Question, for those liking the 5th stage, what do you do with it? I don't have any 5 die sets, some are 3. Are you using a powder go/no-go or something?
You can get by with 4, it's just limiting. If I was in a 550 boat, I'd use a PTX, and build a Video Powder Cop ...... one that doesn't use a station..... I'll post an example of that in another post.
limiting?
Pistol for example:
1. size & deprime
2. expand
3. charge
4. seat & crimp (such works sometimes, if you hold your mouth right)
:
5. separate crimp (more controllable.)
Pistol using a PTX (expand while you charge)
Like Mr. Bullet Feeders PTX below (with the M step)
1. size & deprime
2.expand & charge
3. seat
4 crimp
:
or with another 5th station....
3. powder cop
4. seat
5. crimp
or another choice with 5....
3. bullet feeder
4. seat
5. crimp.
Out of your budget for sure is RCBS's 7 stations.... (and it's not especially beginner or unhandy friendly either....iow's not out of the box perfect)
but so pre-warned, I love what it can do...way worth it to me....
Pistol....
1. Case feed,size and deprime
2. M style expander (or combine that with charging using a PTX as above)
3. Charge
4. Powder cop
5. Bullet feeder
6. Seat
7. Crimp.
Rifle: (on previously sized (without expander button), deprimed, tumbled, trimmed)
1. Case feed
2. Expand with M style expander (essential for a trouble free bullet feeder.)
3. Charge
4. Powder cop (I prefer the video variety)
5. Bullet Feeder (the cheap but effective way is RCBS's new rifle tube bullet feeder....awesome feeder die when case is expanded with the M-style expander)
6. Seat
7. Crimp