For caliber changes do I need a separate die plate or holder for the RCBS?
Shell plates are like shell holders….for example the #27 is for .357 SIG, .40 S&W, & 10mm Auto. Obviously changing from say .45 ACP to .308 does not require a change, since they use the same holder.
Die Plates hold a set of dies for each caliber. Set them up once and from then on changes are only a plate slide away.
For the Hornady you have to use the bushings on each die and change out each die (say 3) for every time you switch calibers?
Yes….but it’s also fairly fast….I just personally like being able to slide in 1 plate vs. keeping track of separates. Some think it’s an advantage being able to use say just a sizer……but I don’t size rifle on the progressive……that’s why I kept my Rock Chucker. I size, then prep cases off press, for rifle I only charge, feed, seat, & crimp on the progressive.
Which one is the easiest/fastest,cheapest to change calibers?
They are about the same as long as you don’t have to mess with feeders AND the primer size & type doesn’t change. Otherwise, RCBS wins assuming you buy preloaded primer strips …. and why wouldn’t you? Primer size change is a 10 second unscrew/re-screw of a primer rod. Instead of unloading and/or loading a tube of primers you just pull out one strip and insert another. Pre stripped primers are a little more....negligible compared to the advantage.
Will they both take LEE dies?
Probably, but I can’t speak for the Hornady & their bushings, but no problems with the RCBS. I use them right along with RCBS.
On the LNL they mention powder measure inserts. Is that just if you want a pre set measure every time? If you do not get those then you just fiddle with the adjustment screw right? As would be with the RCBS Micrometer adjustment.I have a RCBS powder measure so am familiar with it.
The only difference is Hornady now uses quick twist out adjustment screws. RCBS has them too, but only for the new Quick Change model with the giant hopper and drain tube. With the Uniflow as you know …. you screw them in. I would think moving my mic to a predetermined spot is faster than changing out the whole screw.
Hornady does have a bigger hopper....that's a plus....but you can use them on the Pro 2000, or buy the humongous RCBS Quick change model. I use both linkages on my Uniflows. There's not enough difference to worry about. I got a Hornady linkage and powder die for their expanders.....but RCBS finally got their butts in gear and made expanders of their own.....better too....so now its a wash.....and I can use RCBS expanders in the Hornady linkage as well. BTW my Pro 2000 came with both Unflow cylinders.....Hornady comes with one. Hornady's pistol cylinder is even smaller than the Uniflow's. Advantage? Don't know.
I know the RCBS uses the APS priming which is OK with me.
It’s not only OK with me, it was the deciding factor……I would hand prime before I use tubes. For me, the final two was between the Dillon 650 and the Pro 2000………the Dillon’s great for what’s it was made for. Changing calibers quickly & cheaply wasn’t what it was made for. Why wasn’t the Hornady in the final? What can I say….I like populated die plates that are ready to slide in, and they give a little so they more easily center in the cases below. (a feature blown to hell if you race YouTube style.)
Any other pros or cons appreciated. I know more is posted about the Hornady and not so much the RCBS is there are reason it is not as popular?
Three reasons…..if RCBS is going to suck at something, I’m glad it’s at marketing.
Reason 2: people balk at the lack of a case feeder, so they buy a Hornady, but yet still, most don’t buy the expensive case feeder option, and those who do spend a bunch of time tweaking, to making it work on each caliber. If I thought I had to have a case feeder to be happy I'd buy a Dillon 650 and bypass kicking thorns. RCBS chose to give us the APS primer system instead of a case feeder.....I agree with their priority there. But don't think a casefeeder for it is impossible......I built one that works great for pistol & rifle for $50 and a functional collator for $10.
Reason 3: as you noticed there’s not that many threads on the Pro 2000. Users who have a press that works, just reload the hell out of them (like Peter Eick), and don’t spend a lot of time on these forums……..they don’t need help except maybe during initial setup…..once set up the Pro2K doesn’t get out of sync. Too simple…..very few moving parts compared to case-fed machines. I’m probably the exception……I find it about as fun to customize my press and share the process with others on these forums as to reload. I know...weird.
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The Hornady indexes a half step on the up stroke and a half step on the down stroke. The Pro2000 does a full set on the down stroke. Certain cases full of powder will spill powder on the Pro2000 index. There are some modifications and work arounds to this that minimize the spillage.
I have and RCBS Gold Medal seater die for 204 Ruger and it is the cat's meow for hand feeding the small bullet. A pricey die though.
Chuck you need to ask RCBS for the "Spring Lite" That cured that little problem for me. (no it's not a beer) BTW, Hornady users complain about powder spits too. and worse leaning cases. Both of those are fixable too....with a shim.
I love the Gold Medal dies as well. (.223 & .308 now) Makes a man forget he doesn't have a rifle bullet feeder.....don't need one with those.
Bottom line…….both presses will do the job…….
one is just going to be funner
for you than the other. Only you can figure that one out. If I’d bought the Hornady…….I’d be posting mod projects on that as well…….like I did with their simple pistol bullet feeder. I do like simplicity. That feeder and the Pro 2000 were made for each other......only adds maybe 2 minutes to a caliber change.....not so with most case feeders.
) I'd suggest the RCBS with die holders and APS priming system. Storing the plates can be a nuisance and dies with the LNL bushings attached don't fit well anyplace either.
