rage01
Member
Just looking for advise,never reloaded but would like to start and have watched a lot of u-tube on hornady LNL (lock and load) and the LEE clasic turret press.Which would be a better starting press.Thanks RAGE01.
new to reloading
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ezbuzzsaw
Member
Dillon
I have been loading on a Dillon 650XL for many years, at least 16. Thier wanrranty cannot be beet. They shipped me some parts that I messed up 15 years after I bought it. No charge and as they say no BS just got me going again. But I also use a small lee for my 44 special. great little press also. Just make sure you stick to the books on loading data and have a great scale.
I have been loading on a Dillon 650XL for many years, at least 16. Thier wanrranty cannot be beet. They shipped me some parts that I messed up 15 years after I bought it. No charge and as they say no BS just got me going again. But I also use a small lee for my 44 special. great little press also. Just make sure you stick to the books on loading data and have a great scale.
jmortimer
Member
The Lee Precision Classic Turret Press is an excellent value which is why it is so popular. Read owner reviews on Midway USA and Cabelas and you will see that it is worth every penny.
mongoose33
Member
If by the Hornady you mean their LnL AP progressive, do not start with that. I have one, it's great, I'd recommend it to you later--but I believe those just starting out should start on a single-stage press.
A turret really isn't any faster than a single-stage if you're doing volume production. All it will do is save you time switching dies, which a single-stage Hornady LnL press will allow you to do easily w/ the LnL bushings.
But get a single-stage to start. You can learn the individual steps of reloading that way, you'll want a single-stage later on anyway even if you get a progressive.
The name of the game is to think about where you want to be in 3 or 6 months--and the best thing to do is learn well and deliberately. It's not a race, and spending just a little extra time now, learning the steps, mastering them, means you will be that much better grounded later.
Having learned on a single-stage means that you can turn your attention to the specifics of progressive reloading when you get there, without having to determine if issues are related to the press, or the process.
A great compromise between the Hornady LnL Single-stage and being less expensive is to get the Lee Classic Cast single-stage press. It has an insert that can be removed and replaced with the Hornady insert, which then allows you to use the LnL bushings for easy switching of dies.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Press and Die Conversion Bushing Kit
which goes in here:
Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press
The two of those, together, are about $100 (and the press goes on sale from time to time). They're equivalent to the Hornady offering, which costs $131.99:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press
I have the Hornady Progressive press, and I love it--but I also bought the Lee Classic Cast press (with conversion) to go with it, replacing my older RCBS Jr single-stage press:
A turret really isn't any faster than a single-stage if you're doing volume production. All it will do is save you time switching dies, which a single-stage Hornady LnL press will allow you to do easily w/ the LnL bushings.
But get a single-stage to start. You can learn the individual steps of reloading that way, you'll want a single-stage later on anyway even if you get a progressive.
The name of the game is to think about where you want to be in 3 or 6 months--and the best thing to do is learn well and deliberately. It's not a race, and spending just a little extra time now, learning the steps, mastering them, means you will be that much better grounded later.
Having learned on a single-stage means that you can turn your attention to the specifics of progressive reloading when you get there, without having to determine if issues are related to the press, or the process.
A great compromise between the Hornady LnL Single-stage and being less expensive is to get the Lee Classic Cast single-stage press. It has an insert that can be removed and replaced with the Hornady insert, which then allows you to use the LnL bushings for easy switching of dies.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Press and Die Conversion Bushing Kit
which goes in here:
Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press
The two of those, together, are about $100 (and the press goes on sale from time to time). They're equivalent to the Hornady offering, which costs $131.99:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press
I have the Hornady Progressive press, and I love it--but I also bought the Lee Classic Cast press (with conversion) to go with it, replacing my older RCBS Jr single-stage press:
Arkansas Paul
Member
I would definately start out on a single stage press. And a Hornady, Lee, RCBS, Forrester, Lyman, any of them will do just fine.
rage01
Member
Thanks for the info and I agree I need to get the basics down and then will look to grow later.
RustyFN
Member
I would agree with you as far as a non Lee turret. I can easily load 175 to 200 rounds per hour on my Lee classic turret all day long at a comfortable pace. I don't know any body that can come close to that on any single stage press. When you quit batch loading and run them through complete one at a time with the auto index it speeds up the process considerably. I would stsrt with the Lee classic turret. It can be used as a single stage and when you are comfortable put the indexing rod back in and load 3 to 4 times faster. You might find you don't need to spend big bucks on a progressive for a long time. That is my experience, I have been loading on a classic turret four years and it meets my competition needs fine.
BADUNAME37
Member
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I believe if you get the proper model Rock Chucker (possibly model IV) it is single-stage, however for several hundred dollars down the road, you can always turn it into a progressive press, where each pull of the handle flares the mouth, charges the powder, seats the bullet and puts a crimp on the bullet.
I think I have that straight, it has been about 20 years since I had a Progressive. Once completely set up, you can reload 600 pistol cartridges an hour! I used to be able to drop a bullet on average of every six seconds into the completed cartridge tub.
1 every six seconds =
10 every minute =
600 every 60 minutes (i.e., every hour)
Of course, getting everything set up and the brass all cleaned up and possibly the primers removed and primer pockets cleaned, etc. You set everything and adjust everything and then start rockin' & rollin'!
It is better to have quite a bit of experience at reloading single stage first. You can always buy a progressive, if you have that kind of money, and use it as single-stage until you feel confident in what you are doing!
I think I have that straight, it has been about 20 years since I had a Progressive. Once completely set up, you can reload 600 pistol cartridges an hour! I used to be able to drop a bullet on average of every six seconds into the completed cartridge tub.
1 every six seconds =
10 every minute =
600 every 60 minutes (i.e., every hour)
Of course, getting everything set up and the brass all cleaned up and possibly the primers removed and primer pockets cleaned, etc. You set everything and adjust everything and then start rockin' & rollin'!
It is better to have quite a bit of experience at reloading single stage first. You can always buy a progressive, if you have that kind of money, and use it as single-stage until you feel confident in what you are doing!
WLE
Member
I have two Lee classic 4 hole press and one LNL press. Lees are great start presses but I find myself going to the LNL I find it easier and less chance for a double charge, more opptions. If I get another press it will be a LNL but will consider th Pro 2000. The Dillion is an excellent engineered press but it seams alot more complicated with alot more moving parts but that is just me. Before you jump in think about what your long term needs will be how often you will enjoy the range. If funds are not an option then I would consider a progressive .
benzuncle
Member
rage01, welcome to the reloading side of shooting. A lot of good advice has already come your way. If you could share your goals, what calibers you intend on reloading, how much you plan to shoot, etc. you will get an even better response.
I would share this: if you are pondering a single stage vs. a turret such as the Lee Classic Turret Press, keep in mind that you can use the LCT as a single stage press anytime you care to simply by removing the center rod. This takes all of 3 seconds.
All of the presses previously mentioned have loyal followings for very good reason. That also means that once you decide on what you want there will be loads of help here on THR. As for warranty, I don't think it is all that important. These loaders don't spin or gyrate at 25,000rpm or tear up all that often. Plenty of loaders have received free parts simply by calling their respective company and telling them about the problem they are having.
Good luck to you in your research and choice. Let us know...
I would share this: if you are pondering a single stage vs. a turret such as the Lee Classic Turret Press, keep in mind that you can use the LCT as a single stage press anytime you care to simply by removing the center rod. This takes all of 3 seconds.
All of the presses previously mentioned have loyal followings for very good reason. That also means that once you decide on what you want there will be loads of help here on THR. As for warranty, I don't think it is all that important. These loaders don't spin or gyrate at 25,000rpm or tear up all that often. Plenty of loaders have received free parts simply by calling their respective company and telling them about the problem they are having.
Good luck to you in your research and choice. Let us know...
jfrey
Member
I'm going to oppose the current wisdom here and suggest you do consider a progressive press. I started on a Dillon Square Deal B and now have 2 of them. IF YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS that come with the press you won't have any problems. I understand the Dillon directions are much clearer than the Hornady directions. Dillon has pictures of everything and if you still have problems, just pick up the phone and call them. Dillon's bigger machines are more complicated but the SDB is simple to understand and use. Starting reloading on a progressive press isn't rocket science if you just pay attention to what you are doing. Be sure to get a good load manual before you start. Reading it will also be very helpful.
dmazur
Member
+1 to considering a progressive. However, as the 550B can handle rifle cartridges, you might look at that one rather than the Square Deal. (Unless, of course, you never intend to reload rifle...)
Progressive presses can be used as a single stage press while you are learning. Just remove the locator buttons at each station. Or, you can watch one case move past each station until it drops out into the bin, then start another at station 1.
Once you get the adjustments figured out, it really isn't harder to run as a true progressive than as a single stage. You have to have confidence that you are doing it right, but it isn't difficult.
After reading quite a few warnings about beginners starting with progressives, I can understand the concern. The potential to quickly do a lot of things wrong is certainly there.
I believe a beginner should read several manuals, start with the press as a single stage, and after perhaps a few hundred correct rounds then try loading a few with progressive operation. If he has trouble, he should drop back to single stage mode until things become clear.
I believe a progressive press should be treated with respect, but not fear.
Progressive presses can be used as a single stage press while you are learning. Just remove the locator buttons at each station. Or, you can watch one case move past each station until it drops out into the bin, then start another at station 1.
Once you get the adjustments figured out, it really isn't harder to run as a true progressive than as a single stage. You have to have confidence that you are doing it right, but it isn't difficult.
After reading quite a few warnings about beginners starting with progressives, I can understand the concern. The potential to quickly do a lot of things wrong is certainly there.
I believe a beginner should read several manuals, start with the press as a single stage, and after perhaps a few hundred correct rounds then try loading a few with progressive operation. If he has trouble, he should drop back to single stage mode until things become clear.
I believe a progressive press should be treated with respect, but not fear.
Rig Magician
Member
I will also say consider the progressive. I just started out and that is what I got. One thing I think you need to think about is can an do you work with your hand an on machinery? I do at me job. Just be honest with yourself if you can tinker with thing and fix them. Watch all of the videos on you tube and read the manual before starting. That is what I did and had no problems setting up the press.
Start out one bullet at a time and move on from there. Be sure to take your time and double check everything as you go. When I started it took me over an hour to load 100 rds on my LNLAP.
Mark
Start out one bullet at a time and move on from there. Be sure to take your time and double check everything as you go. When I started it took me over an hour to load 100 rds on my LNLAP.
Mark
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