Bottleneck cartridges on a progressive?

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I'm considering reloading bottleneck (223, 7.62 x 39, 30-06) cartridges on a progressive press.

Let me see if I understand. You resize the case. Then you pull it off the press and trim it. Then you put it back into the toolhead for priming.

Is that right?

If so, what's the advantage of a progressive over single stage.

I'm already using a Square deal for straight wall cases, but my loads are light and don't have a problem, yet, with having to trim anything.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Pinned and Recessed,

There are dies, such as the RCBS X-die, that minimize trimming significantly. Here's the order they're used, starting with initial sizing:

1. Resize your cases initially on a single stage
2. Trim the brass to minimum specifications.
3. Load progressively, gaining the advantage of the powder drop, priming, etc of the progressive.
4. Fire
5. Clean
6. Load progressively, using the RCBS X-die (It minimizes need to trim.)
7. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 at least 3 times, then go back to step 1.

This is an oversimplification, but I'm pretty sure you get the idea. Also, Dillon offers an on the press trim machine with vacuum to clean up the brass bits so you also have this option.

 

[Matt-man]

Let me see if I understand. You resize the case. Then you pull it off the press and trim it. Then you put it back into the toolhead for priming.

Just to clarify, those who are using this method run the entire batch through the sizing process, trim them all, and then the batch of prepped cases goes back to the press to prime/charge/seat. With this method you're still able to run progressively for the prime/charge/seat operations which results in a speed advantage over a single stage press.

With a case feeder on the progressive, there's no way a single stage can come close - I use my progressive even for single operations because the feeder gives me a huge speed boost over a single stage press.

 

[Dr. Dickie]

That is exactly what I have been doing (just getting into rifle loads).
I got a cheap RCBS partner single stage, I deprime, size, then tumble and trim.
I figure once trimmed, they will likely not need it again before they wear out.
I will have to check into that RCBS X-die (thanks Dave).
Oh, if you can swing it, and you are going to be doing a significant amount of re-loading, get an electric trimmer (Good golly that is a pain in ).
I have the RCBS Trim Pro Manual Case trimmer http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=114864
Works great, but a bear on the mind and body (I like to do a least 100 rounds at a time).
Oh yeah, when you get the case trimmer get a de-burring tool (a must have--inside and outside one).

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Dr. Dickie,

Upgrade your trimmer to the motorized model. You'll be glad you did. I know, because I have one. And follow Mattman's suggestion about using the progressive to FL resize. A good idea that works great I forgot to mention.

Dave

 

[Matt-man]

Warning, thread drift ahead!

Dr. Dickie, if you don't want to part with the cash for the fully motorized Trim Pro, pick up the adapter that lets you power it with a drill. It's only about $10, it works okay, and it's a big step up from arm power!

The 3-way cutter also gets a big thumbs-up. It lets the Trim Pro trim, debur, and chamfer in one step. It's tricky to set up but once it's set it's a big timesaver. Highly recommended.

 

[taliv]

dillon's catalog has a die that uses a motorized cutter with vacuum manifold to trim cases and suck the shavings off. i don't know anyone who has used it though

 

[TonyT]

i have loaded 30-06 on a Dillon using the Lee collet dies or RCBS neck size dies without any trimming required. I segregate cases by the rifle in which they were fires and only use bolt action rifles.

 

[redneck2]

If you trim to minimum length and load to mid-range loads (at least on .223) before you do anything else, you'll get at least several loadings before needing to trim again.

I started with new WW's and once fired LC's. After three loadings they're still under max.