Progressive press around 500.00?
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If I had to choose between a Lee progressive and a Lee Turret I would get the Turret. The Lee progressive is a bit finicky. Hornady or Dillon will serve you better than the Lee. I ran a Lee Turret for years with a case ejector from Inline Fabrication. https://inlinefabrication.com/products/case-ejector-for-the-lee-classic-turret-reverse-rotation It really helps speed up production.
You were wise to avoid the Lee Progressives. Don't be lured in by the initial relative low cost. If you want a progressive, keep looking.
I use the Lee Classic Turret Press and have for many years. I have also had two Lee Pro1000 progressive loaders and was not as satisfied with them as I was the Turret. In fact- they sucked. I found they required constant tinkering, adjusting, and cleaning to keep primers and powder flowing.
When I found I didn’t need to load 6 gazillion rounds per hour, I took them off the bench (they have now been recycled and are now probably holding a quart of green beans, been reforged as a turn signal in a Ford Fusion, or something) and now happily use only the Turret.
I use the Lee Classic Turret Press and have for many years. I have also had two Lee Pro1000 progressive loaders and was not as satisfied with them as I was the Turret. In fact- they sucked. I found they required constant tinkering, adjusting, and cleaning to keep primers and powder flowing.
When I found I didn’t need to load 6 gazillion rounds per hour, I took them off the bench (they have now been recycled and are now probably holding a quart of green beans, been reforged as a turn signal in a Ford Fusion, or something) and now happily use only the Turret.
When I was ready to jump up from my Lee Turret to a progressive, I read too many stories of headaches with Lee progressives. I got a Dillon SDB which made me realize the vast quality difference between Lee and Dillon. Then I got a Hornady LNL AP for rifle because I didn’t want to spend the extra money for a 650.
I ended up finding a smoking deal and bought a 650 and sold my SDB. I still have my Lee Turret and use it for lower volume reloading.
The Hornady is a step below the 650 for sure, but that’s totally fine with me. For $500-600 (keep an eye out for sales + mfg bullet rebate), I think it’s tough to beat the Hornady. I primarily load 300BLK on mine and haven’t had any major issues, no tinkering required once it’s set, the powder measure works quite well, and I like the LNL bushing system.
I ended up finding a smoking deal and bought a 650 and sold my SDB. I still have my Lee Turret and use it for lower volume reloading.
The Hornady is a step below the 650 for sure, but that’s totally fine with me. For $500-600 (keep an eye out for sales + mfg bullet rebate), I think it’s tough to beat the Hornady. I primarily load 300BLK on mine and haven’t had any major issues, no tinkering required once it’s set, the powder measure works quite well, and I like the LNL bushing system.
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Dillon Precision XL 750 Reloading Press
The Dillon XL 750 Reloading Press is designed for common rifle and handgun cartridges. This Dillon press is built for faster and more precise reloading. SCHEELS
You will need to get a a set of dies but this is a much better long term solution than the Lee Progressive.
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I have a LnL, I have had very few problems with it, but it took patience initially, and then more when I added a case feeder, and again with the bullet feeder.
My observation is the Dillon takes less tweaking/tuning and while I am too cheap to upgrade, I recommend them.
My observation is the Dillon takes less tweaking/tuning and while I am too cheap to upgrade, I recommend them.
The Dillon 550 is probably in that price range without any bells and whistles. You can always add the bells and whistles over time. It is a great do it all press that is a manually indexed.......so it can be used like a single stage press if desired. Changing cartridges is fairly quick n easy.
Spend the money for a Dillon. Even if it cost you $500 more. Over the next 5 years, that works out to $8 a month. You will never regret the decision if you load any quantities. you can knock out 10,000 rounds in no time. I also have a Lee Classic like @Jerzsubbie i use for small quantities, but the Dillon gets the nod for the big runs. I don’t have a case feeder but I did install one of the 6 tube feeders from Double Alpha and it’s not as fast as the case feeder, but it increased my speed drastically.
If you only think you’ll load pistol I suggest the dillon sdb.
If you plan to load rifle I suggest the dillon 550.
Both great presses. The dillon 650 is also great, but it or the 750 will be more than your budget.
If you plan to load rifle I suggest the dillon 550.
Both great presses. The dillon 650 is also great, but it or the 750 will be more than your budget.
I've had a Dillon 550 since '99, load 5.56, 243, 7-08, 6.5 Grendel, 300BLK, 9mm, 40S&W, 44mag and I'm still quite pleased with it. It hasn't given me any problems.
ultimatereloader.com
$590
www.dillonprecision.com
$525 https://www.scheels.com/p/dillon-precision-rl550c-reloading-press/60982420252.html
$514 shipped when in stock https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/3032
Dillon – Ultimate Reloader
ultimatereloader.com
RL 550C Reloader (14261): Reloading: Reloading Machines
RL 550C Reloader (14261): Reloading: Reloading Machines
$525 https://www.scheels.com/p/dillon-precision-rl550c-reloading-press/60982420252.html
$514 shipped when in stock https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/3032
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So I'll be that guy that says the Lee is perfectly fine. Over 60,000 rounds loaded on a progressive and no major headaches for me. Yes it did take some "tinkering" at first but it wasn't much. I'm sure the other names are better and I do love my MEC for shot shell but I've got the Lee turret and a progressive and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again if needed.
contender
Well-Known Member
A wise man once taught me a simple thing about any products I will use & expect good service out of. "Buy once,, cry once!" Buy the best quality, best warranty, and in general, spend a little more initially,, but over the long run, you will have saved money, time & frustration.
Most of my tools are older Craftsman, or Snap-On. They are worth more now than when purchased.
Dillon has the "No BS Guarantee." Buy it,, and if it ever gives you a problem,, they send new parts, or even rebuild or replace them. NO BS!
I started handloading in the mid 1970's. Being young, basically broke a lot,, I bought what I could. I started with a Lyman Spartan single-stage press. Over time,, I was able to upgrade my equipment,, and added a lot of RCBS.
But in the late 1990's,, I was getting into USPSA competition. I found I needed a progressive press. I had flip-flopped back & forth before that about one,, and had always looked at the Dillons. Well, I studied a lot,, asked questions of other competitors,,, saw in the USPSA magazine equipment types used by competitors after the Nationals,, and saw where Dillon was THE one used by almost everyone.
So, I bought a Dillon 650, with a case feed.
What I paid for it then,, and what I could sell it for now,, I'd MAKE money on it. And it's used & still going strong.
The moral of the story; "Buy a Dillon, spend a little more than your imposed budget, and you will not regret it!"
Most of my tools are older Craftsman, or Snap-On. They are worth more now than when purchased.
Dillon has the "No BS Guarantee." Buy it,, and if it ever gives you a problem,, they send new parts, or even rebuild or replace them. NO BS!
I started handloading in the mid 1970's. Being young, basically broke a lot,, I bought what I could. I started with a Lyman Spartan single-stage press. Over time,, I was able to upgrade my equipment,, and added a lot of RCBS.
But in the late 1990's,, I was getting into USPSA competition. I found I needed a progressive press. I had flip-flopped back & forth before that about one,, and had always looked at the Dillons. Well, I studied a lot,, asked questions of other competitors,,, saw in the USPSA magazine equipment types used by competitors after the Nationals,, and saw where Dillon was THE one used by almost everyone.
So, I bought a Dillon 650, with a case feed.
What I paid for it then,, and what I could sell it for now,, I'd MAKE money on it. And it's used & still going strong.
The moral of the story; "Buy a Dillon, spend a little more than your imposed budget, and you will not regret it!"
Began my reloading on a single stage Lee to get the basics. Moved up to a Lee progressive but had multiple issues that negated the speed of being progressive. Got a Dillon SDB (in 1988 ) cause I'm primarily a handgun guy. Best money I've ever spent. Mr.Dillon offers a lifetime, no questions guarantee. Very good resonse time with their CS as well. I wish Dillon made a car.
A few quick question for the OP.
Are you currently reloading or are you just getting into it?
How often do you shoot and how much do you shoot? 200 rounds a month or 2,000 rounds a month?
How much time to do you have to reload the rounds you are going to shoot?
Are you going to reload pistol and rifle?
Are you going to be shooting multiple calibers?
Do you have one caliber which makes up most of your shooting? For me its 9mm....
Knowing this info can often help people lead you in the right direction. Lots of people jump right to a progressive but unless you are really short on time to spend reloading or are shooting 1000+ rounds a month things like a Lee Turret with a case ejector can get the job done for a lot less. I am not the highest round count shooter but I used a Lee Turret for 8+ years.
Are you currently reloading or are you just getting into it?
How often do you shoot and how much do you shoot? 200 rounds a month or 2,000 rounds a month?
How much time to do you have to reload the rounds you are going to shoot?
Are you going to reload pistol and rifle?
Are you going to be shooting multiple calibers?
Do you have one caliber which makes up most of your shooting? For me its 9mm....
Knowing this info can often help people lead you in the right direction. Lots of people jump right to a progressive but unless you are really short on time to spend reloading or are shooting 1000+ rounds a month things like a Lee Turret with a case ejector can get the job done for a lot less. I am not the highest round count shooter but I used a Lee Turret for 8+ years.
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I started with a Dillon 550 and don’t regret it. But I also own a Lee Classic Turret press and use that for all my low volume work. For anyone getting started, I usually recommend the Lee Turret press. It won’t be money wasted if you end up getting a progressive press later, as the turret press is really good for utility work. I use my Turret press more than I do my 550, as I use the 550 primarily for semi-auto pistol rounds that I shoot in quantity.
All progressives have their quirks. Progressive presses do, too. Wise counsel has been given here regarding "Buy once, cry once."
Dillon may be out of stock. If so, go to eBay and search for a 550C. There are a couple of guys that sell them new in box with a caliber conversion kit. I bought one from seller @jwsattic2015 for $605. It came with a 5.56mm conversion kit, that I already had. Sold the kit on the forum. Press is an improvement on the 550 I have had for 25 years, and well worth the money. The other brands give you an impression of saving money. Quality costs. Made in USA costs. Dillon won’t let you down.
I’ve been reloading over 20 years now, used to reload for 1000 yards competition and 10mm-480ruger. But I’ve collected a lot of things for reloading over the years (brass powder primers) and have a rcbs single stage and a lee 3 turret press(like a woman very unpredictable) just want to turn out 100-200 when I was bored or not busy...
IMHO, if you think you are going to do 300 rounds or more in one sitting, on a regular basis, then a progressive press should be a consideration. If not, but you want to do more than 100 rounds in one sitting, then a turret press will be fine. Less than 100 rounds at a time, a good single stage may be in order.
Most reloaders that I know have more than one press, and use them all in one fashion or another. Don't think that if you buy one press today and then decide later to upgrade that your initial investment is wasted, you can always find a use for a single stage or turret press even if you end up buying a progressive press. I've got four presses on my bench that I use on a regular basis: A Lee turret; a cheap single stage (collet bullet puller); a Lee APP (decapping brass in quantity); and a 550.
Most reloaders that I know have more than one press, and use them all in one fashion or another. Don't think that if you buy one press today and then decide later to upgrade that your initial investment is wasted, you can always find a use for a single stage or turret press even if you end up buying a progressive press. I've got four presses on my bench that I use on a regular basis: A Lee turret; a cheap single stage (collet bullet puller); a Lee APP (decapping brass in quantity); and a 550.
this. +1 for hornady. All the internets say you will be well served by dillion and hornady.
Hornady lets you add on a bullet feeder and case feeder incrementally or you can get the whole "ammo plant" in one sku. I don't know what dillion has for addons.
Note that the entry model for dillion is manual index. That means if you pull the handle twice for any reason and forget to manually index you have double charged a case. Double charging is one of the things people want to ding a progressive on over single staging and visually checking each round's charge. Get an auto-indexing model.
If you want to run it as a single stage just use one die. I size rifle brass on it with one die and feed it by hand. The auto-indexing sends it around and ejects it for me.
I like to use RCBS's powder cop die which locks the press's upswing on overcharge or undercharge. I've never had it catch a double charge but I have had it catch an undercharge where it looks like powder binded up somehow in the drop.
Hornady lets you add on a bullet feeder and case feeder incrementally or you can get the whole "ammo plant" in one sku. I don't know what dillion has for addons.
Note that the entry model for dillion is manual index. That means if you pull the handle twice for any reason and forget to manually index you have double charged a case. Double charging is one of the things people want to ding a progressive on over single staging and visually checking each round's charge. Get an auto-indexing model.
If you want to run it as a single stage just use one die. I size rifle brass on it with one die and feed it by hand. The auto-indexing sends it around and ejects it for me.
I like to use RCBS's powder cop die which locks the press's upswing on overcharge or undercharge. I've never had it catch a double charge but I have had it catch an undercharge where it looks like powder binded up somehow in the drop.
Another thing to think about with regards to how many rounds you plan to reload at a time, is the time you want to spend reloading. I only load a few thousand rounds per year, but I don’t enjoy the process nor find it therapeutic, like some do.
I want to get my loading done as efficiently as possible, so for me, sure I can load 200rd/hr on my Lee turret, but if I can load 600/hr on a progressive w case feeder, that’s the way I’m going. Less time loading means more time for other things.
I want to get my loading done as efficiently as possible, so for me, sure I can load 200rd/hr on my Lee turret, but if I can load 600/hr on a progressive w case feeder, that’s the way I’m going. Less time loading means more time for other things.
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I have a Lee loadmaster. Once I got it adjusted the only issue I had was with primers feeding from time to time. Other than that I love life’s thousands of rounds on one in several calibers and never had an issue.
contender
Well-Known Member
Thumbsout, just for your knowledge (as well as others,) Dillon progressive presses for the most part do have "auto-indexing." The 550 is manual. (Not the entry level,, which is the SDB.) The SDB, the 650, the 750, the 1050 & 1100 etc all have auto indexing.
As for adding features;
Dillon has an excellent case feed system for the 550, 650, 750, etc. Just the SDB doesn't offer that.
Bullet feed,, again, an accessory for the bigger presses. (I haven't tried one,, so I'm not sure of all the models they will work on.)
One thing I really like on the 650 & up,, is the separate station for a "powder check die" that assures you don't get a double charge. Again, an accessory well worth the money for peace of mind.
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As for adding features;
Dillon has an excellent case feed system for the 550, 650, 750, etc. Just the SDB doesn't offer that.
Bullet feed,, again, an accessory for the bigger presses. (I haven't tried one,, so I'm not sure of all the models they will work on.)
One thing I really like on the 650 & up,, is the separate station for a "powder check die" that assures you don't get a double charge. Again, an accessory well worth the money for peace of mind.
An aftermarket item I have found to be an EXCELLENT designed & useful product is a lighting system by "KMS Squared LLC." I studied various light systems,, and found theirs to be the best design, and they WORK. Plus,, Veteran owned & operated! kmssquared.com