S3 - 06 - Precision Ammo From A Progressive Press

Traditional wisdom has held that hand loading precision ammo is the purview of a single stage press. Although single stage presses are the predominate method for reloading precision ammo, progressive presses are equally capable. As prolific shooters and reloaders, the 6.5 Guys are constantly searching and testing new ways to more quickly and efficiently hand load ammunition without sacrificing the consistency and quality of precision hand loaded cartridges. In this episode Steve and Ed use a Dillon 550 press to demonstrate and provide an overview of their current reloading practices (which continue to evolve). However the approach and methods covered can be applied with any progressive or auto-progressive press such as the Hornady Lock-n-Load AP.
A detailed article covering the content of this video is available at: www.65guys.com/...
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Website: www.65guys.com
Facebook: / sixfiveguys
Twitter: / sixfiveguys
Instagram: / 65guys
Hosts: Steve Lawrence, Ed Mobley
Editor: Steve Lawrence

[@tradingcandles3094]

Hi Guys, great vid!!. Frankford arsenal wet tumbler with stainless steel pins. Never buy media again, no dust or stuff stuck in the primer pockets. Once they are done I put them in a 13x9 glass dish and sit them in the sun for 4 hours and they dry nicely. No more media mess and expense. Keep the videos coming.

[@electrontube]

I learn so much from watching these videos. You guys save me a lot of time, headache, heartache, and cash. Thanks for sharing what you've learned

[@meals24u]

Thanks guys.. Very informative. I'm single stage so far but def can see the benefits of your progressive setup, so def considering something similar in the future.. Thanks again..

[@TheWarriorWorkshop]

Thanks for the video guys. The 650 has the same locator tabs as the 550 (those tabs you remove to pull a shell off the shell plate). As far as I can tell, the only difference in the machines is the auto indexing. I think when starting a reloading session and confirming measurements, manual indexing would be a big advantage. Once settings are confirmed, the auto indexing would be a big advantage...just my humble opinion.

[@edmobley3]

I believe you are absolutely right. If you do end up getting the 650 please let us know how it works out. Thanks for watching!

[@thebelly925]

I loaded 100x .223 rounds while I watched this video. Good information! Using the Hornady AP powder dropper I was able to get an SD of 8 and an ES of 23. I was using benchmark powder; ball powders generally meter very well through standard powder droppers. Using a baffle helps to keep the powder going ok. I haven't tried the other options mentioned ( 8208 Xbox ), but many folks swear by it. Great video, I always enjoy them!

[@edmobley3]

I've heard a lot of good things about the Hornady powder dropper. I might try one on my Dillon.

[@sonnyburnett2417]

Great video - came in very handy (thank you). I hope you fellas are still out there. I know everyone's gone 6mm now (whereas it was all 6.5 a few years back), but who cares what you guys call yourselves - just post more videos and we'll watch.

[@twoalpha]

After 20 years of loading pistol ammo on a 550b, I finally decided to start loading for rifle last year. My interest was leaning more toward long distance precision so it took me a while to decide if I could do it just using the 550. If the ammo was for a semi-auto, no question, but with a six die line-up, not including the Dillon powder or crimping stations, I just couldn't get my head around dealing with the tool heads and making it work in a way I would be happy with. In the end I bought a Forster Co-ax press, primarily for the ease and speed of swapping the dies in and out, and it works great, no regrets. I'll use the Dillon for all my .223, but could also set up one toolhead to work, in conjunction with the Co-ax, on my long range precision ammo. Station 1) Lee Collet Die, so deprime, neck size, and prime. Station 2) Sinclair Expander Die Station 3) Dillon Powder Die Station 4) Redding Seating Die That would leave me with a K&M expander, a Lee Depriming Die, and a Redding Full Length Sizing Bushing Die for the Co-ax. It would mean loading both the brass and the bullet in on the right side of the machine, powder on the left, but it's hard to argue with a loaded round for every pull of the handle! Thanks for the thought provoking videos 6.5 Guys!

[@65Guys]

Thanks for the positive comments and also sharing your perspective on using your Dillon 550 for loading precision rifle cartridges.

[@dmalcolm24]

So I viewed the video 2.5 years after you posted it. I have something to add to the 550 vs 650 discussion. I have a 650 and with aftermarket parts via eBay, I can replicate what the 550 does with manual indexing. There is a well made cam switch that can disable the primer feed quit easily and there are several ways to disable the cartridge feed also. Indexing will continue but it's easy to remove a shell and restart at the priming station. Then when everything is settled and you're getting what you want, you start the production line. I too use a separate tool plate with a universal de-primer mounted, so I can do the decapping process quickly. I de-prime prior to cleaning. I've been shooting 6.5 CM for about a year and have used both an RCBS Rock Chucker and a Redding T7 for just the Creedmoor. Spend a fortune on dies and think I have my final solution. Now however, I am thinking of moving the whole operation from T7 to Dillon XL650. Probably use two tool plates, one for de-priming and the other for reloading. I would use my existing dies (Redding small pin de-primer, Redding S type FL bushing die, Sinclair Mandrel and Forster Ultra-micro seating die). I would have to buy a powder funnel so I could use measured powder charges. As much as I like the single stage presses, I could gain some much needed space in load bench setup. On the other hand I wouldn't expect any degradation of precision. My current load does very well for me. Hopefully either 6.5 Guys or other readers will comment, and tell me if this plan is viable, or if I would be shooting myself in the foot.

[@electrontube]

i know it's kinda an older video for you guys, but i actually bought a Dillon 550C because of this video. i'm not saving any money, but i get to shoot more. just wanted to say thanks for the help

[@10702390]

Nice video, you guys are great. Dillon is a top notch company will always stand by their products. I have two Dillons and they are great.

[@electrontube]

Ed, just a tip: when you stand in front of a camera, check your framing. At the beginning of the video... you have horns growing out of your head. O h yeah, using a safety pin in the primer pickup tubes works wonders. I tied a piece of bright construction marking tape to the safety pin, kinda like a "remove before flight" flag for an airplane

[@dfabove9108]

Thank you for sharing !

[@fredmeebley]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing!

[@AT502]

Perfect timing on the video, I have an XL650 (absolutely love it!) and have been considering a 550B as a second progressive just for precision rifle to speed up the process from my single stage RCBS but not quite looking for the speed and complexity of the 650 for 100-200 rounds at a time I'll be loading so I'm thinking the 550B will fit the bill very nicely ... very informative video and thanks for sharing guys!

[@edmobley3]

+AT502 Glad you enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind something like the XL650 for cranking out massive amounts of pistol ammo. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnSmith-nz9dn]

I like your videos - thanks. I think a small correction is in order. You said with pistol ammo the case would overflow with a double charge. I've loaded a lot of .45 ACP and with a starting charge of as little as 3.5 grains of Bullseye you can easily get multiple charges in one case. The same is true of other calibers and powders.

[@edmobley3]

You're right - with certain cartridges and certain powders you can get multiple charges. My point of reference is with 9mm and a double charge of HP38 spills over. Even if it doesn't spill over, it's hard to miss as the powder is right at the top. Of course I look into each case before I seat the bullet. Thanks for watching!

[@barkerboymc]

I’d be more concerned with missing a charge and getting a squib.

[@veriest1]

Thanks for all the Dillon tips!

[@edmobley3]

+veriest1 Glad you found it informative - thanks for watching!

[@jimklink7818]

Ed...I am amazed how similar our 550 process are...although I do use floating tool heads...with good results. I have a ? about OAL on 6.5x47 ,Ill PM you once I get to my loading shed.Thanks for the Vid.,keep them coming as they are GREATLY APPRECIATED !!!

[@edmobley3]

+Jim Klink No problem Jim - I look forward to talking. Take care!

[@jamesglenn520]

I have had the 550b for 20+ years and it still runs like a Swiss Watch. The only thing I have done is change out the cotter pin on the spent primer mechanism with a piece of wire. They are famous for hanging up and staying open a little and dropping primers everywhere. Lol

[@mikecarlson6083]

I have questions about your mandrel. Are you using expander after you neck size. I am using 6.5 cm with redding fl type s neck bushing die but I'm interested in the Mandrell for consistency but not sure if I need to change my neck bushing size? Great videos as usual is so great that we can ask you guys questions. Just getting into PRS shooting have 8 local matches scheduled at the range I'm a member of trying to get my reloading sorted out. Switching brass from hornaday to Starline or Lapua

[@J2H08]

I saw this article, Thanks so much for the video!

[@edmobley3]

+Jotty Happy to help. Thanks for watching!

[@tjarmand]

ED you are the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@edmobley3]

Don't forget to check out our associated article on www.65guys.com. There have been some updates since the video was made.

[@jbpmidas]

Appreciate this video! I've been looking forward to it!

[@edmobley3]

+Justin Price Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@jungleno.]

Thank you for making an easy process seemed extremely complicated.

[@Win52D]

Inline Fabrication has those bin shields

[@cwoodside907]

SEAHAWKS!!! Way to represent the PNW Ed!!!

[@ryanmoeller3308]

Do either of you gentlemen have experience with a Savage Model 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor? I am thinking about getting one for long range shooting. Thanks for any input!

[@edmobley3]

+ryan moeller Hi - not that exact model but we have seen Savages at matches and they do quite well. They are very easy to service for the DIY gunsmith especially when replacing barrels. If this is your first long range rifle, it would be a good place to start. 6.5 Creed is also a great cartridge. Thanks for watching!

[@keineo600rr]

the savage LRP is a beast in regards to weight. With a .98" full length barrel they end up weighing a bit on the heavy side for doing alot of moving and obstacle style shooting. Accuracy is like any precision rifle I was constantly hitting out to 1200 with the 6.5C using 140gr over H4350

[@barkerboymc]

Love my Savage LRP but it’s a bit difficult to shoot off hand. Hope u workout. Lol

[@stevel1218]

what criteria do you use to choose neck a mandrel. I am starting to load 6.5 Creedmoor.

[@f16wil]

It'd be interesting to do this and then shoot it on the chrono. Compare it on chrono to some handloaded equivalent.

[@Thefishyveteran]

Never thought of using decaping die to clear primer pockets of media! 🤔 Thank you.

[@edmobley3]

+Mark Nicholls Thanks for watching!

[@robleo69]

+Ed Mobley I haven't use shell media for some time now, a bit surprised word is still slow to travel on SS media and like kind tumblers. e.g. Thumblers Tumbler. Yes, you do need to dry your brass after but the quality of clean surpasses any other media and no leftovers in the PP's. IMHO. Good vids guy's.

[@jamesglenn520]

@@robleo69 My personal experience with wet SS tumblers is the pins get hung up in small cases. They are really hard on the case mouth and primer pockets also. They do not polish the brass they scrape it clean. Look at a case from walnut compared to SS pins under magnification and you will see the difference.

[@robleo69]

@@jamesglenn520 I use ultrasonic now.

[@5RWill]

So even throwing powder charges with the dillon setup your still getting the ES and SDs that are expected out of match ammo? Or a single stage press?

[@edmobley3]

+Will Sartin (5RWill) With the .223 when I weighed each charge I had SD around 8 fps. With the automated powder charger I'm getting SD around 14. For practice ammo at 200 yards this is just fine. For long range match ammo I'm weighing each charge and using the powder funnel. Thanks for watching!

[@5RWill]

I see. That's what i wanted to know. Thanks for clarifying.

[@TheSgtk9]

Good vid, did you notice the HORNS coming out of your head "ED" ?

[@65Guys]

Yeah, it was just coincidence the camera angle framed it that way. But it is funny!

[@edmobley3]

That was pretty funny...but my wife wasn't surprised if you get the joke. Thanks for watching!

[@zoidelux]

Love your channel and all the awesome content, you guys rule. The horns coming out of your head just makes it that much better, i was hoping you did it on purpose to mess with the viewers hahaha

[@klmenschcplchaos2526]

Where do you get the little funnel that fits on the Dillon powder die?

[@HuskyKMA]

Any thoughts on the XL650? Can one get precision results out of it? I'm thinking about getting into reloading.

[@jakehoskins4444]

I am debating between a hornady lock n load ap or a single stage press my main goal is precision match ammo but I would also like to reload 223 and 9mm. What would you recommend? I am new to reloading but love the idea of using and auto progressive press if it could suit all of my needs. thanks!

[@65Guys]

The Hornaldy L-N-L AP will work great for 223 and 9mm in AP mode. It will also make great precision ammo but I would caution you that if you fill powder in a cartridge up into the necks this particular press may cause a bit of spillage because cartridges move (start/stop) quickly when they index to the next position in the press. Just something to keep your eye on.

[@Wedelj]

Is there much, if any, difference between different companies' reloading presses? Are Dillon presses better than Hornady, or Lee better than Dillon?

[@65Guys]

+Sunshine_Shooter We would direct you to our good friend Gavin Gear's KZbin channel gavintoobe, also known as UltimateReloader. He has a wealth of knowledge and great content where he does in depth walk throughs and reviews of reloading presses, tools, and techniques. We are in conversations with Gavin to do a joint video episode project that provides an overview of different progressive presses, so stay tuned. As for what press is better than others, it all depends on what the specific use case is planned for and other factors you use to weigh the decision - a key factor is price point or budget. You will definitely find people have their brand preferences ... most often based on their own experience or what they happen to be currently using.

[@Wedelj]

+6.5 Guys Excellent, guys! I'll give him a look.

[@dreauxmire]

Where are you guys getting the larger boxes of Berger Bullets?

[@edmobley3]

They are available in certain calibers. If you look around you'll find them. Thanks for watching!

[@mrmikesgunrack]

My 550 is so old it doesn’t have grease holes or a grease fittings

[@anthonyalvarez2034]

Sorry I think I missed it, but how is the tooth brush head used?

[@65Guys]

We provide a more indepth answer in our bullet seating video at this link -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pISmmaKPpKx-p5o

[@bronco951988]

Nice use of safety glasses while handling primers...

[@edmobley3]

Good catch - got distracted with the filming. Otherwise, I ALWAYS wear glasses while handling primers.

[@mikecarlson6083]

What bullets are you using for practice 223 loads? What powder?

[@65Guys]

Hornady AMAX 75gr bullets and IMR 8208XBR powder

[@mikecarlson6083]

I recently had to switch to eldm 75s for my 223 ai rifle miss those amax. Really like the mandrel idea need more info on size of mandrel and relation to my neck buehing on my type s fl redding die please help. Thanks for all the info

[@barkerboymc]

It doesn’t seem like using a progressive reloader is any faster since most of your time making precision ammo is prepping the brass and weighing the charges. If you are using the dillon powder thrower then it’s most definitely faster.

[@edmobley3]

Hi - A powder thrower is even faster but not as precise so there is a trade-off. I timed myself making 100 rounds using a single stage press vs the method demonstrated in the video and I cut my time in half. Of course your individual results may vary.

[@barkerboymc]

Ed Mobley thanks! Really enjoying you guys’ vids!

[@218precision]

Here's your bin stop inlinefabrication.com/collections/dillon/products/bin-barriers

[@edmobley3]

+Josh Halligan I love our audience!!!!!! Thanks for watching. Are you any relation to Ron Halligan who lives in the Bay Area of CA?

[@218precision]

+Ed Mobley not that I know of