Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit Review

First Impressions of Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit promises a fully progressive reloading experience at a price point that’s hard to ignore. For years, I’ve tinkered with single-stage and turret presses, enjoying the precision but yearning for the speed of progressive reloading. This kit, from Lee, aims to bridge that gap, offering a complete setup for .38 Special reloaders without breaking the bank. It boasts features like the Auto-Drum Powder Measure and Universal Case Feeder, usually found on more expensive presses, making it a compelling option for reloaders looking to ramp up their production.

I was seeking a faster, more streamlined way to produce consistent .38 Special rounds for my revolvers. The lure of increased efficiency and reduced reloading time drew me to the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit.

Upon unboxing, the press felt substantial, although clearly built to a budget. The components, especially the Auto-Drum Powder Measure, looked well-designed, but the overall impression was that of functional simplicity rather than premium craftsmanship. Compared to my Redding single-stage press, the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit felt less refined, but the promise of its progressive capabilities was immediately exciting. I also considered the Dillon Precision RL550C and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, but the price difference was significant, and I was willing to gamble on Lee’s offering to see if it could meet my needs without the hefty investment. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; intrigued by the features but also aware of the potential for compromise at this price range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit in my well-ventilated garage, dedicating a weekend to setting it up and running through a batch of .38 Special rounds. The setup process, while straightforward, took a couple of hours due to the need to adjust the dies and familiarize myself with the case feeder and powder measure. Once dialed in, the press ran smoothly, although I experienced a few initial hiccups with the case feeder, requiring some minor adjustments to ensure reliable feeding.

The press performed admirably, even in the slightly dusty environment of my garage. The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit proved to be sensitive to consistent operation; any hesitation or jerky movements resulted in missed cases or powder spills. I was surprised by how quickly I adapted to the rhythm of progressive reloading, and the convenience of the Auto-Drum Powder Measure became immediately apparent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit has proven to be a reliable workhorse, consistently churning out accurate and consistent .38 Special rounds. The only significant wear and tear is some minor scratching on the shell plate, which is expected with regular use. Maintenance is relatively simple; I clean the press and powder measure every few hundred rounds and apply a light coat of oil to the moving parts.

Compared to my single-stage press, the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit significantly reduces my reloading time and increases my output. While not as smooth as some of the higher-end progressive presses I’ve used, it delivers excellent value and performs admirably for its price point. The initial adjustments were time-consuming, but the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit has performed admirably since then.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit

Specifications

• Lee 3-Die Set: Includes a full-length sizing die, a rifle charging die, and a bullet seat and crimp die, specifically for .38 Special. This ensures proper resizing, powder charging, and bullet seating for consistent ammunition.
• Shell Plate: Designed to hold the cases in place as they move through the various stages of reloading. The shell plate ensures that each case is processed accurately and consistently.
• Universal Case Feeder: Automatically feeds cases into the press, increasing reloading speed and efficiency. This eliminates the need to manually place each case, saving time and effort.
• Auto-Drum Powder Measure: Delivers accurate and consistent powder charges, critical for safe and reliable ammunition. The Auto-Drum Powder Measure allows for easy adjustment and consistent powder dispensing.
• Safety Prime: Priming system ensures consistent and safe priming of cases. It enhances safety during the priming process.
• Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings: Allow for quick and easy die changes without the need to readjust the dies each time. This saves time and ensures that your dies are always set up correctly.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit performs its core functions of resizing, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping effectively. The accuracy and consistency of the resulting ammunition are on par with what I achieved with my single-stage press, but with a significantly faster production rate. The Auto-Drum Powder Measure is particularly impressive, consistently dispensing accurate powder charges.

The main weakness of the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit lies in its occasionally finicky operation. Small variations in the cases or inconsistent operation can lead to hiccups in the case feeding or powder dispensing, requiring occasional intervention. However, with a little practice and attention to detail, these issues can be minimized. Overall, the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit meets expectations, delivering a functional and efficient progressive reloading experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit is constructed from a combination of steel and polymer components, balancing durability with cost-effectiveness. The press feels reasonably solid, and the ergonomics are generally good, with a comfortable wood grip roller handle. While the materials may not be as premium as those found on higher-end presses, the build quality is adequate for its intended purpose.

The press is relatively easy to use, although there is a slight learning curve associated with setting up and adjusting the various components. The modular design allows for customization, enabling the user to add or remove automation features as desired.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit is expected to last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The steel components are robust, and the polymer parts are reasonably durable, although they may be more susceptible to wear and tear over time. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit is relatively easy to maintain, with readily available replacement parts. The design is straightforward, making repairs and adjustments simple.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit comes with everything you need to start reloading .38 Special ammunition, including the dies, shell plate, case feeder, and powder measure. Optional accessories include additional shell plates for other calibers, bullet feeders, and case collators. The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit is compatible with most standard reloading dies and accessories, allowing for customization and expansion.

Pros and Cons of Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit

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Who Should Buy Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit?

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit is perfect for reloaders looking to upgrade from single-stage or turret presses to a progressive system without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for high-volume .38 Special reloaders who want to produce consistent ammunition quickly and efficiently. Casual shooters and hobbyists who reload in smaller quantities may not fully benefit from the speed and automation offered by this press.

Someone who demands ultimate precision and flawless operation might want to explore higher-end progressive presses. Must-have accessories include a good quality reloading bench, a digital scale, and a case tumbler.

Conclusion on Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit

The Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit offers an impressive value proposition for reloaders seeking a budget-friendly entry into the world of progressive reloading. While it may not be as refined or robust as some of the higher-end options, it delivers excellent performance and functionality for its price. The automated features, such as the Auto-Drum Powder Measure and Universal Case Feeder, significantly increase reloading speed and efficiency.

The price of $295.49 is certainly justified given the features and capabilities of the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit. I would recommend it to anyone looking to step up their reloading game without spending a fortune. If you’re tired of the slow pace of single-stage reloading and want to experience the speed and convenience of a progressive press, the Lee Pro 4000 Press Kit is an excellent option to consider. Buy it today and start churning out your own .38 Special ammo!