Mastering Ammunition Production: An In-Depth Look at the Lee Pro 1000 Reloading Press Kit for .38 Auto/.38 Super

For serious shooters, competitive marksmen, or simply enthusiasts looking to take control of their ammunition supply and achieve unparalleled precision, the prospect of reloading their own cartridges is incredibly appealing. If you've ever found yourself wondering how to significantly reduce the cost of shooting, improve the consistency of your ammunition, or tailor loads specifically for your firearm's performance, then exploring a progressive reloading press is your next logical step. The Lee 90035Pro 1000 Reloading Press Kit, specifically configured for .38 Auto and .38 Super cartridges, represents a pivotal solution for high-volume, efficient, and reliable ammunition production.

This comprehensive kit is designed to address the common challenges faced by reloaders: achieving consistent, quality ammunition quickly and affordably. It's an excellent choice for individuals who shoot frequently and wish to maximize their time on the range without breaking the bank on factory-produced ammunition. Whether you're a seasoned reloader looking to upgrade to a faster system or a dedicated beginner ready to dive into the world of progressive reloading, the Lee Pro 1000 offers a robust and user-friendly platform.

Why Choose to Reload Your Own Ammunition?

The decision to reload isn't just about saving money, although that is a significant advantage. It's about control, consistency, and a deeper understanding of your firearms.

• Significant Cost Savings: Factory ammunition prices can fluctuate wildly, and high-volume shooting can become prohibitively expensive. Reloading, especially for popular calibers like .38 Auto and .38 Super, can drastically cut your per-round cost, making your shooting hobby more sustainable and enjoyable.
• Enhanced Accuracy and Consistency: Factory ammunition is designed to be universally compatible, not optimized for your specific firearm. Reloading allows you to fine-tune every aspect of the cartridge – from bullet weight and type to powder charge and seating depth – to achieve optimal accuracy and consistency for your gun. This is crucial for competitive shooting or precise target work.
• Customization for Specific Needs: Do you need lighter loads for recoil sensitive shooters, or hotter loads for self-defense practice? Do you want to experiment with different bullet profiles or powder types? Reloading grants you the freedom to develop loads tailored to specific applications, whether it's plinking, hunting, or competitive shooting disciplines.
• Self-Sufficiency: In times of ammunition shortages, having the ability to produce your own rounds provides peace of mind and ensures you can continue to practice and enjoy your sport regardless of market availability.

Understanding the Lee Pro 1000: A Progressive Powerhouse

The Lee Pro 1000 is a compact, three-hole progressive reloading press known for its ease of setup, robust construction, and high output. Unlike single-stage presses, where each operation is performed one at a time on a single case, or turret presses that index manually or automatically through multiple dies, a progressive press performs multiple operations simultaneously on different cases with each pull of the handle. This allows for an incredibly efficient workflow, producing a finished round with almost every stroke.

For the Lee 90035Pro 1000 Kit specifically for .38 Auto and .38 Super, this means you can expect to produce hundreds of rounds per hour once you've mastered the operation. Its cast iron frame provides exceptional rigidity and durability, ensuring consistent operation and a long lifespan, even under heavy use.

Key Features and Components Included in the Kit:

The Lee Pro 1000 Reloading Press Kit for .38 Auto/.38 Super is a comprehensive package, designed to get you started quickly. It typically includes:

1. Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press: The heart of the system, featuring a robust cast iron frame that provides stability and reduces flex during operation, ensuring precise alignment of dies and consistent results. Its three-hole turret design allows for a streamlined reloading process.
2. Complete 3-Die Set for .38 Auto/.38 Super: This includes all the necessary dies for reloading these specific calibers:
   • Full-Length Sizing Die with Decapping Pin: Resizes the spent case back to factory specifications and removes the spent primer.
   • Powder Through Expander Die (or Powder Charging Die): Expands the case mouth slightly to accept the bullet and, crucially, automatically charges the case with powder as part of the progressive process.
   • Bullet Seating and Crimping Die: Seats the new bullet to the correct depth and applies a crimp to secure the bullet in the case and ensure reliable feeding.
3. Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure: This highly popular and reliable powder measure automatically dispenses precise powder charges with each stroke, ensuring consistency and safety. It uses interchangeable disks to achieve various charge weights.
4. Case Feeder: An essential component for progressive reloading, the automatic case feeder dramatically speeds up the process by automatically orienting and feeding cases into the shell plate, eliminating the need to manually place each case. This kit includes the appropriate case feeder for .38 Auto/.38 Super cartridges.
5. Small Primer Feeder (Safety Prime): Designed for safety and efficiency, this system automatically feeds small primers directly onto the primer ram, ready for seating into the case. It significantly speeds up the priming stage and reduces manual handling of primers.
6. Shell Plate: Specifically sized for .38 Auto/.38 Super cartridges, the shell plate holds the cases securely as they move through the various reloading stations.
7. Primer Catcher: Collects spent primers for easy disposal, keeping your reloading area clean.

What makes this kit particularly appealing is its "ready-to-reload" nature. Once set up and calibrated, with your chosen primers, powder, bullets, and brass, you're ready to start producing finished cartridges efficiently.

How the Lee Pro 1000 Streamlines Your Reloading Process

The efficiency of a progressive press like the Lee Pro 1000 lies in its ability to perform multiple operations simultaneously. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the typical progressive cycle for .38 Auto/.38 Super:

• Station 1 (Sizing/Decapping): An empty, spent case is automatically fed into the first station. As the ram rises, the full-length sizing die resizes the case, and the decapping pin pushes out the old primer.
• Station 2 (Priming/Powder Charge): As the ram lowers and the shell plate rotates, the sized case moves to the second station. A new primer is automatically seated into the case, and the Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure drops a precisely measured charge of powder into the case.
• Station 3 (Bullet Seating/Crimping): The case, now primed and charged, advances to the final station. You manually place a bullet on top of the case. As the ram rises, the seating and crimping die presses the bullet into the case to the correct depth and applies the necessary crimp.
• Finished Round Ejection: With the next pull of the handle, the completed round is typically ejected into a collection bin, and the cycle continues.

This simultaneous action means that with each full stroke of the press handle, a finished round is produced, dramatically increasing your output compared to other reloading methods.

Who Benefits Most from the Lee Pro 1000 for .38 Auto/.38 Super?

This specific kit is ideal for:

• High-Volume Pistol Shooters: If you shoot your .38 Auto or .38 Super firearms frequently for practice, training, or competition, this press will quickly pay for itself through ammunition cost savings.
• Hobbyists Seeking Efficiency: For those who enjoy the reloading process but want to maximize their output in a limited amount of time.
• Beginners with a Dedicated Caliber Focus: While progressive presses can seem daunting, the Lee Pro 1000 is often recommended as a robust and relatively straightforward entry point for new reloaders, especially if they plan to focus on one or two pistol calibers initially. Its intuitive design and clear instructions make the learning curve manageable.
• Anyone Prioritizing Value: Lee Precision is renowned for offering high-quality, effective reloading equipment at accessible price points, and the Pro 1000 kit is a prime example of this philosophy.

Essential Considerations for Reloading Safety and Success

While the Lee Pro 1000 makes the process efficient, successful and safe reloading hinges on careful attention to detail and adherence to best practices.

• Always Consult a Reloading Manual: This is non-negotiable. A reliable, up-to-date reloading manual (like those from Lee, Hornady, Speer, or Lyman) provides crucial data for powder charges, bullet types, seating depths, and safety warnings. Never deviate from published data.
• Start Low and Work Up: When developing new loads, always start with the minimum recommended powder charge and gradually increase it in small increments, watching for pressure signs, until you achieve the desired performance or reach the maximum safe load.
• Proper Ventilation: Powder burning produces gases. Always reload in a well-ventilated area.
• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses when reloading.
• Cleanliness and Organization: Keep your reloading bench clean and organized. Misplaced components or cluttered spaces can lead to dangerous errors.
• Consistent Components: For best results, use consistent components (same brand of primers, powder, and bullets) within a batch of ammunition.
• Regular Inspection: Inspect every piece of brass for cracks, splits, or other damage before reloading.
• Understand Your Equipment: Take the time to read the manual for your Lee Pro 1000 thoroughly. Understand how each component works and how to set it up and adjust it correctly.

Enhancing Your Lee Pro 1000 Experience

While the kit provides a solid foundation, several accessories and practices can further optimize your reloading process:

• Digital Calipers: For precise measurement of case length, bullet seating depth, and overall cartridge length.
• Powder Scale: Essential for verifying powder charge accuracy, especially when setting up a new powder measure or experimenting with new loads. While the Auto-Disk is reliable, a scale provides an extra layer of safety and precision.
• Case Trimmer: While pistol cases generally don't stretch as much as rifle cases, trimming might occasionally be necessary to ensure consistent case length, though often less critical for straight-walled pistol cartridges.
• Case Tumbler/Cleaner: To clean your brass thoroughly before reloading, which extends case life, prevents scratching dies, and ensures consistent feeding.
• Component Storage: Proper storage for primers, powder, and bullets keeps them organized, safe, and extends their shelf life.
• Strong, Stable Reloading Bench: A sturdy workbench is paramount to absorb the forces of operating the press and prevent wobbling, which can affect consistency.

The Durability and Longevity of Cast Iron

One of the standout features of the Lee Pro 1000 is its robust cast iron frame. This material choice is a significant advantage for a reloading press, offering:

• Exceptional Rigidity: Cast iron is incredibly stiff and resistant to flexing. This rigidity is critical in a reloading press because it ensures consistent die alignment and pressure application during sizing and seating, leading to more uniform and accurate ammunition. Unlike lighter materials, a cast iron frame minimizes "spring back," guaranteeing precise dimensions with every pull of the handle.
• Vibration Dampening: The dense nature of cast iron helps to absorb and dampen vibrations created during the reloading process, contributing to smoother operation and less wear and tear on components over time.
• Longevity: Cast iron is a highly durable material, resistant to wear and tear, and designed to withstand the repetitive stresses of reloading for decades. This means your investment in a Lee Pro 1000 is a long-term one, capable of producing tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of rounds.
• Weight for Stability: The inherent weight of the cast iron frame contributes to the press's stability on your reloading bench, reducing the need for excessive clamping and ensuring the press stays firmly in place during operation.

These characteristics make the cast iron construction of the Lee Pro 1000 a key factor in its reliability and the consistent quality of the ammunition it produces.

Where to Find Your Lee Pro 1000 Reloading Press Kit

When you're ready to invest in your reloading future, securing high-quality equipment from a reputable source is paramount. The Lee 90035Pro 1000 Reloading Press Kit for .38 Auto/.38 Super, along with a wide array of other reloading supplies and accessories, is readily available from DEGuns, a trusted provider of firearms, ammunition, and shooting sports equipment. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection and knowledgeable support to help you get started or expand your reloading capabilities. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures you receive authentic Lee Precision products designed for performance and longevity.

By choosing the Lee Pro 1000, you're not just buying a piece of machinery; you're investing in a hobby that offers significant financial savings, enhanced shooting performance, and a deeper connection to your firearms. Get ready to experience the satisfaction of producing your own high-quality ammunition.

Product Specifications & UPC

Feature	Description	Configuration
Product Type	Progressive Reloading Press Kit	Complete Kit for Ammunition Production
Model Name	Lee Pro 1000	Lee 90035Pro 1000
Frame Material	Cast Iron	High Durability and Rigidity
Number of Stations	3-Hole Turret	Efficient Progressive Operation
Included Calibers	.38 Auto, .38 Super	Specific Die Set and Shell Plate
Powder Measure	Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure	Automatic, Consistent Charges
Priming System	Safety Prime (Small Primer Feeder)	Safe and Automatic Primer Seating
Case Feeding	Automatic Case Feeder	Hands-Free Case Loading
Manufacturer	Lee Precision	Renowned Reloading Innovator
UPC	734307900352	Unique Product Identifier