progressive or single stage for beginner

[BYJO4]

I've been loading for about 40 years now. Based on equipment now available, I would buy a progressive. You can always use most progressive presses as a single stage until you learn the ins and outs of reloading. When you feel ready, you can start using it as a progressive.

 

[CMD-Ky]

The Redding T7 is a good press. I set mine up with a Uniflow case activated powder measure and could not be happier. It is faster than a single stage but allows me to see and feel every die. It is right for me. Although I have mechanical ability and am of reasonable intelligence, I never like the progressive I had.

 

[Walkalong]

I started with a single stage kit, then bought a used Lee turret press, then bought a Hornady Projector progressive. That worked well for me.


The learning curve is much steeper if you go straight to a progressive. Just something to think about.

 

[Crashbox]

I started with a progressive but purchased a single-stage a couple of months later as there are certain functions better suited to a single-stage press.

 

[Walkalong]

Lots if folks say to start on a single stage, but that presumes the new reloader must be a complete idiot.

That is simply not true. No one here has ever said that, nor should it be presumed. Many good reasons for starting with a single stage have been put forth, and lots of reasons why someone could start with a progressive as well. Neither one is right or wrong, just different.

 

[David E]

I started with a single stage kit, then bought a used Lee turret press, then bought a Hornady Projector progressive. That worked well for me.

All it takes is money.

The learning curve is much steeper if you go straight to a progressive. Just something to think about.

Ok , a single stage learning curve might be a 2% incline, the progressive a 3% incline. Technically, it's 50% steeper, but its still quite manageable.

 

[MaterDei]

In my opinion, if you're not bright or mature enough to use a progressive press you shouldn't be reloading...period. Sorry for being a bit crass and I'm not suggesting in any way that you fall into that category. A beginner can definitely learn to load on a progressive (many of us did). They just have to start slow, know what is going on and what needs to happen with each stroke of the handle, and be very careful. All of which apply to those starting on single stage presses which is why I assert that if you can't do one, you can't do the other.

With that said there are always good uses for having a single stage press along side a progressive. I had an RCBS Ammomaster many years ago that really never did like seating primers. Every now and then it would totally mash up a primer or it would just decide to skip a round from time to time. Back then, I had a pullet puller die in the single stage press that came in quite handy.

Since you have said that you will be loading for pistol, I recommend a progressive. I've got a nice Ammomaster I can sell you!

 

[CMD-Ky]

In my opinion, if you're not bright or mature enough to use a progressive press you shouldn't be reloading...period. Sorry for being a bit crass and I'm not suggesting in any way that you fall into that category. A beginner can definitely learn to load on a progressive (many of us did). They just have to start slow, know what is going on and what needs to happen with each stroke of the handle, and be very careful. All of which apply to those starting on single stage presses which is why I assert that if you can't do one, you can't do the other.

With that said there are always good uses for having a single stage press along side a progressive. I had an RCBS Ammomaster many years ago that really never did like seating primers. Every now and then it would totally mash up a primer or it would just decide to skip a round from time to time. Back then, I had a pullet puller die in the single stage press that came in quite handy.

Since you have said that you will be loading for pistol, I recommend a progressive. I've got a nice Ammomaster I can sell you!

Well, in another thread I was called mentally ill, in need therapy and medication, now I am not bright and am immature. Not only that, I should quit reloading because I can't do anything. All because I don't use a progressive well.
To any beginning reloader, don't listen to this crap and that is all that it is. To start simple is not a sign of low intelligence or immaturity. It could be a sign of self-knowledge or appropriate caution. When I left the progressive and went "backwards" to a turret, I began to enjoy reloading once again. As I view myself and my decision, I see wisdom.

 

[grubbylabs]

Well it seems that a few of you can't seem to understand that not all people function the same. As Walkalonge stated, neither way is right or wrong. There are is a reason we have so many choices in this life. All of us learn differently. Some people are perfectly capable of learning by reading, some are perfectly capable of learning by doing, and some have to have a little of both.

Just because you can do something one way, does not mean that every one else should or can.

A sign of intelligence is knowing how you learn and taking advantage of that. Not spouting off about how dumb every one else is because they do not think or reason as you do.

 

[CMD-Ky]

Well said, grubbylabs!

 

[stavman11]

i love my Lee Pro 1000 progressive presses... i have 2 and Looking for a 9mm setup as we speak

That said it really is used as a Turret loader not Progressive.... just easier to be sure my loads are perfect... But I can still do over 300rds an hour...

Now I do use the case feeder in .223... I can blow out about 300 de-primed and sized brass in about 1/2 hour... That where the Progressive shines...


I almost got the lee Classic.... but chose the Pro 1000

I think a progressive is the way to go... Now if you are getting just 1 Press and changing it over to multiplr Caliber.... get the Lee Classic or similar.... Lee pro Is a Pain to Change.... But for me... i want to load all 3 9mm, .357 and .223 in same day, so i use 3 Loaders


Hope this helps some

 

[buck460XVR]

Well it seems that a few of you can't seem to understand that not all people function the same. As Walkalonge stated, neither way is right or wrong. There are is a reason we have so many choices in this life. All of us learn differently. Some people are perfectly capable of learning by reading, some are perfectly capable of learning by doing, and some have to have a little of both.

Just because you can do something one way, does not mean that every one else should or can.

A sign of intelligence is knowing how you learn and taking advantage of that. Not spouting off about how dumb every one else is because they do not think or reason as you do.

^^^^this should be a sticky in every sub-forum. Really way too much of "any one that does things or owns guns differently than me" attitude goin' on here lately.

That said, if one is truly interested in reloading and has the hope that it will be a investment for a lifetime of shooting, a single stage press will NEVER be a waste of money. For load development, small batches and precision rifle ammo, they are still the best. For large amounts of the same ammo in the shortest amount of time, one can't beat a progressive. Over the years tho, I have seen many folks buy all the top of the line equipment with all the fancy doo-dads that go with it, only to move on to something else in a matter of months. The high priced progressive sits on the bench gettin' dusty because it was not as much fun or as cool as they thought.....or they weren't as mechanically inclined as they imagined themselves to be and never really got to understand the basics. I load 500 rounds or more a month on my single stage Rock Chuckker. I load for 6 handgun and 5 rifle calibers for myself and my two sons. I have yet to ever run out of ammo or have to push myself to have enough to shoot at any given time. I generally need to go to the range and shoot to have some more empty brass to reload. But that is me. I enjoy the reloading process and do it in small increments when I have time. I don't reload when I need ammo, I reload when I have spare time. I always have a good stockpile on the shelf. In cold winter months I reload more. In times of good weather, I shoot more. It equals out. It works for me.....whether it works for someone else, I could give a rats azz. Unlike other's I ain't gonna look down my nose and criticize others cause they don't do as I do. IMHO.....that's the ultimate example of lack of intelligence and maturity.

 

[Walkalong]

but its still quite manageable.

It certainly is. You could search all of my posts and never find a single one where I have said it isn't, but you could find many where I said if the person is somewhat mechanically inclined and pays attention to detail well it is quite doable. I just think we owe it to folks who ask to point out the differences so they can choose for themselves.

 

[Rancher5]

Don't worry about it even in this forum some folks are quick to judge, Makes it hard to ask questions sometimes senior member's,be supportive or just butt out of thread

 

[savanahsdad]

I see you said you will be loading for handguns for the most part, so I would say starting with a progressive shouldn't be a big deal, I load all my handgun rounds on a Lee LoadMaster. (380 , 9mm , 357mag , 45acp , and 44mag)
however as you are new to this I would think you need more than just a press, right? I would look a some of the starter kits out there , with a single stage press ,some like Lee even come with a book, I started with a lee kit back in 1996 and loadded for many years with that kit ,over the years I have added a ton of other stuff to my bench , I have 2 single presses and a progressive on my bench , another thing to think about is handloading is not for everyone, there is a reason there is a ton of new-used stuff on E-bay, , so start simple , not because of how smart you are or arn't , but because you dont know,
alsol don't get stuck on any one brand, I started with all Lee and one set of RCBS 270 dies, I now have, Lyman, LEE , Pacific , Redding , Holland , C&H tool , Horandy ,Bonanza, and a bunch of home made stuff,

so welcome to the world of reloading , and good luck ,

 

[shooter_from_show-me]

I bought and started off on a RCBS Pro 2000 5 station progressive. I just took it slow at first getting the feel for it. Cause there is definitely a learning curve to it. But the nice feature with it was it was manual indexing with a star wheel. But since then its been converted to auto indexing.

Figured if I was going to start reloading with the initial cost of things might as well get something I would grow into. That was 5 years ago.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

[joecil]

I started out with a Lee Pro 1000 and after about a 1000 rounds which turned out fine by the way I wasn't that comfortable with it. I soon sold it and picked up a Lee Classic Turret and found my press of choice. I've since added a Lee Classic Cast single stage for some things such as loading shot shells, sizing bullets, universal decapping die, Lee Bulge Buster in 45 ACP and as an extra step in some loading operations. I load 9mm, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 45-70 all on the Lee Classic Turret just fine. It is also much quicker and easier to change from one caliber to another, a minute compared to 30 minutes.

 

[Potatohead]

Hey guys thx very much (i guess everyone here is a guy, if not, thx ladies too) ive been havin to do some major league yard work and havent had much time to reply, but im copying most of this info to my Word file on reloading and i very much appreciate your posts

 

[CMD-Ky]

Hey guys thx very much (i guess everyone here is a guy, if not, thx ladies too) ive been havin to do some major league yard work and havent had much time to reply, but im copying most of this info to my Word file on reloading and i very much appreciate your posts

I hope that some of these posts have been helpful. Follow-up in while and let us know what you decided and how it works for you.

 

[Potatohead]

Yes savanahs dad im thinkin i need to go the kit route myself because the ONLY thing i have right now is about 500 spent 9mm and 380 cases

 

[savanahsdad]

Yes savanahs dad im thinkin i need to go the kit route myself because the ONLY thing i have right now is about 500 spent 9mm and 380 cases

almost forgot.... if you learn better by watching , there some great DVD's out there on reloading , look on midwayusa or at Cabela's I got some from both , very helpful,

 

[joecil]

There are also many videos on YouTube and some of the equipment makers sites as well. Lee has a number of them on their presses and even some on setting up their dies, primer systems and powder measures. Just can't have enough knowledge on this stuff.

 

[Potatohead]

The Redding T7 is a good press. I set mine up with a Uniflow case activated powder measure and could not be happier. It is faster than a single stage but allows me to see and feel every die. It is right for me. Although I have mechanical ability and am of reasonable intelligence, I never like the progressive I had.

interesting. thanks

 

[Potatohead]

ell, in another thread I was called mentally ill, in need therapy and medication, now I am not bright and am immature. Not only that, I should quit reloading because I can't do anything. All because I don't use a progressive well.
To any beginning reloader, don't listen to this crap and that is all that it is. To start simple is not a sign of low intelligence or immaturity. It could be a sign of self-knowledge or appropriate caution. When I left the progressive and went "backwards" to a turret, I began to enjoy reloading once again. As I view myself and my decision, I see wisdom

Yes their are some brutal folks out there, especially towards beginners...i ran into one a couple days ago myself.

 

[Potatohead]

^^^^this should be a sticky in every sub-forum. Really way too much of "any one that does things or owns guns differently than me" attitude goin' on here lately.

That said, if one is truly interested in reloading and has the hope that it will be a investment for a lifetime of shooting, a single stage press will NEVER be a waste of money. For load development, small batches and precision rifle ammo, they are still the best. For large amounts of the same ammo in the shortest amount of time, one can't beat a progressive. Over the years tho, I have seen many folks buy all the top of the line equipment with all the fancy doo-dads that go with it, only to move on to something else in a matter of months. The high priced progressive sits on the bench gettin' dusty because it was not as much fun or as cool as they thought.....or they weren't as mechanically inclined as they imagined themselves to be and never really got to understand the basics. I load 500 rounds or more a month on my single stage Rock Chuckker. I load for 6 handgun and 5 rifle calibers for myself and my two sons. I have yet to ever run out of ammo or have to push myself to have enough to shoot at any given time. I generally need to go to the range and shoot to have some more empty brass to reload. But that is me. I enjoy the reloading process and do it in small increments when I have time. I don't reload when I need ammo, I reload when I have spare time. I always have a good stockpile on the shelf. In cold winter months I reload more. In times of good weather, I shoot more. It equals out. It works for me.....whether it works for someone else, I could give a rats azz. Unlike other's I ain't gonna look down my nose and criticize others cause they don't do as I do. IMHO.....that's the ultimate example of lack of intelligence and maturity.

amen