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progressive presses

midnightrunpaintballermidnightrunpaintballer Member Posts: 2,233 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited November 2007 in Ask the Experts
i am looking to upgrade from my single stage to a progressive. i was looking at the lee loadmaster and it seemed like it would be a good setup but everything i read about it seems to be negative. can you guys give me some ideas of who would make a similar setup that actually does what it's supposed to do? dillon, rcbs, lyman??? i'm looking to spend around $400 or less (for now at least) and will primarily be loading .40, .45, .223, and 7.62x39. thanks in advance for the suggestions.
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Comments

  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    don't get me wrong, the lee loadmaster DOES work, but it is finicky. Ditto on the pro 1000. I've never heard anything but good reviews of dillon; hornady, rcbs, and lyman also seem to get very good reviews.

    I got the lee press for 1/4 price NIB in a store. Consignment. Just right at that price. If I were going to buy one....I'd probably go with hornady- check out midsouthshooterssupply- they have a deal where you get free bullets if you buy a hornady press.
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  • heavyironheavyiron Member Posts: 1,421 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi,

    Dillon 550.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron
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  • brier-49brier-49 Member Posts: 7,103 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Go with the Dillon.
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  • NwcidNwcid Member Posts: 10,674 ✭
    edited November -1
    Dillon is good, but I like my RCBS Pro 2000.
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  • Mort4570Mort4570 Member Posts: 472 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I"ve got many many rounds thru my Dillon 550b and like it.It's the only one I"ve had so cannot say it's the best out there,but CAN say I'd buy another for sure.They arre a bit over 400,but not much.
    The only neg. is the setup of the powder funnel/flare die,but once set you're done messing with it.
    I"d suggest extra tool heads so your dies are alway mounted and in adjustment.
    You'll need extra conversion kits for each caliber...it comes with 1.

    compare this to others and make ur choice,eh.
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  • nuclabuyernuclabuyer Member Posts: 25 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a hornady Lock'n'load AP. It is basically the same as a Dillon 650. It has an auto indexer so it seems to be a bit faster then the 550 and alot less money then a 650
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  • midnightrunpaintballermidnightrunpaintballer Member Posts: 2,233 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    jonk: you say the lee's are "finicky" can you elaborate? nuclabuyer: do you notice any spilled powder from the auto index generating too much centrifugal force on the dillon? this is a complaint i have read a lot about the lee presses with auto index. general conclusion on this forum seems to be dillon. keep in mind i'll be doing rifle loads too so can i still go with the 550 or will i need a 650. you guys are saving me a lot of comparison time. i work 3 jobs and i really appreciate all of the help as i do not have much free time. thanks again.
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  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by heavyiron
    Hi,

    Dillon 550.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron


    TOTAL AGREEMENT,
    Save the headache and buy the dillion.
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  • dclocodcloco Member Posts: 2,967
    edited November -1
    Go Blue!

    Don't forget the Dillon no BS warranty as well.
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  • CapnMidnightCapnMidnight Member Posts: 8,038 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dillon 550 and don't ever look back, nothing compares.
    W.D.
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  • Mort4570Mort4570 Member Posts: 472 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Yes,the 550 will do rifle rounds.only the square deal is pistol only.
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  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    Well I own a Lee Pro 1000 and I've loaded on a Lee Loadmaster that a buddy has and my impressions were that the big weak spot is the priming system. It must be kept FULL- or half full anyhow- or it will not feed properly. Sometimes despite the lock out system, it feeds a primer when no case is present- a pain for the last one in the batch when you've passed that station. The chain actuated system for the powder measure leaves something to be desired as well; again, it works, but must be hooked up perfectly or a squib load/no charge results. (There can be NO slack in it). Also the linkages are of pot metal or aluminum in some presses, and I wouldn't try loading large rifle cases on them- too much strain. Finally, the rod that knocks loaded cases out of the shellholder often doesn't, causing a jam if you aren't careful.

    On the other hand I very much like Lee's powder through expanding dies (well their dies in general) and the fact that you can change the press from auto-index to manual index simply by removing a bolt.

    All in all, the Lee press WILL do the job IF you constantly watch what you're doing. It will easily quadruple your production over a single stage- but a Dillon would probably quintruple it. The Lee is a great buy for the money but not without issues, is all I'm saying.
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