Progressive presses --- what's good these days?

[baba]

I was just sitting here thinking....

Years ago I got a Dillon 650 and have been loading happily along. It was premium priced compared to the other brands back then, but the consensus was that it was head and shoulders above in terms of quality and reliability. Well, it is still demanding top dollar. What has the competition done in this time? Are the fully progressive press offerings from the 'other guys' gaining ground quality wise?

I'm in no need of a new press, but I thought it would be an interesting discussion to hear what people are using and how competition in this arena is developing. Anyone have any experience they want to share?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[bmbutch]

Tagged for perusing answers. One of these days I'll get off work in time to call Profire & get their input.

 

[gunman41mag]

I like DILLON, have two 550b press

 

[rockhopper46038]

I have a Dillon 550B and an RCBS Pro2000. I've loaded a lot more on the Dillon than the RCBS at this point, and I do think I prefer the Dillon to the RCBS; but the RCBS has some nice features to it and I could see how other people might prefer it to the Dillon. I think if I can completely resolve the tendency of the RCBS to sling powder out of small caliber cases when it auto-indexes (it needs a nice aftermarket roller bearing retrofit kit I suspect, like is readily available for the Dillon, but I might experiment by cutting a coil off the ball bearing detent spring that causes it to pop into place under each station quite vigorously), then with its extra station I will have a hard time picking a favorite between the two.

 

[indyjohn]

I think you'll find that Profire has a preference for DILLON but they sell the Hornady LNL AP too.

Years ago I had an RCBS progressive and it was good. I've had the Hornady for almost 2 years now and I'm very happy with how it works and its versatility.

 

[TakLine]

Just curious rockhopper - sounds like you had the Dillon longer. What was your main reason for getting the RCBS? Other than the "more toys" principle?

 

[ckcollins2003]

I used a friends Lee Load Master to load up 1k rounds of handgun ammo. While it doesn't compare to a Dillon, it's about half the cost. IMO the answer to which one to buy would have to be by whomever is spending the money and what they are willing to give up to save the money. The Load Master didn't have a case feeder, bullet feeder, or any other fancy gadgets, but it got the job done a lot faster than I could have on my single stage. If I had the money and were loading more than 1k pistol rounds for a summer, I think I'd definitely go with a Dillon, but if you are only loading 2k rounds a year on it, I'd save the money and buy a Load Master or something at half the cost and spend the other half on more components.

 

[IndyGlockMan]

I love it when I'm pitched a slow one right down the middle....

DILLON!!!

I have the RL550B. Dillon is still the best out there. The Hornady is a close second IMHO.

 

[Cerberus]

Those who love blue swear by them, but I have seen MANY discussions about how lots of owners have had to use the not BS guarantee a time or two.
Those who love red swear by them, again same as above.
Those who love green swear by them, yet again same as above.

A couple of things I've noticed about INGO.
1. There are a disproportionate number of dedicated Lee fans that one usually doesn't see many other places.
2. There is a vacuumous lack of love for the RCBS that is quite common on other forums.

 

[Lunati]

You already have a 650 so I wouldn't worry about needing to upgrade for a couple more years.

 

[SERparacord]

I have a Dillon 550B and an RCBS Pro2000. I've loaded a lot more on the Dillon than the RCBS at this point, and I do think I prefer the Dillon to the RCBS; but the RCBS has some nice features to it and I could see how other people might prefer it to the Dillon. I think if I can completely resolve the tendency of the RCBS to sling powder out of small caliber cases when it auto-indexes (it needs a nice aftermarket roller bearing retrofit kit I suspect, like is readily available for the Dillon, but I might experiment by cutting a coil off the ball bearing detent spring that causes it to pop into place under each station quite vigorously), then with its extra station I will have a hard time picking a favorite between the two.

Can I have that when you get it fixed?

 

[rockhopper46038]

Just curious rockhopper - sounds like you had the Dillon longer. What was your main reason for getting the RCBS? Other than the "more toys" principle?

I was extraordinarily fortunate to have a forum member here (who I won't name in case he wants to stay anonymous, but who can identify himself if he wishes ) gift me his Pro2000 that wasn't exactly what he was looking for. It was an amazing act of generosity, and is a testament to just how excellent a group of members we have here on INGO. In any case, that was how I acquired my RCBS; not through any perceived failing of the Dillon. Interestingly I've also run several Lee Pro1000s, and firmly believe there is a place for them in reloading circles, too. They are ingeniously designed to be effective and inexpensive. They do require someone who is willing to tinker a bit. When set up well, they are exceptionally fast machines, easily outrunning my Dillon and my RCBS, although I can get close on the RCBS. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Dead Duck]

Dillon's Calendars are superior also.





When did they start making presses?

 

[baba]

My second press is a Lee turret. It definitely works. Actually, it was my first press, then I upgraded to the Dillon and now I use the lee for rifle cases and some smaller volume stuff that I can't justify the cost of a conversion for my dillon press. I like it and have and will continue to recommend Lee equipment as a good value for those getting started.

I have been quite enamored with the Hornaday Lock 'n' load collet system. I have tried to justify to myself getting their single stage press for the purpose of exploring this system, but I've yet to do it. Is it as slick as it seems?

And just to re-confirm - I don't need something better than my 650. I'm just looking for some good perspective and a good conversation.

-Brian

 

[indyjohn]

..........
..........
..........
.......... I'm sorry. What were we talking about??

 

[SERparacord]

My second press is a Lee turret. It definitely works. Actually, it was my first press, then I upgraded to the Dillon and now I use the lee for rifle cases and some smaller volume stuff that I can't justify the cost of a conversion for my dillon press. I like it and have and will continue to recommend Lee equipment as a good value for those getting started.

I have been quite enamored with the Hornaday Lock 'n' load collet system. I have tried to justify to myself getting their single stage press for the purpose of exploring this system, but I've yet to do it. Is it as slick as it seems?

And just to re-confirm - I don't need something better than my 650. I'm just looking for some good perspective and a good conversation.

-Brian

I use the hornady single-stage. The collet system is great, easiest way to change the dies there is.

 

[baba]

well if the amish mafia headquarters uses Lock N Load...there must be nothing better.

 

[SERparacord]

well if the amish mafia headquarters uses Lock N Load...there must be nothing better.

lol I reload .38, .357. 45 ACP, 223 all on the single stage. I'm in no hurry to crank out the loads.

 

[theslasher]

I used a friends Lee Load Master to load up 1k rounds of handgun ammo. While it doesn't compare to a Dillon, it's about half the cost. IMO the answer to which one to buy would have to be by whomever is spending the money and what they are willing to give up to save the money. The Load Master didn't have a case feeder, bullet feeder, or any other fancy gadgets, but it got the job done a lot faster than I could have on my single stage. If I had the money and were loading more than 1k pistol rounds for a summer, I think I'd definitely go with a Dillon, but if you are only loading 2k rounds a year on it, I'd save the money and buy a Load Master or something at half the cost and spend the other half on more components.

$225 from Natchez and yes it includes a case feeder with pistol calibers and dies. That makes it 1/4 the cost of a dillon.

 

[Latewatch]

Dillon is the way to go. I've been using Dillon presses since 1983 and have never had cause to look at anything else.