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Turret Presses......
I use a singe stage Rockchucker. Let's say I wanted to increase my output without going to a progressive. How much does a turret press increase your output over a single stage, all thing considered. i.e. changing calibers and making adjustments as well as better production. Right now I make a few hundred rounds/month.
I'm really looking at progressives, but I'd like to know this before making the 'leap'.
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I use a Rockchucker and love it. Let's me personally get to know each round I make. Only ever had one squib and still don't know how it happened.
I usually keep about 300 rounds of target ammo per caliber on hand at all times. When it is time to do a run, I am usually doing about 400-500 rounds and I can knock that out in one day, or two days with a few hours each day. So I have never felt like output was unacceptable.
A turret press might be nice that way one could have all 4 of their dies set and make it quicker changing between. Other than that, I don't know if it would speed it up that much. It seems a progressive is the way to go for output, but unless making thousands of rounds it isn't worth the hassle in my opinion.
I guess you would have to justify what a turret press would save you in time and if it is worth the cost of an upgrade.
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12-20-2016, 02:44 AM
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It would save a little time..not as much as it might seem. You still have to pull the handle the same amount of times. I have a turret or two(T-7) and they are great presses. I've used most progressives also. Buy a Dillon 550...
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12-20-2016, 03:24 AM
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I've been using a Lee classic turret for several years. I love the convenience of being able to change calibers in seconds. I normally use mine in continuous mode and feel that it is substantially faster than a single stage. I only handle the case once. That is were the time savings are. Look at a few videos to get an idea of how things move along.
The other thing I like about the turret is that I am still doing one operation at a time. This gives me greater awareness of what is happening compared to a progressive.
For me, the big down side to a progressive is the initial cost. I like Lee products, but would be leery of buying one of their progressives. The Dillon is likely a good machine, but not only is the press extremely expensive, caliber conversions are quite pricey as well.
If I were loading a lot more rounds per week than I do now, I would be looking at a progressive. For the 100 - 200 rounds a week I do now, the turret is a perfect fit. The other great thing about a turret is that I can go a load up 20 or 30 rounds when I have a little spare time. The die change over and adjustments make that inefficient on a single stage.
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I used a single stage (RCBS JR3) for years. A couple a years ago I added a Lyman T-Mag II turret press to my inventory.
I find the turret press is very convenient, having all the needed dies mounted & ready to use. It's real handy to be able to switch back & forth between dies when you're working.
Time saved is minimal, IMO, when loading normally/sequentially. But when you have to re-doing some loads, or experimenting, it saves time exchanging dies. If you can justify (the price of) adding a new press it's worth it, for me.
(I personally don't have a need for a progressive, though I reload 200-300 rounds a week, usually, plus I do a lot of experimenting with new bullets/powders in small batches.)
.
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My first press was a Lyman ALL American. Since then I have gone preogressive, but I also keep a LEE Breech Lock press set up for low production issues and load development.
The turret press was convenient, but hardly changes output if you are talking quantity. I used to load 500-1000 at a time on mine.
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The lever is what's getting me....
I'm having problems with my wrists, elbows and shoulders and the constant pumping of the handle 3-4 times per round is not good.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I'm having problems with my wrists, elbows and shoulders and the constant pumping of the handle 3-4 times per round is not good.
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What kinds of quantities do you load in a session?
Some presses have optional handles that might help. A longer handle would reduce the force used in each manual stroke.
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12-20-2016, 06:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I'm having problems with my wrists, elbows and shoulders and the constant pumping of the handle 3-4 times per round is not good.
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I've used the Lee 3 hole and upgraded years ago to the Lee Classic Cast 4 hole Turret press. I don't load for speed, as I don't shoot near as much as I used to. For me, it's the convenience and simplicity of use and changing calibers. And you can stop and check/inspect every operation before the round is completed.
You can easily load 200-250 rounds/hour with the 4 hole turret press, maybe more if that's what you're after. If on the other hand, you're trying to minimize your movement (hand/arm/shoulder) and want to increase output with minimal time spent at the bench; then a progressive may be the way to go for you. I'm one who always wants to keep a close watch on each operation, IMO, the turret is the best option without going full progressive.
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12-20-2016, 06:53 AM
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Been loading for 54 years... Started out with a Lee handloader, then a Lyman Spartan, Lyman Turret, Lyman All-American turret, Dillon 450, Dillon 550, Dillon 1000B and finally a Dillon 650.
If you are only doing handgun calibers go with the Dillon 550. It will turn out a lot of rounds per hour and switch calibers in 5-15 minutes.
For rifle calibers if I was starting over today it would be just one press, the Redding T-7. Set up the dies once and you are done...
So with just those two presses you can do everything from .25 ACP to elephant guns...
Bob
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12-20-2016, 07:00 AM
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The only advantage a turret press has over a single stage Is the number of dies you can set up at the same time. (Lee 3&4, most 6, & Redding 7.)
However with Hornady's Lock-N-Load bushings, the dies are set in bushings, and snap in and out of the press in about 10 seconds. Hornady makes a kit to adapt you Rock Chucker to use the L-N-L Bushings, it comes with 3 bushings and 10 packs are also sold (about $3.25 for each bushing).
This is a true space saver. The standard dies with a bushing can be stores in the most original boxes (Not Lee round boxes or 4 die box). I use this set up on my Rock Chucker and have about 25-30 bushings. It is a great system for really short dies, they can be installed, adjusted, and Loctited in place without a nut. It is also very useful for "one die accessories" such as bullet pullers, old style trim dies, Lee cast bullet size dies, and LIGHT DUTY case forming dies. A friend has cartridges based on the Hornet case that require minor forming and L-N-L has held up fine for several years.
What you can't do is; Use dies set for a L-N-L single stage press and then put them in a Lock-N-Load AP (progressive) press. There is too much variation in loading height. Oh, you can use them, but they must be re-adjusted to each press.
My bench has a Dillon 550b, a Rock Chucker adapted to L-N-L, and a Redding T-7. All get used often!
My personal policy is, batches of ammo over 250 or 300 get loaded on the 550b, under 250 get loaded on a turret or Rock Chucker. But with adjusted "bushinged" dies you can do a very small batch, switch to another cartridge and come back after testing.
I do leave 3 sets of my bench rest/competition dies set up in my Redding T-7 all the time. 223: both neck and FL and seating, 308: FL & seating, and 338 Lapua: FL & seating.
Have fun deciding!
Ivan
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I went from a single stage to the Lee classic turret press. The answer is. You will increase from 200-300 a month to 200-300 in 2 to 3 hours or less. But it depends on how many times you check your work and what powder dispenser you use. I really like the 4 hole die holder (get one for each cal.) and the newest auto drum powder dispenser. Not everyone needs a progressive press. The turret press is not a big leap, it's just a good step in the right direction.
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The LCT press can produce around 150 to maybe 200 an hour (that is pushing it) A nice relaxing pace is 150. I have timed it and drank 5 cups of coffee and no way safely load over 200 rounds an hour!
The advantage of it is the easy change over of calibers. Just buy inexpensive turrets and set your dies up. Change over is less than a few minutes.
The main advantage over a single stage is not handling the same piece of brass 4 or 5 times.
It will never match a progressive, but it depends on what your needs are.
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12-20-2016, 11:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I use a singe stage Rockchucker. Let's say I wanted to increase my output without going to a progressive. How much does a turret press increase your output over a single stage, all thing considered. i.e. changing calibers and making adjustments as well as better production. Right now I make a few hundred rounds/month.
I'm really looking at progressives, but I'd like to know this before making the 'leap'.
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I bought a Lee turret press earlier this year. I'm glad that I made the move.
After you get everything set up (dies, powder throw, etc.), I timed it and it takes about 12-15 seconds to make each round of ammo (that is the time the case spends on the press, obviously add a little time for reaching for an empty case and bullet, etc.).
If you buy a 4-hole turret for each caliber you load, you can just leave your dies set up in the turret. Then a caliber change takes only a few seconds.
There are turret press naysayers that will say you're wasting your time and money unless you buy a progressive setup, but the fact is that a turret press is a perfect fit for some of us.
Last edited by Hillbilly77; 12-27-2016 at 10:44 AM.
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I too started out eons ago with the Lee Classic Loader kits ( pound everything together with a hammer ) , then went to a Lee single stage press . I haven't progressed beyond . I have considered a more advanced press , haven't decided yet if or what to buy .
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12-20-2016, 12:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivan the Butcher
The only advantage a turret press has over a single stage Is the number of dies you can set up at the same time.
Ivan
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I would respectfully disagree. As has been stated before in this thread, with a turret you only have to handle the case once. A single stage operation reminds me of when I showed up at the base with my suitcase in basic training. The DI yelled "Pick em up. Put em down. Pick em up. Put em down." With a turret, you only have to pick em up and put em down once. This makes a big time difference when you are talking 50 to 100 rounds in a session.
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12-20-2016, 12:26 PM
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Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret press. I researched and read everything I could find on the internet and for me, the LCT's price/performance allowed it to stand out. I'm glad I bought it. I too, have given thought to a progressive as the next step but as of the present, I'm still very happy with the turret press.
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I have a Pacific single stage that I use for bottleneck shells and a Lee classic turret for straight sided, pistol, shells. Works for me, I like the quick change on the turret and leave my dies set up. Doesn't matter if I don't finish a batch today, I'll finish them tomorrow, or the next.
I do batch size and deprime hulls and prime off line with an old Lee Auto Prime. Like I said, works for me.
Have a blessed day,
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I started with a Lee turret press and added a Rockchucker. I use the Lyman DPS 1200 Electronic powder dispenser and by the time I have set and seated a bullet, changed cases, deprimed and primed, and expanded the neck my powder is ready to be dumped. With pistol charges I have used the Lee powder measure with some loads but prefer to dump through Lee's powder charging die and a funnel most of the time. I double or 2.5 my time with that over the Rockchucker. Rchucker still gets used with a lot of rifle loads or small set ups, 100 or less.
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I've got a pair of Dillons, one dedicated to .38 Spl./.357 (an older 450) and a 550 I use for 9mm, .44 Spl./magnum, .45 ACP, etc. I load for both my wife and me to shoot CAS, IPSC and IDPA.
I load rifle ammo on an RCBS Jr. press dated 1974! I'm considering a turret press for my rifle ammo after reading an article in 'Handloader' magazine.
For match pistol ammo, I feel more comfortable block checking. I limit myself to no more than 100 rds at a time if going fully progressive. Otherwise I slip into inattention mode and that is not good .....
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12-20-2016, 06:42 PM
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Quote:
For match pistol ammo, I feel more comfortable block checking.
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I have said it before here. A powder check die allows you to spot smaller differences between charges than you can eyeball in a block. At least that has been my experience. Obviously, a powder check die is not a good fit for a single stage.
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12-20-2016, 07:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I'm having problems with my wrists, elbows and shoulders and the constant pumping of the handle 3-4 times per round is not good.
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I know what your talking about. I've got a torn rotator cuff in both shoulders and can only do so many cycles of the handle before I have to stop and rest.
I started on a Lyman single stage and then went to a Redding T-7 turret. The Redding is a great press and does speed thing up. Adding 2 more turret heads has lots die sets ready to go. But, no matter how you look at it it's 4 cycles of the handle per cartridge. I'm good for about 500 a session, then have to stop for an hour or so.
When I find out the final damage from Christmas and there's a few bucks left I'm ordering a Dillon 550B. After you get going it's 1 pull for one cartridge. For me this decision comes with shooting bowling pin matches, IDPA and other fun games that seem to eat ammo faster than I have time to reload for.
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I added the case ejector system for the Lee Classic 4-hole turret from Inline Fabrication. That means you only have to place the empty case in the shell holder and the ejector kicks the finished cartridge into a pan. Relieves one more handling. I think it is a good time saver and works flawlessly for me. One note: it is reverse rotation, meaning you have to reverse the order of your dies. A slight adjustment to my habit, but well worth it. I deprime, size, powder through die, seat, factory crimp all auto indexed on the press as Lee intended.
*New* Case ejector system for the LEE Classic turret. (Reverse rotation) – Inline Fabrication
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Got 2 Dillon for handgun rounds;one setup for large primers and the other for small primers.I shoot aprox 15K handgun rds a year.
For rifles,since I shoot way less(500 to 750rds/year),I got a Lee Classic Turret and must say that I'm satisfied.If i include the time to lubricate the cases before sizing and the cleaning up time after(one by one) and weight each charge,I can load aprox 75 rds an hour,this admitedly at a very slow pace.Enough for the small quantity I shoot a year.
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With a turret, you only handle each case twice--once to put on a clean case with a spent primer, and once to take off a completed cartridge. And there are add-ons that will auto-eject your completed cartridges.
*New* Case ejector system for the LEE Classic turret. (Reverse rotatio – Inline Fabrication
You also have the advantage of having your dies already set-up on the die plate. Getting a session started can take just a couple minutes. I spend more time pouring powder than I do fiddling with dies.
100 rounds an hour is easy to accomplish. And by that, I mean getting set up, and then loading. 150 is probably the comfortable limit, with a fair bit of checking.
If you don't shoot a lot of high-volume matches, and can make time each week to load, it's very easy to keep yourself supplied.
Any more than that--I would just splash out for a Dillon progressive. The downside of a progressive is that it's a lot more expensive to add a new caliber, and they're not so great if you don't feel like making 500 rounds of the same loading. In other words, if you like to experiment and make smaller batches, the turret is superior.
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I have a Dillion Square B, Redding T7 turret, and a Forester coaxial. The turret does save time and is more convenient that a single stage. It will speed you up over the single stage, but not that dramatic. To me reloading is relaxing. If you have to push it that hard to get more quantity out, you have the wrong press. It also takes the fun out of it. I keep thinking I should sell one press, but never get around to it. I think I would sell the turret because the coaxial really has surprised me on how much I like using it. You have to decide on, what kind of volume you want to get, and how much you want to push yourself to get it. I had a Dillion 550 but didn't like it. Nothing wrong with the press, I just never felt relaxed on it. always checking to make sure you spun it, so you wouldn't get a double charge. I feel more comfortable with the auto indexing of the Square B. I wouldn't get rid of it.
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12-20-2016, 08:53 PM
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The only modern press I have used is the Lee Cast Iron Classic . It takes much less effort to operate than any of my old presses . That may help you with your joint issues . Dillon , RCBS, or any of the newer machines may all be easier to cycle but I have no experience with them and can not say one way or the other. No more than you are loading I would if it were me, buy the Lee and take the money I saved not buying a Dillon and buy components .
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12-20-2016, 10:37 PM
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Here is the OP:
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I use a singe stage Rockchucker. Let's say I wanted to increase my output without going to a progressive. How much does a turret press increase your output over a single stage, all thing considered. i.e. changing calibers and making adjustments as well as better production. Right now I make a few hundred rounds/month.
I'm really looking at progressives, but I'd like to know this before making the 'leap'.
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The OP asks a simple question:
How much does a turret press increase your output over a single stage, all thing considered. i.e. changing calibers and making adjustments as well as better production.
Here is a typical answer to the OP question:
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnnyboy
Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret press. I researched and read everything I could find on the internet and for me, the LCD's price/performance allowed it to stand out. I'm glad I bought it. I too, have given thought to a progressive as the next step but as of the present, I'm still very happy with the turret press.
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Not trying to pick on jommyboy in particular because his answer is one of many that are the answer to a different question, not the question in the OP.
OK, I'm cranky. I admit it.
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12-21-2016, 09:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rule3
The LCT press can produce around 150 to maybe 200 an hour (that is pushing it) A nice relaxing pace is 150. I have timed it and drank 5 cups of coffee and no way safely load over 200 rounds an hour!
The advantage of it is the easy change over of calibers. Just buy inexpensive turrets and set your dies up. Change over is less than a few minutes.
The main advantage over a single stage is not handling the same piece of brass 4 or 5 times.
It will never match a progressive, but it depends on what your needs are.
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This matches up with my experience. The inline case ejector is a helpful add on and so is the Auto-drum measure. I also load .223 rem on mine using the auto-index and the lube process slows the production down a bit. The quick caliber change is nice, and you don't need load blocks so there's less clutter. They make an ergo lever that might help but it's still the same # of handle pulls as a single stage.
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12-21-2016, 10:03 AM
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I like my Lee Classic Turret. Gives me options that a single stage doesn't, and I keep dies all set on turrets for 9mm, .38, .45ACP and .44mag. Changing calibers is a snap. I hate fiddling with dies. I hand weigh every round and check each with a case gauge before they go in the box. Takes me about 2 hours to do a hundred rounds. Slow, yeah, I'm in no hurry. Every time I'm in a hurry I screw something up and screwing up when gunpowder and lead are involved is a really bad idea.
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12-21-2016, 03:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas15
Here is the OP:
The OP asks a simple question:
How much does a turret press increase your output over a single stage, all thing considered. i.e. changing calibers and making adjustments as well as better production.
Here is a typical answer to the OP question:
Not trying to pick on jommyboy in particular because his answer is one of many that are the answer to a different question, not the question in the OP.
OK, I'm cranky. I admit it.
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Thonas15
There are quantitative answers to questions and then there are qualitative answers to questions. My response was of the latter. I stand by my post that the Lee Classic Turret, which I personally made a decision to buy, was a great upgrade beyond my single stage. It increased my output immensely over the single stage.
There appears to only be one post in this whole thread that did not at least attempt to address the OP's question! Yours . . .
another cranky fireman
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12-21-2016, 07:55 PM
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Rw
Rule3 talked me into the Lee classic turret press a little while ago.
It was a nice add on to the Hornady LnL SS. I didn't realize how much the auto-indexing feature speeds things up....much less handling of the brass.
It has helped me delay going to an auto-progressive.
I've switched my higher volume 45acp, 9mm and 38 special over to the
LCT
Heck its $116 at Midway....cheaper than my single stage!
I'm afraid it isn't going to help with the number of handle pulls though!
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12-21-2016, 08:20 PM
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A turret might not help with the number of handle pulls, but being able to easily go and load a limited number of rounds at a session and spread out the loading process, may help. Sort of like taking 4 walks around the block at different times during the day, as opposed to a single walk of the same distance as all 4 put together.
I suspect you will not want to set up and load a small number on a progressive. Plus, I suspect the pull weight is higher/longer on a progressive than on a turret. Maybe some owners of both could chime in on that.
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12-21-2016, 10:04 PM
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Another vote for the Lee, mine has 4 holes. I have a disk for every caliber including one for 357 and another for 38. It really shortens set up time and that equals more output. Not touching the case also increases output. I am not a speed demon, I like to load 50 of this and 50 of that. But when I got the turret I sped up noticeably.
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12-21-2016, 10:44 PM
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Moving up from a single stage, I suggest skipping a turret press and go direct to a progressive. The cost difference is only a couple hundred $, and a progressive isn't hard to set up. You already know how to set up your dies.
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12-21-2016, 11:38 PM
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That's a good idea....
Quote:
Originally Posted by colt_saa
What kinds of quantities do you load in a session?
Some presses have optional handles that might help. A longer handle would reduce the force used in each manual stroke.
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That's a good idea but part of the problem now is the long motion to operate the lever for every operation.
What I was thinking about doing was getting a shorter lever made. I would use the long one for sizing and the short one for everything else that doesn't require so much force. Flaring, bullet seating, crimping and such.
I can hold the handle closer to the press but my hand eventually finds its way back to the knob. If I had a short lever w/ a knob, my hand would more naturally sit on the end of the short lever.
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Question for you progressive-type people...
Is it easier or harder for you to stroke the lever on your progressive press than a single stage? Not just pressure required but ergonomically?
UPDATE: I just watched the video with the pretty lady demonstrating the Dillon 550B. I like that the stroke starts back from the 12 o clock position so it doesn't go so far down. Also that the priming is pushed back from this same position. Looks pretty easy!
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Last edited by rwsmith; 12-21-2016 at 11:57 PM.
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12-22-2016, 12:03 AM
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I only started reloading this year and I bought a Lee turret press to start with. I think if I had bought a single stage press that I would have quit reloading. The turret press is just all right there to load a round without having to change out components for each step.
I did remove the rotating shaft and I rotate the turret plate by hand each step. I start with a decapped and cleaned casing. Each round is finished when I take it out of the holder and it goes into a storage can. I can reload several hundred in a few hours.
Pulling the lever arm doesn't take much pressure at all. I paid around $140 for my Lee press plus the dies which I got a good used set for 38 spl for free except freight from another forum member. I did also buy the die set for 45 ACP which wasn't expensive.
Using the turret press has got to be faster and have less stuff on the table, casing holders etc, taking up space than a single stage.
I have no doubt a full progressive would be fastest of all presses. I just wasn't going to spend that much for a progressive press.
Last edited by gman51; 12-22-2016 at 12:11 AM.
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I have the Lee Classic Turret. It makes 9mm and .45 ACP much faster than a single stage. I used to make 100 9mm in about 2 hours on a single stage. Now, I make 100 9mm in 40 minutes.
Making rifle rounds isn't so fast, because of case prep. But, once all case prep is done, I can make 100 .223 in 35 minutes.
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12-22-2016, 12:53 AM
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My first press was a hornady lnl ap and I've never looked back. Got a single stage rcbs to set up some day when my man cave is cleaned up.
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12-22-2016, 01:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I use a singe stage Rockchucker. Let's say I wanted to increase my output without going to a progressive. How much does a turret press increase your output over a single stage, all thing considered. i.e. changing calibers and making adjustments as well as better production. Right now I make a few hundred rounds/month.
I'm really looking at progressives, but I'd like to know this before making the 'leap'.
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Back in the days before affordable progressives, a turret made a lot of sense for higher vol shooters. Today. The turret is kind of a Tweener. Yes it is faster than a ss press, but you are still doing the same work to get the same volume; 3-4 handle pulls per finished handgun rd.
A decent progressive allows one pull one loaded rd. Go fast go slow, still doing 1/2-2/3 the work of a turret & for very little addl $$$, considering time & work saved over say just 10yrs of reloading.
A $600 progressive setup cost you $60 over 10yrs, $5 a month, 2gals of gas. I know my time is worth more than that.
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12-22-2016, 01:26 AM
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Plus the additional cost per-caliber. And the price gap between a Lee 4-hole turret and a progressive is still several hundred dollars. I'd rather buy another gun.
It's not like I ever want to make more than a couple boxes of a particular load anyway. Who knows, I might want to adjust it a little for some crazy reason in a couple months.
There's no "best", Fred. There's simply "picking the press that matches your needs, and the time you have to devote to reloading".
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wise_A
Plus the additional cost per-caliber. And the price gap between a Lee 4-hole turret and a progressive is still several hundred dollars. I'd rather buy another gun.
It's not like I ever want to make more than a couple boxes of a particular load anyway. Who knows, I might want to adjust it a little for some crazy reason in a couple months.
There's no "best", Fred. There's simply "picking the press that matches your needs, and the time you have to devote to reloading".
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Agree, just pointing out the salient points. Cost of tools shouldn't really be in the equation when approaching a job. What the tools allow you to do is far more important.
I still use my ss press, but a turret just doesn't have a place on my bench between the ss, 550 & 650. The 550 can be used as an inverted turret should i feel the need to go pull the handle 3000 times + for 1000rds.
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12-22-2016, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Cost of tools shouldn't really be in the equation when approaching a job. What the tools allow you to do is far more important.
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For many of us the cost of some tools is prohibitive. I am in a position now to afford a good progressive, if I really want one. A few years ago, if I had laid out the money for a Dillon progressive, I would have had to quit shooting altogether and save for several years to afford the tools. By the time I got everything together, I'm not sure I would still have been interested in the hobby.
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12-22-2016, 02:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clovishound
For many of us the cost of some tools is prohibitive. I am in a position now to afford a good progressive, if I really want one. A few years ago, if I had laid out the money for a Dillon progressive, I would have had to quit shooting altogether and save for several years to afford the tools. By the time I got everything together, I'm not sure I would still have been interested in the hobby.
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I too was at that point at one time. Money was tight.Shooting was more important than buying (or keeping) another gun. I "ound" a way as we all do if we really want something. I have made a decision now that since I load and shoot quite a few 41 mags...I want a 650 in 41 mag. So I am going to sell a couple guns and buy one. One is a really pretty Taurus 32 H&R revolver and the other is a S&W wonder 9 plastic gun. The guns are ones I don't shoot anywhere near as much so I am making a decision to sell infrequently used guns to buy a machine to have more fun with the 41. And I also know I can change the shellplate out and also load 45 Colt or 44 Special. I load both of them on a Lee CC Turret. That machine is going to go down the road also. It's sale will pay for at least one caliber conversion. . Again...if I want to load those end of the caliber mag loads I will do them on a single stage or on an older AT 500. Where there is a will there is a way. I realized many many years ago ya can't have yer cake and eat it too. And if I want I will just take the case feeder from one machine and fit it on another. I already use one off of one of my 1050s for the 650 223. I really don't agonize over the issues. And hardly ever look back and regret selling something to acquire something I really want. ![Big Grin](https://smith-wessonforum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif) I guess I mean..when our time here is done someone else is going to buy what we have and try having fun with it!! If I only have one gun left(perish the thought) I am going to try to maximize the fun times with it.
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12-22-2016, 02:59 PM
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By nature I am a plinker and occasional shooter. It is rare for me to shoot 500 + rounds a month. I currently reload for 20+ calibers. The cost and set up for a progressive keeps me with being able to pop in a $15 turret, adjust the measure and start cranking. If that is 1500 pulls vs 500 I am OK with that. I believe the cost of tools only matters on work that you bill out, for personal I get by with a fixed amount of fun money adn spend it as I see best.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clovishound
For many of us the cost of some tools is prohibitive. I am in a position now to afford a good progressive, if I really want one. A few years ago, if I had laid out the money for a Dillon progressive, I would have had to quit shooting altogether and save for several years to afford the tools. By the time I got everything together, I'm not sure I would still have been interested in the hobby.
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Possibly for someone that just doesn't shoot a lot then even reloading might mot make sense. If you shoot even 1200rds a year, the cost of even the best progressive is easily amortized over say 10yrs, $1200 / 120 = $10 a month. For those on a fixed income, that isn't difficult, but then the time saved allows you to make or scrounge more $$ too.
My first 550 cost me $250. It paid for itself in less than 4m loading 45colt for CAS. Today that machine is worth $400+. Just saying, too many people put little value on their time & only look at the $$$s. I can always make/scrounge $$$. Time on the other hand is always fleeting.
Another way to look at a progressive is it saves me time reloading so I can spend time doing things like bullet casting. So I "save" even more on my ammo cost. Just saying, reloaders shouldn't get too hung up on equip costs if the equip saves you time.
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If you buy a progressive go to Dillon.
And keep the RCBS for riffle and wildcat loads.
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Save up and get the 550B. You will be very glad you did.
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