[g2072]

I've been saving for my first reloading press and want some opinions. On one hand I'm thinking about buying a nice single stage press just to learn on. On the other hand I'm thinking about buying a progressive because just knowing me I'll probably wind up with one later anyway. I know some of you guys have both and eventually I'll probably end up with both also but I'm actually leaning towards buying a Hornady Lock and load to learn on. I've watched some online videos and having almost everything I need at one station seems nice. Am I over looking something obvious or should I buy the single stage first.

 

[jbpmidas]

I would buy the single stage first, but that's just me. What will you be loading?

 

[miker84]

I've got the Hornady LNL progressive and it is great for handgun and 223. I started with a progressive because I got a good deal on it and knew I'd end up with it later anyway. I used it like a turret press while I was learning and worked my up to using it full-on progressive. You really have to watch what you're doing. Don't do like those guys on Youtube who crank out 150 rds per minute.

I just picked up a single stage Lee not too long ago for loading 30-06 and 270. Plus its easier for working up recipes for all calibers.

If I hadn't run across the deal on the progressive, I would have started single-stage.

 

[southmsfiveo]

Did a lot of research for a press. I went with the single stage Hornady Lock N Load to load .308. I'll try to get into F Class with this round.
I had a Lee Turret in the early 80's and liked it. So for handgun rounds and non-competition shooting i'll use a progressive press. Not sure which one yet.

 

[M1GarandFan]

I've just got started loading myself and am using a Lee single stage press. It's easy to use and economical.

 

[Guest]

I reload pistol and shoot 300-400 round per week so I started on a LNL Progressive. There is no way I could keep up using a single stage. I'm glad I went with the progressive from the start. I think it's really saved me some money. Just go slow at first. Slow on a progressive is still much faster than a single stage.

 

[g2072]

I will be loading 38/357,.40 and 9mm in handgun and .223, .308 and eventually .357 in rifle rounds. Not looking to buy tomorrow but feel that I can look around and find a deal on a progressive. I don't shoot that much right now because of ammo prices but would shoot a lot more if I was reloading my own.

 

[Xd357]

If you will be loading pistol more than rifle buy a progressive. Look around and find you a deal on a used dillon 550. If you want to start out slow you can still use it like a single stage if you want.

 

[jbpmidas]

I think you are going to need a single stage eventually. How much will you be shooting? If you're only shooting 100 rounds per month, I don't know if the extra expense is worht it for the progressive.

I know the Hornady AP Progressive will load .223, but I'm not sure on .308, you'll need to check into that.

 

[miker84]

The Hornady manual says it will go from a 25auto thru 45-70. Midway lists a shell plate for 308/30-06 so it would handle 308. Dang, now I've got to get something that shoots 308!

 

[Doug Bowser]

In a Progressive for pistol the Dillon Square Deal is hard to beat. I have been using one since 1984. The only trouble is, changing calibers is not easy.

I would NEVER use a turret press or progressive for reloading rifle ammunition for F Class. I do not believe the ammo from a progressive or turret press is as straight as ammo loaded in a single stage press. Therefore the rifle ammo will usually not be as accurate.

Doug

 

[ftsibley]

I agree with Doug- I have been loading on a Dillion 550B for years (used to load rifle as well) while it loads very accurate rounds at high volume for pistol, it does only ok for rifle IMO. Having said that it loads a more accurate rifle round that i could find in factory ammo. Now I use only a pair of RCBS rockchuckers for my rifle loading.
I think a single stage press with the best dies you can afford is the best set up for rifle loading.
I actually started out on the dillion to learn to reload. Just read the instructions and understand the process and go slow at first. For what it sounds like you are wanting a progressive press will be a good fit for you.

 

[savageshooter]

i like my lee single stage, its perfect for casual loading.

 

[DBChaffin]

If you are going to shoot any volume at all and can swing the extra expense, I'd vote for the progressive. I started on a Dillon 550 as did some of the others above and didn't haven any problems. Adding a single stage later would be relatively inexpensive, and you may find that you don't ever need or want to.

Of course it is the indian and not the arrow, so to speak, but David Tubb, arguably one of the best, and winningest, competitive rifleman in history (11 NRA National High Power Rifle Championships, nearly 30 open, individual NRA Silhouette national championships, 7 Sportsmen's Team Challenge championships, 6 NRA Long Range Rifle 600-1000 yd. national championships, etc) won at least some of those matches with rifle ammunition loaded on a "modified" Dillon 550. Google "long range" and Dillon and you'll find that there are folks using 550's and 650's for some types of long range shooting. One may do everything you want. A 550 particularly changes calibers in minutes. If you are not swapping primer size, a caliber change takes all of 5 minutes. With a primer size change, it might be 10-15, and loading conservatively yields 350 rounds per hour.

 

[miker84]

I'd add, that at my skill level, a single stage would be my choice for accuracy in rifles.

For pistols, the ammo I'm loading for my pistols is more accurate than winchester white box and it costs less in the long run. Now, if you try to use the cost of reloading as a business justification, that can get tricky.

I view it as a hobby that has material benefits!