Progressive Press Question

[Bill Steele]

I am contemplating the move to progressive loading for my pistol needs.

One thing that has me puzzled is the powder in the case when the shell plate indexes, before a bullet is seated.

Watching the various Youtube demos of different brands, one thing that seems pretty much the same with each press is how quickly the round slam around as the plate indexes.

What I am worried about is when I am loading a pretty full load in a case. How do you keep the press from flinging powder out of the case when indexing, or am I overthinking this whole problem?

[f4tweet]

Use an RCBS Pro 2000, it manually indexes.

[PutTogether]

You are over thinking it. The shell plate doesn't really "slam" around. They all index in place pretty solidly. I can only speak firsthand about my Dillon 550, but there is nowhere near enough play to let powder spill, even if filled to almost the rim.

IF, you fault the cartridges were still a bit too jiggly....well, you are the one in control, just index them a bit more gently.

[XDRoX]

With a manual indexing machine like a 550b you control the speed of the plate, so it's not an issue. With an auto indexing machine like a 650, you can run into the problem of powder spilling over if it's too full. There is a fix for it though. You just have to modify the machine a little bit and it fixes it. I don't have a 650 so I've never done the mod, but you can do a search for it.

[TMC]

You don't gave to worry about it. You as the operator control the speed of the shell plate. If the case is full you just slow down on the upstroke and the plate will stop slowly.

[freonr22]

consistant pull on the hornady-= smooth

[Revoman]

I use my left index finger lightly on the side of the plate and case to slow things down. It's only a problem with short cases, especially 45 ACP.

Easy fix!

[f4tweet]

I had a Dillon Square Deal B for a while. It has an auto advance. I had a problem with 9mm and Titegroup because it almost filled the case and when the case came to a stop, powder always spilled out.

[Bill Steele]

Guys, first thanks for the quick replies.

What I was talking about was the indexing on the presses that auto index. I can see on anything that you index yourself or is indexed strictly by the mechancial action that is anything close to 1:1 in leverage you are largely in control. It just seems that in certain units, either there is a spring in the system or an over center cam like action on the self indexing units that really slams things around as the lever finishes on the upstroke.

The perfect example is a short cartridge like a .45 ACP or 9mm when you are using a full load of powder when that quick snap advance would almost certainly mean spilled powder and a very imprecise load spec.

Everytime I watch a Youtube vid on one of these auto indexing units I think, if the powder was anywhere near full, it would be flying all over the place.

I guess I am just the skeptical kind.

[freonr22]

its not a snap and does not fly for .45 for lnl ap. also its all in your smooth pull

[Malthusian]

Another technique is to meet the case with the boolit in hand as the shell plate moves just before it indexes

If you are looking at the XL 650 the spring can be cut and thrust bearings added to the shell plate assembly

[Bill Steele]

Thanks,

Yes, the 650 XL is one of the units I have contemplated. But all the self indexers seem to move pretty fast.

When I watch an "instructional" video with a guy running one of these auto indexers, refering to the MOAL as the "Maximum Overall Length" and saying stuff like "that's important to make sure the round will fit in yer gun.", I think, "hell, this guy is so out of it, no way does he care if he is getting a precise charge in that shell.."

I just like things to be precise and tidy. Maybe I will be better served with something I index with my fingers .

[XDRoX]

Can't go wrong with a 550.

[Cowboy T]

I use auto-indexing Lee Pro 1000's with some pretty full loads (2400 powder--nearly fills up the case). You'd be surprised at how the powder generally stays put. No matter what brand or model of press, they're all good, and none of 'em will "spill" powder.

[LGB Loader]

I had a problem with 9mm and Titegroup because it almost filled the case and when the case came to a stop, powder always spilled out.

Wow... what was your load? Titegroup is like one of the most dense powders out there. I can't remember ever having a load using Titegroup that filled the case... especially for 9mm. just curious.

I also have 2 x XL650's that have loaded tens and tens of thousands of 9mm and 45ACP (each machine dedicated for 9mm & 45ACP) and have never had the problem of powder being slung out of the case by it's index. I do agree with XDRoX that the 550b is one great press that gives the user extreme control. I know I love mine.

LGB