Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit Review

First Impressions of Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit

The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit promises a progressive reloading experience for enthusiasts of the .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges. Coming from Lee, a name synonymous with affordable reloading equipment, this kit aims to streamline the reloading process, making it faster and more efficient. This six-station progressive press setup includes everything a reloader needs to start cranking out ammunition, offering incredible value for its price point.

I’ve been handloading for over a decade, primarily focusing on rifle cartridges. My motivation for exploring this kit stems from a desire to increase my production rate for .44 Magnum rounds. I was also frustrated with the slow pace of my single-stage press when loading larger quantities for Cowboy Action Shooting events.

Unboxing the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit, I was immediately impressed by the comprehensive nature of the package. The press itself looks robust, although the number of plastic components is apparent. The included Auto Drum powder measure is a welcome addition, promising consistent powder charges.

I considered the Dillon Precision RL550C and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. The Dillon is a legendary press known for its reliability, but it’s also significantly more expensive. The Hornady offered similar features but at a slightly higher price point than the Lee. I ultimately chose the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit because of its affordability and complete package, offering a budget-friendly entry into progressive reloading.

My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit appears to offer a great deal of functionality for the money, but I am eager to see how it performs under sustained use. Whether the kit will be worth the time investment remains to be seen, but the potential increase in production speed is appealing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I set up the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit in my dedicated reloading room. My first test session focused on loading .44 Special rounds, a cartridge known for its mild recoil and pleasant shooting characteristics. The initial setup took a few hours, mainly due to carefully reading the instructions and adjusting the powder measure.

The press performed smoothly once properly adjusted. The Auto Drum powder measure consistently threw accurate charges, and the case feeder significantly sped up the process. I did encounter a few instances where a case would not properly seat, requiring manual intervention.

Overall, my first use was encouraging. The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit significantly increased my reloading speed compared to my single-stage press, and the rounds produced were consistent and accurate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit continues to perform well. I have loaded hundreds of rounds of both .44 Magnum and .44 Special. While the press still requires occasional adjustments, the process is becoming more intuitive.

The plastic components are showing some signs of wear, particularly the case feeder. However, the press remains functional. Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial to maintaining smooth operation.

Compared to my previous single-stage setup, the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is a game-changer. It allows me to produce ammunition much faster and with greater consistency, which significantly enhances my enjoyment of shooting.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit

Specifications

The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is a progressive reloading press designed specifically for .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges. It features a six-station die setup, allowing for simultaneous case preparation, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping. The kit includes the Lee Six Pack progressive press, an Auto Drum powder measure, a shell plate specific to .44 caliber, a Universal case feed magazine, and Lee breech lock dies.

The breech lock dies include a carbide full-length sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating die. The carbide sizing die is essential for reloading pistol cartridges, as it eliminates the need for case lubrication. The Auto Drum powder measure is critical for consistent powder charges, ensuring accurate and reliable ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit performs admirably for its price point. The progressive design dramatically increases reloading speed compared to single-stage presses. The Auto Drum powder measure is a significant advantage, providing consistent powder charges.

The primary weakness lies in the occasional need for manual intervention. Cases may not always seat correctly, or the case feeder may jam. Despite these minor issues, the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit exceeds my expectations in terms of value and performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is constructed with a combination of steel and plastic components. The press itself is sturdy, but the plastic parts, particularly the case feeder, feel somewhat fragile. The press is relatively lightweight, making it easy to move around.

The press is mostly user-friendly, although the initial setup can be challenging. The instructions are clear, but a visual guide or video tutorial would be helpful.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit remains to be seen. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining smooth operation. The plastic components are the most likely point of failure.

Replacement parts are readily available from Lee, making repairs relatively easy and inexpensive. Careful handling and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions should extend the life of the press.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit includes everything needed to start reloading .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges. Additional shell plates are available for other calibers, expanding the versatility of the press. The press is compatible with standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies.

The Auto Drum powder measure can be easily adjusted to dispense different powder charges. Aftermarket bullet feeders and case collators can be added to further automate the reloading process.

Pros and Cons of Lee .44 Mag/Speciall Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit