what is manual indexing vs auto indexing?

[Hornet_RN]

i own an RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press. it's great for making precision ammo for my bolt action rifles, but it is slow as hell when reloading for large amounts of .223 Rem for my AR-15.

so i'm thinking in the future of owning a progressive press for large volume loading. and in this research i've seen presses labeled as "manual indexing" and "auto indexing."

what is the difference? is one better than the other? is one safer than the other?

thanks,
Hornet_RN

[Texas Boy]

Progressive and turret presses both hold multiple dies at the same time (turrets only hold a single casing, while progressives also hold multiple casings). Indexing refers to moving the dies (or casings) to the next position. A manual indexing press would require you to manually advance the dies (turret) or cases (progressive). An auto indexing press would automatically "index" the dies (turret) or cases (progressive) to the next step.

Hope this helps.

[joelogic]

+1 to Texas Boy.

Auto is definately faster. Check out Dillon's Webpage and compare the 550 vs 650.

or shoot me a PM and come over and check out my 650.

[Fyathyrio]

Here's a vid that shows auto indexing skip to about 2:30 to see it in action. You can see how the plate that holds the shells moves when he pulls the handle.

[Texas Boy]

Ah yes, the Ultimate reloader site. OP - go to http://ultimatereloader.com/ - he has tabs across the top for all the major press manufactures - Dillon, Hornady, Lee, Redding, RCBS, etc. and videos showing operation of various presses and accessories. Great site.