how many stages?

[mr_dove]

How many stages should a progressive press have when reloading handgun ammo?

I know presses with 4 stages, 6 stages, 8 stages.

How many is too few and how many is too many? I've seen some 8 stage presses with several spots left empty.

 

[HSMITH]

You NEED 3 on a progressive, 4 is better and 5 is really nice. Unless looking at the REALLY high end stuff no more than 5 are needed.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I prefer using 6 stages.

1. Deprime/size
2. Prime/bell
3. Charge
4. Powder check
5. Seat
6. Crimp

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I agree with the above. 6 would be very nice because I have 5 and have to drop the separate crimp if I want to have a powder check die.

Frankly I would like 8 or even 9 so I could have a few spares!