Used presses.

[Agent Tikki]

I'm looking to get a progressive press for handgun loading. Would you guys recommend getting a used press, or should I just pony up for a new unit?

[Chris M]

I'm looking to get a progressive press for handgun loading. Would you guys recommend getting a used press, or should I just pony up for a new unit?

If you can find a used press for a decent price, get it. A quality reloading press should last you a lifetime (and then some). If you don't want to wait around for a used one to pop up for a price that's acceptable to you, then by all means, get a new one.

Either way, do your homework before you drop any cash. Find reviews on the specific make/model you're thinking about getting.

[Cowboy T]

+1.

I should also warn you, you will run into the "brand loyalists" who will say "only the one I have is any good, all others are junk!" That's bull. All the major manufacturers of progressive presses make good gear. You've got Lee, Hornady, RCBS, Dillon, and maybe a few others, but those are the four big ones for progressives.

How much experience do you have with either single-stage or turret press reloading?

[Agent Tikki]

O experience. I do plan on using the press one round at a time, and when I've built of enough experience, try going for all out 5 station progressive. I'm severely attached to my hands and body parts, but buying a single stage seems like a waste to me as I don't shoot rifles. I have lots of internet commando experience watching youtube videos and been reading and rereading Lyman's and the ABC's. I've settle on a Hornady Lock and Load, auto progressive with ez load. I really believe auto indexing is gonna be a life saver. The seller of the press I've located says its only 6 months old with approx. 500 rounds made. Its a decent price, but I'm its from out of state, and I'm kinda concerned about its condition. I do understand that Hornady has Excellent lifetime warranty on their presses. I'm going nuts trying to figure out if its worth it........

[Chris M]

O experience. I do plan on using the press one round at a time, and when I've built of enough experience, try going for all out 5 station progressive. I'm severely attached to my hands and body parts, but buying a single stage seems like a waste to me as I don't shoot rifles. I have lots of youtube videos and been reading and rereading Lyman's and the ABC's. I've settle on a Hornady Lock and Load, auto progressive with ez load. I really believe auto indexing is gonna be a life saver. The seller of the press I've located says its only 6 months old with approx. 500 rounds made. Its a decent price, but I'm its from out of state, and I'm kinda concerned about its condition. I do understand that Hornady has Excellent lifetime warranty on their presses. I'm going nuts trying to figure out if its worth it........

Buying a Single Stage is NEVER a waste of money, IMHO. Once you get into reloading, I can almost guarantee that you will indeed find a use for it.

If the used press you're looking at is only 6 months old & has only 500 rounds through it, I'd have a hard time believing that it's in anything BUT excellent condition.

[Cowboy T]

Chris M's spot-on. I reload progressively, too, and I still always end up using the single-stage for various tasks (fixing errant rounds, bullet sizing, load development, etc.). If you get an inexpensive single-stage press, e. g. the Lee Reloader Press or their Challenger O-Frame, then you won't have dropped a ton of cash. You *will* use that single-stage sooner or later, I assure you.

But also go ahead and get the LnL AP if it's in good condition and a good deal. I know you don't shoot rifles (yet), but the LnL AP will happily reload rifle cartridges as well.

[sequoia_nomad]

500 rounds is nothing, it should be in excellent condition with that kind of round count. Have you seen/Has the seller sent you any pictures of the press in question? If not I would ask to see some, and if they are vague I'd ask for some closeups. Also, I've found that reloading equipment bought used from back east is often covered in rust, even with little use. Be sure to ask the seller any questions you have regarding condition, no matter how trivial they may seem. If they don't reply, move on. There is plenty of nice reloading gear out there collecting dust.

[tujungatoes]

I agree with the previous posters. You'll still use a single stage even if you have a progressive.

The LnL AP is a good press. I just got mine 2 weeks ago, and I'm loving it.

Keep in mind when buying a used one, that hornady has their "get loaded" promotion going till the end of the year. When you buy a new press they give you 500 bullets. That's about $100 bucks right there. If the guy's only selling the press for $50 under retail it's not really a deal. Plus you'll have to pay to ship it, and they aren't exactly light.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy it. Just make sure you consider the actual cost vs the selling price. Get the best deal.

[Revoman]

^^^^

I agree, I have seen a lot of rust on product sold from out of state, especially from high humidity areas such as Florida, etc.

Pics would be a really good idea, especially close ups to check for rust spots.

500 count is still brand new in my book.

[knucklehead0202]

even the 30 dollar cheap LEE single stage press would end up being useful, and if nothing, a good starting-point until you're comfortable. i've loaded on a single-stage all my life and still do, i'm in no hurry to get a multi-stage press. i reload about 9 or 10 different rifle calibers and haven't started on the pistols yet. i'm not a high-volume shooter either, so i don't need to crank out 500 rounds at a time. consider what is necessary for your type of shooting.

[Cowboy T]

Actually, I started on that $30 cheap Lee single-stage press. Talk about a top-notch value! Many rounds of .357 Magnum (and some .45 Colt) got loaded on that little guy, and that's the one I now use for boolit-sizing duty.