going progressive (best source?)

T

twoshots

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hello,

I've decided I'm getting into the progressive game.

budget will top out around $1000CAD, although $600 would be better.

I am researching the different options/brands. Are there any recommended suppliers that I could start getting prices from. Prefer to purchase Canadian if possible.

I have 3 rcbs single stage presses which I will keep at least two of for reloading .308win for precision shooting.

I will likely be starting off with .223 and .45 to start so change overs are a concern.


As always, thanks very much everyone
 
Dillon 550b I think is one of the best bets. There are a number of dealers here on the site that will likely chime in. You can purchase direct from Dillon too, without worry.

Another option is the Hornady Lock n' Load. There was a special on, which I believe is now expired, that saw purchasers receive 1000 free bullets - a deal almost too good to pass up. There have been a number of rave reviews of the Dillon LnL here on the site, and together, the reasons I purchased mine.
Be forewarned with the LnL though - parts seem to be hard to come by and the deal associated with the press does not translate to the same savings when you purchase ancillary equipment. I've been hunting for shell plates for mine (admitedly not too hard) for a couple of months now as retailers and the Hornady website are out of stock on the most popular calibers.
 
thanks guys

acrashb,
I already read your thread before but I'm going to re-read it tonight, it's very informative.
 
beltfed said:
Another option is the Hornady Lock n' Load. There was a special on, which I believe is now expired, that saw purchasers receive 1000 free bullets - a deal almost too good to pass up. There have been a number of rave reviews of the Dillon LnL here on the site, and together, the reasons I purchased mine.
Click to expand...

The Hornady Free Bullet Offer has been extended through 2009 !!!!! I was counting on it being extended because I had to delay my purchace of a LnL Progressive.

beltfed said:
Be forewarned with the LnL though - parts seem to be hard to come by and the deal associated with the press does not translate to the same savings when you purchase ancillary equipment. I've been hunting for shell plates for mine (admitedly not too hard) for a couple of months now as retailers and the Hornady website are out of stock on the most popular calibers.
Click to expand...

You can order parts directly from some US retailers. Some will ship to Canada. Press parts are not controlled like reloading components, ie, no export permits needed.
 
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SandRoad said:
You can order parts directly from some US retailers. Some will ship to Canada. Press parts are not controlled like reloading components, ie, no export permits needed.
Click to expand...

Yep, I've tried Hornady, all of the retailers in Calgary, and about 5 in the US I've had previously dealt with, and still no luck with all of the ones I want.
 
the LNL is looking like a good option, especially with the 1000 bullets offer.
Any of our dealers stock these.

thanks again for the great review AcrashB
 
twoshots

Are you buying a press or looking for free bullets. If a press I wouldn't even think about the free bullets. Buy what you feel is the best press. The press will be with you a lifetime, the bullets will be gone in a month. 99% of the shooters at the IDPA Nationals said they load on a Dillon. Might be a clue there as to the quality of their presses and their after sales service.

Take Care

Bob
 
Well Dillon replaced a press burned up in a house fire "because it was the right thing to do". When I hear similar about any other company I will rank them equal to Dillon. Until then Dillon leads the parade. I would also say before Dillon got into the game with the no BS warranty things were a lot different when it came to warranties from reloading companies.

Take Care

Bob
 
i'm open to a dillon still,
I think the lnl looks good on its own, the free bullets is a bonus.

Does everyone here buy direct from the US, or are there deals from the sponsors or other Canadian suppliers? I'm going through the sponsors web sites, but someone might have price shopped already and save me the time ;)

I've been very impressed with RCBS service as well, do they have anything that I should consider?
 
Please go with the Dillon, I presently own 3 1050's, just sold my 550 & 650 both great machines. I would pick the 650 over the 550 for 1 reason, when you upgrade the 550 with a case feeder, and belive me you will want to, you will no longer be able to load rifle. (with a case feeder fitted). You will love the 650!!! until you see someone useing a 1050. then it's " oh #### that what I sould have bought in the first place" Good luck in what ever you chose!
 
Gettyn said:
Please go with the Dillon, I presently own 3 1050's, just sold my 550 & 650 both great machines. I would pick the 650 over the 550 for 1 reason, when you upgrade the 550 with a case feeder, and belive me you will want to, you will no longer be able to load rifle. (with a case feeder fitted). You will love the 650!!! until you see someone useing a 1050. then it's " oh s**t that what I sould have bought in the first place" Good luck in what ever you chose!
Click to expand...


Ditto.

I've owned the L'n'L's father, the Projector. It was a great, solid, finicky press that did a great job at the time.

I've used the Dillon 550 and 650. I would buy a 650. Actually, I very nearly did this week. However, the 1050 is the ne plus ultra press every progressive loader should be using.

I sold my first 1050, and regretted it. I just purchased my second.

It does everything the lesser presses do, it just does it better, faster, harder, and with less fuss.

People ##### about the time spent in changing calibers. It is a pain, but this is a machine meant to crank out a few thousand rounds an evening. So you buy more brass and bullets, and load a few months worth, not a few matches worth.

How much is your time worth to you. I know that my free time is limited, and time spent loading is time I don't have to be shooting.
 
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