Beginner single stage or progessive
- Thread starter AlbertanBound
- Start date
Henry Nierychlo
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Surrey, B.C.
I just started reloading before Christmas and I started with a Hornady LNL AP. It isn't hard at all. Hornady makes great videos to set up the dies, and then you take your time. You'll develop a rhythm and it's easy. I'd never recommend a single stage for the volume you'd want to shoot. That would be a waste of time.
It sounds like a progressive is what you need for 9mm. That said you might want to consider a low cost single stage for rifle. Possibly even a kit to get the accessories you might need to setup the progressive. You will need a scale to set your powder measure. You may need a primer tray etc. one thing to consider, if you want to reload rifle cartridges, is that the cost of caliber conversion and setup time on a progressive is not worth it for small batches.
I am not what you would call a high volume shooter... yet. Mostly I just don't have the time. Having said that, this is the route I took.
I reloaded rifle and pistol on a used Rock Chucker for over 25 years before I bought an AP LnL press 4 years ago. Even with all the instructions and videos, I value the experience I gained with the single stage. To add to that, I have over 25 yrs experience fixing aircraft for the Airforce, I know how to handle machines. Don't let anyone tell you they run a progressive problem free. You still have to keep on top of them and tinker with them no matter what the brand.
Sometimes it is a bit tedious loading things like 9mm but as stated before, you are totally engaged in the whole process and when mistakes happen you are right on top of them.
I use my LnL mostly for 45ACP but even then all the load development was done on the single stage. It would be nice to pick a recipe out of the manual and go but there is always experimenting/trial and error that is needed to get them to run right. Its a lot easier on a single stage. Even if you run a progressive, there is always a place for a single stage on the bench.
Something else to consider, if you get a good single stage, try it and feel that I lied to you, you will have no problem selling it and putting that money towards your progressive no matter what colour it is.
Bottom line I suggest getting a single stage, learn the process, what is important, what is not so important and how reloading fits your needs. Once you are ready, buy or trade up to a progressive if that is what you want.
Just my experience. Good luck
I reloaded rifle and pistol on a used Rock Chucker for over 25 years before I bought an AP LnL press 4 years ago. Even with all the instructions and videos, I value the experience I gained with the single stage. To add to that, I have over 25 yrs experience fixing aircraft for the Airforce, I know how to handle machines. Don't let anyone tell you they run a progressive problem free. You still have to keep on top of them and tinker with them no matter what the brand.
Sometimes it is a bit tedious loading things like 9mm but as stated before, you are totally engaged in the whole process and when mistakes happen you are right on top of them.
I use my LnL mostly for 45ACP but even then all the load development was done on the single stage. It would be nice to pick a recipe out of the manual and go but there is always experimenting/trial and error that is needed to get them to run right. Its a lot easier on a single stage. Even if you run a progressive, there is always a place for a single stage on the bench.
Something else to consider, if you get a good single stage, try it and feel that I lied to you, you will have no problem selling it and putting that money towards your progressive no matter what colour it is.
Bottom line I suggest getting a single stage, learn the process, what is important, what is not so important and how reloading fits your needs. Once you are ready, buy or trade up to a progressive if that is what you want.
Just my experience. Good luck
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- Location
- West Quebec
I agree but kept my single for rifle
Define "volume". If you load more than a 500-600 rounds a year the progressive will save you a few hours, IF you don't have a big learning curve involved to set it up and start using.
Exactly. If you reload 9mm, get a progressive or don't reload at all. The amount you'll need to reload to get your money worth is just too much for a single-stage.
I shoot 500-600 rounds every time I go to the range, 3-4 times a month.
I also do ipsc idpa. I also wanted to load lighter loads for the time my wife and daughter go shooting with me.
I could not imagine a turret with 200 rounds per hour output being an option for myself, reloading is a chore for me. My first press was/is a used dillon xl650. I dont see why the opinion exists that it is hard to set up and hard to learn. Took me a few hours to configure, youtube and manuals have everything you need to know.
First press - progressive can be an option as good as single or turret depending on your situation. Nothing to be affraid of.
Xl650 was an amazing first choice for me, it does all I need it to do.
I also do ipsc idpa. I also wanted to load lighter loads for the time my wife and daughter go shooting with me.
I could not imagine a turret with 200 rounds per hour output being an option for myself, reloading is a chore for me. My first press was/is a used dillon xl650. I dont see why the opinion exists that it is hard to set up and hard to learn. Took me a few hours to configure, youtube and manuals have everything you need to know.
First press - progressive can be an option as good as single or turret depending on your situation. Nothing to be affraid of.
Xl650 was an amazing first choice for me, it does all I need it to do.
Oh my, you da man, huh? lol
The OP was asking about 30-06 as well, not everyone is just a 9mm wussie.
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ipscgraz
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Just my opinion...
Buy a used Rockchucker off the EE to start. Get used to it and learn what you can. Then buy a progressive, either new or used. After a year, you decide what you want to reload with, and if you wish, sell the single stage press for what you paid for it.
I do rifle on my Rockchucker and pistol on my 650.
Buy a used Rockchucker off the EE to start. Get used to it and learn what you can. Then buy a progressive, either new or used. After a year, you decide what you want to reload with, and if you wish, sell the single stage press for what you paid for it.
I do rifle on my Rockchucker and pistol on my 650.
The decision is IMHO based upon the magic triangle of all decisions namely: TIME / MONEY / AGGRAVATION.
Do you have the time / inclination to assemble ammunition? If you are building bullets for say 6 different calibers, that is a lot of time to spend in sourcing / cleaning and producing ammo. In man hours that could easily lead to several days in total over a year. Do you really have that time available to do that?
Do you really know what the level of saving will be for you to roll your own? If you shoot 9mm / 308 / + some obscure European caliber your pappa use to own hunting rifle then it will take you a lifetime + some to make a press break even. With sales and bulk purchase of ready rolled at the right time you will have ammo at an economical price.
Are you up for the aggravation of buying equipment, setting it up, endless preparation of shells, testing, recording, testing again, collecting data etc. etc. etc. All that time lost when you could be 'really' shooting.
Personally I went down the progressive turret route because I wanted to chase that sub-MOA dream and I struggled to find ammunition at reasonable cost. If I did a review of the cost of the equipment and supplies versus the ammo made I would probably weep. However, I do enjoy rolling my own and the aspect of building up loads and ammo profiles per firearm. But it is not for all, and on a 'time value of life' equation it is probably not the finest use of my time either.
If you are unsure on the above, and still want to load, I would go the basic Dillon progressive route, you can make a stack of pistol ammo or use it for building up rifle loads. When or if you decide it is something you enjoy, then you can expand the options or if it is not to your liking you can sell quickly at at little loss.
My 2 cents worth.
Candocad.
Do you have the time / inclination to assemble ammunition? If you are building bullets for say 6 different calibers, that is a lot of time to spend in sourcing / cleaning and producing ammo. In man hours that could easily lead to several days in total over a year. Do you really have that time available to do that?
Do you really know what the level of saving will be for you to roll your own? If you shoot 9mm / 308 / + some obscure European caliber your pappa use to own hunting rifle then it will take you a lifetime + some to make a press break even. With sales and bulk purchase of ready rolled at the right time you will have ammo at an economical price.
Are you up for the aggravation of buying equipment, setting it up, endless preparation of shells, testing, recording, testing again, collecting data etc. etc. etc. All that time lost when you could be 'really' shooting.
Personally I went down the progressive turret route because I wanted to chase that sub-MOA dream and I struggled to find ammunition at reasonable cost. If I did a review of the cost of the equipment and supplies versus the ammo made I would probably weep. However, I do enjoy rolling my own and the aspect of building up loads and ammo profiles per firearm. But it is not for all, and on a 'time value of life' equation it is probably not the finest use of my time either.
If you are unsure on the above, and still want to load, I would go the basic Dillon progressive route, you can make a stack of pistol ammo or use it for building up rifle loads. When or if you decide it is something you enjoy, then you can expand the options or if it is not to your liking you can sell quickly at at little loss.
My 2 cents worth.
Candocad.
Depends on your method of doing things, how you value your time, and how much you enjoy the process. I do things in batches, so although I'm not nearly as prolific a reloader as someone on a Dillon 650 but I also don't care. Most of the stages will also allow me to auto pilot through them because I'm only powder handling in one of my sittings. I'll generally get home from the range and deprime and then tumble all of my brass (rifle and pistol) and then leave it to dry. Next sitting I'll do all my resizing and then when I feel like it I'll prime it all. I use a hand primer, and that lets me do it in front of the TV, on downtime at work, etc. Obviously those aren't options if I use a progressive. Next time around I'll do powder and bullets. Measuring out powder is by far the most time consuming part of the process, but I'm also doing it with the old scoop and scale method (I have a Chargemaster on order). There's no question that I'd do a ton more in the same time on a progressive, but I'd also have to be more attentive due to the demands of a progressive.
I personally am considering taking the plunge on a Dillon progressive, BUT I have no intention of getting rid of my single stage. I don't shoot my bolt guns in high volume, so I don't have nay interest in reloading for them in that method. Pistols on the other hand..... Let's just say I really like shooting .45, and although I don't have any reservations with my current processes it would be nice to cut the time for reloading 4-500 rounds. In my humble opinion, if you're planning to reload pistol and rifle I'd buy a single stage, figure out what's up and then add a progressive down the line. However if you truly just want to load volume, get a progressive and have at 'er. I have a friend who had never reloaded anything as of this summer (doesn't even own a reloading manual) Got a Dillion 650 in August or September and has cranked out 20k+ rounds of 9mm since with no issues. If you can read, and have YouTube, you can use a progressive without killing yourself, injuring anyone, or blowing anything up.
I personally am considering taking the plunge on a Dillon progressive, BUT I have no intention of getting rid of my single stage. I don't shoot my bolt guns in high volume, so I don't have nay interest in reloading for them in that method. Pistols on the other hand..... Let's just say I really like shooting .45, and although I don't have any reservations with my current processes it would be nice to cut the time for reloading 4-500 rounds. In my humble opinion, if you're planning to reload pistol and rifle I'd buy a single stage, figure out what's up and then add a progressive down the line. However if you truly just want to load volume, get a progressive and have at 'er. I have a friend who had never reloaded anything as of this summer (doesn't even own a reloading manual) Got a Dillion 650 in August or September and has cranked out 20k+ rounds of 9mm since with no issues. If you can read, and have YouTube, you can use a progressive without killing yourself, injuring anyone, or blowing anything up.
- Location
- West Quebec
Do the honest math about what it costs to get all the pieces and accessories delivered the your door for each caliber you want to reload. Then do the math about what it costs to buy the honest amount of pistol ammo you will shoot. Get a cost/per factory round. Now divide your total equipment setup costs buy your factory cost/round. A $600US Dillon becomes a $1100US one very quickly. Tax, shipping, exchange etc. Like I said before, if the cost doesn't matter, order top end optioned out premium tools and get busy.
