Looking for 1st reloading press

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Blowncar

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Looking to get started on reloading. Looking at getting a progressive press as I'd like to do a bunch at once whenever I sit down. I have RCBS dies for 35 Whelen and will be getting additional dies to load 41mag, 44spec, 44 mag and 45 auto. I see Lee progressive 1000's going for about $225 to start. I don't need to cheap out but I doubt I need the most expensive unit either. What would be good options?

thanks
 
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Dillon 550! Forget the Lee Pro 1000. Very very finicky and the Dillon you will have for life. I have 2 Dillon 1050's and a 550. I still load the most calibers on my 550.

G
 
I'll go against the trend and say get a good single stage first as a beginner. It will likely be easier to understand, execute, and troubleshoot each step of the process on a single stage. YMMV
 
You can't beat a Hornady LNL AP Press. If you can, try other presses your friends may have. After trying my brother's Dillon and the Hornady, I decided I liked the feel of the Hornady much better. Most auto progressive presses accept other manufacturers dies. I use a combination of Lee and Redding dies.
 
If you are reloading more than 200 rounds a week just buy a progressive press and be done with it. Several hundred rounds a week can be handled just fine with a $150 single stage like a Lee Classic Cast. I shoot about 100 rounds a week and don't have any need for a progressive press. If you are set on a progressive a $600 press seems like a lot of money without having any reloading experience. If it were me I would opt for something less expensive.
 
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OP you mention 4 pistol and 1 rifle caliber, but you don't mention volume. Here's the rub: Unless you are doing >=1k batches, using a progressive and rotating 5 caliber changes is going to cause setup/changeover time to kill you.

You can cut down changeover time by purchasing redundant equipment and leaving it set up . . . the exact parts vary depending on which progressive press you buy . . . but the added cost will then be significant.

The main progressives recommended are the Dillon 550 (4-hole, manual index), and the Dillon 650 and Hornady LnL AP (5-hole, auto index presses). There's not much talk about the Lee and RCBS progressive presses . . . take that for what it's worth.

So if you are doing small batches (couple 100), lots of changeovers, have limited time, and have some budget concerns . . . a turret press like the Lee is probably the best overall choice. Extra turrets are really cheap leaving your dies set up; the press can be used as a turret or a single stage.

If rifle precision drives you, then consider a good single stage, see how things develop, and jump into the more expensive progressives once you are sure they (and reloading) are right for you.
 
Blowncar.

You could supply a little more info such as # of rounds in each caliber per week/month.

Really everyone NEEDS a SINGLE STAGE PRESS at some point.

Some start out with one, some have a PROGRESSIVE and a S.S. to start with, others purchase a SINGLE STAGE KIT.


The S.S. Kit offers a batch of the manufacturers equipment in a package deal.

The problem with a KIT IMHO is that you end up with some items that are not the best or things you end up replacing.

You'll NEED, Reloading Manuals, 6" Calipers a MICROMETER is also nice (YouTube/Google for how to read one),

Scale either a Beam/Balance or a Digital. (You should purchase a set of CHECK WEIGHTS also to verify the scale),


Solid Bench to work/reload on, Powder Measure, possibly a TRICKLE MEASURE also, Dies, Powder, Cases, Projectiles,

Different Primers (Rifle, Pistol, Small, Large, Magnum, or even all of them).

Lots to purchase, lots to READ/READ/READ.


ABC's of Reloading is good, The Lyman and Speer manual along with the Hornady one will keep you busy for a bit.


Get yourself some SAFETY GLASSES as Primers are EXPLOSIVE!


It helps if you can find a MENTOR for your initial reloading experiences.

The NRA even has INSTRUCTORS that hold classes in reloading, but you may have to travel a ways to one.

Sometimes places like Cabela's offer classes.


GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, and keep it by the DOORWAY and NOT THE BENCH.


If an accident were to occur, get out, you can grab the extinguisher at the doorway to fight a fire.

If the extinguisher were by the bench it may not have been in the best location to reach it.


Keep your bench area clean, wash your hands or wear Nitrile/Latex gloves.

For revolvers you can check the reloaded cartridge with a cartridge gage, for semi-autos

TAKE THE BARREL OUT OF YOURS, and learn how to do "THE PLUNK TEST."

It's probably best to learn to load handguns first, rifle loading is more difficult AND DANGEROUS in my opinion compared to handguns.
 
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I started on a used Lyman spartan single stage. With multiple calibers you get experience adjusting your dies every time you change, and that's a good thing.
If I was starting out again I'd buy a Lee classic turret. It can be ran as a single stage to learn on and then a turret to speed things up. You may find it's all you need if your loading 500 rounds or so a month.
 
+1 on starting with a Lee Classic turret. I have one, and love it. I can remove the indexing shaft and use it in single mode. Only takes a few seconds to remove or reinstall the shaft. In continuous it acts a little like a progressive. The big difference is you are still only doing one operation at a pull. You can concentrate on what it happening with that pull. Once you get some experience reloading, you will likely be in a better position to decide what you want.

The turret can be had for around $100 online. You will probably find a use for it after you move to a progressive.
 
Apprentice Period?

I generally hesitate to recommend a progressive press to anyone who has no reloading experience. With a progressive, multiple things are happening simultaneously and you must understand what can go wrong at each stage that can get you into trouble. With a progressive, you must learn everything at once.

Ideally, if you have a friend who has a progressive, ask him to assist you in properly setting up each station of the press. You must also have a foolproof method of insuring against a double charge, which can happen if you become pre-occupied with a problem at another station and forget to realize that that second pump of the handle without advancing the shells resulted in a double charge being thrown.

And, welcome to the reloading fraternity.
 
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Forget the single stage press and go directly to the Dillon 550B.

For the beginning reloader, the Dillon 550B can be used as a single stage press until he's comfortable with the reloading process. Then he can gradually move into the progressive capabilities of the Dillon 550B.

The amount of rounds loaded at one time is irrelevant. The 550B can load one round or 300 rounds. The reloading process can be started or stopped at any point. I sometimes resize and prime, then come back at a later time and finish loading.

The Dillon 550B is the best press for a beginner.
 
monroe said:
I'll go against the trend and say get a good single stage first as a beginner. It will likely be easier to understand, execute, and troubleshoot each step of the process on a single stage. YMMV
Click to expand...

Oh gag! Why do you cave men come out everytime a noob wants advise on a press?
 
I was given a Lee 1000 progressive years ago. It is finicky but does work. It only does pistol cartridges, but changing over to another caliber is not too onerous unless you change primer sizes as well. I also have a Dillon Square Deal. It also only does pistol ammo, but it is a lot more reliable and less prone to problems. Unlike the Lee, which uses standard dies, the Square Deal uses proprietary dies. My solution has been to keep the Lee set up for .38 special and the Dillon for .45 ACP.

I still use the old Lyman Spar-T turret press I started with a half century ago for most everything else.
 
dla said:
Oh gag! Why do you cave men come out everytime a noob wants advise on a press?
Click to expand...

Don't think that was quite necessary. Everyone's situation is different. I started on a single stage, and could keep up with my shooting demands and learn what loads worked well in my guns with my RCBS RCII, I have now added a Dillon 550 to my bench, but I don't go bad mouthing any other press.

Blowncar, what is your budget looking like to get set up for reloading, and how much do you shoot and how frequently do you shoot those calibers currently?
 
Blowncar said:
Looking to get started on reloading. Looking at getting a progressive press as I'd like to do a bunch at once whenever I sit down. I have RCBS dies for 35 Whelen and will be getting additional dies to load 41mag, 44spec, 44 mag and 45 auto. I see Lee progressive 1000's going for about $225 to start. I don't need to cheap out but I doubt I need the most expensive unit either. What would be good options?

thanks
Click to expand...

Very pleased with Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Press. Solid, extremely well made. Excellent directions. Not at all hard to set up. Runs well. Easy to change calibers. Also at this time Hornady offers a nice bullet rebate. When my wife gave me my LnL for Christmas, along w/ dies, etc., ended up qualifying for 700 .30 cal. bullets, which in my area would run at least $27/box... nice!
 
This reminds me of my - "Tired of messing with a gas string trimmer, which battery operated trimmer do you recommend" - thread I put up in the lounge. Over half of the responses were telling me how I "needed" to use the gas trimmer and gave tips on tuning it.:rolleyes:

The OP's question is not which type of press to buy, rather that he has decided on a progressive and wants to know which one others recommend.

Everything in me screams DO NOT BUY THE LEE.

Beyond that, they're all good.

My personal preference is the Dillon XL650.

Out.:cool:
 
blujax01 said:
This reminds me of my - "Tired of messing with a gas string trimmer, which battery operated trimmer do you recommend" - thread I put up in the lounge. Over half of the responses were telling me how I "needed" to use the gas trimmer and gave tips on tuning it.:rolleyes:

The OP's question is not which type of press to buy, rather that he has decided on a progressive and wants to know which one others recommend.

Everything in me screams DO NOT BUY THE LEE.

Beyond that, they're all good.

My personal preference is the Dillon XL650.

Out.:cool:
Click to expand...

String trimmers, you mean Dillon does not make one?

Kinda reminds me of every thread on what press to buy should always be a Dillon.:D Always buy the best, most expensive no matter what.

Buying a string trimmer? then you should always buy the best, get a Stihl. If you must settle get and Echo,

So what's the difference?;):p;)

For the OP, No do not get the LEE progressive.
 
Forster Coax for Rifle Rounds
Dillon 550 for pistol
Low volume everything compromise is Redding T7 turret

If you have to pick just one....Go with the Dillon and you will thank us later.
 
JBnTx said:
Forget the single stage press and go directly to the Dillon 550B.

For the beginning reloader, the Dillon 550B can be used as a single stage press until he's comfortable with the reloading process. Then he can gradually move into the progressive capabilities of the Dillon 550B.

The amount of rounds loaded at one time is irrelevant. The 550B can load one round or 300 rounds. The reloading process can be started or stopped at any point. I sometimes resize and prime, then come back at a later time and finish loading.

The Dillon 550B is the best press for a beginner.
Click to expand...


I've been reloading for 20+ years and absolutely agree with this advice.

A Dillon 550 is basically a turret press that is capable of operating very efficiently if and when the user chooses to operate it that way. You can use as many or as few of the automated "assists" that you like (such as powder dispenser, etc). You can load one round at a time and advance that one case around the turret, just like any other turret press, if you so choose.

If you are intimidated by this prospect, I urge you to connect with someone locally who owns a 550, and you can see this in person. Ask them to load a single round at a time, you'll get the idea.

If you decide on buying a single stage press, that's OK, but I would urge you to buy a used single stage, or get the least expensive Lee press out there. My Rockchucker sits unused 90% of the time (no it's not for sale :)) since I bought my Dillon 550.

Lou
 
I don't usually get into these "which (insert product here) do you prefer" threads because everyone just tells you to get what they use, even if they've never used anything else.

But there are a couple statements above I'd like to comment on.

"Do not buy the Lee"
I own a lot of Lee products, their products do work, but there isn't one thing they make that I'd recommend over any other brand. In fact, some of their products are so poorly designed or manufactured that they are best avoided, regardless of how cheap they are.

"There's not much talk about...RCBS progressive presses . . . take that for what it's worth."
I do use an older model RCBS progressive press and have absolutely no complaints. I think the reason they are not as popular is because they don't make ammunition as fast or as effortlessly than the more popular brands. It seems that most people that use progressives just want to make ammo and get it done with, and the more the machine can do, and do quickly, the better it is. RCBS's presses seem to be well made, but they won't win you any production rate or quantity bets.

Good luck.
 
Wow, this is why I love this site, thanks.

I plan on shooting on average about 150-200 rounds a week, mostly 44 spec and 45 auto.

I have a good bench for reloading and a 100# + steel table bolted to the floor for the press itself.

I can afford the Dillon upfront but would have to wait a month or so to collect everything else (4 dies, primers, powder etc).

I'm a little OCD about my hobbies, I like to buy the best part/item I can afford even if it is more than my current needs require.

Just moved to Idaho and don't know any local reloaders, yet.
I will be going to a private range I joined so I figure I will start meeting some soon.

I like the idea of taking a reloading class and will look into it; as well as buying a good book or two.

Appreciate the safety tips too.
 
Blowncar said:
Wow, this is why I love this site, thanks.

I plan on shooting on average about 150-200 rounds a week, mostly 44 spec and 45 auto.

I have a good bench for reloading and a 100# + steel table bolted to the floor for the press itself.

I can afford the Dillon upfront but would have to wait a month or so to collect everything else (4 dies, primers, powder etc).

I'm a little OCD about my hobbies, I like to buy the best part/item I can afford even if it is more than my current needs require.

Just moved to Idaho and don't know any local reloaders, yet.
I will be going to a private range I joined so I figure I will start meeting some soon.

I like the idea of taking a reloading class and will look into it; as well as buying a good book or two.

Appreciate the safety tips too.
Click to expand...

Just don't forget to factor in all the ADDITIONAL costs with a progressive. Caliber conversion items will cost a bunch.

Thee price show on the catalog is not the price of the item shown!

Factor in how much ammo you REALLY need. 150-200 rounds per week? Does that warrant the price of a progressive? How much time do you have to devote to reloading?

You can produce almost that much in a hour on a single stage and definitely on a turret press.

There is a Dillon "mindset" on this forum. Lots of Kool Aid drinkers. Certainly the Dillon is an excellent machine but there is nothing wrong with the Hornady or RCBS. Some do not like the RCBS primer strip system but it works and their warranty is as good or better than Dillon.
You may find on other reloading sites that the other brands are liked equally as well. Even the LEE works but requires more fussing with.

Just things to think about.
 
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I think the Dillon was designed for people who are very mechanical and for those who are not. I did use a single stage for years, but had no trouble with the 550 and I have almost no mechanical aptitude.

It is not a true progressive, as you have to rotate it manually and that makes it a lot easier to correct mistakes should you make any
 
I've been reloading for 40+ years and started with an RCBS RockChucker. I loaded thousands of rounds on it and even took on a 4,000-round .38 Special project for a local police department that waited too long to place its order for its annual officer qualifications with its usual supplier. I loaded those 80 boxes during evenings and weekends with that one single-stage loader and one loading block! No, I would never do that again, just in case anyone is tempted to ask. I was a lot younger and dumber then.

And I started loading shotshells on a single-stage MEC 700. I loaded who-knows-how-many cases of trap loads on that thing before I caved in and bought a progressive MEC Grabber. That took a little adjusting-to but after just a few boxes, it became second nature and I would never go back to a single-stage for anything involving volume. In fact, my current shotshell loader is a MEC 9000E progressive that is even electrically operated. I still load my rifle ammo on a RockChucker Supreme but I'm anal about accuracy and like to clean my brass after it is neck-sized. That's clumsy to do with a progressive.

Last fall, I started shooting my handguns a lot more and began the shopping project for a progressive loader. I didn't drink any blue Kool-Aid; rather, I visited shops that had various brands mounted on a bench for customers to try. Long story shortened a little, I bought a Dillon XL650.

Remember that buying a loader is like buying anything else - if you start out small, you'll spend a lot more moving up to what you will agree that you should have bought at the outset. Many progressives can be operated as a single-stage until you get the hang of the machine - that's what I did with that first Grabber. The key is that they do not drop powder if no case is present. If they lack that feature, run - don't walk - away from them.

Maybe the best advice is to buy a cheap, used single-stage and use it until you are comfortable with the hobby. Then move up to what should be your last loader purchase.

Ed
 
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Stay clear of the Lee progressives. I have Dillon (550 & 650), but have heard good things about the newer Hornady progressives. If you stick with these two brands of progressives you will be a happy camper. If you want a single stage press, any of the major brands, i.e. Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Redding, Hornady, etc. will be fine. Stay away from foreign junk, like Smart Reloader.
 
Rule3 said:
String trimmers, you mean Dillon does not make one?

Kinda reminds me of every thread on what press to buy should always be a Dillon.:D Always buy the best, most expensive no matter what.

Buying a string trimmer? then you should always buy the best, get a Stihl. If you must settle get and Echo,

So what's the difference?;):p;)

For the OP, No do not get the LEE progressive.
Click to expand...

Mi Amigo, you need new glasses. My reference to the string trimmer thread is the fact that I was looking for advice on BATTERY OPERATED string trimmers, not how I should prefer the gas trimmer.

Similarly, the OP was asking for advice on which progressive to buy, not whether he should buy progressive, or single stage.

And note that in my comments on progressive presses, I did say "...BEYOND THAT, THEY'RE ALL GOOD. My preference is the Dillon."

Or has it reached the point where the very mention of the "D" word brings out the "here they go again" comments from the haters?

I don't know, I've been reading between the lines on this forum all week and getting the feeling that everyone is on edge.

Maybe it's something in the water...:confused:
 
I plan on shooting on average about 150-200 rounds a week, mostly 44 spec and 45 auto.
Click to expand...

Well, it's your money. That isn't enough reloading to justify a progressive press IMO. Idaho? If you reload for a rifle or think you might down the road, best be checking out how those progressives handle those.
 
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IMO, a common mistake is to focus too much on the initial cost of the press. The cost of the press is insignificant compared to the cost of dies, bullets, powder, primers, scales, and all the other tools you end up buying.

I have a Hornady LNL-AP, the money saved by loading vs buying manufactured ammo paid for the press in less than a year.
 
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