whats the best progressive press?

Ya ever notice that when people talk about progressive presses Dillon seems to be the brand that every other make is compared to? Brand X has a little better priming set up than the Dillon. Brand Y is less expensive than a Dillon. Brand Z has just as good customer support as Dillon. I still use an old Dillon 450 and I have to admit I occasionally find myself thinking about the Hornady LNL. There are things about it that seem very well thought out to me. However if the new generation of presses are getting good it’s because Dillon set the bar so high. How many remember the old inline progressives?
 
OK Im going to break the chain of thought here...I don't think the Dillon is a good chice for a beginner. Sorry. Don't get me wrong I own a Dillon and plan on buying another, but... for a beginner I really believe you are best off with a single stage press (Lee Aniversary kit). Buy it load 1,000-5,000 rounds, get you head around everything then go for a progressive. I believe you will learn more an better, as trying to concerntrate on 4 things at once with a progressive is a bit too much for a learner. But as for a progressive, Dillon gets my vote. Love my 650.

If a newb wants a progressive, the 550B is about perfect. It can easily be run turret syel, one round at a time until you learn the process. Then you can start using it at anytime to load upto 500rds/hr, not that diff if you are coord & organized. Then you don't have to buy one later. Although, IMO, there is always a need for a good SS press. I load on a 550B & 650 & still use my SS press often.
 
The "best" progressive press is without question the Dillon 1050.

However, it is not necessarily the best choice for everyone.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top