I think the advantage of a progressive press, or maybe we can just say "the ABLP", can be even simpler than that. Even if all I am doing is decapping, I would much rather do it on a progressive with a case feeder and ejector than loading and unloading each shell with my fingers. Perhaps if there was a case feeder and ejector for another kind of press, that would compete. Maybe the Lee APP press with the automation package will compete with the ABLP for a single operation like that, but a single-stage or turret cannot, not without a case feeder.
Tell me if I'm crazy, observations about the Lee ALBP
- Thread starter mljdeckard
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RealGun
Member
I don't follow your 15 second analysis with full progressive. Once there is a case at every station you are going to get a finished round as soon as you pull the lever. A quick glance took care of checking that each station was in order first. Priming takes me no more than a second. Placing a bullet, same thing. There is a rhythm to it that is very efficient but which might be lost if trying to make a race out of it.
sparkyv
Member
^^^^^^THIS was what I had been looking for. I had not come across anyone mentioning putting eyes-on each charge...wasn't sure it could be done on this press. Thanks so much, mljdeckard.
You misunderstand, sir. I'm not after a speed award, rather attempting to identify if I can verify a proper power charge on each round without the need for a special cop or lick-out die.
Yes. Although I do use the Lock Out die, I can still see the powder in the case on the seater station before I set the bullet on it. I consider this and the lock out die necessary for safety (personal conviction - not telling you or anyone else what you must do) because if I load 1000 rounds, I have 1000 chances to not look one time.
I load .357 which is a fairly long case on the ABLP and compared to 9mm or .45, but I can still see in the case just fine. Seeing in .45 ACP would be really easy. I also load 6.5 Grendel on the ABLP. Because my load fills the case quite full, I can see the powder, but some bottleneck rifle cases could be tricky. Be sure to have good lighting.
I load .357 which is a fairly long case on the ABLP and compared to 9mm or .45, but I can still see in the case just fine. Seeing in .45 ACP would be really easy. I also load 6.5 Grendel on the ABLP. Because my load fills the case quite full, I can see the powder, but some bottleneck rifle cases could be tricky. Be sure to have good lighting.
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mljdeckard
Member
Because in full progressive, case on each station, it is about 15 seconds between each stroke. I can run a single case through in about 17 seconds, and two cases at a time (1 every other position) in about 20 seconds, or ten seconds per round. That's just how it works out.
True, but in my experience owning Green, Blue, and "H" Red progressive presses, get the one whose color match the decor in your reloading room, it will serve you well.
So, bringing in constructive information to the discussion is valuable.
I am lead to believe that with any progressive 'type' it is suggested to run a full plate full of cases (one at each station) to eliminate any offset pressure/die alignment issues? As others have noted, once you get going it gets into a rhythm of component handling without sacrificing safety protocols.
RealGun
Member
I think many place more priority on how many times you had to pull the lever.
Of course not, you expect anything less? No matter what the persons needs or budget there is always a Dillon post.
Never a RCBS or Hornady always a Dillon
whughett
Member
Any sarcasm aside:Well if you live in Rhode Island and in Florida shouldn't you have two Dillons??
Tried to get a Rhode Island friend and fellow shooter to sell me his old SquareDeal when he bought the 650. He wasn’t having any of that.
Don’t load enough center fire pistol while there to justify the expense. Most Florida shooting for me is cap and ball revolvers and the price difference tween the Lee Classic Turret and a Dillon product was a new Uberti or Colt clone. A few hundred rounds for the conversion cylinders is about all I need a progressive for down there.
The Lee pictured fills the gap quite nicely and with the exception of the stupid priming system works quite well. I also have Lees bottom of the line single stage press for de-priming and priming.
whughett
Member
In an honest market it applies every time for every purchase. It’s why we have a diversity of products.
kmw1954
Member
Diversity of products is a great thing but the question still remains, If I am on a forum and having problems with my GMC Canyon why would I care or want to hear about your F150 Ford? Why do people always feel the need to defect and depart from the topic at hand and interject something totally irrelevant? If you want to talk about your product then start another thread, no?
In this case the subject in the title is the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro. So aside from the detraction to Dillon the same would hold true to change the topic to Single Stage presses. Neither have anything to do with the topic.
whughett I am not trying to single you out as this happens constantly when the discussion of loading presses comes up. So please do not take this personally.
Just busting your chops
The LCT priming system actually works very well once set up correctly
In some ways I prefer it to my Hornady LnL AP. No need to use a primer tray, then do the hunt and peck to fill a tube. Then if anything screws up, no need to disassemble the priming system, dump primers, use the tray again and put them in a tube. Sometimes simple is better. No it's not high tech but it works
As far as ammo production, Progressive press estimate are way over stated, They are only achieved with a case and bullets feeder. multiple primer tubes filled up (how long is that?) and there is not snags involved in the loading process. I have timed it on my LnL and a previous RCBS with strip feed primers. No way 600- 600 rounds and hour!
Add a small mirror and a light if needed:
For a light I have a mag base sewing machine light similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/LGDehome-Fle...+Magnetic+Mounting+Base&qid=1573231853&sr=8-9
Edit: because I wet tumble with pins, the inside of the cases are bright and shiny, way easier to see the powder than a case that's black inside.
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whughett
Member
Not at all. I have a tendency to view forums as a room full of people chatting, you just reminded me butting in and changing the topic is impolite. Guess I took some previous remarks about other presses as a sign it’s ok.
Good luck with what ever system you go with.
Harvey
Old Stumpy
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Dillon does seem to have a cult following.
If you say that you only load 100 rounds a month, and you only need a single stage press, at least one guy is sure to tell you that you still need a Dillon progressive.
I doubt that there are many threads on this forum that do NOT get sidetracked, derailed, hijacked or whatever the term is.
whughett
Member
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The answer is Mopar!I doubt that there are many threads on this forum that do NOT get sidetracked, derailed, hijacked or whatever the term is.
sparkyv
Member
Add a small mirror and a light if needed:
View attachment 870376
For a light I have a mag base sewing machine light similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/LGDehome-Fle...+Magnetic+Mounting+Base&qid=1573231853&sr=8-9
Edit: because I wet tumble with pins, the inside of the cases are bright and shiny, way easier to see the powder than a case that's black inside.
Yup, that's what I do on my turret. Wasn't sure this was doable on the Lee ALBP.
RealGun
Member
Depends if you sit to load. I stand with a low mount by Inline on a 36" high bench. Long neck flexlight works okay for me, with the battery base zip-tied to one of the masts. I am using a Greenlee from Lowe's, big enough for two AAs.
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mljdeckard
Member
I had to lower mine to look in. I suppose I could try a mirror, I had to clamp a reading lamp on the back shelf of my stand.
Dudedog
Contributing Member
Yes
I like to make one pass to deprime, rezize, expand the case mouth.
Wet tumble the brass, prime it while watching TV (wear safety glasses!) then have it ready to go when I go to load.
Sure I make two passes but I like to wet tumble and I don't have enough stations for everything I want in one pass.
(lockout die, bullet feeder, FCD)
And I thought 5 stations was enough.
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