Accuracy Limitations of Progressive Presses?
- Thread starter Mauser GDog
- Start date
herpinator45
Regular
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- Southern Ontario - Just off 401
Its one of those things. Unless you are shooting F-Class or BR than a progressive press that you have taken the time to setup should be more than accurate enough. When reloading haste makes waste. I know a couple of guys who shoot F class who are using 550's and are reasonably competitive. I am running a 1050 with Forcht variable speed autodrive.
The two things that can really effect my accuracy are how well I sort and cull my components prior to being loaded into the machine. Secondly is speed. I load my .223 match ammo at 600 to 700 rounds per hour. The machine might need to be stopped once in an hour to clean a various stoppage. I load my practice ammo at 900 per hour. It is the exact same load for both but I just get less variation in OAL length, less powder spillage, and less primer issues when I run slower. Even my practice ammo still out shoots me on any given day. Unless I put them in a heavy barrelled bolt gun off a rest, they probably shoot identically. Even then the difference would be very marginal. Maybe one day I will see the actual difference.
The two things that can really effect my accuracy are how well I sort and cull my components prior to being loaded into the machine. Secondly is speed. I load my .223 match ammo at 600 to 700 rounds per hour. The machine might need to be stopped once in an hour to clean a various stoppage. I load my practice ammo at 900 per hour. It is the exact same load for both but I just get less variation in OAL length, less powder spillage, and less primer issues when I run slower. Even my practice ammo still out shoots me on any given day. Unless I put them in a heavy barrelled bolt gun off a rest, they probably shoot identically. Even then the difference would be very marginal. Maybe one day I will see the actual difference.
I use a Dillon 550 and reload handgun ammo. The ammo accuracy is better than I am. The only thing I find is the first cartridge after putting new primers in the feeder tends to measure about 0.1 to 0.2 grains too much powder. Probably caused by vibration from loading the primers into the press. I always dump the powder from the first round and redo it then all is good. It you want 1000 yard accuracy from a rifle you might want a single stage press but other than that it is certainly as good if not better than commercial. After all the commercial loading systems are all progressive.
Seems as thoe your asking opinions and I have lots to spare,...
Buy a Dillon 550. You can start by using it as a single stage or a turret press until you get comfortable enough to reloading to use it as a progressive.
Accuracy is what you put into it, but it would take a poor reloader to be unable to meet or exceed factory ammo in most firearms.
Buy a Dillon 550. You can start by using it as a single stage or a turret press until you get comfortable enough to reloading to use it as a progressive.
Accuracy is what you put into it, but it would take a poor reloader to be unable to meet or exceed factory ammo in most firearms.
I just setup my Dillon XL 650 and started working up & testing 9mm loads for IPSC. I'm not really happy with my quality yet though. I've read so far about tweaking/tuning the Dillon powder measure by polishing the bottom bowl and also the funnel, and also making sure the powder measure bar slides as smoothly as possible. Any other suggestions? Below is my test log for my last batch. I'm targeting 900fps with a 147g Campro bullet to make a PF of 132 right now. I ran a base test string using Custom Reloading Services ammo to compare against. His stuff has an avg deviation of 7 fps. My avg deviation varies between batches from 14 to 28 fps. I've upped my powder charge to 4.2g of Longshot for my next batch, but I sure would like to get more consistent in my quality. I know it will make negligible difference for me in IPSC, but if John/Brad can get such great quality, then I'd like to improve mine 
I also tested American Eagle 9mm 124gr ammo in a prior batch - they had an avg deviation of 11 fps.
View attachment 24392
I also tested American Eagle 9mm 124gr ammo in a prior batch - they had an avg deviation of 11 fps. View attachment 24392
Having used Single stage and progressives, I would be fairly reluctant to recommend a turret type press to load true match grade ammo.
However, It will depend largely on how fussy you are about accuracy.
I load all my long range competition ammo on a Co-Ax single stage, and have yet to find a better press for this endeavor. [1000 yards+]
If I was shooting a self shucker of any persuasion, then the progressive would make a lot of sense, due to the potential volume of ammo being used.
You may have noted that Ganderite stated that his "best" quality match ammo is assembled on a single stage press, despite being able to load "match-grade" ammo on his Dillon.
Regards, Dave.
However, It will depend largely on how fussy you are about accuracy.
I load all my long range competition ammo on a Co-Ax single stage, and have yet to find a better press for this endeavor. [1000 yards+]
If I was shooting a self shucker of any persuasion, then the progressive would make a lot of sense, due to the potential volume of ammo being used.
You may have noted that Ganderite stated that his "best" quality match ammo is assembled on a single stage press, despite being able to load "match-grade" ammo on his Dillon.
Regards, Dave.
As Eagleye alluded to, accuracy goals differ from person to person. The OP was looking for 2moa from his .223, a goal easy to attain with a progressive.
Inconsistency in loads can be the result of many gremlins powder charge being one. There is also consistency of the crimp that can fluctuate if the brass is of uneven lengths. Primer seating depths can have a small effect on how the powder charge burns so the shape and consistency of the primer pocket comes into play.
I have read many things over the years from Standard deviation is not the end all be all for accuracy in your reloads, to Mike Dillon's tests showing that powder volumes consistency are more important than powder weights. Depending on what I am using the ammunition for depends on how anal I am about its preparation. My .38 special reloads are of mixed headstamp and have the least care and attention, while my .308 target loads get the most.
I am far down on the list of smart people on this forum so ymmv
Jody
Inconsistency in loads can be the result of many gremlins powder charge being one. There is also consistency of the crimp that can fluctuate if the brass is of uneven lengths. Primer seating depths can have a small effect on how the powder charge burns so the shape and consistency of the primer pocket comes into play.
I have read many things over the years from Standard deviation is not the end all be all for accuracy in your reloads, to Mike Dillon's tests showing that powder volumes consistency are more important than powder weights. Depending on what I am using the ammunition for depends on how anal I am about its preparation. My .38 special reloads are of mixed headstamp and have the least care and attention, while my .308 target loads get the most.
I am far down on the list of smart people on this forum so ymmv
Jody
Mauser GDog
CGN frequent flyer
Thank you all so much for your replies.
I started thinking I was bound for a Dillon 650, now I'm leaning heavily towards the 550. Either way, I can also see a single stage press sitting beside any progressive I get, because I'd love to turn out some match quality ammo for my bolts guns too.
I started thinking I was bound for a Dillon 650, now I'm leaning heavily towards the 550. Either way, I can also see a single stage press sitting beside any progressive I get, because I'd love to turn out some match quality ammo for my bolts guns too.
