Need advice on a progressive or turret press

[jmorris]

The only problem with the bullet feeder is you can not load lead. I prefer the brass feeder my self. Seating the bullet is easy enough and allows you to confirm powder.

I use my cast bullets with my GSI feeders.

Even use the same collators for the reloading machines for my bullet sizing machines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cc1hUj343w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eANEMBS_V_0

 

[9mmepiphany]

The only problem with the bullet feeder is you can not load lead.

Well, yes and no.

You can't as it comes from the factory, you can if you polish out the collets a bit...see, Youtube.

I only load jacketed and plated bullets, so, for me, it is a moot point

Seating the bullet is easy enough and allows you to confirm powder.

I didn't say it was hard, just slower...measurably slower.

With the LNL, I can confirm my powder in one of two ways:
1. Powder Cop die...I look up after watching the bullet enter the Seating Die's sleeve.
2. I look in the case...loading 9mm, .40 or .45ACP
A) at the end of the upstroke (withdrawing the case for the powder measure) on the first half rotation, before it aligns with the Bullet Feeder Die..before I insert a case
B) at the beginning or the downstroke, on the second half rotation, as it is rising into the die...after I insert a case

 

[Lost Sheep]

Best turret: Redding T-7

Best Progressive for multiple handgun cartridges: Hornady LNL AP

Unless you want the auto-advancing feature which is only available on Lee's turrets. Problem is, it is a 4-station turret and if you need 5, you have a problem.

But, being a 4-station turret (and turret heads are $10-$15 each), having one turret per caliber is SUPER convenient, since switching turrets involves no tools and merely a twist of the turret and lift.

So, one of my favorite pieces of advice is, "The best 4-station auto-advancing Turret press in the world, bar none, is the Lee Classic Turret." Of couse, the Redding is a GREAT turret press and I am pretty sure it has better leverage than the Lee, as well as other features. What is best for you, though is not best for me.

It is interesting how speed is limited by primer tube capacity

Oh, yeah. I got REAL tired of filling my RCBS primer tubes on my RockChucker years ago.

If your on-press priming device can feed directly from the primer (flipper) tray you can save a LOT of time. RCBS has their primer strips and Lee has the Safety Prime. There may be other examples, too.
Respectfully submitted as alternate points of view,

Lost Sheep

 

[tcoz]

I love my Lee Classic Turret, but I wouldn't want to try and keep up with shooting a few thousand rounds per month. I'm not a big fan of progressives but it's the only way to go for a high volume shooter.

That being said, if a person doesn't like tedious tasks they shouldn't be reloading.

 

[dnite]

presses

Cant' speak to the rifle part but a Dillon Square Deal works well on the pistol side.

I have a Dillon 650 and a Square Deal and use the SD most of the time.

Easy to switch calibers, adjust and use.

dk