Which progressive press?

[reddog81]

I understand your concerns, but you are missing a few key points of operation in your description of, I'm guessing, the ABLP press.
1st, the primers can be dispensed from a tray via a (pez) dispenser and not grabbed individually, but you need to activate it by hand.
2nd, the powder can be dispensed "automatically" thru the expanding die using either a Lee Auto Disc Pro or Lee Auto Drum powder measure.
3rd, a Lee Universal Case Feeder can be used instead of setting a case for every cycle of the press.

Most progressive users de-prime cases, prior to reloading, for tumbling, as primer smooge from de-priming tends to mess up some progressive's operation, and many even batch prime cases off the press, before a run thru a progressive, so no need for the pez type primer dispenser and it's inherent hand operation.
So now the operator input has been reduced to the right hand placing the bullet, and the left hand pulling the lever.
And with the addition of a bullet feeder die and tubes your right hand is reduced to holding your coffee cup.
jmo

My post was based on the Lee video I watched on the ABLP. Adding the safety prime functions and auto disc pro definitely makes this a much more viable competitor to Hornady or Dillion. I’m not going to be trading out my Lock N Load but if I had the room I might think about adding one of these as a dedicated 45 ACP loader.

FWIW I always size, de-prime, and prime cases on my Hornady.

 

[jmorris]

Every other progressive press but Lee requires the primer feed be filled by poking 100 primers one at a time into a tube. The safety prime can be filled and installed and you can load a dozen rounds before others can load their first round.

If you get one of the APS RCBS machines you can buy primers ready to go already in the strips.

All of the tube feeders can be fed quite a bit better than the hunt and peck method.



I did find that I liked the dump, shake and go method of priming of the Lee’s. When they start acting up because the plastic has worn down another $20 and your going again.

For the OP at 3000-7000 rounds total a year for him or him and his brother on the same machine, might last quite awhile.

As earlier 10 rounds a day per person shouldn’t be that big of a deal on any machine. On some they could load the years worth in a day. Cheap, quick to swap especially if your going to load a range session of 3-4 rounds per sitting and I’d stick with a turret. Progressive presses shine when you load, turrets are better to change. The 550 is an odd ball in that I use it when I load more than I want to on a turret but not enough to change out one of my other progressives. There is no progressive priming system faster to change, that I have used.

 

[Jeff H]

Every other progressive press but Lee requires the primer feed be filled by poking 100 primers one at a time into a tube. The safety prime can be filled and installed and you can load a dozen rounds before others can load their first round.

It is an added expense, but both Dillon and Hornady have a version of this. RCBS has the primer strips. The Lee version is simpler but does require a little more manual manipulation. Just posting information. not commenting about the merits of either.

 

[MikeInOr]

Are you using the pre failsafe rod measure or did you change that as well?

Here are some pictures of my 9mm head. The original powder measure failsafe rod works fine... it just comes down at a different angle. I have 1 powder measure with the new super pain in the rear fail safe mechanism (That I can't stand!!!) and I had to get the new rod from Dillon (They sent it to me for free). I haven't tried it with that powder measure and rod but the rod looks pretty close to the old one.

Note the case powder level warning activation rod in the picture below. That is where I drilled the head so I could run the level warning in station 4. There is not enough room to clear the powder measure if you try to elongate the existing hole and try to run the level check in the other direction.




I did my best to show the lube/decapper in station 1, sizer die in station 2, (25 yo) powder measure in station 3, powder level alarm in station 4 and seating / crimp die in station 5.


If you are interested in giving this config a try here are a couple tips:
Case lube dies are way too expensive... do not tell anyone else that they come up on ebay in the $20 range for used ones every now and again.

For 50 ae I had to ream out the inner aluminum piece of the largest RCBS lube die to clear the 50 ae cartridge. If you do this pull the felt out first. The felt comes out real easy, there isn't anything attaching it to the die and I could not find anywhere to get a replacement felt circle.

.223 lube die is perfect for 9mm. .308 lube die is perfect for .45 acp.

When you first start the lube die puts too much lube on the case... it doesn't hurt anything. I haven't refilled my lube dies with lube in a couple of years and they are PERFECT in the amount of lube they put on each case. That tiny bit of lube just makes everything run slicker than snot without gunking up your case feed and case feed tube.

 

[MikeInOr]

I have tried "blue coolaid" as in Dillon 650s.....a friend's and my brother's. It's just a press....things go bump just like on any other press, especially but not exclusively, during the learning curve, and when it gets dirty. The one big plus is the very good case collator.....but its an option....one which I can buy for my Pro Chucker 7 as well.....

A minus? Nothing serious as long as you buy the collator. Without it feeding cases is not real great....it becomes a short tube feeder......then again with a Lee shaker or my improved one and some long tubes it's not so bad. Actually I prefer tubes and the shaker for the minimum caliber change effort. It's a matter of what you load......if you don't have to change calibers frequently, Dillon's collator is the bees knees.....just depends what you reload and how often.

You asked about the price jump.....I actually bought the 5 plus the 5 to 7 upgrade kit cheaper than I could find the 7 alone. The 5 comes with a small Uniflow Powder Measure, and of course a 5 station die plate and 5 station sub-shell plate

The upgrade comes with the 7 station die plate, the humongous high volume Uniflow (holding a pound of powder), plus the 7 station sub-shell plate and a few parts to change the priming system.

So then I ended up with 2 powder measures...big & little, for less than buying just a PC7 by itself. How's that possible? Who knows? I will say the sub plate is more complicated than the one for the 5.....and the die and shell plates are obviously more expensive to build. So more expensive sub plate, die plate, and powder measure....that's about it.

Thankfully they now sell the 7 shell plates by themselves no longer combined with another humongous powder measure. (that was a marketing mistake brought on by the erroneous idea that separate p.m's were necessary because of the close together holes in seven station die plate????). I pointed out to them that if they sold separate powder dies that wouldn't be necessary. They did just that 2 months later.

Yeah, the Dillon case collator can be adapted to most progressives pretty easily.

How are you liking you ProChucker 7? Any teething pains? How many of the stationa are you using... would you be up for sharing a few pictures of it setup how you run it? I would find it interesting seeing how a 7 station actually gets used... I assume you probably aren't using all 7 stations?

 

[LiveLife]

Out of respect for OP

progressive presses ... 9mm, 38spl, 40cal and 5.56 ... don't want to spend $400 on a press

With a single press, reloading several different calibers require caliber conversions that include changing out dies/tool heads, shell plates, case feeders (if equipped), priming system (If using small/large primers). If the $400 budget is to include caliber conversions, your choices narrow even further.

How quickly people seem to ignore that part of the statement. I sure do wish I could find a DILLON, even a used one, for under $400

I'm still not sure why most of the posts in this thread are about Dillon. The OP didn't even want to spend $400. Why are we talking about Dillon.

 

[kmw1954]

bds that's exactly what I've been trying to convey. $125.00 plus shipping and you are into a progressive press with the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro. That $125.00 will get you a brand new press and one shell plate. Now if you already have a Lee Turret press you are already going to have dies for whatever calibers you are loading and most likely you will have a Lee powder measure of either the Disk or Drum type. Then from what I see from Lee Turret press users is that most all also have a Safety Prime on their press. Now the Turret presses do not use the case feeder but that can be added at another time, it's not needed to make the press work. So for a mere $125.00 a Lee Turret press user can move up to a progressive type press. One downfall to this is that for each caliber one needs another shell plate accept of course that the 9mm and 40cal use the same one, and another is the need for die bushings.

No this is not a Dillon or a Hornady nor an RCBS but it is certainly under $400.00

 

[LiveLife]

+1.

I have a feeling Lee Precision will be selling A LOT of Auto Breech Lock Pro for same reasons as OP.

 

[GW Staar]

My brother has shown an interest in reloading 9mm, 40cal and 5.56 and began talking about progressive presses. I am a Lee fan because of the price range and quality but I hear Lee doesn't make great progressive presses. I also don't want to spend $400 on a press either.
What's your thoughts?

It appeared to me, bds, that he's asking for information about choices in the field of progressives. Yes, he said he didn't want to spend $400 on a press......he also said he heard Lee doesn't make great progressive presses. That seems to me to mean he's wondering what the choices are.

Well all non lee progressives do cost more than $400, when you add up the parts required to load 3 calibers.....and even the Lee Loadmaster costs $400 with three calibers.

The newest Lee, the Auto Breech Lock Pro is on sale at Midway for $99, but it doesn't come with a primer system or a powder measure....those are extra. And of course no case or bullet feeders....even my Pro Chucker didn't come with those. It is the cheapest, and lightest, to be sure. I just bought the Universal tube case feeder it uses.....very inexpensive.... I wanted to see if I might convert it to work with my Home Made Pro 2000 tube case feeder......(mainly for it's revolving tube turret).....got it home and found that it might not last very long.....pretty light weight....worth what I paid for it.

Bottom line, I think this thread shows the OP what he asked for.....except probably not enough Hornady info.....they are the price/quality leader if you like separate dies....unless you gotta have the electric case collated feeders, then they run right up there with Dillon....until you add more calibers....

How are you liking you ProChucker 7? Any teething pains? How many of the stationa are you using... would you be up for sharing a few pictures of it setup how you run it? I would find it interesting seeing how a 7 station actually gets used... I assume you probably aren't using all 7 stations?

To answer MikeInOr, Though I am really liking the ProChucker 7, (bought it 1 year ago this month) I am not as far along as I should be....had some cutting done last winter to fix a hernia.....and that slowed me down even more than just getting old. What I have done is build a video powder inspection die, installed a tube rifle bullet feeder, improved the case feeder where it finally works reliably for all the calibers I would ever use.

Yet to do, is load the thousand .308 and .223 I have prepped and ready. Up to now just loaded small batches of things, to get to know the press. If I were younger I'd probably buy a Dillon case collator to go with it.....but honestly I don't think I need it......tubes for me are fast and easy as this video shows.

You asked if I use all 7 stations. For rifle yes least wise on LC mg 7.62 brass. For .308 and .223 I use 6 stations not needing to size twice. For mg brass I deprime, wet tumble, trim, then size on my Rock Chucker.......then on the Pro Chucker 7 I 1:case feed & size again, 2: M-die expand & prime, 3: powder drop, 4: inspect powder (video die), 5: bullet feed, 6: Seat, 7: crimp. (mg brass springs back a little so needing the second size)

Later this summer I'll do an update on the Pro Chucker 7.....still catching up with life.....dang surgeries....two in two years. .....and side tracks don't help (latest was the Hornady Bullet Feeder conversion).

Search THR by my moniker GW Staar if you want to see what I'm doing with the PC7.
There is also a how-to there on how I built the tube shaker collator out of a funnel from walmart, a little plastic egg crate, and model airplane cement/epoxy putty.....and the same 9/16" tubing as Lee uses.

 

[kmw1954]

Other thoughts, I can live with the added expense of the Bushing compared to removable turrets and if Lee were to come out with an all metal shell plate carrier upgrade comparable to the Pro1000 I would eagerly spend the money.

Also for some others to prove the versatility of this press for my 9mm and 380 loading I now have a RCBS Tube bullet Feeder in station #3 and it is working very well.

 

[LiveLife]

The newest Lee, the Auto Breech Lock Pro is on sale at Midway for $99, but it doesn't come with a primer system or a powder measure....those are extra.

But OP already loads on Lee Classic Turret and likely has Safety Prime and powder measure (Pro Auto Disk or Auto Drum) which will readily transfer to Auto Breech Lock Pro.

Right now I am loading on a LCT

So as other members already suggested, move to Auto Breech Lock Pro is a very viable option.

I think Hornady LNL AP is next closest progressive option for OP but as you posted, if the cost of caliber conversions are added, $400 budget will be blown. And OP still won't have a case feeder.

With ABLP option, OP can have the case feeder which, even with Safety Prime actuation for each case, will speed up production rate significantly.

Auto Breech Lock Pro is on sale at Midway for $99

Thanks for the tip - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ponents-on-sale.707473/page-175#post-11128514

 

[MikeInOr]

I used my Dillon 650 for a few years without a case feeder. I didn't really miss having a case feeder although I thought it would be a nice luxery.

Of course after I got a case feeder I couldn't live without one... but I was happy without the feeder before I new what I was missing.

Same with a bullet feeder... I don't have one... I am happy... but some day!

My suggestion is get a good solid progressive press... what ever color you choose... then build on it with a case feeder, bullet feeder, caliber conversions, powder measure for each conversion... etc.

I don't know how old the OP is but I bought my Dillon when Iwas about 25. I have used it for 25 years now and I know the 650 will last another 25 years, I just have to make sure I do!

 

[jmorris]

Thanks for the photos Mike.


For the OP Midway has a sale on Lee presses right now, not sure for how long though.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013004730/lee-load-master-progressive-press-kit-9mm-luger ~ $240

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013009424/lee-pro-1000-progressive-press-kit-pro-auto-disk ~$180

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/272349/lee-auto-breech-lock-pro-progressive-press ~$100

 

[Blue68f100]

But OP already loads on Lee Classic Turret and likely has Safety Prime and powder measure (Pro Auto Disk or Auto Drum) which will readily transfer to Auto Breech Lock Pro.


So as other members already suggested, move to Auto Breech Lock Pro is a very viable option.

I think Hornady LNL AP is next closest progressive option for OP but as you posted, if the cost of caliber conversions are added, $400 budget will be blown. And OP still won't have a case feeder.

With ABLP option, OP can have the case feeder which, even with Safety Prime actuation for each case, will speed up production rate significantly.


Thanks for the tip - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ponents-on-sale.707473/page-175#post-11128514

If you hand a round and find a used LNL-AP they can normally be had for around $200. I sold one for a friend of mine a couple of years ago and included a lot of extras. Buying new it will run over the $400 limit, due to shell plate(s) required. Extra bushing are optional, only needed for quick change.

The only new press that your needs is the Lee ABLP.

 

[Tilos]

Thanks for the photos Mike.


For the OP Midway has a sale on Lee presses right now, not sure for how long though.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013004730/lee-load-master-progressive-press-kit-9mm-luger ~ $240

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013009424/lee-pro-1000-progressive-press-kit-pro-auto-disk ~$180

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/272349/lee-auto-breech-lock-pro-progressive-press ~$100

Thanks for posting
And for the OP, read the reviews in those links for more opinions

 

[Axis II]

I kind of wish I would have started this thread before dropping $40 on the inline case ejector. That $40 could have went towards a new press.

 

[kmw1954]

One more thought from me a user of 3 different Lee presses.

There has been much talk of the Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro, even by me, which to me is saying something. Lee must have gotten something right. In my mind as I have already stated if someone has a Lee Turret and wants to move up to a progressive and is a low volume user then the ABLP is a natural progression. It is inexpensive to begin with and again if already using a turret then most everything can be migrated seamlessly to the new press. By no means am I suggesting that this is the best press on the market because it is not. But it sure is going to fill a nice niche.

One I have not commented on is the Lee Pro1000. I have one, love it and use it regularly, matter of fact it was my primary press until the ABLP came along. The one I have I purchased used and in almost brand new condition because evidently the previous owner didn't like it or couldn't get it to work. I paid less than $100.00 including shipping for a practically brand new press.

I love it because I only load pistols which in my mind this is what it was designed for and it only has 3 stations. Well just about every pistol die set comes with only 3 dies, until recently when Lee added the 4th die to some sets. Everyone should be able to load any pistol caliber made with only 3 dies! If one can conquer the on press priming, which many can't it seems, this press is extremely fast. The only progressive press I have seen that is simpler in design than the Pro1000 would be the ABLP. The Pro1000 has only one adjustment point to it.

I really like the ABLP press but not enough to kick the Pro1000 off the bench.

 

[kmw1954]

I kind of wish I would have started this thread before dropping $40 on the inline case ejector. That $40 could have went towards a new press.

No need to cry, I have a turret press and now 2 Lee progressive presses. Trust me, the turret press will always have a place and a home on my bench. It really shines when I'm working up loads or just running a small amount of 100 or less.

 

[Jeff H]

I kind of wish I would have started this thread before dropping $40 on the inline case ejector. That $40 could have went towards a new press.

Don't worry about it for 2 reasons.

1) Your LCT will easily sell. They are in pretty high demand. I got rid of mine pretty quickly on Armslist and it was 8-ish years old.
2) You are just starting your rather expensive relationship with Inline Fabrications. Once you have your progressive, you are going to find a ton of things to buy that will make that $40.00 seem like a drop in the bucket. From strong mounts to roller handles, and die storage, you will buy quite a bit.

I didn't really offer my opinion because of your $400 cap, but I've had the Hornady L-n-L for a couple of years and it is a great press. Cheaper than Dillon and worth looking into. Especially if you sell the LCT to offset the costs.

 

[jmorris]

Does Lee have a complete ABLP “kit” (at least with a priming system and powder measure) or is it still a base model and the rest is à la carte?

 

[kmw1954]

Does Lee have a complete ABLP “kit” or is it still a base model and have to buy all the extra stuff separately?

As far as I know or have seen it is still a single item only though I have seen on ebay a few that have put together a Package. Whether or not it's a good deal I haven't looked into it.

The other surprise and what I find amazing is that Lee will not offer just a plain Pro1000 updated press. They will only sell the complete Package.

 

[Tilos]

Does Lee have a complete ABLP “kit” (at least with a priming system and powder measure) or is it still a base model and the rest is à la carte?

No "kits" that I have seen
Kits at Titan, no ABLP
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-reloading-kits
ABLP press at Titan, not even a shell plate, S/L priming arms included, but no pez dispenser though
https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-presses/lee-breech-lock-pro

 

[jmorris]

Some presses include one setup some don’t.

I think a primer system and a measure are worth having if you are looking to speed things up. These are the ones they list in the manual.
https://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/PR1441.pdf

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...-primer-feeder-for-2006-later-reloading-press
$22

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/803372/lee-auto-drum-powder-measure
$36

Or

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/348753/lee-pro-auto-disk-powder-measure
$36

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019986580/lee-auto-breech-lock-pro-progressive-press-shellplate

$19

Puts one shy of $180 before shipping, well inside $400.

 

[Mowgli Terry]

My feeling are that the top limit of $400.00 is a real problem. Actually, all these other makers are trying to compete with the 900 lb. Blue gorilla in market place. In the span of active press use the extra $300.00 does add up to much. My old basic Dillon 550 is twenty or so years old and was rebuilt from an old 450. I have amortized the cost probably the first couple of years of use. I'd suggest you folks consider spending a little more money for more choices.

 

[Axis II]

Some presses include one setup some don’t.

I think a primer system and a measure are worth having if you are looking to speed things up. These are the ones they list in the manual.
https://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/PR1441.pdf

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...-primer-feeder-for-2006-later-reloading-press
$22

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/803372/lee-auto-drum-powder-measure
$36

Or

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/348753/lee-pro-auto-disk-powder-measure
$36

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019986580/lee-auto-breech-lock-pro-progressive-press-shellplate

$19

Puts one shy of $180 before shipping, well inside $400.

I already have the auto drum and priming tool, so it will be much cheaper for me.