Dave, thanks for the comments. My process works for me, but it is by no means the only way to reload or use the equipment.
What ever works for the individual, including time and economic constraints, is the best process.
I present my process to give folks ideas on how to improve their process, not as the "only way to reload". I have developed my process by seeing what other folks do and adapting their ideas to me. So, maybe I can help others.
With the Dillon tool heads and the Hornady bushings, most people are sucked into the idea of convenience in setting their dies and not having to change them again. But that is not exactly accurate.
I have changed presses twice since I started reloading. With each change, single stage to single stage and then single stage to progressive, I had to reset my dies for the new press. Therefore, to return to using the old press, I would have to reset the dies again. The distance from the lock ring to the shell holder/plate is different between presses.
By resetting the dies, I mean adjusting the die and repositioning the lock ring to properly fit the press in use.
But, I will edit my comment to say that "i am too lazy to reset the dies." I find on the progressive, I can do things like i did on the single stage if necessary, so why upset the die settings for a few cartridges.
The Hornady AP press is very flexible in allowing one to adjust operations for the task at hand.
They do not have to change them again as long as they continue to use the same bullets and as long as their brass does not change in length for crimping purposes, AND as long as they do not want to use their dies in another press.
I change bullets when using the progressive. A simple adjustment of the seater plug. But, I have been reloading for so long, I really do not change my handgun ammunition much any more. I have found what I like and don't change it much any more.
I crimp is a separate step, even when I used a single stage. Actually, on the progressive, I have found I can lock the crimp die down. i was making my self extra work on the single stage press with continually adjusting the crimp die.
Now, i will admit I have not yet loaded any high power revolver loads on the progressive that require a serious roll crimp. Case length will play a role here. But, I have added separate roll crimp dies for the revolver cartridges, something I did not do on the single stage.
But, I do not shoot much high power revolver loads any more. I am still working off ammunition I loaded 15 years or so ago.
The whole quick die change die thing discourages folks from ever changing their dies again; most folks only think about how much time they save when changing calibers, and cost becomes meaningless to many. I have seen many folks who do not stop with multiple tool heads and bushings for each caliber. Many folks then also buy additional powder measures for each caliber so they do not have to change powder settings. Then there are also those who buy an additional progressive so they do not have to make a change in primer size!
With my single stage presses, once a die was set, I never moved it. So, it is no different with the progressive, quick change bushings or not.
I do have a powder drop die dedicated for each cartridges although in a coupe of instances i am able to use one die for a couple cartridges, i just change out the drop tube. i also have been buying metering inserts for each cartridge to make setting up the powder measure quicker.
My solution to the primer seating issue is I remove the primer system from the presses. The primer systems and I do not get along and i would rather hand prime anyway. But i do have two hand primer tools, one set up for large primers and the other for small primers.
I reload 45 ACP and 9x19 on Dillon SDBs. A press for each. The resizer die and priming systems are removed. I resize the cases on the Hornady and hand prime.
I guess i fall in the category of folks who spend extra money on reloading gear to make my life easier.
i would not have minded if the Hornady AP press had come with screw in die positions. I really do not find the bushings add that much convenience and they do add to the cost. I guess I could have one set of bushing and spin dies in and out of them. But, i am not willing to lock-tite the bushings in place as suggested by some others on the forum.