Pro1000 Priming Operation Tips

The Pro 1000 primer system usually only gives problems if a case with no primer is fed up into the powder thru expander die. When this is done, powder will somehow always find its way through the flash hold in the bottom of the case down into the primer feed mechanism. Once this happens you will have nothing but problems. The trick is to learn to develop a "feel" for the priming station. 

One can tell if a primer is seating correctly by the feedback from the press lever. If for any reason it doesn't feel right, raise the carrier slightly (to retract the primer pin) and pop the case out of the shellplate. If it's ok, you can put it back in if there is anything wrong, set it aside, check to makes sure there is nothing jamming up the primer feed and proceed. The unprimed (or badly primed) case can be dealt with later. Another tip is to watch the primer trough drop the width of one primer as the shellplate indexes. If the primers don't move, something is wrong. 

Investigate before you proceed. 

It also helps to slow down as you approach the top of the lever stroke, so you can "feel" the primer going into the case. When you hear the shellplate click into the ball detent, hesitate for a second, then proceed. If you use one continuous motion, the primer pin tries to slam the primer up into the case, which doesn't always work the best.

Another possible solution is to give the zero adjust screw 1/4 or 1/2 turn clockwise. This will cause the shellplate to advance slightly sooner, and also get the case over the primer pin slightly sooner. If the shellplate indexes too far, keep turning the zero adjust screw clockwise until the next station comes around. Never turn the zero adjust screw clockwise until the next station comes around.

Never turn the zero adjust screw counterclockwise. The Pro 1000 primer feed relies on gravity to feed the primers onto the primer pin. If the primer trough is not at least half full, there is not enough weight to push the end primer onto the pin. The best technique is to refill the primer tray as soon as one can see the last primer drop below the sleeve into which the primer tray fits.

It is also important to have the press mounted to a rigid bench. It takes a firm press on the lever to seat primers below flush, and if the bench allows the press to flex, it makes it difficult to get a feel for the priming step.