Recommend me a first progressive press

[MrFancyPants]

So it looks like we'll be getting the stimulus, and I think it's time to use part of that to finally invest in a good reloading press. Just want to do my part to stimulate the economy.

Anyway, I'm wondering what you guys use and recommend. So far I've looked at the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, but looks like it has mixed reviews, and previously I checked out the Redding T-7. This will be my first press, and I'd rather just "buy once cry once" and get a good progressive that I won't outgrow. I'll probably eventually get a good single stage press as well for any calibers too big for a progressive (thinking Forster co-ax), but for now I want something to cover most of my calibers, and something I can learn and grow into. I'll be reloading pistol and rifle rounds, and I want to be sure I can load 10mm, 308, 300 win mag, and 458 SOCOM, in addition to the more common calibers.

Speed isn't a concern for me as this will be for my own personal use, so a press rated at 800 rounds per hour vs 400 rounds per hour doesn't matter. I'm more concerned with quality of the press, availability of replacement and extra parts, and accuracy of ammo produced. Also I'd like to keep the cost of the press by itself around $500 or less.

Thanks for any input!

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[Sandspider500]

Get both. Pair it up with a cheap Lee breech lock single stage.

[mskochinski]

[bigdrunk92037]

look for a used Dillon 650. Some people are selling them to upgrade to the 750. I had a LNL and went to a 650 and am much happier with the 650.

[jsanch03]

[superdave50]

In before "buy once, cry once"

[mskochinski]

I should also said that I too have a single stage where I do all my precision loads and case prepping. The Dillon is for speed on semi auto and pistol ammo. Long range bolt rounds head to the single stage for micro seating and powder trickling.


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[BajaJames83]

Even the new 750s can be had for $650 right now. Dillon's just blow away the competition in quality and customer service/ warranty my 30yr old press they still send me parts to no questions asked.
My fear when you get the LNL is when they come out with a new one you will be SOL when you need parts which you will...

[Divernhunter]

For your 1st press get a RCBS single stage kit. But before that get the Lyman Reloading Manual #50 and READ it. That will answer 90% of the question you will ask.
When you are ready for a progressive get a Dillon. The model will depend on what you reload and how much you shoot. You will ALWAYS have a use for the single stage press.

[mskochinski]

Agreed with everything he just said.


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[broadside]

I will say I have not really had any problems with my LnL AP. At least not anything nearly as bad as my buddies with Dillons. But to be fair, they reload 1,000s of rounds a month and they have fairly complex setups too.

My LnL has been great for .45, .357 and .44. Mine is now setup for 9mm with case and bullet feeders and its cranking out rounds.

The issues I have with it are not really associated with the press itself when used manually (no case/bullet feeders). So for the money, its a great start.

I want to buy another press and am considering another LnL for the price (and I know the nuances of using it) or a Dillon XL750 or 1050 but its a whole new learning curve and more money.

[robert101]

My recommendation is with a Dilion 550B as well. Inexpensive die holder setups, great customer service, warranty, and easy to maintain. It produces, for me, the volume I shoot. I don't get the 300+/hr. vols. as many as I don't' have a bullet or case feeder. I take my time, and check each case for powder delivery. No need to hurry in my garage but it will produce more.

[NeilMo]

Here's a good write-up comparing progressive presses. It's in PDF format.

[Cowboy T]

If you're reloading .300 Win Mag or similar, then I'm going to assume you're going for precision, in which case I personally would load those on a good, solid turret press or single-stage.

For your other rounds, a progressive press would be a good idea.

So, here's what I use.

Handgun rounds: Lee Progressive (Pro) 1000 Press
Rifle rounds: Lee Classic Turret Press

Maintenance of either of these presses is not difficult. Parts are readily available for both. The Pro 1000 lets me easily turn out loads of high-quality handgun ammo of various chamberings. The Classic Turret isn't as fast as a progressive press, though I would argue it's easier to get that extra bit of precision.

An inexpensive single-stage press for load development and for fixing the occasional errant round is also a good idea. In my case, it's the $30 "Lee Reloader Press". That's also where I do my cast bullet resizing.

[Kurgan]

If it isn't blue, paint it and pretend you made the right decision.