Need a recommendation on a progressive press.

[ar15barrels]

I plan to load for 9mm and .45. With my bad back I can no longer sit/stand for long periods which means I can usually scrap about 50 cartridges of pistol on my single stage before I have to get up and take a pill.

I do like to shoot a lot, if i go to the range I usually like to throw at least 300 rounds per session, shooting being a perishable skill and all.

Realistically I would like to be able to crank through two sessions at the range in one sitting at the press so loading 600-1000 rounds of one caliber before switching to the other is no big deal. I guess compared to what I am doing now, any of the presses i mentioned are much faster, but if one press is considerably faster than the other, then that will be a factor. I am already looking at an auto case feeder and the rcbs auto bullet feeder (which I understand is also compatible with the xl650?).

At a max, I may eventually decide to add 223 to the progressive mix, but for now just the two calibers, I shoot both equally.

Get a 650.
It's perfect for your needs.

[MIAMIbaseballer]

Xl650.... Seems best for you. I started with it and I love everything about. The 550 seems like such a waste for the small differences to move up to the 650.....

[Cowboy T]

These threads always crack me up.

Really, there isn't a "bad" progressive press out there (yes, that includes the Lees, folks). What I suggest that the OP do is to see if he can actually try out a few models of presses. Perhaps, since he's not in a hurry, he could ask around at his shooting club for who reloads, what he wants to do, etc.

Another suggestion would be to find out who teaches the NRA Metallic Reloading classes and see if they'll let you try out one of theirs. The cost for the class is low enough that they don't do this for the money. They do it to advocate reloading. Therefore, they might actually let you check out their machines.

Also, if there's someone at the gun shows who has a press there (there is in my neck of the woods), that person likely is a dealer. Explain your situation, that you're in the initial stages of shopping, and that you'd like an explanation of the particulars of how one works. That person might not have time to show you during the show itself, but you may get an address where that person does business. Maybe you two can set up an appointment so that vendor can take a little time and show you what's up.

For the record, I use a pair of Lee Pro 1000's, which now have tens of thousands of rounds on them and still goin' strong. I've also used a Dillon RL-550B and liked it; no question that it's a fine machine that will provide years of service.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

These threads always crack me up.

Really, there isn't a "bad" progressive press out there (yes, that includes the Lees, folks).

It is a bit like the "Chevy vs. Ford", or "Mercedes vs. BMW" thing, isn't it?

[fullspeed1]

Get a 650.
It's perfect for your needs.

Randall! Holy s**t your still alive..

[gardenanightrider]

Well based on the responses here and the other things I have read, looks like the xl650 is my likely choice.

Thanks for all the input folks.....

[Cowboy T]

It is a bit like the "Chevy vs. Ford", or "Mercedes vs. BMW" thing, isn't it?

Yep!

Gardenanightrider, that XL-650 is a lot of press and will spit out a lot of high quality rounds very quickly. Go gettum!

[biogenic]

Depending on how much you load, take a look a a LEE turret press... Can't beat it for the $$. I have one and I really like it. I can load about 100 + round per hour with my turret press at a leisurely pace. . If I want more volume, I turn to my 550. I personally think the 650 is an overkill. The RC is there for my rifle rounds. DenverDuck has awesome deals on used 550s from time to time and he's a pleasure to deal with. Good luck.

[nyc71]

I have the 550b & the LnL AP I've had nothing but problems with the latter. I'm sending it back to Hornady for repairs.

[ExtremeX]

I am a very happy RCBS Pro 2000 user; the entire system has been treating me very well. From a price / value standpoint I would get another Pro 2000 if I had to do it again.

If you have any inclination to go all out and get a case feeder and bullet feeder, I would go with the Dillon 650. If not, go with the Pro 2000.

[nn3453]

I have the 550b & the LnL AP I've had nothing but problems with the latter. I'm sending it back to Hornady for repairs.

What was the nature of your issues? Is it one of the older models?

I've been using LnL for over 20k rounds now.

The only issue I've had is I had to adjust the pawls to index correctly and by design you have replace retainer springs every few thousand rounds.

Hornady CS is awesome. They will replace parts for free.

My friend got a used LnL with a large primer slide missing. Hornady shipped him a new one for free.

Dillon charges you for parts if you get a used press, even though they have a no BS warranty if you are the original owner.

Really, depends on which koolaid you drink.

[ExtremeX]

From a warranty customer service standpoint… I hear excellent things about RCBS, Dillon, and Hornady…

RCBS customer service has been amazing to me.
I hear the same from Dillon owners.
And I hear the same from Hornady owners.

[ar15barrels]

Randall! Holy s**t your still alive..

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=620369

[GeoffLinder]

+1 on buying a Dillon from Brian Enos www.brianenos.com

Dillon 650 if you really want auto-index and plan to add case=feeder later. 550 if you want fastest changeover from rifle to pistol and back. 550 is manual index only.

[ar15barrels]

Dillon 650 if you really want auto-index and plan to add case=feeder later.

I don't know why dillon even offers the 650 WITHOUT a casefeeder.
It would be a serious pain to load on a 650 with no casefeeder.
That press was designed from the ground up to only work with a casefeeder, just like the 1050.
The reason they sell it without the casefeeder is to try to make the price look more appealing...