Progressive Press

[capitol]

Im in the market for a progressive press and after doing some research I would like a press with these features.

Case Feeder
Auto-Indexing
Powder dispenser/micrometer adjustments, that works with Varget

So far I'm looking at Dillon XL650, Hornady LNL AP, and RCBS PRO 2000.

One major concern is the powder dispenser on these presses. Do any of them do well with Varget?

[jandmtv]

I think the XL650 is your best bet.

as for Varget, no powder measure is going to dispense Varget as accurate as a ball powder, its just not possible.

But there is a website that sells a micrometer addon for the Dillon powder measure, the price isnt that bad either, but I cant remember which website it is. Im sure someone will jump in on this.

EDIT: found the company, they also sell a larger powder hopper tube. here are the links

micrometer kit http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231
larger powder hopper tube http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1277

[slicksuper90]

yeah, Dillon's the tried and true. I've never had metering problems with ANYTHING out my measures on my square deal (blast from the past!) 650, 0r 1050. ball, extruded...didn't matter

[anyracoon]

When I load varget and other stick powders on my Dillons I use a RCBS powder measure with micrometer adjuster and their case activated linkage. Works great!!!!!! Best of both worlds.

[Blacktail 8541]

With your requirement, the RCBS is out based on the case feeder.

[Corbin Dallas]

Dillon 650XL is what you need.

[ciscosixgun]

My Dillon powder measurer seems to meter Varget just fine. It varies maybe one tenth of a grain. I would go with the Dillon 650.

[sorensen440]

Were very pleased with our dillon

[ar15barrels]

Need I say more?

[capitol]

Whoa, looks like everyone likes Dillon. A couple questions.

How long does it take to switch calibers?

Anyone have trouble with the auto indexing on the 650?

Can you use RCBS or Redding dies?

What else should I order with a 650?

Thanks for the info fellas

[TonyM]

Whoa, looks like everyone likes Dillon. A couple questions.

How long does it take to switch calibers?

takes me ~10 minutes for a full conversion, including getting a step ladder for the casefeeder plate.

Anyone have trouble with the auto indexing on the 650?

Nope.

Can you use RCBS or Redding dies?

All standard dies work in the 650, 550, and 1050.

What else should I order with a 650?

Thanks for the info fellas

That is up to you, but I went nuts when I got mine. I got 4 or 5 caliber conversions with tool heads and stands right off the top, along with the RF-100 primer filler, aluminum roller handle, casefeeder, more primer tubes, and the strong mount. Make sure you get a minimum of the casefeeder, more primer tubes, and I like the powder check die.

[GW]

Yep, Go with the 650
BUT...the 650 without the casefeeder is pointless
Get LOTS of primer tubes. Having to stop what you're doing to refill tubes is a real drag on production so have lots of them ready to go.
Powder check is nice to have.
I also recommend the full quick-change conversion kit including the tool-head and powder measure That way, you only have to set the thing up once.
Use what ever standard dies you like.

Have fun

[ivanimal]

20 minutes tops to change over a little longer to dial it in for precision.

[TonyM]

Yeah, I should clarify, my 10 minute time is due to having extra toolheads with powder measures and dies attached. Once I drop the toolhead in and change the other parts for the caliber, I'm ready to go with the dies still locked down.

[anyracoon]

Strong mount, roller handle(not the plastic one & Bullet tray!