Recommendations for a Starter Progressive Press

I know right. I had to keep looking at it and counting dies, thought he had five on there. :what:

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Question on the LEE 1000 Pro.

What dies are used if only three in the head, AND, with the LEE four die set that is sold separately are those the same dies or does the three die set have a die that does two things in the LEE 1000 that compensates for the four die set-if this all makes since :)

Thanks,
Jim
 
I was wondering if the three die set had the combo seat/crimp. If not then I guess I can crimp (Lee FCD) separately.

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I believe on the video he has the expander/charger, RCBS powder check, the seater, and factory crimp. Looks like he sized and decapped in separate process. The press could be used with a three die set with the RCBS powder check. Not familiar with the Lee 1000 components.
 
Rollbar said:
I was wondering if the three die set had the combo seat/crimp. If not then I guess I can crimp (Lee FCD) separately.

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Click to expand...
I wouldn't crimp separately, if anything, I would do what he did and size separate.
 
OK so I can use the Lee 4 die set I have by taking out the FCD. Just not using the powder check die. I can achieve the same thing I'm thinking, if that is I can get the Lee bullet seating die set right to crimp.

Thanks, Jim

P.S. Been watching EBay and the LCTurret's are going for 150-200 bucks - wow.

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Seeing that the market is very bad to even get a new press, let alone be on back order for months or even up to December 2013 of which I have several on B/O (which ever comes in first).

Can I ask a stupid question :eek: :p

Would it be unreasonable to pay 500 bucks for a Hornandy LNL?

I guess if someone wants it bad enough right ?

My son wants to split a press/cost of said press and we still have our RCBS Jr's :)

Thanks,
Jim

P.S. Sorry about all the bouncing around and questions but I'm just trying to get things going-wish I would have gotten bit by the bug before the election ! :rolleyes:
 
$500 for a LNL AP is steep, but given market trends not the worst I have seen. For me I'd hold off at least another month, maybe I'll be wrong but I am predicting a lot of new sales activity come April 15th.

What calibers are you looking to reload, and what volume are you looking to produce? Yeah the Hornady LNL AP will make ammo quickly, but another thing to consider is getting the components to actually feed the thing. If you have the time to fill you shooting needs now with the single stage, I'd stick with that, and wait for the market to settle down some more.
 
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Also, will a Lee PPM work with the LNL set up (I have risers for them) ?

I'm thinking it will since I have the Lee dies already.

Reloading .45/.357/9mm/.223

Ya the April 15th sounds promising but - hummmmmm

Thanks,
Jim



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The Hornady LNL AP should come with a case activated powder measure. Another thing to consider is the promotion. If you buy for a retailer the Hornady LNL has their "Get Loaded" promotion, which you can submit for 500 "Free" bullets *$14.95 S&H.
 
novalty said:
The Hornady LNL AP should come with a case activated powder measure. Another thing to consider is the promotion. If you buy for a retailer the Hornady LNL has their "Get Loaded" promotion, which you can submit for 500 "Free" bullets *$14.95 S&H.
Click to expand...

I'll have to check but I think it is the promotion.

But I still can use the Lee PPM w/the Lee dies on this press from my understanding. What I am trying to say I guess is I can set the different dies needed and use the Lee PPM for that set of dies so I don't have to keep dialing in the powder measure (just tweak it etc).

We will see what happens this week. If my son wants to go for it then we will buy it Friday. :) :p

Thanks,
Jim

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I emailed the guy who is selling this new press and he will provide the receipt needed for the 500 bullet offer.

So Jr has decided that we should get this press-the Hornandy LNL.

I did tell him he will have to learn as I will on the RCBS Jr3.

We will buy tomorrow or Wednesday.

Question, what is a good powder check die for this machine ?

I have Lee Dies / 4 die set.
 
Throwing my usual two cents into the talk:

Rollbar said:
Question on the LEE 1000 Pro.

What dies are used if only three in the head, AND, with the LEE four die set that is sold separately are those the same dies or does the three die set have a die that does two things in the LEE 1000 that compensates for the four die set-if this all makes since :)

Thanks,
Jim
Click to expand...

It's the same dies minus the FCD. I think it's a bugger to set the seating die to crimp at the same time but it can be done, has been done by many for a long time, and there are those that will always do it, but I don't care for it. And they do make four hole turret upgrades for the old three hole turrets.

Rollbar said:
Question, on the LEE 100 Pro can't you just swap out the shell plate or do you have to use this item (shell plate carrier) listed below/link?

Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Shellplate Carrier #2 (45 ACP 308

Thanks,
Jim
Click to expand...

I've run this press on a display but never swapped out calibers on one but I think they are a pain to change out even with that part. Everything seems to be very purpose built for the caliber you are currently loading. And I thought the priming system looked wide open for failure but like I said I only ran some dummy loads through on the display.

Rollbar said:
I was wondering if the three die set had the combo seat/crimp. If not then I guess I can crimp (Lee FCD) separately.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

Yes they do both. Lee's twist top makes it easier really but I still don't like to do both.

Rollbar said:
Also, will a Lee PPM work with the LNL set up (I have risers for them) ?

I'm thinking it will since I have the Lee dies already.

Reloading .45/.357/9mm/.223

Ya the April 15th sounds promising but - hummmmmm

Thanks,
Jim



Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...

I know you can screw it into the top but I'm not sure if there is a case activation for the PPM the way the Pro Auto Disk works and that one only works with the Lee powder through die. IMHO it defeats the purpose of the LNL AP if you have to reach up to drop the powder. And the LNL AP is supposed to come with the powder measure they currently ship with it which is a VERY good powder measure that includes both large and small inserts for two rotating drums that are quick change.

Rollbar said:
I emailed the guy who is selling this new press and he will provide the receipt needed for the 500 bullet offer.

So Jr has decided that we should get this press-the Hornandy LNL.

I did tell him he will have to learn as I will on the RCBS Jr3.

We will buy tomorrow or Wednesday.

Question, what is a good powder check die for this machine ?

I have Lee Dies / 4 die set.
Click to expand...

I'm no longer much of a fan of powder check dies. In pistol loads the RCBS didn't detect the volume enough to tell if you are slightly over or not and unless you are loading a magnum volume they don't detect a low amount unless the case is empty. I was loading 5.5gr of Win 231 in a .45 ACP case and it wento to 6.5gr before it even started to lock up and then the next one didn't even catch it. If I remember right 6.0 is in the +P load for what I was loading so .5gr over that must be in the +P+ range or kaboom range. And it was letting them through with 3.5gr and yes this was following the instructions on setup and even going to YouTube and watching the guy in Ultimate Reloader set his up. The Hornady Powder COP die may be better as you set where the stopper is with a tiny band but it doesn't lock the press if you don't see it. I may have to try that one again to really cast finaly judgement on it.
 
Thank you very much.

I will now have to send all the Lee equipment back since I was heading towards the LCT but now things changed.

We will still load on the RCBS SStage to keep learning and try out the HLNL.

I think you are right to send the powder measure (2) back and just buy one more HLNL Powder measure.

So everything is going back unless someone needs something.

Thanks,
Jim
 
If your kit is the same as mine as it should be it will come with everything to run the press minus the dies. Watch the DVD first that comes with it. It's mostly already put together but the video shows a good overview before you start tinkering.

Two things I will add before you even get started with it:

One, you want one rock solid bench for these types of machines. You don't want the bench top to flex or bow any. You want a square edge so no bull nose edge counter top type benches. Think about how you want to mount it ahead of time. I really like the Inlinefabrciation clone of the Dillon Strong Mount even if it's not cheap. Home Depot and I assume Lowes both sell Grade 8 bolts. Don't risk a cheap skinny bolt for holding your press. I forget but I think the bolts I bought are 5/8" but it tells you what size bolts to use. I just say all this as you may find you want to alter your bench before the press even gets there.

Two, I may have already said this but go to Powderfunnels.com and order their PTX insert. The case activation insert the powder measure comes with works just fine and you can use the die that comes with your sets of dies but this thing is outstanding in that it frees up a station on your press, it's so far been truely universal but I'm not sure if it works for the .17 stuff, and if you load cast it's a great angle for feeding in the lead flat base bullets. Hornady gives you the caliber specific insert with their bullet feeder dies so you can free up a station for the bullet feed die but if you don't want to buy the bullet feed die and instead intend on buying the inserts alone then it will save a lot of money instead of buying all the caliber versions from Hornady. No, you don't really NEED this part but it's really great to have.

Oh, and it will only come with a single primer tube for small and large primers. Save yourself the headache and order some extras and a primer flip tray. The Hornady flip tray you can buy is cheap and cheese but it does work. I really want to buy better that that thing but need to find a better more solid one. I hate saying this but Dillon probably makes a good one.
 
Wow thank you Bob. I will go over this again when I get the press. I also will beef up the bench as well.

Thanks,
Jim. :D

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Well, I am the proud owner (1/2 owner w/my son) of a Hornady LNL press.

Ships March 29th-April 4th 2013 arrival :) :D

Thank you all again, its been a journey and learning experience, but this is where it has landed. Plus all the new parts for the RCBS Single Stage Press-wow, what a week.

Thanks again,
Jim

095100.jpg
 
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Never forget that as fast as you can be making ammo if you ever slip up you will be in shock over how big a pile of bad ammo you just made.

I had to wear out a bullet puller one afternoon after running a couple of hours and not stopping to check the powder the way you are supposed to do... Not my greatest moment.

That being said you will be amazed at this press.
 
Maximumbob54 said:
Never forget that as fast as you can be making ammo if you ever slip up you will be in shock over how big a pile of bad ammo you just made.

I had to wear out a bullet puller one afternoon after running a couple of hours and not stopping to check the powder the way you are supposed to do... Not my greatest moment.

That being said you will be amazed at this press.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I will make it a plan to check every 10 to start then figured it out from there.

Thanks for the tip,
Jim

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I'm going to buy an extra powder dispensing Hornady.

I'm also looking at the Hornady powder check die.

I like the little white band as an indicator' just to see IF it has powder or not/to much but I plan to visual check as well.

Still researching.
Jim

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I may have said this already or not. When I first got mine the priming shuttle would hang up once in a while. It had a rough edge or some small burrs that would cause the shuttle to drag. It was a super easy fix that took minutes to remedy. Priming systems are usually one of the top complaints in progressive presses. This one is easy to change out, easy to swap out the parts, and it was easy to polish up and clean the edges. Yes, it would be great if it was perfect right out of the box but I found it very easy to forgive them when the press itself is so great. When you first start just run one case at a time for a while just to get you started. That way you will easily be able to find any possible hang ups in the press and how it was assembled and your settings for it. Once again, you will be shocked at how smooth it runs. The half indexing on the up and half on the down stroke make this press super smooth compared to the few other similar presses I've tried. And as much as I like Lee stuff I was shocked at how herky jerky the Load Master was. I managed to spill powder from the case I was loading because the shell plate rotates so fast if you aren't careful. You have to be slamming everything around on the LNL AP to do the same mistake. And like anything else if you feel any resistance then it should go without saying to stop and inspect everything. If you feel a case that's having trouble sizing then make sure something isn't wrong like a Berdan case slipped by you, a crimped case that doesn't want to feed in the primer, .45 ACP brass that these days has small primer pockets, and all sorts of things can make you have to call an all stop to the operation. But due to the easy design you can just pull the case in question, set it aside for later inspection, and move on with your loading. You don't have to pull pins, losen screws, or anything else. I messed up a couple of the springs though and only through messing them up did I figure what the heck I was doing wrong. If you are as bad as I am then you might want to order a few extra case retainer springs. They are only a few bucks each at Midway and other places.

I did finally break down and add the case feeder to mine. It's kind of a pain to get set just right and it doesn't strike me as being something that you will ever find quick or easy to change out calibers. It's kind of quirky to get it set just right each time but maybe the more often you do it the better you would get at it. But a small wooden block deactivates it so I can leave it set perfect for .45 ACP cases and be hand feeding in my .223 cases and with a swap of dies and resetting of the powder measure be back to loading .45 ACP with the case feeder running again.

I load 99.99% cast so until someone comes up with a bullet feeder that feeds in cast lead bullets without being a hit or miss operation then I'm avoiding them. I've read that the Hornady bullet feeder can be modified to work but I want a factory option as I'm a little tired of having to heavily modify things to work. Polishing up is one thing but the video I saw looked a little next level for my comfort and if you do it wrong then you just ruined it...
 
I do think when I order the extra powder measure I will order a few extra springs.

Have you tried the powder measure adapter to FINE tune the powder drop ?

I was sizing/de-priming on the RCBS today to get away fro it all and relax. :)

Thanks,
Jim

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Watching the Hornady instructional videos now from their site to get familure with the press.

I will also check out the priming and the pres for rough edges etc and do one case at a time=good tip.

Thanks,
Jim

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Well the FedEx trick just dropped this off. Didn't expect it until June. I even wrote Dillon to cancel the order since Rule3 was sending a Lee beam scale to me. Oh we'll guess I'll keep it. :D

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1364688543.098998.jpg


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:what: :eek: :rolleyes: :p :D

Next I'm looking at two items from InlineFabrication.

One you can probably guess and the other you probably won't :p

I'll keep posting my hording operation :eek:

Just glad the wife doesn't go on these gun forums. :)

Hording operation in full swing !

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Oops sorry did I say hoarder. I meant hor dourves.

You getting that short ergo handle, and some lighting for your LnL AP?
 
Good luck in your endeavor.
Not , by any way my choices,
but I'm happy for you if you are
happy for you.
You may never outgrow them.
Many of a good reloader never have.
 
novalty said:
Oops sorry did I say hoarder. I meant hor dourves.

You getting that short ergo handle, and some lighting for your LnL AP?
Click to expand...

Lighting on the way from Midway USA 15 bucks, bought two.
Still thinking about the ERGO handle but I will wait until the press gets here like I promised.

There is still one thing from Inline Fab but it is on B/O, you will just have to wait and see :p :D

Then I am going to build a buzzer for a no primer in the shout so I won't spill powder. :p

Stand by-:eek: ;)


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