An essay: Progressive Press Takes the Fun Out of Reloading

[SSN Vet]

Disclaimer: this is one man's opinion based on his experience. YMMV

I was fortunate that when I got into reloading some 7 or 8 years ago, I was already a THR member and found a wealth of good info., reviews, and helpful guys willing to share their experience and answer redundant novice questions.

So I purchased what was then the brand new hot ticket press, the Lee Classic (cast iron base with 4-hole) Turret press by Lee. The price was affordable, the set ups easy, and within a year or two I was banging out 8 different rifle calibers and pistol calibers (with dedicated turrets for most of them), scrounging brass like a mad man and getting into casting.

For me, the LCT press was just the ticket and I was making quality ammo, with tight tolerances at a modest speed. I could disappear into my man cave and punch out a box or two at a leisurely pace, punching out one operation per pull of the handle and OK, I'll admit it, sipping a beer and listening to music at a low volume.

Fast forward a couple years ago, when I attended a USPSA clinic and shot a qualifier. I really enjoyed myself and decided the following summer I was going to join a different club and shoot IDPA.... which would require quite a bit more loading.

My coworker got the Lee Loadmaster and after studying up on THR and watching the on-line videos, I convinced myself that because I was a gear head and loved to tinker, the LM would be a good press for me. And I must say, I really enjoyed setting up and dialing in the press and it wasn't long b4 I had it running pretty much fault free. So I put in a big order with Berry's and cast up a pile of wheel weights and even (say it aint so Joe) bought once fired brass. And within a week I had a couple ammo cans packed and ready to go.

Fast forward .... Life intervened... I've been finishing off a fairly nice shop in the basement, I never did join the club with the active IDPA group and continued to shoot a couple hundred rounds a few times a month, so that I'm just now seeing the bottom of those cans. I haven't pulled the lever in a year and a half!!

So I made another sizeable Berry's order, cast up some more wheel weights, and dusted off the LM and hit the cave.

And I have to admit that I find reloading on a progressive press a lot less enjoyable than the LCT, even somewhat stressful (as I worry about letting an improperly charged case slip by). I have to concentrate a lot more as there are 5 operations to monitor for every pull, no music, no beer, and just when I'm getting into the groove.... I'm done. Another ammo can of .45 acp polished off and I need to switch the press over to 9mm.

Maybe some day I'll have the time and money to compete and actually shoot 1,000 rounds a month in the summer (don't have an indoor range convenient for winter months).... but I have to admit, I enjoy the LCT a lot better.

Now all the Blue Kool Aide drinkers can chime in and chastise me for buying the wrong press. But I've loaded on my brothers 550, and have found it to be pretty much the same dynamic.

YMMV, but I wish I had just stuck with the LCT and used the LM $ to buy a nice scope or a set of CT laser grips.

 

[joem1945]

"And I have to admit that I find reloading on a progressive press a lot less enjoyable than the LCT, even somewhat stressful (as I worry about letting an improperly charged case slip by). "

If you had bought a Dillon 650 and the safety powder check, you wouldn't worry about that. JMHO.

 

[cfullgraf]

Now all the Blue Kool Aide drinkers can chime in and chastise me for buying the wrong press. But I've loaded on my brothers 550, and have found it to be pretty much the same dynamic.

As much as the Dillon-o-philes would like everyone to believe Dillons are the greatest thing since sliced bread, the Dillon presses are not for everyone.

While considering loading on a progressive, look outside the box. There is no need to use the press as designed by Messieurs Dillon, Hornady and RCBS. Break the reloading process up in manageable components that make reloading enjoyable.

For example, there are a number of folks that resize at one time, prime off the press at another time, and at third time reload the cases.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

I bought a Dillon 650 not because I enjoy reloading I bought it because I want to get the job done and not monkey hump around on a SS press.

 

[LiveLife]

I was taught to reload on Dillon 550 and Lee Pro 1000 by a bullseye match shooter who was a stickler for consistency and accuracy (memories of sorting bullets by weight and shaving bottoms of FMJ bullets ... ).

I currently reload on 4 Pro 1000 and Dillon 650 along with Lee Classic Turret, 2 C-H "H" type presses and C-H 205 single stage for load development (Herter's 6 station turret is work in progress).

I can't speak for loading on Load Master but walking up to one of the dedicated Pro 1000 press set up for one of 380/9/40/45 calibers and simply adding powder/primers to start reloading (after verifying powder charges) is very convenient. If I am using pre-resized/primed cases, reloading in progressive mode on Pro 1000/650 IS A DREAM as it takes very little effort and rhythm is SILKY SMOOTH.

While I load limited calibers on the Lee Classic Turret, bulk of my reloading needs cannot be sustained by the volume output of the LCT.

Progressive Press Takes the Fun Out of Reloading

I will admit that I really prefer and enjoy reloading rifle cartridges in single stage mode. There's something about taking the time to do each stage with methodical deliberate process with the slow pace to pay attention to detail that, for me, epitomizes the essence of reloading. When I am reloading in progressive mode, I am primarily concerned about when I am going to finish 100 rounds so I can add more primers and dump the finished rounds in the Folgers coffee can.

I do enjoy reloading in single stage, turret and progressive mode but after 500-1000 rounds in progressive mode, I do feel somewhat like a rower in the Roman naval ship.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I enjoy loading on my progressive press.

 

[SCC]

I can see where you're coming from. I've got a Dillon 650 and when I need to crank out 9mm I just check the setup and crank them out. It's production work, nothing particularly enjoyable about it. It get's the job done fast.

But then there's load development, that's where it gets interesting. I use the 650 like a single stage all the time. Particularly for rifle rounds. I keep some pre-primed/sized cases ready and will weigh out and fill a couple, then place them one at a time directly into station 4 to seat the bullet. Just like a single stage except it dumps the completed round in the tray for me.

 

[higgite]

YMMV, but I wish I had just stuck with the LCT ........

You are correct, sir. My mileage does vary.

 

[GaryL]

I would just chalk it up as a learning experience and peddle off the LM. You might find someone who would love to trade for the LM, and you both share whatever depreciation the market would require.

I have blue and red on the bench. They are tools - and good for what they need to do. Some operations I like doing better on a SS (like rifle prep stuff), simply because it doesn't tie up the other press, and it's quick to setup and do.

FWIW, I was reading an automotive site article, and was amazed at the internet stupid being displayed. For most, it all came down to the badge on the car being far greater than the design, engineering, execution, and build quality that went into it. Most people here don't do that. Some get enthusiastic, or a little defensive, but as long as someone can present a factual review of their experience and some reasoned arguments for their decisions, it's all useful data for the rest of us.

 

[TexasDon]

Where is the sign that says everyone has to use a certain type/brand press.

Reloading tools are like shoes, they make all types for your needs.
Not everyone needs the same press, be it single stage,turret or auto-progressive.

I've used them all.
I like them all, they are like tools in my tool box.

If your happy with a certain press and it meets your needs...GREAT.
Just have fun and be SAFE...

TxD

 

[Rodentman]

I shoot and reload a lot of calibers, but not large quantities of any of them compared to a lot of other people. My handicap limits my range time. Speaking only for myself, I am content with my 2 SS presses, an old Lee and a Big Boss II. The Lee hold the "universal" flare die, and the BB II gets the rest of the duties.

I surely see the obvious benefits of a progressive but for ME, small batches, I'm good.

 

[A Pause for the Coz]

There is a solution to that.
You do not have to load all your ammo on the progressive.
My self, I load maybe 80% of the TIME ( not loads) on my turret. It is quite all right to load just a hundred once in a while to take that weekend.

I reserve my LNLAP for when I need to make a nice big pile of a load I shoot allot.
This last weekend, I spend a few days casting, lube sizing and doing case prep for the 1000 300 Black out loads I will load.

In between I loaded a couple hundred .380 loads on the turret.

Mix em all in, I spend a couple two, three hours every few days in the cave doing some thing.

 

[Skinnedknuckles]

I load on the Lee turret press and have since I started reloading a couple of years ago. I've toyed with the idea of switching to a progressive but have held back for just the reasons you so eloquently listed that makes you wish you had not. I'm a low volume shooter by IDPA or other competitions, and enjoy reloading. If I completed half a year's ammo in a single setting, I would not enjoy it nearly so much. What I love about these hobbies is that they can be pursued in so many different ways by some many people (with so many different brands of equipment) and we can all have fun.

 

[dds51968]

I use the LCT, and frankly it's just right.

I find the process relaxing and enjoyable, I have no need/desire to be able to produce ammo rapidly.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I can completely appreciate the sentiment in the OP's essay.

Reloading time is "me time". I enjoy the process of going through the steps of preparing the brass, priming, measuring the powder and seating the bullet. Recently I added a concentricity tool, which is another process I enjoy.

I had an old Lee for years, and about a year ago upgraded to a Redding Big Boss 2. I love it. I do dream of adding a T7 to my bench one of these days, I think it would be a neat addition.

 

[HOWARD J]

After using Lee turrets for 16 retired years---I got tired of them
I put the 550 back together & reloading has become fun again

 

[Ccctennis]

I am fairly new to the progressive game. I love my dillon as I need to rock out 500 rounds a week in handgun. However I still use my precision electronic powder trickler and my single stage rock chucker for all precision rifle rounds.

I shoot lots of 220 swift, 6.5-284, 30-06, 32 win and love single stage for those. I take all the time in the world. Every charge exact to the tenth. Every OAL on the money. It was that time I love for rifles which made me hate single stage reloading for volume!

 

[Hangingrock]

I am not a Handloader but rather a Reloader. I find no joy or contentment in the process and its not a hobby but a necessary evil in order to shoot.

For those that find enjoyment in handloading then I'm glad that you do.

 

[LiveLife]

For me, reloading goes beyond enjoyment to the level of therapy. My wife says I always come out of the reloading room happy, not always the case when I come home from gun shows.

Besides, after 500-1000+ round reloading session, I may feel monotonous about the mechanical repetitive cycle of progressive reloading but when I look at the mound of shiny rounds, it brings smile to my face as I look forward to the next range trip.

 

[GBExpat]

Years ago when I was heavily involved in the care of my mom and dad after they suffered strokes, my sister declared that my "Gun Hobby" represented my Therapy.

Whether working with my RCBS JR3 single-stage or, more recently, my LCT, I am always relaxed at the end of a reloading session, no matter how wound-up I was at the beginning.

I do not have a progressive (and do not plan on getting one) but I imagine my response may be along the lines of bds' ... not relaxing, until I look at that HUGE pile of ammo I just produced in a short period of time.

 

[Jim Watson]

I reload in order to get ready to go shooting, it is not a fun activity of its own.
Therefore I do not subscribe to the current Internet Cuteness of calling a firearm an "unloader."

I load most pistol ammo on progressives with reasonable care. I don't need superfine ammunition for IDPA, it just has to be safe, reliable, and hit a good size target at moderate range.

I load rifle ammo single stage so I can give it more attention for accuracy since my only use for it is real target shooting; BPCR or F Class. I do not shoot three gun or do centerfire plinking to need bulk quantities as made on a progressive.

I don't do partial progressive with several steps done off the Dillon. My pistol ammo does not need primer pocket cleaning or trimming, and I am not afraid of the primer feed.

 

[GT1]

I can relate. When I am loading ammo on my LCT I am usually smiling, relaxed and feeling good, still very vigilant but it is easy to follow along.
The 650 isn't like that at all. I am attentive and concentrating on everything, it isn't stressful, but I am not relaxed and pleased while using it. The pile of ammo after a session leaves a satisfactory feeling though.
If you actually need a progressive it is a means to an end. Reloading isn't really fun, not in a way that makes me want to do it. If I could just buy ammo at the price I reload for I would not bother.

I can reload a 50 box of 9mm for 6 dollars, cost 12 at wallymart.

 

[gamestalker]

If I needed to load a lot, and on a regular basis, I would definitely go with something more efficient. But I love reloading, and I don't go through thousands of rounds, so a single stage is great for my recreational needs.

GS

 

[NapalmMan67]

A progressive puts the fun in relaoding for me- or at least more fun in to shooting.

I can produce 6-7 times more ammo on the progressive in the same time as on the turret. Sooo then I can spend more time on the range or fishing.

To each their own.


.

 

[swiftak]

I love sizing 100 cases
I love belling 100 cases
I love priming 100 cases
I love charging 100 cases
I love seating bullets in 100 cases

What I really love is reloading 100 rounds on my 550 in 35 minutes and than shooting them.