Reloading Presses

[gallion_t]

With some spare Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket and the gun safe I want not being in stock im looking into reloading presses. I grew up using my dads single stage RCBS press and that works great for rifle. However I have started shooting more and more hand gun lately and would like to start reloading for that. What I would like is 1 press that will work great for both situations. Mainly I am looking at the Dillon 550b press. Is it possible to set it up so i can measure out my powder exact for every rifle casing? I would like to be able to keep the precision of a single stage press for the rifle and the speed of the progressive press for the pistol. Is this possible with one press?

Also would i have to buy a conversion kit for each rifle caliber I want to load or could I just swap out the dies like you do with a single stage press?

Thanks for everyones help. My only expericance with progressive presses is a little Mec 650jr for 12ga so most of this stuff is pretty new.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Also would i have to buy a conversion kit for each rifle caliber I want to load or could I just swap out the dies like you do with a single stage press?

That depends on what rifle cartridge you're going to be reloading for. Many case bases use the same shell plate/holder.  45acp is the same for 30-06 etc...  But if you're loading 9mm, you'll need a different shell plate for 7RemMag and such.  You can do it all with the 550B but as I have a blue press on my bench, (that I use only for pistol cartridges), I still have an RCBS Rock Chucker on the bench for rifle cartridges.  If I was loading 223 or such for rapid fire, I'd probably use the Dillon for that. For long bottle neck cases, and those cartridges that you weigh every powder charge to the Nat's hair... There's nothing better than reloading single stage.
 
-Steve

[h20hunter]

Okay...here we go. I've got the same press and have loaded lots of .223, .45acp, .40, and .30-30.

For the handgun stuff I keep it going fully progressive with powder checks every x amount of rounds. I like having the quick changes set up so I don't need to remove the dies. All you would really change is primer tube and cup if applicable.

For plinking rounds like the .223 I do the same thing. Of course there is more prep time for the brass but that is another converstation. For hunting rounds here is what I basically do. I use it as a modified progressive. I use the first three stages and simply allow the powder drop to do its thing then take the case out, weigh the charge on my digital, adjust by hand, the put the powder back in prior to pressing in the projectile. I did 300 rounds like that for .30-30 and could not be happier with the results.

I'm close by and am always up for sharing a beer. Just let me know if you want to see my set up or have any hands on questions. we could cover a lot of ground! Also, there is a thread about loading benches...you can see mine there.

[JohnVH]

I have one press, and reload everything from .380 auto to 7mm Mag., Lee Classic Turrett. Love it.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I have one press, and reload everything from .380 auto to 7mm Mag., Lee Classic Turrett. Love it.

The Lee Classic Turret is not a progressive press.    

I used to have one too...  Then the turret started rocking. Then they came out with a tapped screw hole/set screw to stop the rocking. Still not a good design. And it would be quite a challenge to reload 500rnds in an hour on one.

-Steve

[JohnVH]

Never said it was. It's just a great one for those on a budget. You won't do 500/hr. but I've done 100 and its all good.

[gallion_t]

Thanks for the info guys. It sounds like I can get away with just the 550b. The challenge will be finding the powder now.

[h20hunter]

I may have an extra lb of titegroup....

[JackOfAllTrades]

What powder are you looking for?
 
-Steve

[gallion_t]

I was hoping to start off with Hodgens Clays because that is what I use for shotgun reloading and have had good luck with. Plus then I wouldnt have to stock 2 different powders. I think I only have part of a lb left though.

H2O Thanks for all of your offers. Right now I am just in the research stage and shopping for a good deal on a press. That is unless I find a gun safe in stock that I want first.

[h20hunter]

Yep, no worries. Keep your eyes out on CL as well as on here. I've seen a few Dillons come up. If you go with the 550 I think you will be set for a longggg time. Gime me a shout and I'll be happy to help you get set up. Good luck in your shopping and search.

[AWS]

There is a great thread at the bottom of this page on campareing Lee, Hornady and Dillon progressives.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,142324.0.html