If I understand your plan, you only plan to seat the bullet and crimp in the progressive mode ?
No. I also plan on reconditioning my brass (decap/resize, flair); but in a separate operation. So I'll be setting up two toolheads: one for brass recondition; one for loading.
If so, you're only saving one step over a single stage.
Not correct. I will be saving one step on the prep side; and
at least one step on the loading side. But with some of my loads (my competition loads, for instance), I seat/taper crimp/roll crimp. So I'll be saving two steps on those.
So in total, I'll be making two press strokes, instead of five. That's a 60% savings and is thus, significant.
I don't understand the cleaning of brass twice - seems like a lot of wasted effort for zero additional gain to me. Decap the dirty brass with a universal decapping die. Once they are decapped, tumble in SSTL pins, dry and then rock and roll.
I've tried this. Doesn't work for me. First, my uni decap die sends the spent primers literally flying
everywhere (I realize it may not do this with my new press - I'll check it out). So that's a show-stopper by itself. But wait, there's more. . .
Also, after I clean my brass, I don't like handling it. Skin oils tarnish brass (especially mine, for some reason). So I see that as a reason to SS pin tumble as late in the process as possible. Therefore, I SS pin tumble after brass prep is complete. When I load, I use gloves, btw. I also load a lot of lead, so the gloves have a dual purpose about 75% of the time.
Also, the stuff left behind on the inside of the case mouth after firing seems to have something of a lubricating effect during the flairing process. I've SS pin tumbled before flairing, and it doesn't feel right. There seems to be a galling effect when the inside of the case is too clean. So one more reason to SS pin tumble after flairing.
Also, since I SS pin tumble after all the brass prep, I spray lube my cases for resizing. The press stroke effort is so greatly reduced - which can't be a bad thing - that it has become a habit I now consider indispensable. The SS pin tumble cleans off the lube after it's no longer needed.
As far as priming - those that say you can't feel the primer on a progressive either have nerve damage in their hands, or haven't really used a progressive. You can feel the primer seating without a doubt.
Fair enough. I wouldn't know. I've never primed on a progressive. But 31 years of perfection would be foolhardy to throw away. Every primer I have ever seated with my Lee Auto-Prime has worked. Besides, I purchased the BL 550; not the RL 550. The one I got doesn't have the priming hardware.
Charging - not sure why you want to continue to use your uniflow
As already addressed in post #23: "The other part of this, is I'm very pleased with the performance of my 31 year old RCBS Uniflow. Unique - the worst metering propellant I use - varies about 0.15-ish, maybe - maybe - 2/10ths grains at the most. Everything else rarely varies more than a 1/10th. That works for me. And will continue to do so."
And also as addressed in post #15: "I have loading blocks that hold fifty rounds. And in the case of 38/357, I have four of them. So sometimes I powder charge up to 200 rounds at once with my Uniflow. Once they're all charged, I pick up the block and inspect the level of each and every round under strong light. This is a critical quality control point that I will not forsake. I have never had a squib or double charge, and this process is the reason why."
All my processes are thoroughly premeditated. Others are welcome to second-guess them; but I have a logical reason for everything I do, and the way I do it.
Anyway, I have a plan on how I'm going to use my new progressive press. But I've been around long enough to know that things change and nothing remains the same. Who knows how I'm going to use it five years from now
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