things since early spring. I still have Toilet paper in the freezer, guess I should have stocked up on primers instead.
45 ACP uses large pistol primers for the most part. There are 45 ACP cases that take small pistol but most people don't use them.
Wonder why Lee decided to make the 4000 run clockwise when the 1000 runs counter clockwise.
Can you run other manufacturers dies like RCBS
What are the tracks you have in the table top you clamped into. I might of missed it if mentioned
The ram handle has a really long travel up and down . I would shorten the the handle .
I like their dies, but there is such thing as going too cheap in manufacturing on their presses. Oddly I hear reports of their cheap powder measurer throwing more accurate charges than many of the costly ones. Only thing is powder seeps out some.
I have nothing to compare it to other than my Chargemaster Lite, but the "Perfect Powder Measure" is surprisingly consistent! It's cheap feeling but damn does it work well. Not bad at all for $25
I’m currently stationed at Colorado springs and we don’t have a lot of stores to buy fun stuff. I’m trying to get the lee 4000 and all stores are out of stock of them. I checked all local stores as well as hundreds of websites. I know it might sounds weird, but may be you know where is it possible to get it and also what store do you use to buy reloading supplies like primers and etc. thank you in advance.
A primer feed device would be good, Lee has one, but it didn't come with one ? Big Oooooops on Lee's part.
@@tjvohs1 ok, maybe I missed it on the machine. Happy Holidays , and good shooting !
So wondering why you didn't set up the primer dropper ?
well done