Which Press?

[Rule3]

As always, these threads will go round and round add nausea. (no pun intended)

It all depends on who many rounds and how many calibers before one can determine what kind of press let alone what brand.

Also add into the equation how much money and how much space you have.

Only the OP can determine that.

Which Dillon is right for you? Well the ones they advertise do not really cost that much as there are so many options on there it's a lot more. How about dies, a scale, a manual components??

When you bought your first car or one for your kids did you by a BMW or Lexus?? Probably not.

By a reasonable press like a RCBS or LEE. See if you like it then move on. Spend $200+ and start loading, rather than debating it. You can always use it or sell it.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit

 

[deadear dan]

My old redding 6 stage turret press keeps humming along.

 

[Harrison]

My Dillon 550 turned 20 yo a couple of months ago. It has loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds in that time and is still chugging along. The 550 is not the fastest of Mr. Dillon's progressive, but it is probably the simplest and most reliable.

How can I trust it? Well after 20 years of loading ammo that has never had a Kaboom, I trust it. I use the same powders, (231/hp38, WST, Bullseye, Universal and 2400) and from checking over the years I know the measure will always throw +/- .1gr. I don't try to throw unique or stick powders, for pistol loads. So far as weighing every charge, well most scales, at best, are only accurate to +/- .1 gr, digital scales are often worse. If your measure won't throw one of the ball pistol powders that accurately than you need to either find a better measure, or refine your technique. If you really like weighing every charge, that is your privilege. Go for it.

 

[blujax01]

x2. I don't think this recommendation "derailed the discussion". Even if you shoot a lot, IMHO it's best to start with a single-stage press. After all, didn't most of us (us older guys anyway) learn the basics of shooting with a single-shot 22 rifle? Learning to handload on a progressive to me is like learning to shoot with a machine gun instead of a 22. Learn the basics, correctly, then worry about volume/speed. You might even find, like lebomm & myself, that you don't really need a high-volume progressive after all.

My father did make me learn to drive a car with a clutch before he let me drive the Rambler American with the automatic (because "that's how it's done") but that was in 1969. I did not require my daughter to learn a stick in 2003. Most folks don't.

I'm 58. I didn't start shooting with a single shot anything. My first experience was with a S&W M36. The second? Colt Model 1911 caliber 45.

My first press was a Dillon 650. I recently added a Hornady LnL Single stage for loading my 45/70. And also my 25 ACP because Dillon doesn't go that small.

Anyone with an attention span longer than that of the average 16 year-old can safely and properly run a progressive press. They are simply not that hard to figure out.

 

[Rule3]

Perhaps on the progressive press, so no, I would not recommend a progressive by Lee. but that particular brand has got more people reloading than all the others combined.
I also do not think your description of his business model is fair. No need to insult a family owned US company that has done a lot for the reloading hobby. No it's not overbuilt top of the line but no need to bash it.

The product works, does not cost a fortune and will produce ammo as good or better than the high prices units,

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/288126-will-bring-tears-smurfs-eyes.html

 

[blujax01]

Perhaps on the progressive press, so no, I would not recommend a progressive by Lee. but that particular brand has got more people reloading than all the others combined.
I also do not think your description of his business model is fair. No need to insult a family owned US company that has done a lot for the reloading hobby. ...

Although Mr. Lee will agree (as he states in Modern Reloading) that most of his competitors gear is over engineered, over built and overpriced, I agree completely that I did go over the top a bit.

I apologize.

I do get a little piqued at those who run Lee Progressives and use that experience as a benchmark when they say new reloaders should not attempt to use a progressive press. If the reloader has reliable machine, whether the press is single stage or progressive is of little import.

Thank you for the gentle nudge. I will mind my manners. Post appropriately edited.

 

[Rule3]

Forget those wimpy DILLON machines Get a real press. the Hornady Ammo Plant. Also available in 220V!!

Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Reloading :: Metallic Reloading :: Presses and Kits :: Reloading Press Kits :: Lock-N-Load® Ammo Plant 110 VT

Notice the Lock and Load was copied from the LEE Breech lock system

 

[Engineer1911]

Quote: [Scooter123 Sometimes I really envy you guys who can trust your progressives without question and load all that ammo in such a short time. But when you start bragging too much I'll ask you how you can be absolutely certain you aren't throwing an occasional heavy charge if you don't tray up all your charged cases and inspect them visibly.]

I believe the simpliest test is chamber a round and squeeze the target. I buy guns to shoot, not agconize over cleanliness, 0.00000x accuracy, or perfection. Shooting is a hobby not a religion. I reload ammo and cast bullets so I can SHOOT. My Dillon 450 upgraded to 550 has reloaded enough ammunition to successful wear out 3 barrels (TC 222 Rem, S&W 1500 222 Rem, and Rem 700 rebarreled 25-06 stainless heavy barrel). I also wore out the hammer and sear on a S&W M52.

I load bulk reloaded ammo into 50 round plastic trays and check for properly seated primers. My last serious reloading session was 6,000 rounds of 45 ACP. I thought I was going to prepare myself to go to Camp Perry for the Bullseye matches. I'm glad I didn't because of the rain.

Please, don't get me started on primer pockets. Is it there, well seat a new primer.

 

[novalty]

Kanewpadle, what caliber(s) are you looking to start reloading, and how much do you shoot that caliber(s)? Then the next question is how much is you budget looking like?

Then if you are like me you check around, and then find a yard sale with reloading equipment, and shazam there is your first press.

Try to identify what you want/need for a press, single stage or progressive based on budget and time available for reloading. Then research some presses that meet your criteria, then search your local sale ads, Craigslist, etc. That way you have an idea of price when you see stuff for sale.

Christmas is just around the corner, and people will be selling off stuff they don't use/need. Be a good time to find someone selling the reloading equipment they thought they needed 6 months ago, that has sat in the box since they brought it home.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Anyone with an attention span longer than that of the average 16 year-old can safely and properly run a progressive press. They are simply not that hard to figure out.

Completely agree! Started with a cheap Lee press, loaded about 20 rounds then bought a Dillon 650. Great press couldn't be happier and had no prior taste of kool-aid.

I just don't have hours upon hours to sit at a bench and load with a single stage.

 

[Moonman]

Listen to what Rule3 has said.

You can go to Brian Enos/Dillon site and he has an explanation of WHICH DILLON FOR YOU.

It has breakdowns on How Much and What you shoot per month to make a choice.

Some folks around here are serious competitive shooters and may reload 50,000 rounds a year for matches and practice.

50,000 rounds a year IS NOT CHEAP even if you do reload.

I load with RED, BLUE and GREEN Stuff Single-Stage, Progressive, Semi-Progressive.

One of the points about Dillon's are that resale prices can be 80-90% of the New Price.

NOT EVERYONE will find reloading to be comforting and rewarding, their attention span is not long enough.

You MUST STAY ALERT AND ATTENTIVE.

Don't RUSH, Do Your Homework, AND BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF IN YOUR ANSWERS.

 

[Duster340]

I agree with this advice , but would change one thing.

Hornady!



I own (and recommend) one Hornady LNL Classic press and two Hornady LNL AP presses.

Mopar...lol

 

[forestswin]

Kanew - I've been following these "which press" threads for awhile - and I think that unless money is of no concern then this is a needs and wants question along with spreadsheet/cost comparison study. All the follow-up questions and valid points members have given here - need to be answered to your satisfaction. That should narrow down the choices.

Dillon, Lee, RCBS, Hornady and Redding are all good and they each have distinct advantages over the others.

I'm a single stage guy and eventually will get a progressive but for me - cost will play a big factor - and it may end up - that over the long run a Mercedes may be cheaper than a Volkswagon

bluejax
now wait a minute - it was a turret guy who first left the "interested in a progressive press" guideline - not a single stage guy - and scooter first gave his opinion on a progressive before he prudently offered other important considerations

AND while Kanew's "interested in a progressive press" suggests that's the way he wants to go - the title of the thread is "Which Press" so us single stage guys have standing here.

 

[forestswin]

....
I believe the simpliest test is chamber a round and squeeze the target. I buy guns to shoot, not agconize over cleanliness, 0.00000x accuracy, or perfection. Shooting is a hobby not a religion. I reload ammo and cast bullets so I can SHOOT. My Dillon 450 upgraded to 550 has reloaded enough ammunition to successful wear out 3 barrels (TC 222 Rem, S&W 1500 222 Rem, and Rem 700 rebarreled 25-06 stainless heavy barrel). I also wore out the hammer and sear on a S&W M52.

I load bulk reloaded ammo into 50 round plastic trays and check for properly seated primers. My last serious reloading session was 6,000 rounds of 45 ACP. I thought I was going to prepare myself to go to Camp Perry for the Bullseye matches. I'm glad I didn't because of the rain.

Please, don't get me started on primer pockets. Is it there, well seat a new primer.

For enjoyment some like NFL on a big screen with a crowd and some like sitting in the backyard with an earpiece plugged into a transistor radio listening to a ML baseball game and some like both.

 

[Rule3]

For enjoyment some like NFL on a big screen with a crowd and some like sitting in the backyard with an earpiece plugged into a transistor radio listening to a ML baseball game and some like both.

True, but I still am not cleaning primer pockets let alone uniforming them.

I just loaded 50 rounds of 308 and didn't even clean the brass!

 

[forestswin]

True, but I still am not cleaning primer pockets let alone uniforming them.

I just loaded 50 rounds of 308 and didn't even clean the brass!

My favorite piece a reloading equipment is my Hornady Cam Lock Case Trimmer
But thinking back, I think the lathe was broke during the time when I had metal shop in junior high school so I was deprived.

Is this what they call "off topic"

 

[fredj338]

Personally, I would start with a progressive press and I would make sure the one I bought auto-indexed (the cases rotate with the action of the lever.) Since an auto-progressive press automatically circulates the cases through the stages, the chance of a missed powder charge or double charge is nearly impossible.

I started with a Hornady Lock N Load AP and I like it quite a bit. I reload 500 - 1000 rounds at a time. The Dillon 650 is another press worth looking at, the Dillon 550 is a step below the Hornady LNL AP as far as features go.

Honestly reloading ammo is not rocket science and there aren't any really "bad" presses out there. Personally I would steer away from LEE since they seem to cater to the value minded reloader. That being said, the LEE universal decapping die and their line of Factory Crimp Dies are great.

Chris

The misconception that an auto indexing press is near fool proof has KB a lot of guns. It's actually quite easy to get a squib, doubles a lot harder, but not impossible. I all comes down to the operator. It's nearly impossible to double or squib on a 550 if you pay attention & have proper technique, not unlike an auto indexing press.
LFCD, why? A solution to a none existent problem IMO. Many fo us managed for decades w/o one so why now? No, use good dies, set them up properly, the LFCD is just not needed, in handgun at least. WHy anyone cimps a rifle round, but for a few exceptions, haven't really figure that one out either. We won;t even get into the LNLAP.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Gentlemen, thank you one and all.

For arguments sake I am a beginner. I used to help my father reload when I was a kid. He used and still does use an old Lee H press. Slow and methodical. But I will agree accurate and sure. And like some here he's been reloading for 50 years.

I know nothing about progressives except that when set up properly you can load more in less time. That's what appeals to me.

I don't shoot as often and I used to. Maybe 100 rounds per gun/caliber per session.

Later I would like to reload rifle calibers but by then my dad will probably give me his H press. And he has all the dies I'll ever need.

Right now I am mainly interested in reloading 45ACP.

 

[*chris*]

The misconception that an auto indexing press is near fool proof has KB a lot of guns. It's actually quite easy to get a squib, doubles a lot harder, but not impossible. I all comes down to the operator. It's nearly impossible to double or squib on a 550 if you pay attention & have proper technique, not unlike an auto indexing press.
LFCD, why? A solution to a none existent problem IMO. Many fo us managed for decades w/o one so why now? No, use good dies, set them up properly, the LFCD is just not needed, in handgun at least. WHy anyone cimps a rifle round, but for a few exceptions, haven't really figure that one out either. We won;t even get into the LNLAP.

Wow, where to start? We can agree to disagree that squibs and double charges are more likely on a manually indexing press. Think about it, with a progressive press, if you don't charge the case, a bullet will not be seated and a spent primer will not be driven out. It HAS to index since the operator does not control the indexing and the next cycle will jam the press.

Regarding the LEE FCD, just recently I had a few hundred 45ACP rounds that chambered well in my 1911s and were very consistent and accurate. Guess what, I just bought a S&W 625 and the rounds would not chamber due to not enough crimp. The LEE FCD easily salvaged all those rounds and I was able to apply more taper crimp to chamber in the revolver, which is known for undersized chambers.

As I said earlier. the LNL AP is a great press as are all the others in the market.

Chris

 

[Bkreutz]

Gentlemen, thank you one and all.

For arguments sake I am a beginner. I used to help my father reload when I was a kid. He used and still does use an old Lee H press. Slow and methodical. But I will agree accurate and sure. And like some here he's been reloading for 50 years.

I know nothing about progressives except that when set up properly you can load more in less time. That's what appeals to me.

I don't shoot as often and I used to. Maybe 100 rounds per gun/caliber per session.

Later I would like to reload rifle calibers but by then my dad will probably give me his H press. And he has all the dies I'll ever need.

Right now I am mainly interested in reloading 45ACP.

If you're only going to do pistol calibers I'd suggest the Dillon Square Deal B, I thought about it hard when I was in the market for a progressive but I wanted the capability of loading 5.56 in large quantities as well so I went with the 650. The nice thing about the SD is that it's significantly cheaper than the other Dillon presses and it's already set up when you receive it, just put powder and primers in, adjust the powder meter and go to town. The down side is they don't use standard reloading dies so if you decide to load a different pistol caliber you have to get the conversion from them. (which isn't a bad deal, they make excellent dies). My main reason for a progressive is time as well, I'd rather be shooting than reloading. I spend more time separating, inspecting, and cleaning brass than I do reloading. All the modern presses (no matter the brand) are very reliable and you'll be satisfied with any of them (even if I'm prejudiced toward the color blue).