From progressive to single stage?
- Thread starter kreidel
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codefour
Member
I use both and it really depends on what I am loading. I too, still enjoy using a single stage but like the load rate of my progressive.
MMCSRET
Member
I did, I used a progressive because of time constraints, then I retired and got back to reloading the way I always enjoyed it. The pleasure of reloading has returned!!!!! I also got rid of all those mass produced bullets, jacketed and lead and got my molds out and started doing my own again. I always enjoyed shooting but I got caught up in the "too fast" world and the pleasure of making my own disappeared even tho I was still making my own. I shoot just as much and now I have the equal pleasure of doing it all "my way".
THe Dove
BOOMER SOONER!!!
I never have had anything but a single stage so I really can't say I went back to it.....
But, I don't shoot as many rounds as alot of others do around here....
The Dove
But, I don't shoot as many rounds as alot of others do around here....
The Dove
tightgroup tiger
Member
Yes, I have. I am not retired and do have serious time restraints but I have noticed that accuracy and dependibility are just plain better when you take your time and do it the old way.
I only use my progressive presses for resizing and priming brass. I stop there and hand load from that point on.
I only shoot about a hundred rounds a week now because work has esculated beyond reason but it has also taught me to make my shooting time count and that means make my ammo the best it can be, rifle or pistol.
Everyone has to do what works for them in their situation but it did make me quit wasting shots and be more desiplined. It also has helped my shooting budget.
I only use my progressive presses for resizing and priming brass. I stop there and hand load from that point on.
I only shoot about a hundred rounds a week now because work has esculated beyond reason but it has also taught me to make my shooting time count and that means make my ammo the best it can be, rifle or pistol.
Everyone has to do what works for them in their situation but it did make me quit wasting shots and be more desiplined. It also has helped my shooting budget.
gamestalker
member
Nope, never owned a progressive. But loading on my single stage presses is so satisfying and produces optimum accurate loads. Even when I'm loading for my handguns, I still don't mind using a single stage. And I deffinitely think a single stage produces a more reliable and less problematic load because of the hands on attention to every round.
Nothing wrong with a progressive for those who prefer, or need one.
Nothing wrong with a progressive for those who prefer, or need one.
Lost Sheep
Member
Well, almost.
I went from single stage (RCBS RockChucker) to a pair progressives (Lee Pro-1000s) to Lee Classic Turret.
The caliber changes on the Pro-1000s were not much fun, but the real problem I had with the progressives was my discomfort with trying to keep watch on three simultaneous (or 5 nearly simultaneous) operations.
I use my Turret in continuous mode and happily churn out one round after another watching each operation (deprime/size, prime, bell and charge, seat bullet, crimp and insert in an ammo box) as each case goes from cleaned just-fired brass to ready-to-shoot.
I achieve the same rate of output on the Classic Turret as I used to achieve on the Pro-1000 (stopping all the time to check on primer feeding and powder dropping made me very slow on the progressives). And I am much more relaxed and focused.
But to answer your original question: I have not ever used my RockChucker since I got the Turret. But I traded the Pro-1000s for a nice breechlock single stage and a bunch of bushings, just in case.
Lost Sheep
I went from single stage (RCBS RockChucker) to a pair progressives (Lee Pro-1000s) to Lee Classic Turret.
The caliber changes on the Pro-1000s were not much fun, but the real problem I had with the progressives was my discomfort with trying to keep watch on three simultaneous (or 5 nearly simultaneous) operations.
I use my Turret in continuous mode and happily churn out one round after another watching each operation (deprime/size, prime, bell and charge, seat bullet, crimp and insert in an ammo box) as each case goes from cleaned just-fired brass to ready-to-shoot.
I achieve the same rate of output on the Classic Turret as I used to achieve on the Pro-1000 (stopping all the time to check on primer feeding and powder dropping made me very slow on the progressives). And I am much more relaxed and focused.
But to answer your original question: I have not ever used my RockChucker since I got the Turret. But I traded the Pro-1000s for a nice breechlock single stage and a bunch of bushings, just in case.
Lost Sheep
beatledog7
Member
When I was just thinking about reloading I had my eyes on a progressive press, thinking I'd be saving a ton of time. I bought a single stage after researching deeply into the pros and cons of both, and I'm pleased with the decision.
I like using a progressive for handgun cartridges. It does a couple things at the same time, less brass handling.
But, I do reloading on the progressive in two steps. I like to clean my brass in between sizing and loading. I do all my priming off the press with a hand primer. I doubt I would go back to a single stage for handgun.
Rifle I still do on a single stage.
But, I do reloading on the progressive in two steps. I like to clean my brass in between sizing and loading. I do all my priming off the press with a hand primer. I doubt I would go back to a single stage for handgun.
Rifle I still do on a single stage.
Kevin Rohrer
Member
Interesting question. I have seen posts from older reloaders looking to slow down and enjoy the experience more by dumping the progressive in favor of the single-stage.
My time is limited, so the press that I use depends on the number of rounds to be loaded. I would *prefer* to use a SS, but understand the need to use one of my progressives for high-volume work.
My time is limited, so the press that I use depends on the number of rounds to be loaded. I would *prefer* to use a SS, but understand the need to use one of my progressives for high-volume work.
P5 Guy
Member
I had a RCBS Pro 2000 and never warmed to it.
I traded it for a Rock Chucker and a powder dispenser. I'm happy with the switch.
I traded it for a Rock Chucker and a powder dispenser. I'm happy with the switch.
zxcvbob
Member
I spend a lot more time at a SS press, but I still use the progressive occasionally when I need to knock out 100 rounds of .38 Special wadcutters for a bullseye shoot, or if I'm getting low on 9mm's.
dagger dog
Member
Haven't gone back to single stage YET, but I'm having one bugger of a time trying to switch from single stage to a turret with auto indexing !
I've probably dumped enough powder on an emptystation, and pulled enough bullets to load a box of 38's.
The wife likes the auto index just fine 'cause the house plants are doing really well !
I've probably dumped enough powder on an emptystation, and pulled enough bullets to load a box of 38's.
The wife likes the auto index just fine 'cause the house plants are doing really well !
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