First Impressions of Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press promises to be a high-speed, versatile solution for reloaders looking to produce ammunition efficiently. With its six stations and automatic indexing, this press aims to streamline the reloading process, allowing users to load a significant number of rounds in a short amount of time. Lee, a well-known name in the reloading industry, designed this press incorporating years of feedback from reloaders, suggesting a well-thought-out and user-centric design.
My journey to the Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 started with a growing need for higher volume ammunition production. As my shooting activities increased – both for practice and local competitions – the single-stage press I’d been using simply couldn’t keep up. I was looking for a progressive press that offered speed and reliability, without sacrificing the precision I demanded for accurate loads.
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 arrived in a sturdy box, well-protected with foam inserts. My initial impression was of a robust piece of machinery, with a predominantly steel construction and a satisfying heft. While there are some plastic components, they didn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The design appeared straightforward, but also intentionally busy with all the moving parts needed to work in sync.
I also considered the Dillon Precision XL750 and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. Both are excellent presses, but the Lee Six Pack Pro 6000’s lower price point and the reviews highlighting its straightforward operation ultimately swayed my decision. My first impression was a blend of excitement and slight apprehension. I knew the setup would be involved, but I was eager to see if it lived up to the promise of high-volume, consistent ammunition production.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 came during a marathon reloading session dedicated to prepping ammunition for an upcoming three-gun competition. I set it up in my well-lit, organized reloading room, following Lee’s instructions meticulously. I was loading 9mm, and the initial setup took a few hours, dialing in the powder measure and ensuring consistent primer seating.
I tested the press in a controlled environment, with consistent temperature and humidity. The initial runs revealed the importance of precise adjustments; any slight deviation in die settings resulted in inconsistent crimps or powder charges. There were a couple of hiccups initially, mainly related to primer feed, but after a few adjustments, the press started running smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve now loaded thousands of rounds of 9mm, .223, and .45 ACP. The press holds up well to regular use, with no major signs of wear and tear.
The only maintenance I’ve needed is regular cleaning and lubrication of the moving parts. This takes only a few minutes after each reloading session. Compared to my old single-stage press, the Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 significantly reduces reloading time and increases ammunition production without sacrificing quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press
Specifications
- The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press features six stations, allowing for a wide range of die configurations, including powder check dies and bullet feeders. This versatility is a huge advantage for complex reloading processes.
- The press boasts a simple and reliable automatic indexing system with just one moving part, replaceable without tools. This means less downtime and easier maintenance.
- It has a stroke and clearance sufficient for even the largest magnum rifle cases, utilizing the same all-steel linkage found on Lee’s Classic Cast 50 BMG press. This robust construction ensures the press can handle demanding reloading tasks.
- The ram measures 28.4mm and glides through 82mm of solid steel, providing over 7300 mm2 of solid support. This provides stability and precision during the reloading process.
- A spent primer tube efficiently collects dirty primers. This helps keep the reloading area clean and organized.
- The press uses Lee Smart Lock bushings to securely fasten dies in the upper die carrier. This eliminates the need to replace or move turrets during use.
- An automatic priming system is designed to be simple, reliable, and safe with any brand or size of primer. Priming occurs at the bottom of the stroke, freeing up all six stations for other operations.
- An automatic case inserter works with any case and can be manually fed through a loading port. This adds to the speed and efficiency of the reloading process.
- Easy-to-set case retainers on every station eliminate the need for springs, plugs, or buttons. This simplifies the reloading process and reduces the chance of losing small parts.
- Cartridge changeover takes seconds, including primer size, with no adjustments required. This makes it easy to switch between different calibers.
- Finally, an automatic case ejector reliably whisks completed rounds into an ammo bin. This further streamlines the reloading process and reduces handling.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 performs admirably in its primary function: producing consistent, high-quality ammunition at a rapid pace. Once properly dialed in, it churns out rounds with remarkable consistency. The automatic indexing is smooth and reliable, and the priming system is generally trouble-free.
The press excels at high-volume reloading, but it can be a bit finicky to set up initially. The powder measure, in particular, requires careful adjustment to achieve consistent charges. The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 meets my expectations in terms of speed and volume, but requires some effort to get it running optimally.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is generally solid, with a mix of steel and durable polymer components. The press is relatively heavy, which contributes to its stability during operation. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the overall design is reasonably ergonomic.
There is a bit of a learning curve associated with setting up and operating the press, especially for those new to progressive reloading. However, Lee’s included instructions are clear and comprehensive, and there are plenty of online resources available to help troubleshoot any issues.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 appears to be built to last, with a robust frame and sturdy components. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure smooth operation. The press is relatively easy to disassemble and reassemble for maintenance purposes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 comes with a basic set of accessories, including a primer feed system and a universal case feeder. It’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as bullet feeders, powder check dies, and various die sets from different brands.
The ability to use dies from other manufacturers is a significant advantage, allowing reloaders to customize their setup to suit their specific needs and preferences. The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000’s adaptability makes it a versatile platform for a variety of reloading tasks.
Pros and Cons of Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press
Pros
- Six stations allow for complex reloading processes and the use of various dies.
- Simple and reliable automatic indexing ensures smooth operation.
- Price point makes it more accessible than other progressive presses with similar features.
- Automatic priming system increases efficiency.
- Cartridge changeover is quick and easy.
Cons
- Setup can be finicky and time-consuming.
- Some plastic components may raise concerns about long-term durability.
- Powder measure requires careful adjustment to ensure consistent charges.
Who Should Buy Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press?
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 is perfect for high-volume shooters, competitive shooters, and reloaders looking to produce ammunition quickly and efficiently. It’s also a good choice for those who reload multiple calibers.
Those who are completely new to reloading or who prefer a simpler, more deliberate process may want to skip this product. If meticulous precision for extreme long-range shooting is your goal, a single stage press might be a better choice. A must-have modification is a quality aftermarket powder measure to ensure more consistent powder charges.
Conclusion on Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press
The Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press offers a compelling combination of speed, versatility, and affordability. While it may require some patience and effort to set up properly, the benefits of high-volume ammunition production are well worth the investment. The price is absolutely justified, considering the productivity increase.
I would definitely recommend the Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 to anyone looking to streamline their reloading process and produce large quantities of ammunition. Take the plunge and experience the efficiency of progressive reloading!