RCBS Pro 2000, Which Dies for .45ACP

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jediagh

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Hello all,

I'm new to these fourms & hope some of you can help since based on other post I have read here this website is "green friendly" (ie. RCBS products are liked). The main gun website I am from is a there is no other than BLUE product talk about. I'm new to reloading. Has yet to buy anything. Read the ABCs of reloading 2 weeks ago, have been researching the various reloading options, asking questions, looking at videos online and just about reading everything else I can find.

At this point I've made up my mind that I wan an RSBC Pro 2000 as the priming system is what sold me. IMO it's the safest and from what I read/see there is no way to get a flipped or sideway primer. :)

My goal is to only load .45 ACP for my 1911. My other handgun is a .22LR. Rifles are 10/22 or 7.62x39mm. Don't plan on every reloading .22 and the WASR eats surplus ammo just find. I do not see getting any type of .223 (AR) rifles anytime soon. Maybe a XDm in .40 in the next 3 years. Maybe.

So for now only my 1911 is the one that needs to be feed. I want to do more steel plate shooting this year. Did one event last year and it was fun but using ~250 rounds is very, very expensive! So I figure between the once a month event and going to range. I'm looking at around 500 to 1000 rounds per month.

OK so now for some questions.

Is this possible on the RCBS?
Stage 1: Re-Size & Decap
Stage 2: Powder Drop & Case Expansion (via new RCBS product)
Stage 3: RCBS Lock-Out Die *
Stage 4: Seat
Stage 5: Crimp

*This is a MUST for me just like the priming system was in choosing the Pro 2000.

I think the above configuration is possible but not sure which Dies I would need?

Also if later on I want to use the new bullet auto-feeder that RCBS has would I have to change my stages as follows:

Stage 1: Re-Size & Decap
Stage 2: Powder Drop & Case Expansion (via new RCBS product)
Stage 3: RCBS Lock-Out Die *
Stage 4: Bullet Drop via feeder
Stage 5: Seat & Crimp


I've read good/bad about having to do seat/crimp on 2 stages as oppose to 1. Why?

Oh I plan on using either plated lead bullets or FMJ. Not comfortable yet of using lead only bullets yet. Perhaps once I get more experience under my belt.

I'm sure I'll have more questions but for now these are the most I have pressing. Hope ya can help!

:D
 
I'd recommend using it the way it was designed. Decap/resize, expand, charge, powder check, and seat/crimp. The combined die works, and is only an issue in assembling cartridges to such specifications that are beyond what you're shooting at in steel plate. I have had ZERO issues with accuracy on a properly set seating/crimp die from RCBS.
 
So what dies would you recommend then?

Seems like everyone like the LEE Factory Crimp Die for Stage 5.
What about the other stages?
 
I don't recommend any brand name of dies in particular. Just make sure they serve the same purpose. I have had good luck with RCBS myself. Did you say you have trouble finding RCBS dies?
 
Not having trouble finding the dies. They are available on MIDWAY from what I can tell. What I can't find is the new 2011 Pistol Powder Expander "die". Seems like it's a new product for 2011 but not yet on the market????

The RCBS website is not that user friendly. **sigh**
 
You can put the RCBS powder die on back order at Grafs:

http://www.grafs.com/

I have been using the Dillon powder measure which bells the case for pistol loads in my RCBS 2000. I use it in the second position with the lock out die in the third position. To do this you have to remember push the handle to prime before you pull the handle down to dispense powder.

I like Dillon carbide dies for pistol. Second choice is Redding. Third choice is RCBS.
 
jediagh said:
Not having trouble finding the dies. They are available on MIDWAY from what I can tell. What I can't find is the new 2011 Pistol Powder Expander "die". Seems like it's a new product for 2011 but not yet on the market????

The RCBS website is not that user friendly. **sigh**
Click to expand...

You are going to have to be a little patient as this is a brand new product. I also want the expander to use with my bullet feeder. I also use a Pro 2000. I emailed RCBS a couple of weeks ago about the availability of their new powder through expander. They are shooting for a march stocking date at Midway, Grafs, and other dealers. With the expander you can indeed load .45 ACP exactly as you listed, putting the powder measure at station 2. That's exactly why RCBS added this new expander product.

Die choice can be just about any brand as long as they include a carbide sizer. The cheapest way is to go is the 4 piece Lee die set which includes their Factory Crimp Die. I have used RCBS and Lee dies on .45's and either one makes great ammo for pistol. IMO the more expensive the die set the more over-kill reloading pistol.

There are those who don't care for Lees Factory Crimp Dies. The're entitled to their opinions, but they work great for me. My loaded ammo is just as accurate as my friend's Dillon Die loaded ammo...even using a separate taper crimp die. One thing I know, bullet setback is not going to happen using that FCD, even lightly applied.
 
RCBS

I would buy the RCBS dies. I have a Pro 2000 and have found that on some none RCBS dies the lock rings do not clear between dies.
Order a RCBS die wrench to make you life easier.
I use cast lead bullets and have experimented with separate seating and crimping dies. I went back to the combination seat/crimp dies.
One reason is getting the bullet on the case is just easier when its out front in the last position.
My 45 ACP loading is with mixed cases and Lee cast bullets. Its not that much of a deal to set the final die correctly.
I messed around with the Lee factory seating die, it made my loaded bullets undersize and leading resulted.
 
GW Starr thanks for the info. I think I'll wait a bit before I get the Pro 2000 then. Was reading past threads and it looks like ya really want a 7+ stage Pro 2000 you think we ever going to see that? =)
 
jediagh said:
Hello all,

I'm new to these fourms & hope some of you can help since based on other post I have read here this website is "green friendly" (ie. RCBS products are liked). The main gun website I am from is a there is no other than BLUE product talk about. I'm new to reloading. Has yet to buy anything. Read the ABCs of reloading 2 weeks ago, have been researching the various reloading options, asking questions, looking at videos online and just about reading everything else I can find.

At this point I've made up my mind that I wan an RSBC Pro 2000 as the priming system is what sold me. IMO it's the safest and from what I read/see there is no way to get a flipped or sideway primer. :)

My goal is to only load .45 ACP for my 1911. My other handgun is a .22LR. Rifles are 10/22 or 7.62x39mm. Don't plan on every reloading .22 and the WASR eats surplus ammo just find. I do not see getting any type of .223 (AR) rifles anytime soon. Maybe a XDm in .40 in the next 3 years. Maybe.

So for now only my 1911 is the one that needs to be feed. I want to do more steel plate shooting this year. Did one event last year and it was fun but using ~250 rounds is very, very expensive! So I figure between the once a month event and going to range. I'm looking at around 500 to 1000 rounds per month.

OK so now for some questions.

Is this possible on the RCBS?
Stage 1: Re-Size & Decap
Stage 2: Powder Drop & Case Expansion (via new RCBS product)
Stage 3: RCBS Lock-Out Die *
Stage 4: Seat
Stage 5: Crimp

*This is a MUST for me just like the priming system was in choosing the Pro 2000.

I think the above configuration is possible but not sure which Dies I would need?

Also if later on I want to use the new bullet auto-feeder that RCBS has would I have to change my stages as follows:

Stage 1: Re-Size & Decap
Stage 2: Powder Drop & Case Expansion (via new RCBS product)
Stage 3: RCBS Lock-Out Die *
Stage 4: Bullet Drop via feeder
Stage 5: Seat & Crimp


I've read good/bad about having to do seat/crimp on 2 stages as oppose to 1. Why?

Oh I plan on using either plated lead bullets or FMJ. Not comfortable yet of using lead only bullets yet. Perhaps once I get more experience under my belt.

I'm sure I'll have more questions but for now these are the most I have pressing. Hope ya can help!

:D
Click to expand...
Not only is your first setup configuration possible, its the setup I've been using for several years. I use the Lee powder thru the primer + Lee Auto Disc rather than the RCBS die, though.

You can buy Lee's 4 die pistol set and the Lee Auto Disc and you'll be ready to roll. The Lee Auto Disc was an outstanding discovery for me. It uses a disc with different sized cavities to drop an accurate and repeatable amount of powder each time.

While I love the primer strips, you WILL get the occasional upsidedown or sideways primer... but, only 10 or so in ten thousands of rounds I've loaded. Not sure how it happens... may be that that is how I loaded them in the strip, or it may actually flip in the seating area.

Be advised that if you ever do go to a lead bullet, you'll not be able to use the bullet feeder (according to RCBS). I've not heard from anyone trying lead in the feeder to know whether or not it doesn't work.

It's a great press and they have great customer service. Enjoy!
 
You couldn`t picked a better press. Every thing already said. I been loading on my PRO 2000 for over 9 yrs now using the LEE 4 die set mostly 45acp between 300 & 500 per wk. That is over 140,000 rounds so I can tell you, that you will, over time, find your own "best way" to get the rounds loaded.

I really like the UNIFLO measure. Record the dial settings and it is repeatable to the 1/10 of a gr. with any powder I have used. If you load the primer strips just make sure the primers are flush in the strip none will ever flip.
CAN-AIR is a must to keep the APS clear of junk so you don`t take it apart (easy to do) near as often as not useing the air.

There is a lot more help things you will pick-up as you go and any PRO2000 owner on this fourm will offer help if you ever need it.

GOOD LUCK
 
jediagh said:
GW Starr thanks for the info. I think I'll wait a bit before I get the Pro 2000 then. Was reading past threads and it looks like ya really want a 7+ stage Pro 2000 you think we ever going to see that? =)
Click to expand...

Not in my lifetime. If you have the money to spend on it, a Dillon 1050 is the closest thing to such a such a machine with its 6 stations. But I don't think that's necessary.

If you plan to just load .45acp, then any of the 5 station presses are fine, including the Pro 2000. The setup you listed can be set up one time, and then you can crank 'em out as fast you can insert cases and bullets. The Pro 2K is the simplest 5 station press and thus has less that can go wrong, and nothing that goes out of sync, but there are very happy campers in each camp ground.

Next step up in speed (and cost) is the addition of a bullet feeder or case feeder. The Pro 2K, LnL AP, or Dillon's 650 all can rise to that request and still use a lock-out die.

Then if you're willing to spend even more to go faster still, and think you can keep things running smoothly, at such a speed, through a whole loading session, then the LnL AP or the Dillon 650 can combine bullet and case feeders.

Be warned that no home loading machine can guarantee quality and safe ammo especially at that speed....its the operator. So...know your limitations. My limit I know....one automated operation.:eek: But I LOVE my bullet feeder!!!!!
 
Last edited:
Here is a machine that can beat the Dillon 1050 without even breaking a sweat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LsiscYhujA

It's the Mark X Pistol or Mark X Rifle.
http://www.ammoload.com/mark_x_pistol.htm

Notice that the website has no price tag. Which means it's like those
high end stores in Beverly Hills. If you have to ask then you can't
afford it! ;)

BTW the price is about $15,000 for the handgun one but it will beat
everything around it as it can do 3,000 to 5,000 rounds per
hour! :eek:

As for me I think it defeats the purpose of reloading. Which knowing me will have the same type of effect as when I clean my guns. I love to spent time taking my gun apart to clean it even if I just fired a handful of rounds that day. It's "me time" relaxing really. Suspect that once I get into reloading that is what its going to turn into and the # of rounds is going to be second hand.
 
Seems like a lot of money to spend to reload one pistol cartridge! If you are not going to load a lot of ammo and fire it seem a waste of money. I just sold a Rock Chucker Jr kit and purchaser reloads .45 ACP, 9MM and is happy with the money savings and fun he is having with this simple to use equipment. One of the questions about this and other progressive presses is how does the 2000 load rifle caliber ammo, I know I don't like the way the Dillon press handles rifle reloading and prefer a single stage press.

Emmett
 
emmett dunham said:
Seems like a lot of money to spend to reload one pistol cartridge! If you are not going to load a lot of ammo and fire it seem a waste of money. I just sold a Rock Chucker Jr kit and purchaser reloads .45 ACP, 9MM and is happy with the money savings and fun he is having with this simple to use equipment. One of the questions about this and other progressive presses is how does the 2000 load rifle caliber ammo, I know I don't like the way the Dillon press handles rifle reloading and prefer a single stage press.

Emmett
Click to expand...

The difference between rifle and pistol on a progressive is indeed different. Pistol requires no case prep, so once you clean your brass, one time through the progressive (one stroke one bullet) and you're down.

Bottle necked rifle cases have to be prepped...of course you know that means trimming, chamfering, deburring, and maybe even reaming or swaging primer pockets. You can't do all that one time through.

How I load .308 rifle is (starting with tumbled cases):

First I size and deprime them all on my Rock Chucker.

Second, I trim them all on my Motorized Forster trimmer that trims, chamfers, and deburrs in one operation. Further case prep I do is to uniform primer pockets, which also cleans them, and deburr flash holes. Both done on my RCBS Trim Mate. (You only need to do that on the first reload of cases.)

Now the fun and fast part on the progressive.

On the Pro 2000 stations 1 and 2 are empty except that Station 2 primes on the return stoke. Station three meters and drops powder; Station four I use a Gold Medal Seater where I can just drop bullets into the top of the die. Station five crimps if I choose to. I use a light and mirror to watch for squibs or dbl. charges. Once cases are placed in all the stations, every stroke makes a finished, and very accurate round. This is way faster and more enjoyable than doing the same thing with 4 strokes per round on the Rock Chucker....it is way faster and worth while...wish I'd converted to progresive 10 years ago instead of 30 months ago.
 
I have a Dillon 550 and it is a great press and it will put out a lot of ammo. I fired 250 round though the 1911 at the range plus 250 .22. today and loading the ACP was a breeze. The point is if you are not shooting a lot of ammo why spend a grand on a press and I am thinking that it it could be quite a bit more before you are finished. I think the the single stage press I have is fine for someone who is going to only reload 100-200 rounds a month. The 650 Dillon and this 2000 RCBS are monsters and from what I have seen there is too many things to keep your eye on to produce ammo. I like the 550 because it is clean and I can load a lot of ammo quick and there are few adjustments. I also like the RockChucker to do rifle loads just because I can see everything I am doing and it is right in front of me. I might be able to do these on the Dillon but I feel a lot safer and confident doing the single stage on rifle ammo. Small amounts of ammo, small press, small expenditure of money to start reloading and then move on to bigger and better things after the learning curve.


Emmet
 
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