First Impressions of Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of reloading equipment. I’ve hand-loaded everything from .223 for varmint hunting to .338 Lapua Magnum for long-range precision, and I’ve always preached the importance of consistent ammunition. The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit caught my eye for its promise of high-volume, progressive reloading in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor caliber. This kit boasts features like the Auto Drum Powder Measure and Universal Case Feed Magazine, aiming to streamline the reloading process for serious shooters.
I was looking for a reloading setup that could significantly reduce the time it takes to produce match-grade 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. This is crucial for consistent performance in long-range shooting competitions. I’ve been using a single-stage press for years, and while it produces excellent results, the process is undeniably time-consuming.
The unboxing experience was straightforward. The press itself feels robust, though I did notice a good amount of plastic components, which raised some initial concerns about long-term durability. The Lee breech lock dies, specifically tailored for the 6.5 Creedmoor, looked well-machined and ready for action.
I considered the Dillon Precision XL750 and the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. Both are highly regarded progressive presses. Ultimately, the significantly lower price point of the Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit, coupled with Lee’s reputation for producing reliable equipment at affordable prices, swayed my decision.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential time savings and the prospect of churning out large quantities of high-quality 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. However, I remained slightly skeptical about the durability of the plastic components and the overall learning curve associated with a progressive press.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit took place at my local shooting range. I dedicated an entire afternoon to setting up the press and working through the initial learning curve. I was focused on producing consistent ammunition for an upcoming long-range competition.
I found the setup process to be relatively straightforward, thanks to the included instructions. However, I did encounter some initial difficulties with the Auto Drum Powder Measure, which required some fine-tuning to ensure consistent powder charges. The press performed well overall, but I experienced a few instances of primer feed issues, which required me to manually seat the primers.
The most significant surprise was the speed at which I was able to produce ammunition. Even with the initial hiccups, I was able to load significantly more rounds per hour compared to my single-stage press. The progressive design certainly lived up to its promise of increased efficiency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit has largely held up well. I’ve loaded thousands of rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition without any major issues. The plastic components, while still a concern, have shown no signs of cracking or breaking.
I have noticed some wear and tear on the shell plate, particularly around the primer seating station. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent malfunctions. Overall, I’m pleased with the durability of the press, especially considering its relatively low price point.
Maintaining the Six Pack Pro 6000 is relatively easy. I regularly clean and lubricate the moving parts to prevent any build-up of powder residue or grime. I also periodically inspect the shell plate and primer feed system for any signs of wear or damage.
Compared to my previous experience with a single-stage press, the Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is a game-changer in terms of efficiency. I can now produce ammunition in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing accuracy or consistency. The time savings are considerable and have allowed me to focus more on load development and range time.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
Specifications
The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is designed for high-volume progressive reloading of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. It includes the Six Pack progressive press, Auto Drum Powder Measure, shell plate, Universal Case Feed Magazine, and Lee breech lock dies (full length sizing die, long charging die, easy adjust dead length bullet seating die, factory crimp die). The press features compound leverage for easier operation.
The inclusion of Lee Breech Lock dies is a major advantage, allowing for quick and easy die changes. The Auto Drum Powder Measure ensures consistent powder charges, which is critical for accuracy. The Universal Case Feed Magazine streamlines the reloading process by automatically feeding cases into the press. The compound leverage design makes the press relatively easy to operate, even when resizing tough brass.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit performs its job effectively, allowing for rapid and efficient reloading of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. Accuracy and consistency are excellent, provided the powder measure is properly calibrated. Usability is good overall, but there is a learning curve associated with setting up and operating a progressive press.
The biggest strength of the Six Pack Pro 6000 is its speed and efficiency. I can load hundreds of rounds per hour with minimal effort. The powder measure, once dialed in, delivers incredibly consistent charges. The main weakness is the occasional primer feed issue, which can be frustrating.
The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit mostly meets my expectations, but has room for improvement. The primer seating can be finicky, but the speed and accuracy are a great improvement. It offers a substantial upgrade in production volume compared to single-stage presses.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is decent, although the use of plastic components is a concern. The press is relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to move around. The compound leverage design makes the press comfortable to operate for extended periods.
The press is user-friendly, but there is a definite learning curve. I recommend watching several online tutorials and carefully reading the included instructions before attempting to use it. Once you understand the basics, the process becomes much smoother.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit remains to be seen. However, with proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years. I expect to replace some of the plastic components over time, but replacement parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Maintaining the press is relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent malfunctions and ensure smooth operation. I also recommend periodically inspecting the shell plate and primer feed system for any signs of wear or damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit comes with everything you need to start reloading 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. This includes the press, powder measure, shell plate, case feed magazine, and dies.
The press is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as bullet feeders and case collators. It is also compatible with Lee Precision and most other brands of reloading dies. The ability to customize and upgrade the press is a major advantage.
Pros and Cons of Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
Pros
- Rapid Reloading: Allows for high-volume production of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than other progressive presses on the market.
- Consistent Powder Charges: The Auto Drum Powder Measure delivers accurate and repeatable powder charges.
- Complete Kit: Includes everything you need to start reloading 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.
- Easy Die Changes: The Lee Breech Lock system allows for quick and easy die changes.
Cons
- Occasional Primer Feed Issues: Can be finicky and require manual intervention.
- Plastic Components: Raise concerns about long-term durability.
Who Should Buy Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit?
The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is perfect for competitive shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and high-volume reloaders who want to produce large quantities of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition quickly and efficiently. It’s also a good option for reloaders on a budget who want to upgrade from a single-stage press.
Those who prioritize absolute precision and are willing to sacrifice speed may prefer a single-stage press. Individuals who demand the highest level of durability and are willing to pay a premium should consider other, more expensive progressive presses with all-metal construction.
A must-have accessory is a good quality digital scale for verifying powder charges. Also, a bullet feeder can further increase the speed and efficiency of the reloading process.
Conclusion on Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit
The Lee 6.5 Creedmoor Six Pack Pro 6000 Reloading Press Kit is a solid progressive reloading press that offers excellent value for the money. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as occasional primer feed issues and the use of plastic components, its speed, accuracy, and affordability make it a compelling option for high-volume reloaders.
The price is definitely justified, considering the time savings and increased efficiency compared to a single-stage press. It allows reloaders to produce match-grade 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition in a fraction of the time, without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade to a progressive press without spending a fortune. It’s a great entry point into the world of high-volume reloading, and it delivers excellent results when properly set up and maintained. Take the plunge, upgrade your reloading game, and start churning out that 6.5 Creedmoor ammo!