Ghuqu2

My B-day is tomorrow, and my wife gave me the green light to get a press or take a class, and I'm picking a press. I still have most of my Lee single stage kit (minus the scale) and my Lyman's 47, but I haven't reloaded in 10 yrs. I want something economical, easy to use, faster then a single stage, and dropping powder on the press. I know the last bit is weird, but I hated having cases w/ powder in them waiting on shells so I could bump and spill them. Before anyone suggests it I don't want Dillion ! 1k is not in the budget. I will be reloading 9mm, 38/357 primarily, and later want to reload 3006 and 303 brit. Any suggestions on a easy to use turret or cheap progressive? I've read a lot but I can't seem to get around all the jargon. Is there a apples to apples review of presses?

Any help would be appreciated.

Geezer58

I'm very fond of the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP progressive press. I've been using their presses since the early 1980's with great results.

aus71383

I'd suggest a turret. I don't have one - I use a single stage - but you'll save money on a turret vs. progressive and be able to load more. I think some progressives can be had for cheap, but there has to be a trade off. Like maybe they suck. Not sure about that - I'm not an expert on these things.... JMO

Austin

JoshL

I like my Lee Classic Turret Press. Pretty good press for the money.

http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products.../KempfKit.html

Tubby45

The Lee Classic Turret press is a versatile press that will handle the cartridges you mentioned. Output is 200rds per hour or so. A fully outfitted press in kit form will run you $200 or little less from Kempf's Gunshop.

I started handloading on a Lee hand press, upgraded to a Lee Classic Turret press, and now upgraded to a Dillon RL550B. You don't need to spend $1000 and get the Dillon Super 1050 (actually $1500 retail). I offer a Dillon RL550B starter kit for $550 shipped. See attachment for details. I can swap items out at your preference too. Price may vary. A Dillon 550 press with one caliber conversion kit is $380 shipped.

I don't have any experience with Hornady equipment but have heard good and bad. The bad news is mostly it's finicky nature with 9mm. Needs to be tweaked to make it run right.

The Lee is a good bargain for not a lot of money. To change calibers you need a new turret ($8), set of dies ($20-40) and a shellholder (if you get Lee dies one will come with the dies).

The Hornady and Dillon progressives are pretty similar in caliber changes in that they require shellplates and powder funnels. The Hornady conversions are slightly cheaper but you don't have individual powder funnels per caliber as with the Dillon.

The Dillon accessories are more costly, but Dillon has a lifetime no BS warranty. The only one that matches this warranty is RCBS. It has been RCBS's policy for decades but they don't advertise it, they just do it. The Hornady warranty is good but there are some parts they won't replace under warranty, whereas Dillon will.

The Lee progressives, like most Lee presses, require more maintenance and tweaking to run smooth. They are not as refined as other brands of presses, but are very budget friendly. Unless you like to tinker, I'd stay away from Lee progressives.

Attached Files

Dillon 550 starter kit.doc (24.6 KB, 32 views)

friesepferd

+1 for lee classic turret. i love mine
unless you really want to spend lots of $ on a good progressive

fatboy97

Dillon has the best service in the industry. The Dillon 550B is an excellent investment that will pay for itself in no time, and it's very quick to change calibers.

__________________
Be Observant and Be Safe.

Current Collection: Glock G26, G19, G23C, SIG P226-40 TT, Ruger GP-100, and 22/45 MKII
Former Collection: Taurus 92SS, SIG P220 TT, S&W 360, SIG P239-40

Tubby45

Here's what I load on. Rockchucker, 550, Classic Turret.

Ghuqu2

Is there that much difference between the classic turret and the plain Lee turret? At midway a Lee Pro 1000 seems to be the same cost as a classic turret. Am I asking for trouble looking at the pro 1000? Is it easy to change calibers on a progressive as a turret? What extras do I need (other than what's in the kit) for either a progressive or turret?

P95Carry

I forget now but am thinking the Lee classic turret may be the one with four stations - so as to allow use of factory crimp.

My turrets anyways are the three station and I keep factory crimp die in the simple single stage when needed. I keep lots of spare turrets tho - so change of dies is a breeze - saves me a lotta time - and even have powder hoppers on several. Good value IMO and these have served me well.

__________________
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.

"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."

If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug