choosing a turret/progressive press

buckmaster270

buckmaster270

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I have an old Lee press that I now just use for decapping primers b4 tumbling the cases(pretty flimsy for anything else). When I got back into reloading I bought a rcbs rockchucker and couldn't be happier.

I'd like to get a turret press. I see a lot of positive comments here about the Lee Classic but am hesitant because of my old Lee press. I've looked at the rcbs one which looks pretty good. Dillon I gather is the Cadillac but pricey

Also, I can't find a canadian source for the RCBS Turret or Dillon presses. Cabela's won't ship it to Canada.I presume if I got the RCBS one I could use the RCBS powder measure I already have. My dies are a mix of lee, rcbs and lyman

would be used mostly for .357, .38sp and 9mm


Thanks for any advice
 
How much do you shoot in a given month or year?

Are you the type of guy who reloads every week because you like it, or because you have no option?

How much ammo would you have to have on hand if you still shot as much as today, but only had time to reload once a month?

Just a few leading questions to try and figure out what machine fits your needs.
 
I shoot at least twice a month and more if I can get the time. maybe 50-100 rounds each time. I have a bench that I bolt my equipment to but because I need it for other stuff I have to take everything down each time. A pain in the A**. I would like to reload more at a time for pistol. For rifle I usually play with loads, bullet seating etc so I usually only do up 10 - 20 rounds
 
I typically go through about 100 rounds of centrefire pistol ammo a week and I find a Dillon 550 well suited to my needs. I also have limited space, so I have it bolted to a length of 2x12 using the strong mount and the whole assembly can be clamped to a suitable table.

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Since I installed the bullet tray and empty case bin, I can easily beat a cyclic rate of 500 rounds/hour, with an average of around 550. Previously, I was doing about 400 rounds/hour. You can still use the sizing and seating dies you already have, but the Dillon uses the powder funnel that comes as part of the conversion kit as the expander die. There is also a station available if you wish to use a separate crimp die, as this is the norm with Dillon die sets.

The Dillon may not be the cheapest setup, but I am confident you will be satisfied with it.
 
Do a Google search for *** International. Owner is Joe *****, he can bring in any Redding product you may want, and as turret presses go, the Redding T-7 is the best on the market.

If you want to upgrade to a progressive; and given the amount you plan on reloading, the Dillon 550 sounds like it is the machine for you. I doubt if you'll need the extra speed and capacity the Dillon 650XL provides. The only other progessive I'd even consider these days is the Hornady Lock 'N Load, but I'd go with the Dillon if at all possible. Dillon will ship directly to Canada incidentally and will work with you to get the cheapest shipping costs, i.e., USPS rather than UPS, etc...
 
I have a Lee 1000 and a Hornady LNL AP. The Lee works but it would be like comparing your Lee single stage to your RCBS. I know because I also use both of them for my rifle stuff.

I have bought many Lee products that got me going because of budget restraints. Most has been upgraded. If I was to do it again I would save my money and buy the better equipment the first time. I have to sell some stuff now because its collecting dust.

The Hornady is a great press and it changes calibers quickly. Parts were hard to come by for a while but I'm beginning to see more around. My next project is to turn my Rockchucker into a LNL for my rifles to speed up that change over.

The Dillion 650 is a beautiful press as well and I wish I had one of them as well. Oh well I committed to Hornady and I'm going to follow it through.
 
I use a Rockchucker as my rifle press and a Lyman T-Mag turret for pistol and straight wall rifle cartridges. I can turn out 150+ 9mm or 357 an hour with the Lyman.

The T-Mag I bought from USA Bass-Pro web site and cost was very reasonable. While not as robust as the Redding turret it is as sturdy as the RCBS turret and much better than the LEE IMHO.



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I use a LEE loadmaster as my pistol caliber press.
Yes they have a bad rep but your working 5 rd's at a time, a lot happening all at once.Not a press for a novice.
I've been using a LEE turret press for my rifle ammo for at least 15 year's now,and it done a fine job.
I have been looking at a Lee Classic Cast 4 hole turret as my next press.
 
I use a Dillon Square Deal B for ..38 & 9mm. Great press, comfortably I load about 400 an hour, lifetime warranty, excellent company to deal with, the only item is does not have is a scale but I`m sure you already have one.
 
X2 for the Lee Classic Turret Press. Strong, Cheap ( $140 ) @ Reloaders .ca. Cycles smooth. I can reload 200-250 rounds/hour without rushing. Works for me.
 
I have a Dillon Square Deal B which I use for pistol rounds. Great press, and this one has seen a lot (tens of thousands) of rounds loaded on it. I just bought a Hornady LnL AP progressive which I am installing tonight, for loading rifle rounds. The press is very solid, huge ram and nice action. I almost went to a Dillon 550, but got a great deal and financing (6 equal payments) by getting the Hornady through Bass Pro. Hornady is also running a promo for free bullets when you buy one of their presses or dies, not an absolute reason to purchase but a nice bonus. Williams Arms in Port Perry Ontario is a stocking Dillon rep, and they have great service and shipping to anywhere in Canada. I would go Dillon or Hornady for quality, durability, parts and service/support. Great thing about our hobby of shooting, it feeds the other hobby - reloading!
 
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