progressive/automatic press

nemesisenforcer

Looking into upgrading to a progressive or automatic press, but I don't want to spend a ton of money.

Which model is the most bang for your buck/time?

I'll probably be using it for mostly 45, 38/357, and 223, possibly 308 FWIW.

jonk

Well I have a Lee Pro 1000. It is finicky, I wouldn't buy it again. Yes it makes ammo but it requires constant attention to each move it makes. It will do .223 but not .308. OTOH it is cheap.

I have loaded a lot on my buddy's Dillon 650. Fabulous machine, I just think it is overpriced so I won't get one.

If I were in the market I'd look hard at the offerings from Hornady or Lyman, or RCBS if you're into them. Middle price but with most of the bells and whistles the Dillon has. Plus Hornady gives you a lot of free bullets if you order one (or they did anyhow, might not still be on).

shoff14

I am in the same boat Jonk is in. I really am not comfortable loading .223 in the Lee 1000. It does ok with pistols and is my dedicated 9mm set up. I personally would rather have something else, but for the $150 I paid for the Lee, that is a heck of a lot cheaper then a Dillon.

midnightrunpaintballer

I have a lee that will NOT reliably feed primers if my life depended on it. The only way to keep it moving is to hand prime all cases outside the press. The powder measure on the press isn't the greatest for consistency either. Have a Dillon 550. Love it. Flawless function and the best warranty I've ever dealt with. Expensive? A little. Peace of mind, priceless! Their models are all different prices obviously. Look at them all and see what features you really need. The auto case feeder of the 650 would sure be nice. But depending on the volume you plan to load, may not be necessary. The money you may save could go towards bullets.
There are a zillion options for you to choose from. My vote goes to Dillon. My vote is based on personal experience.

I also know three other guys that have 550's. We all save more money by borrowing the different caliber conversion kits (shellplates) and dies. That my be something for you to consider as well. What do your friends have that you may be able to trade parts with to use when you need it?

Navybat

The Lee Loadmaster is the way to go for a reliable, versatile, low cost press. It's so inexpensive you can get one for every caliber and it STILL is less expensive.

It's much better than the 1000--and you can get the bullet feeder and case collator, so it's the complete package.

You might consider looking at it.

243winxb

Dillon RL-550B. Buy and use a case gage for the 223 or any bottle neck cartridges when setting your FL dies.

dcs shooters

Buy a Dillon 550B and you will have to leave it for your great grand kids to use [;)]
The Lee presses wear out too fast, and the warranty is [xx(][xx(]

Rocky Raab

I will never own a progressive - but if I HAD to choose one, it would be a Dillon first and the Hornady second.

tomh.

"The auto case feeder of the 650 would sure be nice."

There's an automatic casefeeder option for the RL550 now too.

I have a Dillon 550. Works flawlessly every time. The only complaint I've heard, other than cost, is that their powder measure doesn't feed cylindrical powders consistently. But i've never had that problem.