Shopping for a Progressive Press: Need advices

[seabast]

Hey GunNutz!

I'm shopping for a turret so I would like to get some advice from the knowledgeable ones.

My budget is not restricted but I don't want to spend extra w/o good reasons.
I currently own multiple Lee reloading set (rifle and pistol).
Maximum batch of 300 pistol rounds.
I reload mostly cast bollits.
Load small charges down to 6gr


Thanks in advance and Happy shooting!
Seabast

 

[Rod B]

The Lee Classic Cast Turret Press worked for me.

 

[Janeau]

The Area 419 is the best money can buy for now.
Redding turret
Lyman new Turret press.

But for your low volume reloading you do, a Lee will do.

 

[OkayShooter]

4 hole Lee Value turret press is a good one, or the older classic.

 

[bdft]

Don't hesitate to buy a used one. There is very little to wear out or go wrong with one.

 

[dan belisle]

The Lee Classic Turret Press worked for me.

That is a good choice. I got one as a gift in the 80's, wore it out over 40 years of reloading, but never had any issues with it. For reference, I have three of them, a Dillon 550, and a Lyman turret press as well. For the 300 rounds at a shot, the Lee will serve you well and not break the bank. - dan

 

[downwindtracker2]

I ended up with a used Lymans T-Mag for $23. Looking it up on net, I came across a lot of recommendations for the Lee Classic Cast. It the cast iron one, Not the aluminum one.

 

[calibrecarstairs]

,,,

 

[seabast]

Some good places to start.
Thank you all.

 

[OldRussian]

Are you looking to load progressively or just want to quick change single stage loading?

 

[seabast]

Are you looking to load progressively or just want to quick change single stage loading?

Since I posted this I realized that I want a progressive press. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Presse might be it.
Still looking around

 

[OldRussian]

For progressive the dillon 650 is a good choice. I think the 750 is their newest iteration of the 650. They certainly stand behind their product when parts start to ware.

 

[Janeau]

At the volume you shoot, a Dillon 550 is a better option. No auto indexing to deal with when there is screw up.
It’s easier to change caliber and easy to operate for somebody new to progressive. A 550 still turn our 400/500 an hour..no slouch.

 

[OldRussian]

Good call Janeau. I am used to doing big batches between changing calibers. 550 definitely sounds like a better application for OP.

 

[diopter]

Be aware that the 550 is like all progressive presses in that it needs a shell plate for the specific case you are loading at that time and not just shell holders. so costs go up with the number of calibers you reload for.

 

[dan belisle]

Be aware that the 550 is like all progressive presses in that it needs a shell plate for the specific case you are loading at that time and not just shell holders. so costs go up with the number of calibers you reload for.

True, though some can use the same plate (308 and 243 for instance, or 44 Special and Magnum). - dan

 

[seabast]

For progressive the dillon 650 is a good choice. I think the 750 is their newest iteration of the 650. They certainly stand behind their product when parts start to ware.

At the volume you shoot, a Dillon 550 is a better option. No auto indexing to deal with when there is screw up.
It’s easier to change caliber and easy to operate for somebody new to progressive. A 550 still turn our 400/500 an hour..no slouch.

The Dillon 550 looks like a good pick.

Question though about auto indexing that the Dillon doesn't have, how often they screw up and how painful it is to deal with it when they do.

So far I couldn't find one in stock and neither for 400/500$, is there a good place to find one?

Thanks.

 

[seabast]

Be aware that the 550 is like all progressive presses in that it needs a shell plate for the specific case you are loading at that time and not just shell holders. so costs go up with the number of calibers you reload for.

Thanks for the heads-up! The cost of the plate isn't that bad though.

 

[diopter]

I have a Hornady LNL AP, RCBS piggyback and a couple Lee turrets. With LNL AP I do not need to buy extra tool heads due to the quick change die collets.
I figured I load for too many calibers to get into the Dillion extra costs needing shell plate PLUS tool heads and powder measures for each caliber.
I use Two Hornady powder measures, one setup for pistols and other for rifles, and a Forster Bench Rest measure for table use.
Try suit your needs.

 

[seabast]

I have a Hornady LNL AP, RCBS piggyback and a couple Lee turrets. With LNL AP I do not need to buy extra tool heads due to the quick change die collets.
I figured I load for too many calibers to get into the Dillion extra costs needing shell plate PLUS tool heads and powder measures for each caliber.
I use Two Hornady powder measures, one setup for pistols and other for rifles, and a Forster bench rest for table use.
Try suit your needs.

Can you tell me more about the extra D550 powder measure thing? Would I need a something special for each caliber?
Thanks