So
you are in the market for a progressive press?
Since
we know Lee, let’s look at the Lee Precision 2023 Pro1000 and the Six Pack Pro.
Now
which one is right for you?
Well, let’s meet the 2 contenders…
On
the left we have the 2023 Pro1000 and on the right the Six Pack Pro.
Both
share the same design philosophy.
Lee’s
new “floating shell plate" auto-zero index system is shared by both.
Difference is the shell plate size and index rod length. But the main parts are
shared.
Lee
has done away with turrets on all their progressive presses. Both of these now
use a tool head that accepts Lee’s patented Breech Lock Bushings. This
eliminates any turret head movement.
And
the biggest improvement…the priming system.
The
priming system is shared, small differences like materials used but it
functions the same way.
You
now have a primer slider/guide that fetches a single primer from the primer
trough and places it on the priming pin. See our setup videos below on how it
works.
But
believe me it works.
Speed…both
machines will quite happily churn out more than 500 rounds an hour.
Let’s
look at the differences of the machines by going through their Pros and Cons.
The
2023 Pro1000.
This
is the third generation of the worlds most affordable and used progressive
press. The 2023 model is a massive improvement.
Pros
The most
affordable progressive press on the market.
Now
very easy to setup and maintain. No more timing screws and gears that can go
out of sync.
Designed
to reload pistol ammo and some rifle ammo like 223.
Priming
on the press is now improved and much easier to do and maintain.
Great
roller handle, compact design will save space on your bench.
Calibre
changes are quick and easy.
Now
ships with the excellent Auto Drum powder measure as standard.
Excellent
value for your hard earned cash.
Cons
Can
only accommodate 3 dies. While this can be an issue for some, the 3 dies is
everything you need to reload most calibres.
Cannot
reload as many rifle calibres as the Six Pack Pro.
Not
as strong as the Six Pack Pro but gets the job done.
Not
available to buy as just the bare press. Only available in a multitude of
calibre setup kits.
The
Six Pack Pro.
The
Load Master’s replacement. And what an upgrade it is! A Six station progressive
beast.
Pros
Six
Stations…you have options on how you want to setup your reloading dies. Want to
run a powder check die? No problem. Inline Bullet Feeder? Jip…and then you can
still seat and crimp in different stations.
This
press is solid. Super strong linkages with almost no play in the action.
Easy
to setup and maintain. Compared to the old Load Master, this press is a breeze
to setup.
Designed
to reload pistol and rifle ammo. The Six Pack is sold in a kit to reload 6.5
Creedmoor. Tallest cartridge case it can handle is 30 06…with some limitations.
Priming
on the press is fantastic, easy to operate and maintain.
Calibre
changes are quick and easy.
Available
as just the press with case feeder or in a multitude of calibre setup kits.
Kit’s
include the Auto Drum as standard.
It
might look expensive but go compare it to the competition…the Six Pack Pro is
real value for money.
Cons
Compared
to the 2023 Pro1000, the Six Pack is the costly option of the two.
This
is one heavy press and needs a solid bench to mount on.
And
that’s about all the cons I can think off…
So
now which one is the right one for you?
The
main consideration will be budget.
If
you can afford the Six Pack, it must be your first choice as it offers
more.
If
your budget does not allow this then the 2023 Pro 1000 is a very solid second
choice.
Do
you need the extra’s offered on the Six Pack Pro?
You
don’t need six die stations.
You
can reload quality ammo with just the standard 3 dies.
It
is however nice to have the options offered by the Six Pack. You can separate the
seating and crimping operation and you can have an inline bullet feeder with a
powder check die.
While
the 2023 Pro1000 will get the job done with just 3 dies, the Six Pack offers you
much more flexibility.
For
me the Six Pack is the right press but I would be quite happy loading 9mmp ammo
on the 2023 Pro1000.
So I
hope this will help you make the right choice.
Click
below to see our review and setup guides of both presses.
Both
available from 480BC.
And
no, I did not forget about the Pro4000.
The
manual priming system used with the Pro4000 eliminates it from being a true
progressive press.
