I'm new to reloading. I've done a ton of reading on the subject and am ready to purchase some equipment. I'll be reloading mostly pistol (.357, .38, 9mm, .45) ammo at this point. What I would like to know is what type equipment is perferred. I want a progressive reloader first of all, set up for .38 / .357. I have a fellow at work who says Lee gives the best buy for the money, but I've also heard that Lee has problems. I guess it's like anything that once one gets used to something it become the best, but I'll ask anyway - do any of you have opinions, one way or the other, on manufacturers, both from a reliability standpoint, ease of use, and value for the dollar. Thanks for all the help. (Next weeks question is who has the cheapest bullets etc. since I'm shooting mostly target for the moment). Thanks again....
Favorite / Best Reloading Equip
- Thread starter mugsie
- Start date
- Status
The Bushmaster
Member
O K gentlemen...Let's go to the peace table and talk nicely about this.
I use a mixture of RCBS and Lee. That in itself doesn't make them the best or better then any other manufacture. It's just that Lee and RCBS fit me needs.
You will have to do a lot of reading and determine what you want your equipment to do for you. Not what their equipment does for them...
Just part the fun of reloading. Instead of your wife doin' the shoppin', you get to...
I use a mixture of RCBS and Lee. That in itself doesn't make them the best or better then any other manufacture. It's just that Lee and RCBS fit me needs.
You will have to do a lot of reading and determine what you want your equipment to do for you. Not what their equipment does for them...
Just part the fun of reloading. Instead of your wife doin' the shoppin', you get to...
bcominos
Member
Dillon & RCBS have been doing me justice... an old Lyman Turret press has worked well for me too....
EddieCoyle
Member
The new Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is what I use. I like it a lot. It has 5 stations, it auto indexes, and you can get a case feeder for it. Make sure you get the pistol rotor for the case activated powder measure that's included with the press. The rotor that comes with it is not consistent with all powders for charges under 5 grains.
Hornady greatly improved this press in the last year or so. Earier models did not perform nearly as well.
Hornady greatly improved this press in the last year or so. Earier models did not perform nearly as well.
BigJakeJ1s
Member
I use/like different things from different manufacturers:
Lee: case gauge/trimmers, Factory Crimp Dies (collet style) for bottleneck rifle and pistol cartridges only. Lee hand press for depriming only.
Hornady: dies (especially seat/crimp), Cam-lock bullet puller, lock rings
Huntington: Compac Hand press (the cadillac of hand presses) for everything but depriming.
Things I'd like to try:
RCBS: X sizer dies, competition (window) seater dies, new universal hand primer, auto powder dispenser
Lee: Collet neck sizer dies, Classic cast or turret press
Hornady: LNL AP progressive press
Forster: CoAx press
Redding: Ultramag press
Andy
Lee: case gauge/trimmers, Factory Crimp Dies (collet style) for bottleneck rifle and pistol cartridges only. Lee hand press for depriming only.
Hornady: dies (especially seat/crimp), Cam-lock bullet puller, lock rings
Huntington: Compac Hand press (the cadillac of hand presses) for everything but depriming.
Things I'd like to try:
RCBS: X sizer dies, competition (window) seater dies, new universal hand primer, auto powder dispenser
Lee: Collet neck sizer dies, Classic cast or turret press
Hornady: LNL AP progressive press
Forster: CoAx press
Redding: Ultramag press
Andy
meinbruder
Member
Re--Favorite / Best Reloading Equip
Hello Mugsie
I bought my setup about thirty years ago, all RCBS. About ten years ago, I added a piggyback progressive unit. RCBS sent me a shopping list of free stuff to make the conversion happen, the rep on the phone even said; and I quote, “geez, buddy, how old is your equipment”. It’s a good company.
Lately, some Lee dies have been creeping onto the loading bench. The full crimp dies are wonderful for making lead slugs fit a factory standard. A friend of mine just had some RN rounds fail to feed in a Sig. I loaded some of my SWC’s and they fed just fine. I suspect the bulge of a copper-plated .452 slug in a case that should have been filled by a .451-jacketed slug is what chocked the pistol.
Buy quality and don’t worry about the price. All the companies currently selling equipment can be relied on. Try to load on a friends press to get the idea before buying. I’ve heard that Dillon is the way to go but my money is still on big green.
Mike
Hello Mugsie
I bought my setup about thirty years ago, all RCBS. About ten years ago, I added a piggyback progressive unit. RCBS sent me a shopping list of free stuff to make the conversion happen, the rep on the phone even said; and I quote, “geez, buddy, how old is your equipment”. It’s a good company.
Lately, some Lee dies have been creeping onto the loading bench. The full crimp dies are wonderful for making lead slugs fit a factory standard. A friend of mine just had some RN rounds fail to feed in a Sig. I loaded some of my SWC’s and they fed just fine. I suspect the bulge of a copper-plated .452 slug in a case that should have been filled by a .451-jacketed slug is what chocked the pistol.
Buy quality and don’t worry about the price. All the companies currently selling equipment can be relied on. Try to load on a friends press to get the idea before buying. I’ve heard that Dillon is the way to go but my money is still on big green.
Mike
Cosmoline
Member
I think Lee is the best bet for the sort of low-volume desk top setup I have going. For higher volume handgun handloading you're probably looking at a substantially higher investment to get something that works right.
Lee does have the best valule for the money.. a FULLY LOADED progressive with dies (add brass, powder, primer and bullets) and you can make 1k cartridges for less than $500.
Since this would be your first press, and you are starting with a progressive, you will have a STEEP learning curve. Ask lots of questions and it should go smooth.
The plain fact is that ALL the presses are GOOD. They ALL make quality ammo... IF THE MONKEY PULLING THE LEVER KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
Since this would be your first press, and you are starting with a progressive, you will have a STEEP learning curve. Ask lots of questions and it should go smooth.
The plain fact is that ALL the presses are GOOD. They ALL make quality ammo... IF THE MONKEY PULLING THE LEVER KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
Press - Redding and RCBS are my favorites. RCBS Rockchucker Supreme or a single stage, and Redding T7 for a turret press. Drink the Blue Kool Aid for progressive presses
Dies - I like Redding Dies, and I would get the carbide expander ball upgrade for bottle neck rifle cases. Dillon makes carbide rifle dies dies, but you still need to used case lube with them. Stick with regular rifle dies. Dillon makes handgun die sets specifically for their press so to speak, meaning that it does not come with a case mouth die, aka belling die, although Redding makes a set of dies for progressive presses. For Competion seaters I like the Forster.
Shell holders (if the die set doesn't have them like Lee) or the appropriate shell plate for the progressive press.
Tumbler along with media and polish of choice I like IOSSO. You can get walnut in bulk at Petco or Pet Smart. Bulk corn cob grit is a great way to reduce the cost of commercially supplied media. I would get the Midway tumbler for startes
MTM makes great loading block tray that handles most cartrideges.
Case Lube (you won't need if using carbide dies for straight walled pistol rounds, but you will if they are rifle carbide dies my choice for rifle is Imperial Die Wax, but Dillon spray lube works too)
Case Neck Brush to clean bottleneck rifle cases those are easy
Dial Calipers let your pocket book be your guide!
Case Trimmer (Lee works, but Possum Hollow is better, Wilson makes the best hand powered Lathe trimmer, and Giruad is the best powered Trimmer)
Deburring/Chamfering Tool Forster
Primer Pocket Cleaner and uniformer Sinclair
Primer Tray for loading pick up tubes for some primer systems like the Dillon. Dillon makes nice metal one
Priming Tool (I like the RCBS (now even better with universal shellholder, but Sinclair makes the best)
Powder Scale - remember that is alway better to have a mechanical scale as a back up to any electronic scale. A good way to cross check the electronic scale's accuracy. RCBS for mechanical, Denver Inst. for electronic
Powder Funnel kit with drop tubes espeically if you intend to use powders like Varget. MTM
Powder Trickler (used to tweak powder charges ) RCBS
Powder Measure (nice for faster powder charges it does require a bit of learning curve to get consistent powder charges sort of rhythm thing) standard with progressive presses, but the RCBS Uniflow is nice! Redding makes a better one, and Harrel is the gold standard!
Hammer Type Bullet Puller (for taking down the boo boo's) RCBS
A chronograph is great when working up loads, but is more a luxury in the beginning. PACT for entry level Oehler for the best.
Dies - I like Redding Dies, and I would get the carbide expander ball upgrade for bottle neck rifle cases. Dillon makes carbide rifle dies dies, but you still need to used case lube with them. Stick with regular rifle dies. Dillon makes handgun die sets specifically for their press so to speak, meaning that it does not come with a case mouth die, aka belling die, although Redding makes a set of dies for progressive presses. For Competion seaters I like the Forster.
Shell holders (if the die set doesn't have them like Lee) or the appropriate shell plate for the progressive press.
Tumbler along with media and polish of choice I like IOSSO. You can get walnut in bulk at Petco or Pet Smart. Bulk corn cob grit is a great way to reduce the cost of commercially supplied media. I would get the Midway tumbler for startes
MTM makes great loading block tray that handles most cartrideges.
Case Lube (you won't need if using carbide dies for straight walled pistol rounds, but you will if they are rifle carbide dies my choice for rifle is Imperial Die Wax, but Dillon spray lube works too)
Case Neck Brush to clean bottleneck rifle cases those are easy
Dial Calipers let your pocket book be your guide!
Case Trimmer (Lee works, but Possum Hollow is better, Wilson makes the best hand powered Lathe trimmer, and Giruad is the best powered Trimmer)
Deburring/Chamfering Tool Forster
Primer Pocket Cleaner and uniformer Sinclair
Primer Tray for loading pick up tubes for some primer systems like the Dillon. Dillon makes nice metal one
Priming Tool (I like the RCBS (now even better with universal shellholder, but Sinclair makes the best)
Powder Scale - remember that is alway better to have a mechanical scale as a back up to any electronic scale. A good way to cross check the electronic scale's accuracy. RCBS for mechanical, Denver Inst. for electronic
Powder Funnel kit with drop tubes espeically if you intend to use powders like Varget. MTM
Powder Trickler (used to tweak powder charges ) RCBS
Powder Measure (nice for faster powder charges it does require a bit of learning curve to get consistent powder charges sort of rhythm thing) standard with progressive presses, but the RCBS Uniflow is nice! Redding makes a better one, and Harrel is the gold standard!
Hammer Type Bullet Puller (for taking down the boo boo's) RCBS
A chronograph is great when working up loads, but is more a luxury in the beginning. PACT for entry level Oehler for the best.
loadedround
Member
Although Dillon presses and accessories cost more in the beginning, but I have found that it is the best euipment on the market bar none. It is the best enginnered, the most user friendly and has the gest warranty on the market. I have been loading for over forty years and I have used or handled just about everthing out there and I will keep my two Dillons. I also use a Redding Boss press for load devopement and case forming. JMHO
Jeremae
Member
This is my experience in the last month....
I haven't reloaded since the middle 1970s but my recent addiction to IDPA shooting with a 1911 gave me incentive to pick it back up.
I had no equipment.
I had major LUST in my heart for a Dillon 650
I bought the Lee deluxe turret reloading kit, the deluxe pistol die set for 45acp, the Safety Prime (large and small) and the Autodisk riser (so autodisk powder measure clears safety prime) all new in box at a gun show from a dealer along with 1000 cci large pistol primers and 1 lb of HP38 for $185.
Following Lee's instructions (plus tips I got here), I had mounted the press, installed and adjusted the dies and loaded my first round of ammo in about 45 minutes (not counting the second trip to Home Depot the get right length mounting bolts).
Taking my time and checking powder throw every 5 rounds, I can produce close to 100 rounds an hour and as I get more experience should be able to make 150 an hour.
Using Montana Gold bullets and my own brass, my savings in comparison to the Remington UMC ammo I was shooting will pay for my equipment in just 900 rounds.
Plus I can add an addition caliber by buying another turret and a die set for less than $50 that allows me to switch calibers in about 1 minute.
I find this cost effective.
But I still LUST for a 650.
I haven't reloaded since the middle 1970s but my recent addiction to IDPA shooting with a 1911 gave me incentive to pick it back up.
I had no equipment.
I had major LUST in my heart for a Dillon 650
I bought the Lee deluxe turret reloading kit, the deluxe pistol die set for 45acp, the Safety Prime (large and small) and the Autodisk riser (so autodisk powder measure clears safety prime) all new in box at a gun show from a dealer along with 1000 cci large pistol primers and 1 lb of HP38 for $185.
Following Lee's instructions (plus tips I got here), I had mounted the press, installed and adjusted the dies and loaded my first round of ammo in about 45 minutes (not counting the second trip to Home Depot the get right length mounting bolts).
Taking my time and checking powder throw every 5 rounds, I can produce close to 100 rounds an hour and as I get more experience should be able to make 150 an hour.
Using Montana Gold bullets and my own brass, my savings in comparison to the Remington UMC ammo I was shooting will pay for my equipment in just 900 rounds.
Plus I can add an addition caliber by buying another turret and a die set for less than $50 that allows me to switch calibers in about 1 minute.
I find this cost effective.
But I still LUST for a 650.
Mugsie
First, welcome to reloading. I have been reloading for six months and love it. I got great guidance from many posters on this list. I started with a Dillon 550B. I love this press, but can confirm that it was a steep learning curve. Along those lines I have found the Cabelas bullet puller to be just fine. The rest is a mixture of RCBS, Dillon, and Lee. No complaints with any of them.
First, welcome to reloading. I have been reloading for six months and love it. I got great guidance from many posters on this list. I started with a Dillon 550B. I love this press, but can confirm that it was a steep learning curve. Along those lines I have found the Cabelas bullet puller to be just fine.
The rest is a mixture of RCBS, Dillon, and Lee. No complaints with any of them.Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
A very nice discussion here, folks.
Makes a moderator glad. And I'm really sincere.
mugsie, welcome twice - - To The High Road, and to the wonderful world of handloading.
I personally am very fond of my ancient RCBS single stage press, and I have another for a spare. Two of my powder measures and most of my dies are RCBS as well, and I've had some of them for over 30 years.
I have been well satisfied with Dlillon progressives since at least 1992. I have a Square Deal B and a 550B. I want another 550B so I can leave each set up for the two sizes of primers. I hear very good things about the Hornady progressive press from a couple of sources I respect.
I'm totally sold on Dillon dies for pistol loading. I use Redding and Hornady neck sizing dies, and I really like the three sets of Hornady New Dimension rifle dies I have.
The PACT electronic scale is wonderful, and, coupled with their automatic powder trickler, the combo makes individually weighed rifle loads easy. I went for years with the little Lee hand held case trimmer outfit and later bought a Lyman bench trimmer. My son bought a Foster trimmer with the power adaptor, and I must admit, it was worth every penny he paid for it.
The above items are what I use, acquired over some 40 years of hand loading, a bit at a time. If I lost every bit of it in a fire or something, I'd probably acquire replacements in a bit more orderly manner. One thing, though - - I could probably change brands on most if not all of it, and still get along quite well with the new gear.
I fully empathize with anyone who wants to get started, RIGHT NOW, even at the cost of using some second- and third-choice gear and components. mugsie, I seriously counsel you to hold off before you do this. If you can afford to go first-class, all at once, wonderful. If not, start slowly, with an inexpensive single stage press, one good set of dies, a scale, a couple of loading manuals, and a few minimal tools. You will learn a great deal while moving slowly - Maybe even some things you'd miss if trying to master the mechanical aspects of a whiz-bang progressive outfit.
Buy a new tool or two every payday. You'll want a good caliper early on. An inertial bullet puller will allow salvage of some of your inevitable goofs. A powder measure is VERY nice to have, but not strictly necessary.
Again, the brand of the gear is of less importance than knowing how to use it well.
Best of luck to you.
Johnny
Makes a moderator glad.
And I'm really sincere.mugsie, welcome twice - - To The High Road, and to the wonderful world of handloading.
I personally am very fond of my ancient RCBS single stage press, and I have another for a spare. Two of my powder measures and most of my dies are RCBS as well, and I've had some of them for over 30 years.
I have been well satisfied with Dlillon progressives since at least 1992. I have a Square Deal B and a 550B. I want another 550B so I can leave each set up for the two sizes of primers. I hear very good things about the Hornady progressive press from a couple of sources I respect.
I'm totally sold on Dillon dies for pistol loading. I use Redding and Hornady neck sizing dies, and I really like the three sets of Hornady New Dimension rifle dies I have.
The PACT electronic scale is wonderful, and, coupled with their automatic powder trickler, the combo makes individually weighed rifle loads easy. I went for years with the little Lee hand held case trimmer outfit and later bought a Lyman bench trimmer. My son bought a Foster trimmer with the power adaptor, and I must admit, it was worth every penny he paid for it.
The above items are what I use, acquired over some 40 years of hand loading, a bit at a time. If I lost every bit of it in a fire or something, I'd probably acquire replacements in a bit more orderly manner. One thing, though - - I could probably change brands on most if not all of it, and still get along quite well with the new gear.
I fully empathize with anyone who wants to get started, RIGHT NOW, even at the cost of using some second- and third-choice gear and components. mugsie, I seriously counsel you to hold off before you do this. If you can afford to go first-class, all at once, wonderful. If not, start slowly, with an inexpensive single stage press, one good set of dies, a scale, a couple of loading manuals, and a few minimal tools. You will learn a great deal while moving slowly - Maybe even some things you'd miss if trying to master the mechanical aspects of a whiz-bang progressive outfit.
Buy a new tool or two every payday. You'll want a good caliper early on. An inertial bullet puller will allow salvage of some of your inevitable goofs. A powder measure is VERY nice to have, but not strictly necessary.
Again, the brand of the gear is of less importance than knowing how to use it well.
Best of luck to you.
Johnny
Well...there are a lot of good companies making reloading equipment, and a few...well..not so good. In the many many years I've been reloading I've tried a few, and have well defined ideas about what I like or don't like.
I initially tried reloading with Lee equipment, my experience with Lee wasn't good.
I decided to give reloading another try, bought Lyman equipment, pretty good stuff, it really got me started in reloading.
Later I upgraded to RCBS, very fine equipment, will last almost forever, I've had my RCBS Rock Chucker since 1970.
In 1985 I decided to go big time and bought a RL550 from Dillon, let me put it this way, Dillon is the King of reloading, there are no other contenders. Dillon is expensive...and worth it, but not everyone wants to load on a progressive reloader, to me...that's where RCBS fits in.
Now about Lee, to give you my feelings about Lee reloading equipment, let me say this, I have thrown out every piece of Lee equipment I have ever bought, I'm somewhat of a cheapskate, I don't throw stuff out casually, but that's exactly what I did with the Lee.
I initially tried reloading with Lee equipment, my experience with Lee wasn't good.
I decided to give reloading another try, bought Lyman equipment, pretty good stuff, it really got me started in reloading.
Later I upgraded to RCBS, very fine equipment, will last almost forever, I've had my RCBS Rock Chucker since 1970.
In 1985 I decided to go big time and bought a RL550 from Dillon, let me put it this way, Dillon is the King of reloading, there are no other contenders. Dillon is expensive...and worth it, but not everyone wants to load on a progressive reloader, to me...that's where RCBS fits in.
Now about Lee, to give you my feelings about Lee reloading equipment, let me say this, I have thrown out every piece of Lee equipment I have ever bought, I'm somewhat of a cheapskate, I don't throw stuff out casually, but that's exactly what I did with the Lee.
katonk
Member
RCBS....if you advance into progressives, Dillon.
The common trend for new reloaders is:
Buy brand Z.. .its cheap.. But since you can't figure out how the press works, you end up hating it... even though it taught you some important fundimentals (ie you made a lot of bad ammo on a good press). The fact that your buddy reloaders all tell you the press is junk, and that THEY have brand X... and it NEVER fails them may have a little bit to do with it. But you were starting out and big $$$ for a different press was not in the plans.
Your NEXT PRESS is a work of ART! A sheer delight to use.... but thats after you shell out $$$$ for the nice to have items you didn't have with your first press (extra toolheads you keep set up instead of constantly swapping and resetting dies.. etc).
For some the $$$ isn't a factor.. they go right for the Top of the Line. They still have teething troubles... as all new reloaders do.
Buy brand Z.. .its cheap.. But since you can't figure out how the press works, you end up hating it... even though it taught you some important fundimentals (ie you made a lot of bad ammo on a good press). The fact that your buddy reloaders all tell you the press is junk, and that THEY have brand X... and it NEVER fails them may have a little bit to do with it. But you were starting out and big $$$ for a different press was not in the plans.
Your NEXT PRESS is a work of ART! A sheer delight to use.... but thats after you shell out $$$$ for the nice to have items you didn't have with your first press (extra toolheads you keep set up instead of constantly swapping and resetting dies.. etc).
For some the $$$ isn't a factor.. they go right for the Top of the Line. They still have teething troubles... as all new reloaders do.
redneck2
Member
To me, the biggest enemy in reloading is fiddling with the equipment. Every time you stop and repair, adjust, change it's a chance for something to go wrong
If you're doing single stage, Lee, Lyman, RCBS should be fine. I suspect there's not a single stage that doesn't work
Turret...Lee or Lyman. I've used both
Progressive. I used a Hornady, but it was an older one that compared to a Dillon 450. I've got a 550 and love it because once it's set up it doesn't change. I don't see the auto advance as a big deal.
I have a friend that has multiple Lee progressives sitting in a box. Seemed like you had to fiddle with them every 20-30 rounds and it got tiresome. Maybe he just never figured them out. He uses a Dillon SDB now.
I have a PACT electric scale that is exceptionally nice. I got rid of my balance beam scales after using the PACT
If you're doing single stage, Lee, Lyman, RCBS should be fine. I suspect there's not a single stage that doesn't work
Turret...Lee or Lyman. I've used both
Progressive. I used a Hornady, but it was an older one that compared to a Dillon 450. I've got a 550 and love it because once it's set up it doesn't change. I don't see the auto advance as a big deal.
I have a friend that has multiple Lee progressives sitting in a box. Seemed like you had to fiddle with them every 20-30 rounds and it got tiresome. Maybe he just never figured them out. He uses a Dillon SDB now.
I have a PACT electric scale that is exceptionally nice. I got rid of my balance beam scales after using the PACT
Reloading Equip
I recently started reloading. I am using a mix of equipment.
Old Lyman Press in good shape (26 bucks)
RCBS Powder Measure (35 bucks)
Lee and RCBS Dies
Herters scale (free)
Look for good deals on equipment new and used. The equipment does not have to be brand new or the most expensive to produce good rounds.
I recently started reloading. I am using a mix of equipment.
Old Lyman Press in good shape (26 bucks)
RCBS Powder Measure (35 bucks)
Lee and RCBS Dies
Herters scale (free)
Look for good deals on equipment new and used. The equipment does not have to be brand new or the most expensive to produce good rounds.
WayneConrad
Member
I am very fond of my RCBS Ram Priming unit. Priming on the downstroke is nice. It has both good feel and lots of leverage.
I probably shouldn't say this, but more often than not it will successfully seat a primer in a crimped pocket that hasn't been reamed.
I probably shouldn't say this, but more often than not it will successfully seat a primer in a crimped pocket that hasn't been reamed.
bcominos
Member
Here's a start up set for under $90 new... It's no Dillon, but it's a cheap start!
http://www.sportsonlyauction.com/catalog.asp?catid=870
Bill
I Have an OLD Dillon 450 & a Lyman Turret... both are great! Want another Dillon 450 but they don't sell em anymore!
http://www.sportsonlyauction.com/catalog.asp?catid=870
Bill
I Have an OLD Dillon 450 & a Lyman Turret... both are great! Want another Dillon 450 but they don't sell em anymore!
Thanks for all the help guys
Ow! My head hurts! Thanks for all the information. I am going to spend this weekend re-considering what I originally thought was a done deal. I was looking at the Lee Loadmaster progressive but from what I'm hearing this may not be the way to go. I guess spending a little more initially will pay off in a quicker learning curve, less frustration and more useable ammo in the long run. Ok people - I'm back to the think tank... Once again, thanks for taking the time to answer me.
Mugsie....
Ow! My head hurts! Thanks for all the information. I am going to spend this weekend re-considering what I originally thought was a done deal. I was looking at the Lee Loadmaster progressive but from what I'm hearing this may not be the way to go. I guess spending a little more initially will pay off in a quicker learning curve, less frustration and more useable ammo in the long run. Ok people - I'm back to the think tank... Once again, thanks for taking the time to answer me.
Mugsie....
The Bushmaster
Member
Just to help throw you off just a little more. If you are just starting to reload make sure that you have a good manual or (preferably) two and read up. Lyman, Lee, Hornady, Speer and others are good manuals to have around. They will help you better understand where you want to go. Besides they have a whole lot of load data in them. I would also recommend starting with a single stage press until you get the hang of it and have a good understanding of the procedures of each step. You will always have a use for a good single stage press even after you move up to a turret or a progressive press.
redneck2
Member
If you do get a progressive (which I would suggest since you're loading pistol), load one completed round at a time
you WILL (not might) screw up if you try to run all 4 stations. Load a minimum of 50-100 rounds one at a time. This lets you concentrate on setting, adjusting , checking, etc. This will go much faster than you'd think. I've been loading for years and still do rifle one at a time on my 550.
you WILL (not might) screw up if you try to run all 4 stations. Load a minimum of 50-100 rounds one at a time. This lets you concentrate on setting, adjusting , checking, etc. This will go much faster than you'd think. I've been loading for years and still do rifle one at a time on my 550.
- Status