progressive presses

[GaryL]

I'm never too sure about jumping into these threads, since everyone has personal preferences. Hopefully this is more informative than otherwise....

I've had a 550b for 10-12 yrs. It worked great right out of the box, but I did find 1 or 2 things that needed tweaking to improve the experience. Mainly the primer catch chute which would hang up once or twice an hour. As far as the manual indexing goes, I think it makes the machine extremely flexible. I batch process my hunting ammo on it, which allows me to do the little extras to improve accuracy that I never bother with for most of my ammo.

I also have a Lee Classic cast for odd little jobs to avoid tying up the 550b. It didn't take long with the CC to realize I would not have the time or inclination to load more than the occasional small batch on it, and even then I'd feel like it was more of a chore than a hobby. Kudos to the guys who've spent years using a single stage for all their handloading.

A Hornady progressive, or the 650 would be nice for increased production, but I could also make an argument for another 550b and set one up for large primers and the other for small primers. Change-overs don't take too long, but I find it's just enough to keep me from arbitrarily switching calibers for small batches.

 

[nyc71]

I have two 550b & a LnL AP, up until recently the LnL was working fine but the it started acting up so I sent it back to Hornady. If it doesn't work as advertise then I'll get rid of it. From this point on any other press will only be a Dillon.

 

[jmorris]

The paw adjustment really isn't that tricky but you are correct that Dillons don't have indexing problems. Certainly not the 550

 

[SSN Vet]

I did find 1 or 2 things that needed tweaking to improve the experience. Mainly the primer catch chute which would hang up once or twice an hour.

This is my brother's only bone with his 550... other than that, he loves it.

 

[SSN Vet]

I'm about in the same boat. I'm loading more often than I want to on my Lee Turret.
Others say they get 200+ rds /hr with pistol. I don't.

Don't feel bad .... I don't either.... I probably average 100/hour... but that includes re-filling the primer tray, topping off the powder (I find the Auto-disc is more consistant when you keep it > 1/2 full) & boxing up and labelling my finished ammo.

I get a little ache in my neck after 400 pulls on the handle, and rarely go more than 90 min. straight.

 

[dap22]

I was tractor shopping about 8 years ago. Price was a consideration but not the ultimate deciding point. I ended up with a John Deere and haven't regretted it for one second.

Buying a reloading press could in some ways use the same logic. My first was a RCBS single stage which I still own, and there have been others along the way including a couple red progressives. Should have used my tractor buying logic and bought blue to begin with. My 550's are alot like my tractor.......not the fastest or replete with all the options, but purely functional and built better than most all the others.

 

[jmorris]

I ended up with a John Deere and haven't regretted it for one second.

Buying a reloading press could in some ways use the same logic.

Very good point. If a $1000 Ford 8N will do the job, no reason to buy a $20k tractor.

Also a 1050 doesn't cost that much if a season worth of bullets alone costs $1600.

 

[SSN Vet]

I really shouldn't have followed this thread... now I'm really wanting a 550.

 

[nyc71]

Finished mounting the "small primers" 550b setup, it feels crowded with the SS in the middle but it was either mount it on a separate mobile mount, on the other working bench, or built another separate square like bench to mount all the presses. I may eventually move it right next to the LnL AP

 

[Firehand]

The only experience I've got with progressives is with a Dillon Square Deal B and a RL450. Both were bought used, and the only problem I've had is a nylon bushing on the SDB has cracked and I need to get a new one.

The SDB came with 9mm and .45acp dies, and they work well(with this press, you have to use the proprietary Dillon dies); the 450 uses any standard dies.

 

[warhwkbb]

I just loaded my 50,000th round out of my RCBS Pro2000. Is it better than a Dillon 650? I don't know but I sure would like to find out. I've never had the chance to work with a Dillon. But next time I need a press I might look into the 1050. Is there anyone who has BOTH the PRO2000 and 650 to comment on each objectively?

What sold me on the Pro2000 is how easy it is to switch calibers. I load 16 different calibers and I appreciate that I can switch calibers in less than 2 minutes. (I load everything from 32ACP to 401 Win) As a bonus, I think the RCBS UniFlow powder measure is hard to beat for ease of adjustability and accuracy.

For 20+ years, I had wanted a Dillon 650, but when I went to buy one locally, the salesman directed me to the PRO2000. He may have been right! Go figure...