what press to start with for multiple calibres?

shortandlong

shortandlong

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hey all
I was wondering what press to start out with for multiple calibres?

I want to load rifle and pistol stuff like 9mm para, 45acp, 38 s+W and rifle cartridges like 35,rem 303brit, 308 win and 223

I was thinking maybe lee load master .........any advice ?

thanks all
 
i've got both the 550 dillon and the loadmaster-the 550 does not auto index and you need an allen to change the shellplates-with the loadmaster, you just spin off the nut in the middle to change shellplates- but i've never tried it with rifle calibers- the dillon came in factory 308, which was the way i ordered it -to do it all over again, i'd definately try the loadmaster and go for the dillon IF THERE WAS TROUBLE with rifle in the loadmaster- btw, your same shellplate fits BOTH 45 and 308/06/etc- so, for either, just change the top end
 
Hornady LnL

I would suggest a Hornady LnL progressive. Changing from one caliber to
another is quick,easy and inexpensive.I am super happy with mine.

Carney
 
Dillon 550. I bought one as my first press, and I love it.

With the quick change kits, I can switch calibres (shellplate and top end) within 2 minutes. Easy as pie. Changing primer sizes takes another 5 minutes tops.
 
Start with an RCBS Rockchucker. If you move up to a progressive you will still keep the Rockchucker for forming and small runs.
 
762shooter said:
Start with an RCBS Rockchucker. If you move up to a progressive you will still keep the Rockchucker for forming and small runs.
Click to expand...

I'd echo that sentiment. I started that way and even with a progressive now my Rock Chucker doesn't gather much dust.

I know RCBS has Fantastic customer service from experience, although all tales tell that Dillons is just as excellent. I don't think you can really go that wrong with any of them, including the lee stuff. One option with a rockchucker is you can upgrade it with a piggyback system to progressive. However I have no experience with it.
 
Look into an RCBS Beginner's Kit. Gives you everything you need less dies and shellholder. You'll need a set of dies and a shell holder for each cartridge you've mentioned.
 
Dillon set the benchmark for customer service when they started and the rest fell into line. Go with the 550 and you will have a press for life.

Take Care

Bob
 
I will also suggest that you start with a single stage press. In the future when you do get a progressive, you will be able to set it up much easier.

Load development is much easier on a single stage, especially if you are loading many calibers.

Progressives are great if you are loading lots of cartridges, say a thousand a month. If you are only going do do a couple of hundred a month, go with a single stage.

My Loadmaster is great for pistol calibers, I have not used mine for rifle. Caliber changes are quick and really cheap...

I have a Hornady LnL progressive on the way. (Some US stores do ship to Canada, see Natchez)

See a great comparison of progressive presses http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127691&highlight=dillon+lee+hornady
 
SandRoad said:
Progressives are great if you are loading lots of cartridges, say a thousand a month. If you are only going do do a couple of hundred a month, go with a single stage.
Click to expand...

I somewhat disagree. I don't go through 1000 rounds/month (I WISH!), but have found that the speed at which I can load with the 550 really cuts down on the time I need to spend reloading. I leave it set up, and can crank out 400-500 rounds per hour without too much difficulty.

I have two small kids who eat up a lot of my time, so if I can load more efficiently, it's worth the extra cost up front for the progressive.
 
Get a single stage for your first press, ESPECIALLY if you're completely new to the concept of reloading. It's not rocket science, but a single stage will give you much finer control over each reloading stage, and probably a better understanding of the various steps.

Also a single stage is your best bet if you plan on loading for a precision bolt gun (as opposed to higher volume handgun or 'tactical' rifles)
 
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