Kramer Krazy
Member
I just finished reloading 500 45 acp, 400 9mm, and 100 55 mag this weekend on a single-stage press and it was a fairly significant time commitment. I don't reload very often, but the times I reload more than 200 rounds at a time, I wish I could go a little faster. I think I may reload more often if I had a dedicated system for one caliber or another way to save time. I am currently using a newer RCBS Rockchucker IV, but I have a 1986 RCBS press on a shelf, also. I reload 380, 9, 38, 357, 44, 44 mag, and 45, so far, and I have the dies for 223, but have not reloaded any 223, yet.
Since I mainly reload 45 acp, I have been thinking of converting one of the presses into a progressive for 45 acp with a Piggyback attachment. I've been watching used ones on eBay, Gunbroker, and a few other sites, but also been pricing new ones. I'm torn at the idea that I won't be able to inspect the process as closely as I can with the single-stage press and the time involved.
Should I pick up a Piggyback unit for one of my presses, buy a cheaper progressive unit like a Lee Pro 1000, or somethng else? I was thinking a turret press with the die plates would work out well because I can get a different plate for each caliber I reload in quantity (9mm and 45 acp), and I can use a single-stage for smaller, custom batches. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Oh yeah, as I'm sure somene will ask, currently, I am not reloading much and my wife and I haven't shot in a couple of years because we cringe at the thought of the cost of ammo, so I've been periodically reloadig and stock-piling ammo. A recent resurgance in firearms interest (and gun and reloading supply purchases) has us wanting to go shooting, again, but another year like 2005 when we shot up 17,000 rounds of ammo gives me cold chills if I think of the hours I would spend at the single-stage press between shooting sessions. I know I simply cannot go to the range without shooting at least 300 rounds at a minimum....that doesn't include what she shoots.
Since I mainly reload 45 acp, I have been thinking of converting one of the presses into a progressive for 45 acp with a Piggyback attachment. I've been watching used ones on eBay, Gunbroker, and a few other sites, but also been pricing new ones. I'm torn at the idea that I won't be able to inspect the process as closely as I can with the single-stage press and the time involved.
Should I pick up a Piggyback unit for one of my presses, buy a cheaper progressive unit like a Lee Pro 1000, or somethng else? I was thinking a turret press with the die plates would work out well because I can get a different plate for each caliber I reload in quantity (9mm and 45 acp), and I can use a single-stage for smaller, custom batches. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Oh yeah, as I'm sure somene will ask, currently, I am not reloading much and my wife and I haven't shot in a couple of years because we cringe at the thought of the cost of ammo, so I've been periodically reloadig and stock-piling ammo. A recent resurgance in firearms interest (and gun and reloading supply purchases) has us wanting to go shooting, again, but another year like 2005 when we shot up 17,000 rounds of ammo gives me cold chills if I think of the hours I would spend at the single-stage press between shooting sessions. I know I simply cannot go to the range without shooting at least 300 rounds at a minimum....that doesn't include what she shoots.