Can't decide on progressive press

[cmcgehee]

If you are planning to set up your dies as described above, where are you going to mount the Bullet Feeder die?

I eliminated the bullet feeders as I only use coated cast bullets.

 

[cmcgehee]

cmcgehee, In post #31 you mention using a (I assume) Lee powder through expanding die. Obviously you will have to attach a powder drop to the die. I'm not sure how you would attach the Hornady powder drop to the Lee die and get it to automatically dispense the powder but I'm sure someone has figured it out.

Also you are not going to be able to use the proposed combination of a bullet feeder, lock out/powder cop, seating die and crimp die. You have 5 stations and this requires 6 so one of those options has to go. This is a dilemma that many have and there is a lot of discussion on this topic. The solution really depends on your specific situation and priorities. What I might do and what you might do could be totally different. But probably the best solution is to forgo the powder cop. I say this as someone that uses coated cast bullets and plated bullets which are harder (but not impossible) to get a bullet feeder and/or combination seater-crimp die to work properly. I rather have a lock out die than a single seat/crimp die. It's all really a compromise.

BTW, a Dillon XL650 has the same problem because it also is a 5 station press. The only way to have all of the options is to get either a Dillon 1050 or the new RCBS progressive with more than 5 stations. Both of those are way more expensive than the LnL or 650. I don't know anything about the previously mentioned GSI feeder on a 650 or how much that costs and what it buys you but I'm sure it's an expensive proposition.

I did away with the bullet feeders and went with the RCBS Lock Out Die.

 

[cmcgehee]

cmcgehee,

If I may say a few more things. I'm sure by now you are quite confused. If you were my friend and neighbor and you asked me my opinion on what to do I would advise something along the lines of this:

For now, I would make an honest assessment on the amount of ammo you actually use in each caliber. In actual fact I consume way more 9mm and 38 spl ammo than 45ACP. When I bought my LNL I also purchased complete sets of new dies in 9mm, 38 and 45 because I wanted to have completely separate and independent press set ups. Many months later and 1000s of rounds of ammo I still have my 45 acp dies sealed in the original package. When I need 45 acp I use my old turret press set up not the LNL because the volume I use of 45 acp is way less. So I could have deferred the cost of the dies, shell plate and the items for the powder drop by waiting on the 45 acp material for when I actually have the need for a high volume of 45 ammo.

Personally I would forget the bullet feeder and concentrate on simply getting set up to run the basic press. The bullet feeder adds a complication that may be overly frustrating to overcome before you gain a complete understanding of how progressive presses work. I don't say this as in insult, rather as a friendly suggestion. I've been using my LNL for almost 10 months now and while I really like it and it works very well I still have a few things to learn about the press and how it functions.

Thomas15....I did away with the bullet feeders. I load for 45 & 9mm only and about equal amounts...750 or so each a month. I already had the 45 dies so I just had to order the 9mm. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

 

[cmcgehee]

I was on the fence between a Lee and Hornady. I elected to go with the Hornady LNL. I love the press and have reloaded about 2500 rounds with it now. I got the press on sale for $389 and the shell plates are about $32-35 each. You will want to buy some extra collars for the dies. I reload 5 different calibers and have set all the dies up for quick change. I run one or two cartridges thru the press to make sure none of my settings have changed and start reloading. It does take a little time initially to set all your dies.
The nice thing about the LNL powder drop is you can buy extra powder measures and swap them out with the different loads you want to reload without having to reset the powder measurements.
If you can save a few extra dollars you can't go wrong with this press.

500 free bullets will off set some of the cost as well. You also get 100 free bullets for each set of dies that you buy from them.

Parman...Do you know if the LnL press ships with 1 Pistol Metering Insert or none?

 

[jmorris]

jmorris, wow that's a great deal. But I couldn't find it on their site in 9mm, only 40 and 380. RATS!

They had them this morning. At that price just buy it and a caliber conversion and sell the caliber conversion and sell it on eBay, it will bring more than what Dillon sells them for. Or just use it as an excuse to get another gun...I suppose you could also just buy it and sell it in November for more than twice what you paid, when there is another run on gear.

 

[2011redrider]

Bought mine in 14 and it shipped with a pistol and rifle rotors.

Looks like if you go thru Cabelas this weekend with their 10% and free shipping, it's 352. Plus 500 free bullets

 

[pinkymingeo]

I have two RCBS Lockout dies for my LnL AP. Used to use one for larger cases, one for smaller. I finally quit using them. In +100K rounds I have never seen the LnL powder measure off even 1/10, using ball powders and, now, BE-86 which measures like a dream.. I mark the rotor drop adjusting screw with a magic marker line to show any adjustment creep, and check the drop every 100rds. It's always the same. I give cases the eyeball, of course. Long ago I came to appreciate a separate expanding die, so these days I use sizer/expander/powder drop/seater/crimp. That's all the holes I've got, and it works for me.

 

[cmcgehee]

Bought mine in 14 and it shipped with a pistol and rifle rotors.

Looks like if you go thru Cabelas this weekend with their 10% and free shipping, it's 352. Plus 500 free bullets

I did buy from Cabellas today. Wound up at $344 on the press with free shipping plus bullets!!

 

[2011redrider]

Congrats!!!!! Look up 76 highboy on you tube and there is a 5 video setup on the LNL .

 

[JohnMc]

cmcgehee,
I'm pretty much a died-in-the-wool Lee fan, but the free bullets tempted me to the other red progressive a few months ago.
I even figured out how to get it to mount on my Lee reloading stand.
I'm hemming and hawing about getting a Bully Adapter to use the Lee pistol bullet feeder on it as well.
Cheers.

 

[TBJK]

I have a loadmaster, my primer spring ended up bending. I got a new one but haven't used it yet.

 

[cmcgehee]

Congrats!!!!! Look up 76 highboy on you tube and there is a 5 video setup on the LNL .

I have been watching Highboy76. Very good videos.

 

[jmorris]

I eliminated the bullet feeders as I only use coated cast bullets.

I use my bullet feeders with my cast and coated bullets.

 

[cmcgehee]

I use my bullet feeders with my cast and coated bullets.

I will probably add them in the future....

 

[2011redrider]

in case anyone else is looking for the LNL, I just saw it on Jet.com for 344 - 30 and free shipping for 314 to your door. Also they have the RCBS chargemaster for 240 after discount!

 

[cmcgehee]

in case anyone else is looking for the LNL, I just saw it on Jet.com for 344 - 30 and free shipping for 314 to your door. Also they have the RCBS chargemaster for 240 after discount!

Go figure....

 

[Bang!]

That got out of hand, quick. Jet.com had the LnL for $303 to my door and calibersusa had shell plates for half off. It's all on the way. Got the new press excitement.

 

[2011redrider]

They got the case feeder on sale too at 233 after the discount.

 

[thomas15]

Either way you guys got great deals. I shopped mine to death in Nov-Dec. 2014 and the best I could do was $379.00 with free shipping.

Funny thing is I waited for 9 months after getting it to put it in service.

 

[2011redrider]

Go figure....

Looks like it can cancel if it hasnt shipped, website says to call, even if it shows in process.

 

[9mmepiphany]

They got the case feeder on sale too at 233 after the discount.

That was enough to push me over the edge

Just ordered one along with the Small and Large pistol shell plates.

A bit more than Amazon before the first time buyer discount and a little slower shipping (2-5 days vs. 2 days), but the after discount price was like getting the two shellplates for free

 

[egd]

Dang It!!! You people are killing my credit card. I just ordered one from Jet. I couldn't pass that price up. Now I'll have to put off something from my wish list.

 

[Parman]

You will receive one pistol and one rifle measure with your press.

 

[cmcgehee]

You will receive one pistol and one rifle measure with your press.

Thanks!

 

[2011redrider]

I see the LNL went back to 404.00 today at Jet.com, but other items like case feeder, bullet feeder, and RCBS chargemaster prices remain unchanged. My chargemaster ended up being 235 after a discount for using a debit card.