Press recommendation

[CDR_Glock]

CDR Glock, that's a nice setup you have...looks very similar to my rod wrapping room which is about to become the reloading room. There are so many variables involved in the craft of reloading I can see many additions on the horizon.

Thanks. I wanted my setup for convenience. That is what I am afforded with this for my time.

I was about to buy the Mark VII automated press but then I probably won’t break even for a while (2 years) since I only shoot 1000 rounds of 9 mm a month.

My first 3 presses were automatics, though: a Dillon 550 for 357/38, a 550 for 45 ACP, and my best friend gave me his 450 for the 44 Magnum I purchased from him.

When I expanded my collection into other calibers, I ended up getting three more.

The 550 would help the OP the best since it’s cost effective, can be interchanged with calibers easily, and he has time as a retiree. I like the ability to stop my process if something goes wrong, which is what manual indexes allows me such as finding a steel case of 9 mm, getting a federal brass that uses small primers instead of large pistol primers or a 38 brass finding its way into my 357 pile of brass.



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[MDF4J]

Having watched a countless number of videos and reading reviews it finally dawned on me that there is no perfect setup and each machine comes with its own personality. My wife has often reminded me that I tend to over engineer / research before I make a decision but that's just the way I was trained... and, when dealing with a product that could have an adverse effect on life or limb you can't learn too much. I've narrowed down to Dillon 550B or the Lee Pro 1000. I know, the Dillon is manual indexing but I like all the features and accessories that are available. I've noticed that in many of the videos the reloading rooms have multiple presses and I can see me doing the same. I also like the Dillon tool head setup and the ease of changing calibers with the specific powder loader. The Lee definitely has a good rep' and isn't as costly so I'll probably end with both on the bench. A big Thank You to all, you have definitely helped.

 

[FITASC]

The thing that concerns me about the progressive is that it becomes a matter of routine and forbid the thought that I could possibly double up on a powder load...is that a potential occurrence with the auto indexing?

As the progressive automatically indexes, the chance of dropping a double charge aren't that great at all. They won't drop powder unless a case is present. If you are still too scared or nervous, use a powder that will mostly fill the case - any possible double charge would overflow indicating a problem.....

 

[drain smith]

MDF4J: I noticed that you did not have Hornady in your possibility of selection. May I ask why?
If I was just getting into reloading my first choice would be the Hornady due to fact that it is five station and it has both a case feeder and a bullet feeder. Both with collators. My next choice would be the Lee Loadmaster because it too has a brass feeder and bullet feeder, but no collators. Now, my next choice would be between the RCBS Pro 7 and the Dillon 650. Now the RCBS has a bullet feeder but no case feeder. The Dillon has a case feeder but no bullet feeder. So that makes it a bit of a wash between the two. But the RCBS has 7 stations and they are working on a case feeder. So I would go RCBS over the Dillon.

 

[BBarn]

The vast majority of my progressive press experience has been with the Hornady LNL AP press (that doesn't come with a case feeder or bullet feeder). After using it for about 2 years, I find it a reasonably good press. However, it was very slow and frustrating at the beginning. I consider the quality of the press and components good, and I believe the press represents a good value. I use it to load 5 different handgun calibers.

I've also used a Dillon RL550B a small amount. It is also a good press, better in some ways than the Hornady. The lack of auto indexing isn't a big deal for me, but I did want at least five stations and the 550 only has four.

I have no experience with Lee progressives, or feeders of any kind (bullet or case). I will say that the ergonomics of the Hornady is very good even without the feeders. And I understand that if you want a case feeder, the Dillon 650 is probably a better choice than the Hornady. From what I've read, Dillon's case feeder works better than the Hornady, and the bullet feeder on the Hornady works well with their jacketed bullets, but other bullets (especially lead) may not work as well.

Ease of caliber changeover (and speed) of the presses can vary a good bit depending on what "extras" you purchase.

I have no experience with progressives from RCBS.

Edit: In my experience so far, I occasionally forget to prime a case, and have seen 1 or 2 cases without powder, but don't recall finding a double charge so far. Generally, those mistakes happen when the process is stopped and cases are removed and later replaced (in the wrong spot) for one reason or another (such as checking/adjusting some detail of the mechanism or process). At any rate, I've always managed to catch those mistakes before placing the rounds into the "finished" box.

 

[TailGator]

When I read "400 to 600 rounds per month" I immediately thought progressive, but when I consider that they are spread among four calibers, if they are evenly spread we are looking at 100 to 150 rounds per caliber per month. An LCT would do that very nicely, the caliber changes are a snap, and it is easy to see and understand and monitor everything that is going on.

Either would work, but I would lean towards a turret in this application.

 

[GWS]

I don't much care how many caliber changes....because both my RCBS presses are extremely easy to change calibers on....for me it's the # of pulls on the handle that I feel....but then I'm oldish.

The O.P. made his decision, hopefully the best one for him, and I heartily congratulate him on entering the hobby........this post is for everyone else who may be looking at RCBS's new offerings and deserve correct info on them.

MDF4J: I noticed that you did not have Hornady in your possibility of selection. May I ask why?
If I was just getting into reloading my first choice would be the Hornady due to fact that it is five station and it has both a case feeder and a bullet feeder. Both with collators. My next choice would be the Lee Loadmaster because it too has a brass feeder and bullet feeder, but no collators. Now, my next choice would be between the RCBS Pro 7 and the Dillon 650. Now the RCBS has a bullet feeder but no case feeder. The Dillon has a case feeder but no bullet feeder. So that makes it a bit of a wash between the two. But the RCBS has 7 stations and they are working on a case feeder. So I would go RCBS over the Dillon.

And drain smith it's just a little correction .......RCBS Pro Chuckers 5 & 7 do have a tube case feeder, a pistol bullet feeder/electric collator (left over from Pro 2000 days), and a brand new tube rifle bullet feeder (all are options). But you are nearly right, no collators with the RCBS name on them except for the old one for the pistol bullet feeder.

Seems RCBS isn't ready to risk the development costs on new collators for Pro Chuckers yet: 1.) knowing that those available from others, Hornady, Dillon, Mr. Bullet Feeder work fine on the new Pro Chuckers, for those who think they have to have one for heavy production. 2.) Waiting on the new Pro Chucker line of presses to be successful before they jump in.

In my experience with the Pro Chuckers, the case feeder needed a little $5 mod. Works perfect now. Dillon's 650 case feeder is super. It has been around a good while and any flaws are ancient history. It also comes standard with a 650 and for good reason.....without it there's an ergonomic problem not found in either Hornady or RCBS progressives. Feeding by hand with the same hand you stroke the press handle with. No problem with the built-in case feeder......but the collator is an option there too.

RCBS's pistol bullet feeder was made for the old Pro 2000 and works, but not so good with lead.....similar in design to Hornady's.....I use Hornady's because it was available before RCBS came out with theirs. Yup, collator and all for both my Pro 2000 and Pro Chucker 7.

The New RCBS Tube Rifle Bullet Feeder for Pro Chuckers (new last January)....is awesome...as good as "Mister Bullet Feeder's.........but, its a tube feeder......no electric collator....yet, so it's fairly cheap. Oh, I need to add that this tube rifle bullet feeder is generic, in that it will work on any progressive. One more thing. It comes with it's own "M" die, to make feeding a sure thing without a neck chamfer.

If you think you have to have collators, I recommend Dillon's case collator highly for any progressive, and Mr. Bullet Feeders bullet collators, for any progressive. But as fast as they work....they aren't so fast when you want to change calibers.

Tube feeders are faster and way easier to use and way easier on the pocket book. I find it a royal PIA to have to change bullet feeder parts and settings every time I change calibers. But then I change calibers more often than normal. But I would buy them for sure if I had multiple presses set up each for one caliber.

BTW, there is one feature unique to green. You can buy their 5 station press. Two years later you might even decide more stations would be better. No need to buy another press, just upgrade to a PC7.

 

[MDF4J]

As the progressive automatically indexes, the chance of dropping a double charge aren't that great at all. They won't drop powder unless a case is present. If you are still too scared or nervous, use a powder that will mostly fill the case - any possible double charge would overflow indicating a problem.....

Nah, I'm not afraid of reloading. I visited an buddy of mine today and wouldn't you know it, he's heavily into reloading and has a Dillon 650. He went through the process and I've decided on the progressive.

 

[MDF4J]

KISS principle applies here. Lee classic cast turret will suit you just fine. First station I size without the decapping pin since I hand prime off the press, second station dispense powder with Lee auto drum, third station seat bullet, fourth station crimp. Now a lot of people use the priming setup on the press, even though I'm pretty good at making things mechanical work, this one beat me and I gave up and deprime/ prime off the press. I also do this because I prefer to decap before tumbling so adding the priming step off the press is no big deal.

Yep, I absolutely subscribe to the KISS principle I also practice to the 6 P's...prior planning prevents etc...

 

[MDF4J]

MDF4J: I noticed that you did not have Hornady in your possibility of selection. May I ask why?
If I was just getting into reloading my first choice would be the Hornady due to fact that it is five station and it has both a case feeder and a bullet feeder. Both with collators. My next choice would be the Lee Loadmaster because it too has a brass feeder and bullet feeder, but no collators. Now, my next choice would be between the RCBS Pro 7 and the Dillon 650. Now the RCBS has a bullet feeder but no case feeder. The Dillon has a case feeder but no bullet feeder. So that makes it a bit of a wash between the two. But the RCBS has 7 stations and they are working on a case feeder. So I would go RCBS over the Dillon.

Drain Smith that's a good point, and I will look at the Hornady...appreciate the heads' up.

 

[MDF4J]

When I read "400 to 600 rounds per month" I immediately thought progressive, but when I consider that they are spread among four calibers, if they are evenly spread we are looking at 100 to 150 rounds per caliber per month. An LCT would do that very nicely, the caliber changes are a snap, and it is easy to see and understand and monitor everything that is going on.

Either would work, but I would lean towards a turret in this application.

Actually, my bride does the majority with her 9m...I'd say about 300 per month...maybe a little more.

 

[GWS]

You married well!

 

[MDF4J]

I don't much care how many caliber changes....because both my RCBS presses are extremely easy to change calibers on....for me it's the # of pulls on the handle that I feel....but then I'm oldish.

The O.P. made his decision, hopefully the best one for him, and I heartily congratulate him on entering the hobby........this post is for everyone else who may be looking at RCBS's new offerings and deserve correct info on them.



And drain smith it's just a little correction .......RCBS Pro Chuckers 5 & 7 do have a tube case feeder, a pistol bullet feeder/electric collator (left over from Pro 2000 days), and a brand new tube rifle bullet feeder (all are options). But you are nearly right, no collators with the RCBS name on them except for the old one for the pistol bullet feeder.

Seems RCBS isn't ready to risk the development costs on new collators for Pro Chuckers yet: 1.) knowing that those available from others, Hornady, Dillon, Mr. Bullet Feeder work fine on the new Pro Chuckers, for those who think they have to have one for heavy production. 2.) Waiting on the new Pro Chucker line of presses to be successful.

In my experience with the Pro Chuckers, the case feeder needed a little $5 mod. Works perfect now. Dillon's 650 case feeder is super. It has been around a good while and any flaws are ancient history. It also comes standard with a 650 and for good reason.....without it there's an ergonomic problem not found in either Hornady or RCBS progressives. Feeding by hand with the same hand you stroke the press handle with. No problem with the built-in case feeder......but the collator is an option there too.

RCBS's pistol bullet feeder was made for the old Pro 2000 and works, but not so good with lead.....similar in design to Hornady's.....I use Hornady's because it was available before RCBS came out with theirs. Yup, collator and all for both my Pro 2000 and Pro Chucker 7.

The New RCBS Tube Rifle Bullet Feeder for Pro Chuckers (new last January)....is awesome...as good as "Mister Bullet Feeder's.........but, its a tube feeder......no electric collator....yet.

If you think you have to have collators? I recommend Dillon's case collator highly for any progressive, and Mr. Bullet Feeders bullet collators, for any progressive. But as fast as they work....they aren't so fast when you want to change calibers.

Tube feeders are faster and way easier to use and way easier on the pocket book. I find it a royal PIA to have to change bullet feeder parts and settings every time I change calibers. But I would buy them for sure if I had multiple presses set up each for one caliber.

Me too...nearing the 70 mark and as I commented earlier the progressive is my pick. Almost two years ago I jumped off the back of my P/Bilt and snapped my left wrist. That took about a year to heal and one year ago on a long range fishing trip I over pulled on a big yellowfin and causing tendon damage in the right arm. So there is another reason for the progressive and the number of pulls. What's that old saying..? Gettin' old ain't for sissies?

 

[MDF4J]

You married well!

Indeed I did...we met in high school 1966 and married in '72

 

[FITASC]

Quote:
Originally Posted by FITASC View Post
As the progressive automatically indexes, the chance of dropping a double charge aren't that great at all. They won't drop powder unless a case is present. If you are still too scared or nervous, use a powder that will mostly fill the case - any possible double charge would overflow indicating a problem.....
Nah, I'm not afraid of reloading. I visited an buddy of mine today and wouldn't you know it, he's heavily into reloading and has a Dillon 650. He went through the process and I've decided on the progressive.

Good for you! Always great to have someone nearby to ask questions or get some help. Back in the "olden" days before Al invented the internet, unless you were part of a small circle of hardcore reloaders who shot the same stuff, finding "mentors" and the like was tough.

 

[GWS]

Guess we're about the same age. Condolences. The other saying, "The only thing golden in the golden years, is the pee, as long as you take your vitamin B."

Nothing wrong with a Dillon 650 until you change calibers. Slower changes unless you buy more powder measures and cal. change kits.....and a bit on the expensive side. But they work out of the box.....and you got a buddy to help cut the trip wires. Actually the buddy is your greatest resource.

Indeed I did...we met in high school 1966 and married in '72

LOL! I met mine in '72......and married in '72!

 

[kmw1954]

MDF4J. It's nice that you found a new shootin partner. My wife also after all these years has decided to learn to shoot. It's been about 1.5yrs for her and she is progressing wonderfully. She now also owns 3 of her own hand guns.

We are shooting about 300/400 per month of 380, 9mm and 45acp..

She is also very interested and knows the different components and understands the different burn rates of powders. She know the procedure to reload but isn't interested in actuallt doing it herself. Though I believe she could!

I currently have 4 presses. An RCBS JR3 single stage press, a Lee 3 hole turret press, a Lee Pro1000 progressive press and a brand new Lee Breech Lock Pro 4 station progressive press. Yes I like reloading and enjoy mechanical things.

Yes as you suggest they all have their own personalities but they all work and work just as they were designed. I cannot tell when fired which press a bullet came from unless I look at the label and check my log book. I now use the turret press to work up new loads or when making only small runs of 50 or less, otherwise it is done on the progressive press.

Many use a progressive press to increase production speed. Even on my progressive press I'm only putting out about 150 per hour.

The Dillon is a fine press and will last many years and yes it is a bit more up front. I do have a Lee Pro1000 press and I use it regularly just as it was meant to be used which includes priming my brass on the press and just about every pistol caliber can be loaded on it using just the Lee 3 die pistol dies. Like the Dillon, caliber changes can be made fairly quickly.

Now I will offer that you also now look into the new Lee Breech Lock Pro progressive press. It incorporates many features of both the Pro1000 and the Classic Cast Turret press with the Safety Prime system maybe being less problematic for most people.. So far I'm liking mine!

 

[CDR_Glock]

Having watched a countless number of videos and reading reviews it finally dawned on me that there is no perfect setup and each machine comes with its own personality. My wife has often reminded me that I tend to over engineer / research before I make a decision but that's just the way I was trained... and, when dealing with a product that could have an adverse effect on life or limb you can't learn too much. I've narrowed down to Dillon 550B or the Lee Pro 1000. I know, the Dillon is manual indexing but I like all the features and accessories that are available. I've noticed that in many of the videos the reloading rooms have multiple presses and I can see me doing the same. I also like the Dillon tool head setup and the ease of changing calibers with the specific powder loader. The Lee definitely has a good rep' and isn't as costly so I'll probably end with both on the bench. A big Thank You to all, you have definitely helped.

Here’s what my stations look like. I have a container with bullets and one with brass on either side of the press. I just feed, crack and index myself.

Progressive Dillon 550 for 45 ACP, 357 Magnum (I have tool heads for 38), 9 mm, and 450 for 44 Magnum. I single stage with 2 single stage presses in tandem (I have 4 different powder measures for each caliber in 454, 460 and 500 plus an extra for the 500 when I do 500 gr or larger). The single stage were purchased separately. I added a second single stage so I can do tandem functions to facilitate speed.

Again, I like to be able to control each station on a press. It’s easier to do with a manual index for reasons I stated previously.

I didn’t care to add a case feeder or bullet feeder, since this is the only way I ever did these.

I started reloading using progressive presses.


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[MDF4J]

Here’s what my stations look like. I have a container with bullets and one with brass on either side of the press. I just feed, crack and index myself.

Progressive Dillon 550 for 45 ACP, 357 Magnum (I have tool heads for 38), 9 mm, and 450 for 44 Magnum. I single stage with 2 single stage presses in tandem (I have 4 different powder measures for each caliber in 454, 460 and 500 plus an extra for the 500 when I do 500 gr or larger). The single stage were purchased separately. I added a second single stage so I can do tandem functions to facilitate speed.

Again, I like to be able to control each station on a press. It’s easier to do with a manual index for reasons I stated previously.

I didn’t care to add a case feeder or bullet feeder, since this is the only way I ever did these.

I started reloading using progressive presses.


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Point well taken and I will keep that in perspective. Commander, that is a fantastic setup you have, very much like what I envision for my reloading room.
Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions it is appreciated. I'll do my best to not become a pest re; reloading questions.
Best to all...hal

 

[joeanybody]

Its all a matter of preference imo. Do u want fast, good,or both?i personally have a lee single stage, a lee classic turret 4 hole, a lyman spar-t from 1975, a lyman crusher 2, and a lee breech lock pro progressive.i dont like the progressive cause i just dont reload that much at one time on any one caliber. By the time i get that fool thing set up i couldve had it done on on one of the others. I reload all the ones u listed plus a bunch more so switch over is important to me as i dont have space for 5+ presses. So out of my experience and what ive heard from others my advice would be this: if money is not an issue then get the crusher 2 or rcbs rockchucker and the lee classic 4 hole press. I always advise at least one single stage press for small batches,fixing messups,or just decapping. The lee classic turret is made well and will crank out almost as much as a progressive without the worry of a double charge once u get proficient with it. Happy reloading!