1000 pt army for progressive league - comments/criticisms welcome

So, this league starts at 1000 pts and adds 500 pts per month until we get to the grand finale 3000 pt tournament. SO I need to get a semi-viable 1000 pt list oout of the gate. Here's what I came up with:

1 Butcher - Great Weapon, lvl 2 Maw, Talisman of Prot

8 Ironguts - StB w/ Lookout Gnoblar; Bellower; Mus; Gutlord (Butcher in this unit)

4 Leadbelchers w/ Thunderfist

3 Mournfang Cavalry - GW, HA, Crusher

Total Roster Cost: 989

I probably could have eeked a few little things in there, but none of it seemed like it would help the roster out and it gives an itty bitty bit of wiggle room when the next 500 pt increase comes. Anyway, comments and critiques are welcome.

Also, any ideas on what to take next would be appreciated. I am still working out what the final 3k would look like to work towards. But I'm thinking when it bumps to 1500 throwing in a lvl 2 Firebelly, bumping the MF up to 4, the IG up to 11, and throwing in a Scraplauncher.

List looks good. I would probably take a Bruiser BsB to start since he will be the staple of your army and then get a level 4 SM next for your magic. Maybe stick AoD on him for some added flavour
Other than that I wouldn't change anything else.
 
As for your next point level you WANT a level 4 Slaughter Master, Gruts sickle, Dispel Scroll meaning you will cast like a level 7! and dominate the magic phases at 1500pts!
Then you can opt for another MFC with remaining points
 
At 2000pts stick in 2 Iron blasters and guts
 
Other option is drop the leadies and pack in 4 MFC at 1000pts. people will cry and whine but you will dominate lol. with remaining points a kitted out Bruiser for a general. Your MFC will mop up your opponents army on their own lol.
 
Chris

So can the Bruiser be both the general AND the BsB? Or are you saying add him in instead of something else? Or take him instead of the Butcher and then make him the BSB in the roster upgrade?

So can the Bruiser be both the general AND the BsB? Or are you saying add him in instead of something else? Or take him instead of the Butcher and then make him the BSB in the roster upgrade?

The general and BSB has to be two different models (some rare cases exist for some other races where one model can be both). Bruisers are the only choice that can be battle standard bearer.

Yes sorry re-reading my reply 
 
I did mean take a bruiser and in the next roster upgrade make him a BsB That is what I intended
Yes I meant drop the Butcher and take a Bruiser so he may be upgraded next roster
 
Chris