Been considering getting into a progressive press

Rule3 said:
Well you clearly have a vested interest in this press. Several threads, best practices etc etc. You certainly did a fine detailed review on it.
Have they contracted with you to write a 100 page owners manual?

I have not seen it so can not compare, I have been a Lee customer for many years and have all their stuff 3 presses and all kinds of dies and accessory. I have also tried to deal with their CS which used to be good, So when the widget pin assembly breaks lets see have fast Lee with send out new ones to all involved without requiring the customer to send it back and pay for shipping??

There is no way their construction can compare to Dillon, RCBS or Hornady, 6 stations is not the best thing since sliced bread.
No other press has required countless threads and post on how to make it work out of the box.
There is a reason the price is $339 compared to others,

Maybe it will become top dog, but it is to early to tell. Just like you shouldn't buy a new Wammo Bammo pistol when it is first released!
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Proof of the principal: No good deed ever goes unpunished.

I don't use a progressive press, have no intent nor desire to try, but I've still followed most of those posts just for the learning experience. @LiveLife is posting "The Learning Curve" so others have an easier ride.
 
GeoDudeFlorida said:
Proof of the principal: No good deed ever goes unpunished.
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Isn't it amazing how true that is

@LiveLife is posting "The Learning Curve" so others have an easier ride.
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You have to consider how @LiveLife arrived at his current standing with Lee. It isn't like they hired him to like their press and then write about it.

He started writing about the new press to help new loaders attain a better understanding of a new product in the field. Lee recognised how professional and detailed he was in his presentation. They also noticed that he used his prior training/experience to analysis features the offered possible improvements. That is what lead to him being asked to test their products...he has stated that he would refuse pay/employment for his efforts.

As a result of his efforts, the members of this forum are getting early notice of upcoming introductions and a peak behind the curtain at how products are developed
 
I went with the Hornady lock n load, as my brother had one, and seemed to think it was great.. He has been loading a lot longer than I had. But I also had to keep my Lee turret press not only as a standby, but to use when not loading a bunch. I also had a RCBS ROCK CHUCKER single stage press, that I had for a lot of years, and actually started reloading on that press. I finally decided I could do just about anything it would do on the Lee turret press, so I had to keep that one. When I load a lot use the progressive, and wanted one that would do rifle as well as pistol rounds. I had used a Lee Pro 1000, but it would only do pistol rounds. Was a toss up between Lee and Hornady, but since my brother had the Hornady and was happy with it, that was the one I decided on
 
Another vote for Dillon. Have used a 550-B for over 25 years, and it still works flawlessly. My RCBS Rockchucker II single stage press is still in use for the past 40+ years. I have used Lee products, their dies are okay, but their “new improved” Auto Prime was awful. I used their original for years until I couldn’t get replacement parts for it. I bought two of their new models and they were lousy. I would not take a chance on one of their progressives, based on my experience with their hand priming tool. YMMV, and if you go that route, I hope it works out for you.
 
Stefan A said:
If I am going to stick with the 6000, I definitely think it would be wise to wait a bit.
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Having read about issues, or lack of features that I considered Deal Breakers, with previous Lee progressive presses, that was my first thought also.

What changed my mind and got me to order one (early version without upgrades) was all the information being offered on the forum by @ Livelife and @GW Staar. All members are entitled to their opinion, but some opinions carry more weight when you consider their breath of experience and their demonstrated open mindedness to new products
 
I'll add my two cents, though it's probably only worth that on this topic. I have done the vast majority of my reloading over the last two decades on an RCBS single stage. For several years, though, I wanted to get a progressive, mostly because I thought it would be neat to have. While I wish I could shoot enough to justify needing a progressive, I just don't. But, a couple of years ago I decided to purchase one before certain political actors figure out they exist and feel a need to "do something." (Not a great reason, I admit, but there it is). I agonized over the decision for a while and ultimately decided to "buy once, cry once" and got a Dillon XL750 with case feeder.

I don't use it a lot, but I have toolheads set up for both 223 and 6.5 Grendel. While not difficult to use or setup per se, it can be a bit finnicky. It spills a little bit of CFE223 while in operation, which makes a mess. Recently, it developed a quirk where it misses primers sometimes and doesn't always pick one up to seat; which, if not caught before you advance the case to the next station, will result in a mess when powder comes running out the bottom of the case. And even when caught, you have to stop the press to fix the problem. I have also broken the bushing on the powder return rod and now need to replace that.

I think most or all of this is solvable by properly adjusting the press or using various after-market accessories or work-arounds. When I have the press up and running, it is fun to use and loads a bunch of ammo very quickly. But you do have to be prepared to fiddle with it. It is not intended for small batches and I don't recommend you try to use it for that. I knew the press would be more finicky than my Rock Chucker before I bought it, and overall I'm very pleased with the press and am glad I have it. But I still use my single stage more than I do the Dillon.

I completely understand wanting a progressive when you don't strictly need one. That said, just be prepared to work through some quirks---whatever flavor of progressive press you decide to get.
 
Time consuming video - but it was good. After seeing it I think the Hornady press shows a lot of advantages for most folks who "need" a progressive press.
 
BushMaster-15 said:
A shame you couldn't attend a Shot Show in Vegas ,two fold . One try before You buy ,two get a Show special :)

Look around and see what Pro shooters load with and remember the vast majority WEREN'T pro's when they purchased their loaders and Not all were sponsored either . Equipment brand popularity is based upon FUNCTION over price EVERY SINGLE TIME .
You purchase once ( hopefully ) and use it for LIFE . IF You're going to realistically produce 250 + rounds per day or want them quickly , in 1or 2 calibers perhaps the XL750 is for You ?.

Watch this Guy ,he's pretty fair and as honest as they come .


Depending upon the reloading one intends ,I'd be inclined to look at the X10 ,as it appears to be a SOLID value for features ,IMO . I still like MY RL 550 best mainly because I can get . 338 LM rounds through mine and anything else under that .
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Yeah, shot show. That would be cool. But that's not happening. But, I will be going to the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg in a few weeks. I have watched that video before and I like his stuff.
 
Stefan A said:
I have really enjoyed reading this thread and have been refreshing this all day at work :). Everyone's input has been helpful. And I am still willing to hear anything else you have to say. When I consider Livelife's in depth knowledge of the Lee 6000, I have to put a lot of stock into what he says. Not to say that others don't have an in depth knowledge of their machine. With all the accolades for the 6000 and the extremly low price point compared with the other presses, I am pretty sure the 6000 is going to be the one. No offense to the Dillon people here, but they are just too expensive for me. I'm sure they're great machines. As for the Hornady/RCBS crowd, they are more expensive too and seem to have their own set of issues. I'd rather spend half the price and deal with issues, some of which I am already familiar with. I will probably also get an inline fabrication quick change flush mount for both the 6000 and turret press as I don't have enough room at this time to have 2 presses setup. Plus, I am trying to decide between the Hornady powder cop or the DAA magnetic powder check. Not sure when all this buying will take place, as I may wait as was suggested for more issues to be worked out. There is one available in the caliber I want at Grafs. Anyway, thanks again!
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We are all different.....I like to tinker, design and build things. Been doing that since high school, no plans to quit anytime soon. I used to say if you hate that, then buy a Dillon. Then my brother bought a Dillon 650 and I changed my mind. I have to tinker with that too....my brother is an ER doc. He's not into tinkering .... at all! His work is stressful....when he comes home he doesn't want any more of it. So when his 650 does something unexpected, I get a phone call....and I do a "house call" ;) I don't care what the brand is, they are all machines, and none are perfect and last forever. Yes, quality is sometimes more metal than plastic, but a metal part can be forced and broke too.....and there really are parts that don't have to be expensive metal.

Richard, and now John Lee have always said that many reloading tools are over-built......and yet they break too. I've found that it's the bull in a china cupboard user that is the biggest problem. We need to learn to investigate before we use force....and that's hard for the impatient wanting to reload a 1000 rounds before the shoot Saturday.....specially since it worked perfect last week. But last week everything was clean and properly lubricated, and some of us don't plan on that kind of maintenance every week. But maybe 7 times out of 10, the reason for a stoppage is just that. The other most common reason is short stroking or priming issues....

Every press has its little quirks. This new Lee 6000's quirk is it does not particularly like short stroking....yet that's how we often test. So on the 6000 press just be aware when it hangs move the shellplate, by hand during the middle of a stroke (when the shellplate can be rotated by hand) until it clicks.... then carefully stroke to see if it's back where it needs to be. If you do that little thing you will most likely learn to love this little press.

Then buy a 3D printer and make collators! Or maybe Stephan, while you're waiting for the right time to buy a new press, buy a printer......first! :) Then you can make 10 collators and bullet feed dies for almost nothing.
 
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Exactly!.....You need something fun to do while you wait for the right time for a press purchase! :)
 
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With a Hornady or Dillon, make sure you factor in the cost of the accessories like a case feeder.
Also, be aware of the limitations of the Dillon Square Deal and Dillon 550. No option for a case feeder on the Square Deal and no auto indexing on the 550. (I really don’t understand the value of these two Dillon presses.) And you won’t be able to use your Lee dies.
 
Stefan A said:
Yeah, shot show. That would be cool. But that's not happening. But, I will be going to the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg in a few weeks. I have watched that video before and I like his stuff.
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There's NOTHING like YOU going to a shooting reloading venue and seeing them IN PERSON .

Quite honestly IF I had to cough up the coin today to purchase a New progressive ,I'd have to take into consideration ALL THE DIES I already own . Again IF the Dillon cost what it does now back when I bought mine , I'd probably NOT have bought it . It's served ME very well for decades and yes I've had to replace plastic bushings and they did send Me a Free powder hopper years ago ,because the Plastic cracked on mine . Used to send ANY part for free but now wearable parts are purchasable . So things changed ,it happens .

I'm not thrilled with some of the units as they won't handle .338 Laupa Magnum for example , that being said there are a select few of us who actually shoot them ,so Not a deal breaker IMO ,especially seeing the speed one can load .45 ,9mm .38 .380 .44 . I don't want to wrap up $5-7K in More loading equipment ,but most certainly could justify $1-2K for pistol expediences :)

Bottom line YOU will need to set down realistically and determine , WHAT YOU will shoot most and HOW many caliber changes that will require .
Along with the Dies you already own ,verses priority dies investment . Do a REAL cost analysts get hands on touchy feely . Then make your move .
 
Zendude said:
With a Hornady or Dillon, make sure you factor in the cost of the accessories like a case feeder.
Also, be aware of the limitations of the Dillon Square Deal and Dillon 550. No option for a case feeder on the Square Deal and no auto indexing on the 550. (I really don’t understand the value of these two Dillon presses.) And you won’t be able to use your Lee dies.
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Lee dies are universal 7/8-14 thread so ANY presses which uses standard dies will work just the same . My Dillon uses #4 Different brands as I prefer other manufacturers dies as opposed to Dillon's dies .
 
GeoDudeFlorida said:
You did know this was a den of enablers you walked into, right?
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It can get really bad.

I've gone from, "I don't really need one (3D printer)," to "Maybe one would be nice," to "Let me just price it out on Amazon," to "Where can I put it where it won't get too dusty...and the wife won't notice it."
 
Zendude said:
And you won’t be able to use your Lee dies.
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BushMaster-15 said:
Lee dies are universal 7/8-14 thread so ANY presses which uses standard dies will work just the same . My Dillon uses #4 Different brands as I prefer other manufacturers dies as opposed to Dillon's dies .
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I’m guessing he is referring the proprietary dies the SDB uses.
As far as no auto index on the 550, that’s done purposefully so one can use it as a single stage if needed.
Go with the 750 if the lack of auto indexing bothers you.
There’s a crap ton of choices out there.
Do your research and pick one that suits your needs……You prolly won’t be disappointed in whatever you choose…..:thumbup:
 
BushMaster-15 said:
There's NOTHING like YOU going to a shooting reloading venue and seeing them IN PERSON .
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Of course hopefully there will be some set up in Harrisburg for the show. Shot show is not for me, as I am not a professional in the industry.

Yeah, there no lack of enablers here. But none of you are my wife :). Although she has said it would be fine with her. I won’t be goaded into several $1000 of equipment. But I can be goaded into several hundred :).
 
Walkalong said:
I like the ergonomics of the LNL, and I really like the bullet seating in front where I can see into each case.
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That was a major adjustment when I started with the Pro-6k. It isn't easy lining up the base of a bullet with a case mouth when you're looking at it at a 45 degree angle...why I couldn't imagine living long with a Pro-6k without a bullet feeding die.

I'm not abandoning my LNL anytime soon...it's just too flexible compared to a Dillon 750
 
Walkalong said:
All the big name presses will do. I like the ergonomics of the LNL, and I really like the bullet seating in front where I can see into each case. YMMV
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I do like the half-step advance as well. Funny that didn't catch on with the other brands.

9mmepiphany said:
That was a major adjustment when I started with the Pro-6k. It isn't easy lining up the base of a bullet with a case mouth when you're looking at it at a 45 degree angle...why I couldn't imagine living long with a Pro-6k without a bullet feeding die.

I'm not abandoning my LNL anytime soon...it's just too flexible compared to a Dillon 750
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So interesting, the thoughts above. Shows we are certainly different....a good thing. When I started in progressives (RCBS Pro 2000) it was a decision between the Dillon 650 and the RCBS I bought. The Hornady wasn't even considered because of the LnL die bushings meaning I had to deal with changing 5 stations instead of a single die plate. And the decision between blue and green was just the opposite.....I preferred the stationary powder die instead of feeling the pressure of buying a powder measure for each tool head. (I know there are ways around that, seldom used)

Then a few years later I buy the Pro-chucker 7 (why else...for the 7 stations) and it has no stationary powder measure spot. BUT, before I would buy that one I talked RCBS into selling powder dies separately, so for each tool head I could just mount that all ready to plop the P.M. in.

Now here I am playing with a Lee 6000 with Hornady-LnL-like bushings. And you know what? The thing I like least is having to remove and install separate dies!! ;) I'll get used to it I'm sure.

Ergonomics? They all have their yeas and nays. But the one thing I was wrong about was case and bullet feeders. At first I didn't think they would be important. At my age it's best to make the number of things you have to think about at once, the smallest number you can. I do way better with feeders, since I can focus on the important things like primers and powder charge. And I haven't blown myself up yet....knock on wood.
 
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