Which press to purchase?

[mallc]

I'm not sure this is possible...

I'm thinking just buy it once and be done with it for many years to come

and I know it will never be any fun.

Scott

 

[racerngr1]

My problem is finding stores near me that carry anything but Dillon (Lee and Hornaday). I don't really want to buy one of these over the internet without playing with them. Quite frusterating.

 

[GW Staar]

My problem is finding stores near me that carry anything but Dillon (Lee and Hornaday). I don't really want to buy one of these over the internet without playing with them. Quite frusterating.

You're usually going to take a financial hit buying Locally. Local usually means higher price and sales tax. For example, If you buy from "Grafs" you pay $4.50 for shipping whether you buy $10 worth or $1000 dollars worth. Grafs carry RCBS, Hornady, Lee, and Dillon.

One feature the RCBS Pro 2000 has over Dillon (besides their super primer system) is that you can buy the manual advance machine first if you want, and upgrade to the auto advance for $108 a year or so later. They are identical 5 station presses in every way except the auto-advance parts. Dillon? You either get the 4 station 550 or the 5 station 650 period.

For what it's worth, which ever brand of progressive you buy, you will load much faster than your old press...and it's highly unlikely you will not like it even if you buy it from a quality internet source like Grafs, Midway, etc. The only qualifier for that statement is the Lee presses. While they work, and people like them just fine, If you are not mechanically inclined, or you don't enjoy tinkering to make a machine purr, you might be better off with the other brands.

 

[lgbloader]

My problem is finding stores near me that carry anything but Dillon (Lee and Hornaday). I don't really want to buy one of these over the internet without playing with them. Quite frusterating

If you have some time, Field Time in Westminster CA has the 550, 650 and LNL set up on the bench in their reloading section of their store.

You can look at them in great detail there.

LGB

 

[WmCC]

Another vote for the remarkable RCBS PRO 2000.

 

[HOWARD J]

I have a Dillion 450 & 550
also a Lee 1000 9 MM
I have been retired 11 years & my days of rushing are over...................
I use a Lee 4 hole turret press w/ extra turrets for different cal shells.
I use a RCBS primer tool, powder drop & beam scale & seat & taper crimp or crimp with
the LEE PRESS----you can find good prices for these on e bay. Also check Lee's website
for prices on seconds ( scratches, etc on presses) good prices.................
I have enjoyed reloading for over 40 years----------you will come to love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!