Progressive reloader

[Bubba]

I am looking to get a progressive reloader. I am curious if anyone out there has any recommendations. Currently I am looking at the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive Press.

[Smokewagon]

I have a Dillon Square Deal B, that I have been pretty impressed with. It only loads pistol calibers though. Don't shoot rifles enough to justify reloading for them.

[locknload]

([quote Currently I am looking at the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive Press.
[/quote])

Hey, that's my handle! (LOL) I have a Dillon RL550B. Great machine. If
you are really serious about reloading, a good progressive machine
works wonders!

[Bubba]

Have yall had any issues with either press?

[locknload]

Bubba, the only issues I have had with the 550b are good ones!
If you get one, once all your dies are set just right, everything checked
for powder weight, etc., the bullets come out like precision.

If you also get a brass cleaning machine, you won't be able to tell
the reloads from a factory bullet. It's definitely the way to go, for
serious shooting. I'm sure that Smokewagon would confirm that.

If you shoot several calibers, like most folks do, it may be in your
best interest to get die sets for each caliber. It will turn out
to be a bit of an investment. But if your budget will allow it, it
will turn out to be a great time saver.

All the champion shooters, like Rob Leatham & such, they reload.
And I'm fairly certain that they use progressive machines. Those guys
load literally thousands of rounds.

[Smokewagon]

I have nothing but good to say about my machine. I can turn 100 rounds easily in 15 minutes. So you can imagine what I can do out in the barn with enough supplies and nothing else to do for a day. Usually I stock up and then load. Maybe once every other month or so.

[jwc007]

Own, operate, and recommend a Dillon XL650. Have mine custom setup and love it! Load mostly 9mm and .45 ACP on it. Have also used it for .38 Special, .223, and .308, but the Rifle Calibers involve more off-press prep work. I also have a Lyman T-Mag Press, which still mounted on the bench, still sees some work.

[Nevadajim775]

After using RCBS single stage presses since about 1965 for various calibers, I finally graduated to a Dillon XL650 a few months ago and absolutely love it for loading my 45acp's. I'm just amazed at what this press will do. I noticed that you load various calibers. Do you use the one press for all and just change the tool head, etc. Some shooters I associate with have a 650 for each caliber. Way too expensive for my budget. I'd like to get set up for some 9mm reloading and maybe even drag out my wheel guns (38/357). It appears to me that switching calibers may be quite time consuming and expensive too. Will you please send me a fairly detailed description of what's involved. My 650 has the auto case feeder and all the other bells and whistles. I bought it used, but it's in like new, out of the box condition.

Thanks in advance,

Jim
jaj1040@charter.net

[NativeTexan]

I wore out the primer locater thingy on the square deal, called Dillon, in a few days first class main, freebies, plus a few other wearable parts tossed in. Best customer service in the industry IMHO.

I have a Lee Pro 1000. It's got a few idiosyncrasies, but gets the job done. It's much quicker to switch calibers on than the square deal. Not nearly as well made, though.

[nicknitro71]

I got a Lee Load-Master. the initial set-up need some TLC and a few mods. However once you have set it up right it's a great press, much faster than Dillon SB.