Lee Breech Lock Pro Press - A Working Review 

Nick -- Hello to you..!! But don't bother to try loading 308 with this press, it can be done, but is very awkward - not worth the hassle. The other calibers, it really shines... Best to ya, Steve

Allen Richards - You might be tempted to try to load 308 with this press (longer cases like 30/06 are a definite no go). Best not to attempt 308 as it requires press alteration and when done, is very awkward to say the least - just not worth the hassle. This press does the calibers designated on the Lee shell plate list very well... Good reloadin' to ya, and congrats on getting your LBLP..!! FC Steve

Jim Koonce - Yes indeed, this Lee press is awkward for the longer rifle cases starting with the 308. The 223 is fine. For the calibers Lee lists in their shell plate offerings, this press can provide lots of ammo. The Lyman has been doing stellar work on 308 and 30/06 loading with low run out ammo (with good dies of course). Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

@Lisa Marie I wish there were more of us out there! I’ve been reloading for a couple of years now and I’m just starting to get into bullet casting to coincide with my reloading hobby. I’ve been looking at this press for months now and I’m considering taking the plunge! 😊

@@lauramccann2019 Yeah, I really like making ammo, as it turns out! I sometimes wish I would have just gotten the single press tho, as I rarely have all the stations working. Seems I prefer to do a few things at a time, like depriming and priming. Then, I'll do the powder and bullet. It was a great buy. Well worth it!

I used an old credit/debit card.

Good to see we got a few lee guys out there that can reason out a simple solution. 👍

guitchess - Some of us have the Lee powder measures, safety prime and extra bushings already - and that is handy...otherwise, you certainly can add all those extras later... Have a great day, FC Steve

G-Mc I just ordered more bushings and Eliminators as well... Have a great day, FC Steve

That's the same setup I plan for mine if it ever arrives from Titan. Lee is way behind on production (10/5/20) and is hiring more employees to catch up. I hope their quality control doesn't suffer from the surge in inexperienced personnel.

matt davis - Best recommendation is to check the Lee shell plate list for calibers this press will handle...other calibers are not recommended. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

Always good to hear from the archersfriend..!! This press is much less problematic to run well. If one already has the Lee powder measures, bushings, safety prime, this press is a very high value item. Best to ya, FC Steve

And why is that ?

In my experience the auto drum leaks ball powder all over the top of my classic turret. It actually favors small extruded powders and flake powders. I also seem to get more than the +/-.1 grain tolerance that they claim, so I only use it for non-match/plinking ammo. It will generally dispense a .3 grain ES.However, I have never used the auto disk measure but I'm considering it for ball powders in my 55 grain .223 loads and 145 grain coated 9mm. If some ball powders were larger granules then I don't think they would leak so much, but I've never seen a powder shaped with large spherical granules@@PsyKotyK

mcekim2 - This press will do a very good job making lots of ammo - the calibers it will handle are on the Lee shell plate list for the Breech Lock Pro. I do not recommend trying to make this press handle other calibers as loading those is awkward to say the least. Best to ya, FC Steve

I agree. Classic press is so much more stable of a press. Could never really get 223 to feed from case feeder either

CountryBoyPrepper - The thinking with Lee is that the shorter rifle calibers like 223, 6.5 Grendel and 7.62x39 would be in the design parameters for the Lee Breech Lock Pro. The 308 is doable, but after the hurdles are conquered, the loading is very awkward. I do not recommend that reloaders load 308 or any other calibers that are not on the Lee shell plate listings. The 223, 224 Valkyrie, 6.8 SPC and 7.62x39 are on the listings - The Lee Breech Lock Pro will handle them just fine... Cannot advise you on the 300 BLK because there may not be a Lee shell plate at this time. Hope you and the rest of the family are well... Steve

223 works great on this press. It is what I have used it for most.

Dick Tickles - I've always been an RCBS guy. That is until I bought a Lee progressive. They are making some great products. Give em a shot, I think you'll be impressed for what you get at a reasonable price.

I purchased the Breach Lock Pro in December. I've added only the case feeder and the auto-disk powder measure to it and have loaded hundreds of rounds of 44 Magnum with it so far. I'm generally happy with it and am glad I purchased it. Mine has some quirks to it that become apparent pretty quick, but once I got a feel for what it does, I was able to load 250 rounds in an hour.

@@TheJurgisRud How is this press holding up?

@@DickTickles I haven't used it in a while now actually. I purchased a Lee Value Turret Press since then and I've been using that with the auto disk powder measure instead. It's not quite as fast but I prefer loading one case at a time so I can keep an eye on things better.

I prep cases and prime separately from loading anyway, so for me priming is a non issue.

JW - Indeed, unless you need 500 rounds a weekend, no need for any kind of progressive press... Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

Nick L - Putting the bullet is not a problem - the camera really was in the way - didn't want to bump the camera off the shot. This press works well for the calibers on the Lee shell plate list - any calibers not on the list either lack the shell plate or enough room to load without real difficulty. Best to ya, Steve

bison uberti - Always great to hear from the bison uberti...Best to ya, Steve

John Petty - Consider this press either impossible or very awkward for the longer rifle rounds. My recommendation is that if the caliber is not on the Lee shell plate list, this press will not handle it. But the ones it does handle, it will do so very nicely... Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC I enjoy your videos, especially product reviews. My go to press for rifle rounds is an old, first generation Hornady Pro-Jector. Your efforts and much appreciated.

Pretty sure you can use any dies in a Dillon. I used to think they only took Dillon dies but I was told otherwise.

Dave Benson - I'm getting to the same conclusion...the safety prime work fine and then drops a couple of primers on the floor...irritating to say the least. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

Lee doesn't advertise it, but if a part wears out or breaks on anything (I have a lee classic turret press, several die sets, auto drum powder measures, and auto bench priming tool), they will send you parts free of charge. One particular small plastic wear part they sent me five parts which is enough to last a lifetime. So if you're concerned about wear or durability, they will always send you new parts within a few days. Even during Covid times they got me several replacement parts in less than a week for free. Many of their parts are cheaply made, but they will bend over backwards to keep you up and running with their products.

LTD - The Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro Press will reload the 7.62x39 with no problems - just have to get the shell plate and those are available. Have a great day, Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC thanks very much.

They have passed the plunk test, and I am feeding them in Wilson combat mags so I am not sure it's a magazine issue. The most common issue im having is the tip of the bullet jamming into the top edge of the chamber. I have played with a range of O.A.Ls from about 1.220 to about 1.175. It has been a while since I last tried to load that bullet, I just saw F.C using them and decided to ask. Thinking back I can't remember if I only tried them in my 1911 or in a different gun also. I may need to go cat some up again...

RB - That long nose 200 grainer often requires just a hair of throating of the chamber to feed well. That bullet was designed to be seated with the shoulder right at the case mouth. There really doesn't need to be any OAL, it's automatic when you put that shoulder there. I never measure these rounds. And my 1911 comp gun even runs this bullet with a hair more of the shoulder above the case mouth...it really doesn't mind. On other 1911s, you will have to get that shoulder right at the case mouth, but even then, the chamber throating will be needed. But an overthroated chamber is a ruined barrel. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

Basically all this is saying is that you have to remove the spline breech lock (the one with the set screw) from the press in order to remove the indexing rod, which is the rod that creates the rotation motion. The breech lock is what keeps the rod secured and prevents it from rising up out of the press during operation. I've found that you don't necessarily have to have a spline lock in the number four position to make the press work properly... any breech lock will work. Hope this helps.

Its a breech lock pro with all the goodies ready to go. It is new and starting to become available. I just ordered the 45ACP 4000 to have a dedicated machine. My guess is it will replace the Pro 1000.

bnighter - No, that will not fit anywhere on this press easily. Best to ya, FC Steve

I think a bullet feeder wil be in time available ,as a case feeder is now already as i understand, (jou have to handle the case`s and bullets always with feeds or not, !!! and keep them loaded ) the priming system is designed to be safe ,the new heavy metal free primers are more sensitive. as some heavy metal already did and therefore more dangerous ,that`s the reason why lee does not make tube feeders. see the latest lee reloading book personaly .i want clean case`s ,also the primer pocket must be clean . so i must decap before tumbling ,and i am doing the decapping with a old carbide sizer (the sizer in the press is somewhat thigter ), and ,i prime the case`s also before putting them on a press with a lee autobench primer seater ,works fast ,and primers are good seated ,no high primers or damaged gets in the press ,its looks more work , but the progressive press stays clean and works easy with the presized and primed case`s, and at the end more reloaded ammo is possible per hour and more feel you get seating the bullet and expanding the case

B Ye - Once you get the cadence, you just keep going... Running this press requires that the presence of the primer in the arm must be assured with a glance. When in the sweet spot, you produce a lot of ammo. Best to ya, FC Steve

Robert Powell - I'm actually considering investing in the Lee reloading stand. It has room for a couple of additional presses on the lower shelf. But I'll use this press more first...loading 308 on this press is possible, but highly awkward - really not advised at this time. For the calibers on the Lee shell plate listings, this press is very practical for most reloaders, especially if we already have the Lee powder measures, safety prime and bushings. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC sounds good Steve whatever works out best for you I have got the one interchangeable inline fabrication stand and I've got six different prices that I mount on it and I have docking stations for when they're not in use pretty handy for me. Robert

Thor's Axe Pretty sure he has one of every press, two of some. He’s an inspiration, an inspiration for a better paying job! Ha!

The Eastern front - I'm starting up plans for a third reloading bench...who would have thought..? Best to ya, FC Steve

Dave - Doggone things are like Tribbles - they just multiply every time you turn around... Have a great day up there in the cold snowy northern territories... Steve

Yes ,I've loaded plenty of 223

Yes. I use mine for them. Works just fine.

@@geneo4444 thanks

c.s reloading bench - Yes, indeed. The new Lee press works very well for any caliber that is on the shell plate listing. My recommendation is to not try to get it to load any not listed caliber as frustration levels are too high. Best to ya, FC Steve

Hello to ya, Gary..!! Thanks for the comment...always good to hear from you.. Steve

You must be speaking of my dillon. Or worse youcould buy more ammo than you would ever load like me. Except one time and my wife wouldn't let me buy a dillon 650 with 9 different caliber conversions with everything needed for $900. Deal of a lifetime.

@@mattlord2906 dude that would have been a steal for centuries. $900 for a dillion 650 and 9 caliber conversions

If you had the space to mount all those presses, then that's a good way to go, but even if you were space limited, I can't see how a Dillon is a wise investment of that money. I'm sure they hold their value well, but if you end up selling it for $50 less than what you bought it for, I'm pretty sure you can find someone who'll buy this Breech Lock Pro for $50 and you'll have lost the same amount of money. The rebuilding part you'll have to do with every progressive, which is why I'm glad I have a Lee classic turret. Doesn't churn out as much as a progressive does, but all I have to do is change the head and shell holder and I'm all set to start loading something else. Less than a minute changeover.

@@DickTickles I hope you realize that a dillon is no different then this lee or any other press. They are not set up to be one specific caliber for there whole life. You swap out dies and a shell plate and your good to go. Some minor adjustments such as powder and primers plus your case feed and your set. If he bought a dillon 650 and 9 caliber conversions then and there he would have saved $1200 at least.

@@DickTickles .if you have a good working and accurat load ,you can reproduced it every time ,if you don`t have to resset the measure and other factors that occurs by caliber change., i always like to set the dies so they touch the shellplate ,so the dies are the dead end of the up stroke(and the shelplate wil not cant to., this way you have the excact seating dept and crimp. thats why i trim also all pistol and revolver case`s one time. carbide sizer- m expander- powder, seater with no crimp rim or a larger caliber,and the factory crimper 5 station press ,i a mentioned in a other reply i use only clean pre sized and primed cases. almost never a jam and clean ammo you get and the press stays clean to

I have a Lee Pro 1000, an Auto Breech Lock Pro, and a Load Master. The LM is way too finicky for me to figure out and trust. My Pro 1k is just for 9mm. My ABLP is for .380, 223, 300 Blackout, and 300 HAM'R. All that said, I also use the APP and ACP presses, so actual reading begins with a fully processed and primed case.

Zappa - That seems overpriced to me - Press is around $110; shell plates are $16, dies are $30-40; auto safety primer is $24 - that adds up to $200 and that would be a good price for that stuff. Not $550 for sure.... Merry Christmas to ya, Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC Not in my part of the world.merry Christmas

TippyGunman - Good reloadin' to ya, Tippy..!! Steve

rickrn2 - They really are against bullet casting, but bullet casting is not even a real consideration as many types of bullets can simply be purchased. It won't be long before any reloading videos will be prohibited. And another poster is telling me that it is the word shoot or shooting that has flagged some of his videos to be taken down. Doesn't look good in the end. Best to ya, FC Steve

Sad days for 1st and 2nd

Hello to you, Matt..!! This press has only been out about a year or so. It is an impressive press for the price point. If you already have some of the add ons, like Lee powder measures, bushings, safety prime...this press has great value. Have a great day, FC Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC STOP THE PRESS! I am impressed with this press. Had I not pressed for my Dillon press I would have pressed for multiple presses like this one. I was under pressure to buy my press. Press on and happy reloading.

Nick L - Depends on what you want to do with it...for load developement, not quite what you want. For making a moderate amount of pistol ammo, this press will provide that. If you need a lot of ammo, get a full progressive press. By the time you have gotten all the extras to make this press more fully progressive, you might as well have gotten the progressive to begin with. But again, if you need a couple of hundred rounds, this press will do nicely. Merry Christmas to ya, Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC Not anymore. Can get the Pro 4000 ready to go for $210!

Shawn C - I have never owned a 1000, but some very fine shooters I know used the Lee 1000 and loved them. I have always gone with Dillon all these years. The new Lee is not bad and can be readily upgraded with case feeder and even bullet feeder if desired. Have a great day, Steve

WaschyNumber1 and d'Bongocero - That's a very practical solution indeed...that box is also too small, but the larger one may get too heavy to stay on the box support. We shall see... Best to ya, FC Steve

@@FortuneCookie45LC hi, thanks to you too. You could also mount a type of funnel to a big diameter hose and this slide in a ammo box 🤔

SM - That is traditional lubri-sizer work on those bullets. But powder coating or 45/45/10 would work just fine with this press... Have a great day, FC Steve

eric johnson - Yes, indeed - like gangbusters... Happy Thanksgiving, Steve

John Bailey - My Dillons worked hard when I was in competition. But now, I don't need that big ammo supply. Sad to say that I haven't been using my Dillons since I started doing YT and Patreon videos - doing videos takes a lot of the time. Have a great day, FC Steve

FortuneCookie45LC I am sure doing all the videos take a lot of time. I have the dillon 550 and will get a dillon square deal for 9mm I use my 550 for 357 . So are you slowing down on your outdoor shooting also ? I have watched your videos on getting lead for reloading . I am very lucky I get all the lead I want for free from a gun range . They give it to me its ready for pick up they have it in 5 gallon buckets . I have to melt it and clean it which does not take that much time. Like watching your videos keep up the good work I have learned a lot from your videos as well thanks.

Hell no. Not even close.

@@johnpetty7066 didn't think so but.. It looks good on a budget

@@Billbobaker I have a square deal b, a Hornady pro jector (built like a tank) and rcbs single stage presses. Downside of square deal press is the special dies and inability to use dies you may already own. I mostly shoot handgun ammo and love my Dillon press.

@@johnpetty7066 I just bought the Dillon XL and it's still in the box.. been using an older RCBS single stage with Lee dies and just wanted to maximize my time per load with confidence.. Looked long and hard at the Hornady and others.. The Dillon just seems to have the most positive reviews so far.

@@Billbobaker I bought my Dillon in 95. Only part thats broken once was the primer arm retractor spring. Through thousands of .38 special. .45acp and .45colt. Can't complain about that. I do all case prep of bottleneck rifle cases single stage only, as it gives me a chance to check length before priming. I'm sure you'll be in heaven once you start using that xl.

The Loadmaster primer seating mechanism seats when all other operations are happening - I'll never run one again without the blast shield they don't include.