Which Press?

[Kanewpadle]

Going to start reloading mainly straight wall ammo. Forgive me if this has been discussed before, but what press do you recommend? Interested in a progressive press. Thanks!

[2hawk]

Dillon 550 has worked well for me for over 20 years. Started out on it see no need to have anything else. It will do any caliber I have (and a whole lot more) with great efficiency.

[Duster340]

Hi,

I just started reloading a few months ago. Am on a tight budget and picked up the Lee 4 Hole Turret press (deluxe kit w/scale, powder feeder, case trimmer/deburring tools etc) from Cabelas. Also bought a tumbler and micrometer all in about $250. I took some of the advice from folks here and used the press in single stage mode, w/o indexing bar for several hundred rounds until I felt I had a good handle on the process and functionality of the press. The most beneficial items I purchased were my reloading manuals (Lyman & Lee). I am really glad I delved into the world of reloading. I finding it rewarding, relaxing and enjoyable.

Be well...

[scooter123]

IMO, you really can't go wrong with a Dillon 550. However, progressive presses and Control Freaks who are mildly OCD are not compatible.

So, my choice is an RCBS single stage Rock Chucker. That way I can have the control of hand priming each and every case after insuring the primer pockets are spotlessly clean, get to inspect the powder charge in each and every case by lining all 50 up in a loading tray, and placing each bullet by hand one at a time.

Sometimes I really envy you guys who can trust your progressives without question and load all that ammo in such a short time. But when you start bragging too much I'll ask you how you can be absolutely certain you aren't throwing an occasional heavy charge if you don't tray up all your charged cases and inspect them visibly.

[Bkreutz]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

Going to start reloading mainly straight wall ammo. Forgive me if this has been discussed before, but what press do you recommend? Interested in a progressive press. Thanks!

A lot depends on the volume of ammo you are going to need weekly, I used a Lee turret (non self indexing) press for years and still use it for low volume calibers. It is basically a single stage press that you can manually change the stations without readjustment of dies. You still have to pull the handle once for every stage of the reloading press per round. I use a Dillon 650 for 9mm. I load around 1000 rounds a week (sometimes more, depends on how much I shoot that week) On this press, every time I pull the handle, a completed round pops out the other end so it's 1/4 the operations of a single stage or turret. It is more complex to set up and monitor what is going on but it's like anything else, you just have to pay attention to what's going on plus Dillon has warning systems built in to help prevent low or double powder charges. Which Dillon do I recommend? Again, that depends on what you want to accomplish. The Dillon website has videos of the different presses in operation and a "build it" type deal where you can see what a press will cost set up the way you want it. (adds up fast once you start hanging the do-dads on them). Hope this helps some.

[Biginge]

Dillon 550 has been doing the job for me for years.

[Rule3]

You first need to decide how much ammo you are going to need on a weekly or monthly basis and how many calibers you plan on loading.??

Do you shoot competition and need 500 rounds a week or month,? Or just a few boxes of 38 special to shoot at the range?

A progressive is not only more expensive it has a bigger learning curve if you never loaded before.

You also need to add on all the other items essential to reloading so what is your budget.

Yes there are many. many threads on this but it's all based on the individual. You will get a 100 different replies and go into information overload shock!

[fredj338]

I agree, need vs want should be examined. Most of us, maybe 90% of us, just do not need ay progressive. They are time savers though, especially if you shoot 500rds a month or more. My 550 will easily do 400rds/hr so 30min a week gets me enough ammo to shoot a month.
Nothing wrong with a good turret, just slower, like 150rds/hr, probably more than good enough for the 90%. I also load on a 650, great machine, 700rds/hr easily, but more costly & complicated to run & convert. If you need speed though, a 650 w/ case feeder is a heck of a machine.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by scooter123

Sometimes I really envy you guys who can trust your progressives without question and load all that ammo in such a short time. But when you start bragging too much I'll ask you how you can be absolutely certain you aren't throwing an occasional heavy charge if you don't tray up all your charged cases and inspect them visibly.

This is really a function of just understanding your equip & being diligent. On my 650, I look into every case prior to seating a bullet & can still get 700rds/hr sustained, faster for 100rd runs. It's no diff than actually queing up all your brass in a loading block & inspecting, it's just faster. In 25+ yrs of reloading ona 550 & 650, never had a squib or over charge, but then I pay atention.

[geddylee10002000]

I would vote for a Blue One!

[lebomm]

For a beginner, I would recommend a single-stage press. I've been using an RCBS Rockchucker for ~30yrs without difficulty. I've never felt the need for a progressive, but I think a beginner should become proficient with a single-stage before moving up to high volume.
JMHO

Larry

[Twoboxer]

Originally Posted by scooter123

. . . Sometimes I really envy you guys who can trust your progressives without question and load all that ammo in such a short time. But when you start bragging too much I'll ask you how you can be absolutely certain you aren't throwing an occasional heavy charge if you don't tray up all your charged cases and inspect them visibly.

It's pretty easy actually. In fact, I'll bet my way gives superior control compared to your look-see.

Station 3's die shows me the depth of powder in the cartridge, and compares it to the level I weighed and set for that charge.

I know whether its way off or way under . . . just like you . . . but I can see a tenth off easily because I'm not looking down into an unmarked cylinder and judging.

Of course, my single stage is better for accuracy and precise control because each charge is weighed. But any time I'm willing to run the progressive and charge by volume, that powder checker does the job.

[blujax01]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

Forgive me if this has been discussed before, but what press do you recommend? Interested in a progressive press. Thanks!

Well we made it all the way to Post #4 before the Single Stage folks ignored the question and derailed the discussion. I love you guys.

Kanewpadle, welcome to the "Ford vs Chevy vs MOPAR/car vs truck vs motorcycle" argument. While I find it highly entertaining, it never ends...

The best advice I can give you is to find out if you have a brick-and-mortar store near you that carries a particular brand and stocks pieces and parts for that brand. You will be needing them and it is much easier to hop in the car and get what you need instead of waiting for days on the UPS guy. All of the well-known brands have their plusses and minuses, and price ranges. Generally speaking, customer service for all the major brands is good-to-excellent. There are deals to be had if you are buying kits from Hornady and RCBS as well as Lee. Check for rebates, too.

Oh and one more thing:

DILLON!

[LoadEmUp]

Originally Posted by blujax01

Well we made it all the way to Post #4 before the Single Stage folks ignored the question and derailed the discussion. I love you guys.

Kanewpadle, welcome to the "Ford vs Chevy vs MOPAR/car vs truck vs motorcycle" argument. While I find it highly entertaining, it never ends...

The best advice I can give you is to find out if you have a brick-and-mortar store near you that carries a particular brand and stocks pieces and parts for that brand. You will be needing them and it is much easier to hop in the car and get what you need instead of waiting for days on the UPS guy. All of the well-known brands have their plusses and minuses, and price ranges. Generally speaking, customer service for all the major brands is good-to-excellent. There are deals to be had if you are buying kits from Hornady and RCBS as well as Lee. Check for rebates, too.

Oh and one more thing:

DILLON!

I agree with this advice , but would change one thing.

Hornady!



I own (and recommend) one Hornady LNL Classic press and two Hornady LNL AP presses.

[jfp357]

I have about 1000 rounds under my belt. So I am new to this too. But a Lee Turret was my choice. It has worked well. By the way I drive a Chevy.......hahaha

[Rickkster]

I have a Dillon 550B and a Redding Big Boss 2. I use both of them but have to say as I have gotten older and have started to handload maybe just a little more for relaxation than I did in the past; I use the Redding single stage slightly more than the progressive.

My eldest son is getting interested in reloading and I suggested a single stage press for him. I think they are great to learn on. I started with a Lee Loader back in 1976. I really didn't find that much fun, interesting but not much fun.

I have gone through two Lyman single stage presses and just got the Redding a couple of years ago. I have had my Dillon for maybe ten years. It started as a 550, and I did the upgrades to a 550B.

So all that said to say, I like to recommend a single stage press or possibly a turret press to a new handloader. Just my opinion, but like I said, I think they are great to learn on. After you have more experience with reloading, add another press or two.... You are likely going to "need" more than one press anyway

Cheers,

Rick

[BennyS]

I bought a lyman expert kit from bass pro. It's a 6 stage turret, came with a digital scale, their 55 powder measure and their universal case trimmer. paid $349 but well worth it. Good quality and works great even the auto primer feed it comes with. Also came with a primer tray, case lube and pad,

[Lou_NC]

I've been reloading 30+ years, and own both a Rock Chucker (my first press) and a Dillon 550 (my 2nd press).

Here's what I recommend for you:
Unless you're ABSOLUTELY certain you will NEVER want to own a progressive press, get the Dillon 550.

Why? Because what folks sometimes fail to realize and mention is that YOU CAN OPERATE THE DILLON AS A SIMPLE TURRET PRESS when you're learning. Heck, you don't even have to use the Dillon automated powder measure if you don't want to, but it ain't rocket science to set up. The instructions are EXCELLENT, written in English (by Americans), and well illustrated!

To operate a Dillon 550 as a turret press, follow these instructions:
Put in a fired round, size/deprime and re-prime, then advance the shell plate to station 2, without putting another cartridge case in station 1.

Expand and charge, then turn the press to station 3 without putting another cartridge case in station 1.

Seat a bullet in station 3 without putting another cartridge case in station 1.

Advance the press to station 4 and crimp, without putting another cartridge case in station 1.

Advance the plate and dump your finished round into the blue box.

There, you've just used your Dillon 550 as a turret press!

If you decide to start off with a single stage, no problem, many of us have done that. I keep my Rock chucker because I prefer to resize and re-form rifle brass in my single stage vs. my Dillon.

Good luck,
Lou

[hotrod150]

Originally Posted by lebomm

For a beginner, I would recommend a single-stage press. I've been using an RCBS Rockchucker for ~30yrs without difficulty. I've never felt the need for a progressive, but I think a beginner should become proficient with a single-stage before moving up to high volume. JMHO Larry

x2. I don't think this recommendation "derailed the discussion". Even if you shoot a lot, IMHO it's best to start with a single-stage press. After all, didn't most of us (us older guys anyway) learn the basics of shooting with a single-shot 22 rifle? Learning to handload on a progressive to me is like learning to shoot with a machine gun instead of a 22. Learn the basics, correctly, then worry about volume/speed. You might even find, like lebomm & myself, that you don't really need a high-volume progressive after all.

[*chris*]

Personally, I would start with a progressive press and I would make sure the one I bought auto-indexed (the cases rotate with the action of the lever.) Since an auto-progressive press automatically circulates the cases through the stages, the chance of a missed powder charge or double charge is nearly impossible.

I started with a Hornady Lock N Load AP and I like it quite a bit. I reload 500 - 1000 rounds at a time. The Dillon 650 is another press worth looking at, the Dillon 550 is a step below the Hornady LNL AP as far as features go.

Honestly reloading ammo is not rocket science and there aren't any really "bad" presses out there. Personally I would steer away from LEE since they seem to cater to the value minded reloader. That being said, the LEE universal decapping die and their line of Factory Crimp Dies are great.

Chris

[Rule3]

As always, these threads will go round and round add nausea. (no pun intended)

It all depends on who many rounds and how many calibers before one can determine what kind of press let alone what brand.

Also add into the equation how much money and how much space you have.

Only the OP can determine that.

Which Dillon is right for you? Well the ones they advertise do not really cost that much as there are so many options on there it's a lot more. How about dies, a scale, a manual components??

When you bought your first car or one for your kids did you by a BMW or Lexus?? Probably not.

By a reasonable press like a RCBS or LEE. See if you like it then move on. Spend $200+ and start loading, rather than debating it. You can always use it or sell it.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit

[deadear dan]

My old redding 6 stage turret press keeps humming along.

[Harrison]

My Dillon 550 turned 20 yo a couple of months ago. It has loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds in that time and is still chugging along. The 550 is not the fastest of Mr. Dillon's progressive, but it is probably the simplest and most reliable.

How can I trust it? Well after 20 years of loading ammo that has never had a Kaboom, I trust it. I use the same powders, (231/hp38, WST, Bullseye, Universal and 2400) and from checking over the years I know the measure will always throw +/- .1gr. I don't try to throw unique or stick powders, for pistol loads. So far as weighing every charge, well most scales, at best, are only accurate to +/- .1 gr, digital scales are often worse. If your measure won't throw one of the ball pistol powders that accurately than you need to either find a better measure, or refine your technique. If you really like weighing every charge, that is your privilege. Go for it.

[blujax01]

Originally Posted by hotrod150

x2. I don't think this recommendation "derailed the discussion". Even if you shoot a lot, IMHO it's best to start with a single-stage press. After all, didn't most of us (us older guys anyway) learn the basics of shooting with a single-shot 22 rifle? Learning to handload on a progressive to me is like learning to shoot with a machine gun instead of a 22. Learn the basics, correctly, then worry about volume/speed. You might even find, like lebomm & myself, that you don't really need a high-volume progressive after all.

My father did make me learn to drive a car with a clutch before he let me drive the Rambler American with the automatic (because "that's how it's done") but that was in 1969. I did not require my daughter to learn a stick in 2003. Most folks don't.

I'm 58. I didn't start shooting with a single shot anything. My first experience was with a S&W M36. The second? Colt Model 1911 caliber 45.

My first press was a Dillon 650. I recently added a Hornady LnL Single stage for loading my 45/70. And also my 25 ACP because Dillon doesn't go that small.

Anyone with an attention span longer than that of the average 16 year-old can safely and properly run a progressive press. They are simply not that hard to figure out.

[Rule3]

Perhaps on the progressive press, so no, I would not recommend a progressive by Lee. but that particular brand has got more people reloading than all the others combined.
I also do not think your description of his business model is fair. No need to insult a family owned US company that has done a lot for the reloading hobby. No it's not overbuilt top of the line but no need to bash it.

The product works, does not cost a fortune and will produce ammo as good or better than the high prices units,

This will bring tears to a Smurfs eyes.

[blujax01]

Originally Posted by Rule3

Perhaps on the progressive press, so no, I would not recommend a progressive by Lee. but that particular brand has got more people reloading than all the others combined.
I also do not think your description of his business model is fair. No need to insult a family owned US company that has done a lot for the reloading hobby. ...

Although Mr. Lee will agree (as he states in Modern Reloading) that most of his competitors gear is over engineered, over built and overpriced, I agree completely that I did go over the top a bit.

I apologize.

I do get a little piqued at those who run Lee Progressives and use that experience as a benchmark when they say new reloaders should not attempt to use a progressive press. If the reloader has reliable machine, whether the press is single stage or progressive is of little import.

Thank you for the gentle nudge. I will mind my manners. Post appropriately edited.

[Rule3]

Forget those wimpy DILLON machines Get a real press. the Hornady Ammo Plant. Also available in 220V!!

Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Reloading :: Metallic Reloading :: Presses and Kits :: Reloading Press Kits :: Lock-N-Load® Ammo Plant 110 VT

Notice the Lock and Load was copied from the LEE Breech lock system

[Engineer1911]

Quote: [Scooter123 Sometimes I really envy you guys who can trust your progressives without question and load all that ammo in such a short time. But when you start bragging too much I'll ask you how you can be absolutely certain you aren't throwing an occasional heavy charge if you don't tray up all your charged cases and inspect them visibly.]

I believe the simpliest test is chamber a round and squeeze the target. I buy guns to shoot, not agconize over cleanliness, 0.00000x accuracy, or perfection. Shooting is a hobby not a religion. I reload ammo and cast bullets so I can SHOOT. My Dillon 450 upgraded to 550 has reloaded enough ammunition to successful wear out 3 barrels (TC 222 Rem, S&W 1500 222 Rem, and Rem 700 rebarreled 25-06 stainless heavy barrel). I also wore out the hammer and sear on a S&W M52.

I load bulk reloaded ammo into 50 round plastic trays and check for properly seated primers. My last serious reloading session was 6,000 rounds of 45 ACP. I thought I was going to prepare myself to go to Camp Perry for the Bullseye matches. I'm glad I didn't because of the rain.

Please, don't get me started on primer pockets. Is it there, well seat a new primer.

[novalty]

Kanewpadle, what caliber(s) are you looking to start reloading, and how much do you shoot that caliber(s)? Then the next question is how much is you budget looking like?

Then if you are like me you check around, and then find a yard sale with reloading equipment, and shazam there is your first press.

Try to identify what you want/need for a press, single stage or progressive based on budget and time available for reloading. Then research some presses that meet your criteria, then search your local sale ads, Craigslist, etc. That way you have an idea of price when you see stuff for sale.

Christmas is just around the corner, and people will be selling off stuff they don't use/need. Be a good time to find someone selling the reloading equipment they thought they needed 6 months ago, that has sat in the box since they brought it home.

[sevt_chevelle]

Originally Posted by blujax01

Anyone with an attention span longer than that of the average 16 year-old can safely and properly run a progressive press. They are simply not that hard to figure out.

Completely agree! Started with a cheap Lee press, loaded about 20 rounds then bought a Dillon 650. Great press couldn't be happier and had no prior taste of kool-aid.

I just don't have hours upon hours to sit at a bench and load with a single stage.

[Moonman]

Listen to what Rule3 has said.

You can go to Brian Enos/Dillon site and he has an explanation of WHICH DILLON FOR YOU.

It has breakdowns on How Much and What you shoot per month to make a choice.

Some folks around here are serious competitive shooters and may reload 50,000 rounds a year for matches and practice.

50,000 rounds a year IS NOT CHEAP even if you do reload.

I load with RED, BLUE and GREEN Stuff Single-Stage, Progressive, Semi-Progressive.

One of the points about Dillon's are that resale prices can be 80-90% of the New Price.

NOT EVERYONE will find reloading to be comforting and rewarding, their attention span is not long enough.

You MUST STAY ALERT AND ATTENTIVE.

Don't RUSH, Do Your Homework, AND BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF IN YOUR ANSWERS.

[Duster340]

Originally Posted by LoadEmUp

I agree with this advice , but would change one thing.

Hornady!



I own (and recommend) one Hornady LNL Classic press and two Hornady LNL AP presses.

Mopar...lol

[forestswin]

Kanew - I've been following these "which press" threads for awhile - and I think that unless money is of no concern then this is a needs and wants question along with spreadsheet/cost comparison study. All the follow-up questions and valid points members have given here - need to be answered to your satisfaction. That should narrow down the choices.

Dillon, Lee, RCBS, Hornady and Redding are all good and they each have distinct advantages over the others.

I'm a single stage guy and eventually will get a progressive but for me - cost will play a big factor - and it may end up - that over the long run a Mercedes may be cheaper than a Volkswagon

bluejax
now wait a minute - it was a turret guy who first left the "interested in a progressive press" guideline - not a single stage guy - and scooter first gave his opinion on a progressive before he prudently offered other important considerations

AND while Kanew's "interested in a progressive press" suggests that's the way he wants to go - the title of the thread is "Which Press" so us single stage guys have standing here.

[forestswin]

Originally Posted by Engineer1911

....
I believe the simpliest test is chamber a round and squeeze the target. I buy guns to shoot, not agconize over cleanliness, 0.00000x accuracy, or perfection. Shooting is a hobby not a religion. I reload ammo and cast bullets so I can SHOOT. My Dillon 450 upgraded to 550 has reloaded enough ammunition to successful wear out 3 barrels (TC 222 Rem, S&W 1500 222 Rem, and Rem 700 rebarreled 25-06 stainless heavy barrel). I also wore out the hammer and sear on a S&W M52.

I load bulk reloaded ammo into 50 round plastic trays and check for properly seated primers. My last serious reloading session was 6,000 rounds of 45 ACP. I thought I was going to prepare myself to go to Camp Perry for the Bullseye matches. I'm glad I didn't because of the rain.

Please, don't get me started on primer pockets. Is it there, well seat a new primer.

For enjoyment some like NFL on a big screen with a crowd and some like sitting in the backyard with an earpiece plugged into a transistor radio listening to a ML baseball game and some like both.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by forestswin

For enjoyment some like NFL on a big screen with a crowd and some like sitting in the backyard with an earpiece plugged into a transistor radio listening to a ML baseball game and some like both.

True, but I still am not cleaning primer pockets let alone uniforming them.

I just loaded 50 rounds of 308 and didn't even clean the brass!

[forestswin]

Originally Posted by Rule3

True, but I still am not cleaning primer pockets let alone uniforming them.

I just loaded 50 rounds of 308 and didn't even clean the brass!

My favorite piece a reloading equipment is my Hornady Cam Lock Case Trimmer
But thinking back, I think the lathe was broke during the time when I had metal shop in junior high school so I was deprived.

Is this what they call "off topic"

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by *chris*

Personally, I would start with a progressive press and I would make sure the one I bought auto-indexed (the cases rotate with the action of the lever.) Since an auto-progressive press automatically circulates the cases through the stages, the chance of a missed powder charge or double charge is nearly impossible.

I started with a Hornady Lock N Load AP and I like it quite a bit. I reload 500 - 1000 rounds at a time. The Dillon 650 is another press worth looking at, the Dillon 550 is a step below the Hornady LNL AP as far as features go.

Honestly reloading ammo is not rocket science and there aren't any really "bad" presses out there. Personally I would steer away from LEE since they seem to cater to the value minded reloader. That being said, the LEE universal decapping die and their line of Factory Crimp Dies are great.

Chris

The misconception that an auto indexing press is near fool proof has KB a lot of guns. It's actually quite easy to get a squib, doubles a lot harder, but not impossible. I all comes down to the operator. It's nearly impossible to double or squib on a 550 if you pay attention & have proper technique, not unlike an auto indexing press.
LFCD, why? A solution to a none existent problem IMO. Many fo us managed for decades w/o one so why now? No, use good dies, set them up properly, the LFCD is just not needed, in handgun at least. WHy anyone cimps a rifle round, but for a few exceptions, haven't really figure that one out either. We won;t even get into the LNLAP.

[Kanewpadle]

Gentlemen, thank you one and all.

For arguments sake I am a beginner. I used to help my father reload when I was a kid. He used and still does use an old Lee H press. Slow and methodical. But I will agree accurate and sure. And like some here he's been reloading for 50 years.

I know nothing about progressives except that when set up properly you can load more in less time. That's what appeals to me.

I don't shoot as often and I used to. Maybe 100 rounds per gun/caliber per session.

Later I would like to reload rifle calibers but by then my dad will probably give me his H press. And he has all the dies I'll ever need.

Right now I am mainly interested in reloading 45ACP.

[*chris*]

Originally Posted by fredj338

The misconception that an auto indexing press is near fool proof has KB a lot of guns. It's actually quite easy to get a squib, doubles a lot harder, but not impossible. I all comes down to the operator. It's nearly impossible to double or squib on a 550 if you pay attention & have proper technique, not unlike an auto indexing press.
LFCD, why? A solution to a none existent problem IMO. Many fo us managed for decades w/o one so why now? No, use good dies, set them up properly, the LFCD is just not needed, in handgun at least. WHy anyone cimps a rifle round, but for a few exceptions, haven't really figure that one out either. We won;t even get into the LNLAP.

Wow, where to start? We can agree to disagree that squibs and double charges are more likely on a manually indexing press. Think about it, with a progressive press, if you don't charge the case, a bullet will not be seated and a spent primer will not be driven out. It HAS to index since the operator does not control the indexing and the next cycle will jam the press.

Regarding the LEE FCD, just recently I had a few hundred 45ACP rounds that chambered well in my 1911s and were very consistent and accurate. Guess what, I just bought a S&W 625 and the rounds would not chamber due to not enough crimp. The LEE FCD easily salvaged all those rounds and I was able to apply more taper crimp to chamber in the revolver, which is known for undersized chambers.

As I said earlier. the LNL AP is a great press as are all the others in the market.

Chris

[Bkreutz]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

Gentlemen, thank you one and all.

For arguments sake I am a beginner. I used to help my father reload when I was a kid. He used and still does use an old Lee H press. Slow and methodical. But I will agree accurate and sure. And like some here he's been reloading for 50 years.

I know nothing about progressives except that when set up properly you can load more in less time. That's what appeals to me.

I don't shoot as often and I used to. Maybe 100 rounds per gun/caliber per session.

Later I would like to reload rifle calibers but by then my dad will probably give me his H press. And he has all the dies I'll ever need.

Right now I am mainly interested in reloading 45ACP.

If you're only going to do pistol calibers I'd suggest the Dillon Square Deal B, I thought about it hard when I was in the market for a progressive but I wanted the capability of loading 5.56 in large quantities as well so I went with the 650. The nice thing about the SD is that it's significantly cheaper than the other Dillon presses and it's already set up when you receive it, just put powder and primers in, adjust the powder meter and go to town. The down side is they don't use standard reloading dies so if you decide to load a different pistol caliber you have to get the conversion from them. (which isn't a bad deal, they make excellent dies). My main reason for a progressive is time as well, I'd rather be shooting than reloading. I spend more time separating, inspecting, and cleaning brass than I do reloading. All the modern presses (no matter the brand) are very reliable and you'll be satisfied with any of them (even if I'm prejudiced toward the color blue).

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

Gentlemen, thank you one and all.



I know nothing about progressives except that when set up properly you can load more in less time. That's what appeals to me.

I don't shoot as often and I used to. Maybe 100 rounds per gun/caliber per session.



Right now I am mainly interested in reloading 45ACP.

These are the $64K questions.

You say 100 rounds per session. Convert that to how many rounds do you need or want per WEEK or MONTH.

The main thing to consider is do you need to spend the money (over kill) on something you will not utilize?? Forget BRANDS for now. HOW much can you spend???? (no need to answer that).

My situation just for comparison. I shoot a lot of different calibers (pretty much every handgun and 4 rifles) I shoot every week but not competition so I do not need 500 rounds a week.

I can buy a Dillon or Hornady progressive but I do not need it nor do I have the room. Sure there are times I would like one but I am in no hurry to load, it's supposed to be a hobby.
I can slowly crank out 150 rounds an hour. Keeps me out of the Bars

Started on a Lee single stage (Breech Lock) still have it but then got the Lee Classic Turret. For the price of it and all the extra turrets and dies it is less than a big progressive and I can change over in a few minutes (important for me).

So chose wisely Grasshopper

[SMSgt]

Quantity needed sets the stage for the press needed. If you're going to "start out" with a progressive, have an experienced mentor available. Reloading isn't rocket science, but it does require attention to details. Too many noobies don't grasp the details.

[Moonman]

If you're basically interested in loading 45 ACP to start, the Dillon Square D will handle the deal.

It comes from Dillon set up and ready to go with DILLON NON-STANDARD DIES, but it's ready right off

to load you good 45 ACP ammo or whatever caliber you initally chose.

Later on you could choose to add calibers with SPECIAL DILLON DIES ONLY and their set-up,

or sell the unit for a GOOD % of investment and buy a 550 or even a 650.

The 550 is very versatile but it is NOT a full progressive.

You'll still need to make an investment in Manuals, Scales, Tumbler, Cleaning Media, Lube,

Bullet Puller for mistakes and there will be mistakes, Solid Bench, Cases, Bullets, Primers, Powder, maybe a Case Gage.

The sky's the limit, along with your bank account and enthusiasm.

[novalty]

I would strongly recommend against the Dillon Square Deal B. For 2 reasons: 1 it uses Dillon's proprietary dies, 2 you are planning on reloading rifle in the future--which means you are going to need to buy another press.

[uechikid]

If, when you say straight wall ammo you mean Handgun (I know handguns aren't the only straight wall Ammo) you should consider the Dillon Square Deal B. It only does handgun. The price is right and it comes with dies.

[Maximumbob54]

The Hornady / Inline Fabrication Ammo Factory nears completion...



But really for a first time loader I would always recommend the Lee Classic Turret as it can be used like a single stage press and you can add all the options to it to crank out upwards of 200 cartridges an hour if you are set up right.

But I loves my LNL AP and Inline Fabrication only continues to make it better...

[millisec]

Its mostly about how much money you want to spend but I highly recommend a progressive to start. There's already enough to do and think about w/o having to manually index the shell plate too which just makes it easier to double charge. For my two cents I would recommend a LNL AP or a 650+.

I started with a Hornady LNL AP and haven't regretted it. There were some kinks in the beginning (Hornady had had some outsourced parts manufacturing issues) but they replaced every part I had an issue with and its worked flawlessly the past couple years. Called them the other day for a new powder tube which had finally melted down from nitro exposure and had it a couple days later. Hornady service is impeccable no questions asked (better than the attitude I got from Dillon over issues with my scale).

[millisec]

I'm not a high volume loader and other than occasional 223 or 45 this is dedicated to 9mm match ammo. The shell feeder and bullet feeder are nice when they work but they are also noisy as hell. I sit down and load a few hundred rounds at a time and maybe 4-5k a year. This 9mm setup is the Redding comp pro set with added Redding expander die. I may yet add a case feeder but probably not a bullet feeder since its bullet die would compromise my setup. I would like to get a 1050 for volume 223 but that's about $2400 loaded with case trimmer.

[Kanewpadle]

I'M SO CONFUSED!!

Actually I've narrowed it down to a Lee turret press. Maybe. I do know that it won't be Dillon because of the dies. I will be "inheriting" many Lee and RCBS dies.

[2hawk]

You know that other than the Square Deal, Dillon uses standard dies, right?.....Lee and RCBS will work just fine.