[selinoid44]

I'm thinking about purchasing the 366 auto progressive reloader but would appreciate some feedback from my friends at THR.
Is this loader worth it's price tag?
Is this loader reliable?
Is this loader easy to use for a new guy to use?
Is this loader built to last?
Is there something else I should be looking at?

[moosehunt]

I have one that I've loaded probably something on the order of 150,000, maybeso 200,000 rounds on, probably more, and it wasn't even new when I got it. Zero problems. Obviously, you have to clean and lube it now and again. The only thing I've ever replaced is wad fingers, and that's normal. The 366 is NOT a press that you want to use to make changes. Forget changing gauge!!!! Even changing case type can be a bit of a hassle. I use 3 different cases and know exactly how to set for each (experience), but other than that, it is pretty much a set-and-use machine. When I set for a case, I'll plan on loading at least 2000 before another change. If all you are after is hunting loads, you really can't justify it unless you live in Argentina and shoot doves weekly! If you shoot a lot of trap or skeet, it will spit out the shells for you. All that said, were I starting over (and could afford it), I'd probably go with a Ponsness Warren. I couldn't afford one when I got the 366. All in all, the 366 is a good press. When loading, watch one and only one thing--the primer feed. Make sure you have a fresh primer every time. Don't try and watch anything but that one spot. Oh, and skip the resize station (unless you have a problem autoloader).

[SASS#23149]

I would not buy another one.
I bought mine used,and it has worked 'ok',but as Moosehunt said,find a load that crimps well and shoots good and don't mess around with any other hulls/loads,etc.
It is NOT user friendly in that it WILL DUMP POWDER AND SHOT with no case present at that station...as when setting up the 1st time.
..You WILL forget this ,and you WILL remember the hassle for a loooooooong time.
been there,done it. :(

On my older one,the 'shell kicker' is no more than a machined 'cut' in the cast base.It's long since chippped away and does not ejecct shells well...if at all.

Did I say I would not buy another one.?

[moosehunt]

What Mr. SASS said about making a mess if you screw up is true, but there is a shut-off for both the powder and the shot. Still, if I wanted to go high production with another gauge, and couldn't afford/justify one of the real high end machines, I wouldn't hesitate to get another.

Incidently, my shell kicker station has always worked fine.

[snuffy]

The 366 is late 1950's technology. As stated above, it does not have shell sensors at the powder/shot stations. IF the powder/shot valves are turned on, it will drop shot and powder with no shell present. Getting that mess out from under the shell plate is a nightmare.

It started it's "life" as the Pacific 366. When Hornady bought out the pacific tool company, they inherited it. It uses both shot and powder bushings. The shot bushing are marked as to what they will throw with a particular shot size as well as amount. There used to be a lot more powder bushings than there are now. But there's plenty to get what you want.

It has a crimp starter station, the main crimp station,(two stage), and a post crimp taper station. Once set-up for a particular shell make, like AA's, it will produce plenty of ammo it a short time.