First Impressions of Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
For years, I’ve been chasing the elusive goal of truly independent ammunition production. My quest involved everything from single-stage presses to turret models, always yearning for a setup that could keep pace with my .45 Colt and .454 Casull shooting habits without sacrificing precision. That’s what drew me to the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit.
I’d been spending way too much time at the range and even more money replenishing my supply of these large-caliber rounds. Handloading seemed the most viable solution. The promise of a progressive press capable of churning out high volumes of ammunition was too enticing to ignore, so I decided to invest in the Lee kit.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of components. The Six Pack Pro press itself felt solid, though lighter than some of the cast-iron behemoths I’ve worked with. The auto drum powder measure looked promising, and the included dies were a welcome bonus, setting it apart from bare-bones press offerings.
I’d considered the Dillon Precision XL750 and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, both respected names in progressive reloading. Ultimately, the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit won me over due to its more approachable price point and the Lee reputation for innovative design. Initial impressions were cautiously optimistic. This wasn’t the fanciest press I’d seen, but the promise of speed and the inclusion of everything needed to load .45 Colt and .454 Casull made me eager to get started.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my well-lit, albeit slightly cluttered, reloading room in the garage. The plan was simple: set up the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit, load a few hundred rounds of .45 Colt, and see how it performed. I found that getting the timing dialed in took a bit longer than I anticipated.
The Auto Drum Powder Measure needed some fine-tuning to consistently throw the correct powder charge, but once it was set, it was smooth sailing. While testing, I did experience one minor hiccup – a case occasionally sticking in the die, more than likely due to lack of experience with this progressive press. After a few adjustments to my technique and some die lubrication, everything ran smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
Now, several months into using the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit, I’ve put thousands of rounds through it. It has definitely proven its worth. The press still feels sturdy, and while there are some minor scratches on the paint, the moving parts continue to function reliably.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward. A quick wipe-down after each reloading session and occasional lubrication of the moving parts keeps everything running smoothly. Compared to my old single-stage press, this is a revelation in terms of speed and efficiency. However, the Lee press requires constant attention to prevent mishaps like squib loads, making it less forgiving than single stage models.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
Specifications
The Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is designed specifically for reloading both .45 Colt and .454 Casull ammunition. It is centered around the Six Pack Pro progressive press, which features six stations for performing all the necessary reloading steps. These steps include sizing, depriming, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping.
The kit includes a carbide full-length sizing die, powder-through expanding die, and bullet seating die. Load data and instructions are also provided. The Auto Drum Powder Measure ensures consistent powder charges, and the universal case feed magazine speeds up the reloading process. The Six Pack Pro press features compound leverage for easier operation.
Performance & Functionality
When properly set up and used with care, the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit performs admirably. It churns out accurate and consistent ammunition at a rate far exceeding that of a single-stage press. Its greatest strength is its ability to produce high volumes of ammunition.
The powder measure delivers consistent charges, and the included dies produce well-formed rounds. The main weakness is that it demands constant vigilance. It requires paying close attention to each step to avoid mistakes, although this is typical of any progressive press. Overall, it meets my expectations for a high-volume reloading press, especially considering the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit boasts a relatively compact design, making it suitable for smaller reloading benches. The press is made from aluminum, making it lightweight. The Auto Drum Powder Measure is constructed from durable polymers.
The lever action is smooth and requires reasonable force. The overall design is functional, if not aesthetically outstanding. However, the press is undeniably effective at its intended purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
After months of heavy use, the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit has proven to be relatively durable. Some minor wear and tear is expected, particularly on the paint finish. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
With proper care, I expect this press to last for many years. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee, if ever needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit comes with everything needed to start reloading .45 Colt and .454 Casull. This includes the press, dies, powder measure, and case feed magazine. While the kit is quite comprehensive, there are a few accessories worth considering.
A bullet feeder can further increase reloading speed. Upgraded shell plates are available. The press is compatible with standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies, opening up a vast range of customization options from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
Pros
- High-volume ammunition production drastically reduces reloading time.
- Complete kit includes everything needed to reload .45 Colt and .454 Casull, saving money on separate purchases.
- Auto Drum Powder Measure delivers consistent and accurate powder charges.
- Reasonable price point makes progressive reloading accessible to a wider range of users.
- Relatively simple design makes it easy to learn and maintain.
Cons
- Requires constant vigilance to avoid mistakes, such as double charges or squib loads.
- Lightweight construction may feel less robust than some heavier, cast-iron presses.
- The powder measure can be finicky to set up initially.
Who Should Buy Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit?
The Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is perfect for high-volume shooters who want to save money and time by reloading their own ammunition. It’s also a good choice for reloaders looking to step up from single-stage presses to a more efficient progressive system. Someone who shoots .45 Colt or .454 Casull frequently would see substantial gains in efficiency with this setup.
If you’re a beginner who’s new to reloading, or who values simplicity above all else, this might not be the best choice. A single-stage press might be a better option for learning the fundamentals, although this Lee press is not excessively difficult to learn. A must-have accessory is a good quality reloading manual.
Conclusion on Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
The Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit has earned its place on my reloading bench. It has slashed my reloading time significantly, allowing me to keep up with my shooting habits without breaking the bank. While it demands attention and careful setup, the results are well worth the effort.
The price is absolutely justified, especially considering the complete nature of the kit. I would definitely recommend this product to any shooter looking to reload high volumes of .45 Colt or .454 Casull. If you are ready to take your reloading to the next level, consider investing in the Lee 45 Colt/.454 Casull Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit.