Help with a new press

[*Klutch*]

Guys I'm looking to buy a new press. I currently have a Lee 100 Pro Progressive, I mostly load for 38,357mag,and 380 but who knows what in the future. I like the Lee press but I feel that I always have to make some adjustments to it even while I'm loading I want a good press and would like to stay around $300 if I could I really like the Redding T-7 Turret. I would like to hear what everyones opinions are and also why they like that particular press. Also would I be better with single stage or progressive? I know you guys will come through in fine fashion cause I get more info for reloading than anywhere else.
Thanks
Craig

 

[epj]

First of all, you are already using a progressive. Second, you are loading handgun rounds, which most folks tend to load in quantity. Based on those two assumptions, I think you might be very disappointed with a single stage press, even if it is a turret type. I had a Lyman turret years back. I finally ended up locking the turret in position and using it as a straight single stage. Your problem is your budget. The only progressive that comes close is the Dillon Square Deal. Good presses, but your dies won't work with it and the proprietary dies are expensive. If you might load rifle cartridges in the future, the SD won't do it. The Dillon 550 is up to about $450 now as I recall. It is a manually indexing progressive. One of the most popular presses ever made. My only negative on the 550 is the lack of capability to use a powder check. Hornady's progressive has a pretty good reputation. It is in the same price range as the Dillon 550. The Hornady does have 5 stations, and can use a powder check.

 

[shovelwrench]

What sort of problems are you having with the Pro 1000?

You might find the help here you need to straighten them out.

I have a Load master, which can be finnicky, and come with POOR directions. But, once the quirks are worked out, are great presses, and inexpensive compared to the rest.

 

[mkk41]

I have and love my Dillon 550. Eazy to change over when switching calibers. Don't have any issues with adjustments. My .45 ACP and .38 Special tool heads have been set for years for my favorite bullet and powder charge.

I don't understand the reason behind turret presses.

 

[matsu]

to make max use of your lee dies check out Hornandy lock n load your Lee dies are a little short for Dillion press

 

[Amici]

The biggest difference between the Hornady LNL and the Dillon 550 is that the former is a true progressive (self-indexing).

Also, the LNL moves the case between depriming and repriming; the Dillon does not. That's why the 550's biggest problem is the primer feed getting stuck from all the crud falling onto the slide during DEpriming.

 

[pinkymingeo]

I'd spend a few extra dollars up front for years of better service. Since I personally don't appreciate the concept of a manually indexing progressive, but can appreciate a 5-station press, I wouldn't even consider a 550. SDB's have too many disadvantages. The clear choice for a volume reloader of several calibers is between the LnL and 650. I chose the LnL for the following reasons: 1) quality at least equivalent to Dillon 2) same warranty 3) more modern design 4) easier, cheaper caliber changes 5) radically simpler, faster primer size changes 6) better powder measure 7) lower price, especially with the free bullet deal (I sold mine, making the press cheap as dirt). You'll invest a couple of hundred more than you'd like, but in the long run it'll seem cheap.

 

[H Richard]

Dillon 550. I got one over 25 years ago, and have never outgrown it. The No B.S. warranty is outstanding. Have never had to pay for any part, and it has been very few over 25 years I needed. I use lots of different regular dies with it.

 

[mstuhr]

Lee 1000

Hi Klutch,
If you are having problems with your 1000 chances are you need a stouter bench. The more solid you make them the better they run.
good luck
Mike

 

[oldRoger]

I have a LnL with the upgrade now in place. I have no problems at all, the caliber change over is very quick. I would recommend it to anyone who needs volume.
I have a couple of Lee presses which I use for low volume handgun stuff, and when I want to work up a load. Any maximum or near max. loads are done out of the progressive.

 

[epj]

to make max use of your lee dies check out Hornandy lock n load your Lee dies are a little short for Dillion press

I have been using Lee carbide dies in my 550 exclusively, and in tens of thousands of rounds have had no difficulty regarding sizing.

 

[jrplourde]

The biggest difference between the Hornady LNL and the Dillon 550 is that the former is a true progressive (self-indexing).

Also, the LNL moves the case between depriming and repriming; the Dillon does not. That's why the 550's biggest problem is the primer feed getting stuck from all the crud falling onto the slide during DEpriming.

I have the Dillon 550 just bought recently and I have to say it's the nuts. My earlier thoughts about manual index was that it's not a progressive but not so. With the manual index if something goes wrong you are not stuck with indexing the remainder to clear the press. If I question whether the primer seating is right I can remove the shell and check it before indexing. I couldn't with the Lee 1000. Also I can index at a speed that I can check the powder drop more accurately.

The LNL does have a spring holding the shell that allows you to inspect at will and I will have to watch for the depriming crud. Good point.

Any of the presses in this catagory are good investments and may be more than $300 but it sure beats the cheap stuff which are cheap for a reason. Besides, I can use my 550 as a single stage if I want to. I like (love) the flexibility.

Bob