S3 - 14 - A Look At Progressive Presses

Progressive reloading presses offer shooters speed and efficiency in producing custom tailored hand loads for shooting. However, there is a wide array of product choices and a bewildering array of options to consider. In this episode, the 6.5 Guys meet with Gavin Gear of Ultimate Reloader to get an expert's overview of current progressive presses available and key considerations particularly for precision rifle shooters.
For more information check out Gavin's KZbin channel and website:
/ ultimatereloader
www.ultimatereloader.com
-------------------------------------
Website: www.65guys.com
Facebook: / sixfiveguys
Twitter: / sixfiveguys
Instagram: / 65guys
Hosts: Steve Lawrence, Ed Mobley
Edited by: Steve Lawrence

[@Ultimatereloader]

Hey Ed and Steve- had a lot of fun doing this video with you [6.5] guys!

[@65Guys]

Thanks for providing our audience with the info and your insights. We hope to collaborate with you on another project in 2017.

[@Ultimatereloader]

For sure!

[@USMCDMR]

Gavin i have an 07 FFL and iv been loading ammunition for 15 plus years but i don't have any experience in the progressive presses. What machine versus cost start up would you recommend for a commercial loader getting started?

[@Wedelj]

I will be eagerly awaiting Gaven's reloading buyer's guide. That is something I've been trying to learn for a while, and this sounds like the perfect tool for me.

[@badndy]

Happy New Year you guys! Super impressed with this video! Gavin knows his stuff and by all accounts is a straight up guy. I too have a VERY Early ProChucker-5 and have been very patient working with RCBS to figure out an issue that has plagued me for more than a year... I think we've about got it figured out. They said they are committed to making me happy... we'll see... :-) Thanks again!!!

[@calevel]

I own Dillon 550, lee load master, lee classic turret and the Rock chucker from RCBS and the blue press is king hands down but for slow process that will require carefully accuracy and precision I go to my 1977 good ole rock chucker single press.

[@hardybirch3630]

This was a bundle of fun to watch and listen to...…..really enjoyed the comments about all of the presses and virtues and draw backs. One area that you might have missed is what I call the "fun factor" which press or combination of equipment generates the most fun.

[@klrscout]

You guys all do great work, thanks!

[@Iamnowhere23]

This was a very informative video. You really hit the sweet spot on proggressive reloaders. Thanks for the info!

[@orkboy59]

Great video. Tons of useful info.

[@mithorr123]

Guys this was a really nice video. I learned alot thank you.

[@jadefalcon001]

I'm evaluating if/when I want to get reloading equipment. This discussion was hugely helpful to me! Thank you.

[@keokio7]

if you're into precision shooting, definitely

[@AutopilotAndChill]

Not worth it if you only shoot 223 and 9mm.

[@chrisbullard5901]

I got into reloading from my grandfather, who lived almost 2 hours from civilization in the Sierras, and from a cost savings standpoint, it’s quite nice. Consider how much you spend in ammo on a range for practice, and heaven forbid, should the government cause an embargo on ammunition (since CCI, Federal, and many other brands are deeply involved with government contracts), having the ability to make your own ammunition is a nice survivalist strategy. Should that situation arise, you’re going to be very popular, and can barter your skills for the things you don’t want to specialize in.

[@nicholasitaliani3097]

My favorite two KZbin channels working together to help us make an educated buying decision. Thanks for the information. I was considering upgrading my Lock&Load AP or purchasing a Dillon 1050. I’m just going to upgrade the AP after watching this. I’ll add the auto case and bullet feeders. Thanks again for a great video.

[@securesouth232]

Hey have you added those yet? If so do you like it?

[@nicholasitaliani3097]

I have not. I will be making the purchase in April.

[@neilharris4462]

Great episode guys!

[@65Guys]

Thanks for watching and the positive comment Neil.

[@allanmiller6320]

Great video. Very informative

[@my72dart]

I opt'ed for the Hornady AP with 7 dedicated powder measures for each main caliber I load with additional preset powder meters inserts for different loads. Having everything on the meter dialled in and makes swapping calibers really quick. Which if you have the cash is the way to go. I agree about the case feeder issues, mine does get jammed up a bit.

[@rdsii64]

I'm the weird guy who doesn't like to reload but runs not one but two progressives presses. My time is super valuable to me so being able to cranking out 6 months worth of ammo for each of my rifles in a single weekend, is well worth the money I spent. Love your channel and looking forward to new content.

[@65Guys]

Thanks for your positive feedback.

[@charleshetrick3152]

Side note 2 and 5 gallon bucket lids on top of shell casing and bullet feeders makes everything a bit quieter. A heavy heavy coating of the spray on rubber grip stuff from Home Depot helps even more.

[@stoggy4839]

on the hornady you can get the bullet feeder die, which is like $5-$10. NOT get the auto bullet feeder/noise maker, which is like $250, and then hand feed the bullets into the die. The die alone can hold ~10 9mm bullets, it will then put the bullets into the cases for you on the up stroke. Very nice/cheap. Its a little finicky on setup but once its setup it is very nice. You still have to hand feed the die but you are putting bullets into a tube, not into THE CASE. I just drop 1 in after i place a case. With 10 bullets in the die you can miss a couple drops too. Just make sure not to drop them in upside down. Much easier then trying to get the bullet into the case by hand while swinging the arm on the opposite side of the case feed. Massive speed increase, safer, and I think it would increase the accuracy of the loads because it will feed the bullets almost the same every time. Better then I can do by hand anyways.

[@MonsterMuddy]

Yeah! Great video! Keep doing it!!!!

[@daleswanson1784]

Been waiting for this type of comparison by Gavin as he an engineer by trade & education. I just wish it was a more in-depth​ in shop demonstration presentation.

[@cooperbybee4308]

Nice to hear Gav unscripted and liberated from the oppression of his own in inner editor. I have a found new level of respect for him and his knowledge having seen his unrehearsed responsesvin this video. I'd like to see the tables turned and the 6.5 guys dropping their science on the fly...

[@65Guys]

Yes, Gavin has a wealth of knowledge to share and we're grateful he partnered with us on this episode.

[@bmwflyfisher]

Awesome video. One other to look for is the Mark 7. They modify the Dillon 650 and 1050 for auto load. I think they will have a company machine before long if they don't already. Auto load looks wonderful.

[@scottperson9487]

I had a Dillion Square Deal B and sold it when I got into reloading rifle. The 550 from Dillon is really hard to beat.

[@roadapple66]

I have been handloading for over 29 years. When I decided to try a progressive press, a friend suggested that the LNL AP looked interesting. I have used several of Hornady's different tools and like them OK, so I tried the LNL AP. After trying everything suggested on the internet, and many calls to Hornady, I finally gave up trying to get it to seat primers completely in the primer pocket of both pistol and rifle cartridges; and I sold it on e-bay. I bought a Dillon RL550b and finally started loading quality ammunition in large amounts. I have since bought an XL650, and quick change sets for both machines. The XL650 is great for processing brass, and turning out buckets of match grade ammunition. I do like the 550 much better for ease of caliber change and most large primer rifle cartridges. I have a Forster Co-Ax and an RCBS Jr. (the press I started with) for single-stage presses, and a Lee Classic Turret press for 380 Auto (and some prep work). I can recommend Dillon with no reservations, but I cannot recommend any press that will not fully seat primers. The key to accuracy is consistently. Both of my Dillon presses have been very consistent and I did not have to work on them for 3 months to try to get them to work as they advertise. Hornady has a great warranty. Getting them to honor it is another matter.

[@getoffmylawn8986]

Interesting. I've heard nothing negative about the Hornady until your comment. Maybe you just got a lemon?

[@roadapple66]

@@getoffmylawn8986 I was hoping that was the case but I found many others complaining about not being able to fully seat primers. There was a lot of work-arounds in the forums, but I could not get any of them to work. Like I said before, I really like some of Hornadys' equipment. I have their case prep center, concentricity tool, several powder measures, and lots of dies. I like their SST, varmint and Interlock bullets. I just had bad luck with that press and Hornady was not able to help. I was on hold with them for many hours total, and they did send many replacement parts to me, but nothing worked. They replaced everything but the press frame. They finally just told me that primers did not need to be seated past flush. I sold the press and bought something that I have had no problem with. The person that bought the press from me, told me that he could not get it to fully seat primers either. He said it didn't matter to him because he primes off press anyway. I am glad he could use it.

[@Glock2201]

I hand prime everything so the LNL AP has worked great for me. Hand priming only adds a little more time to the process.

[@zardozqq]

the thing about reloading is..it becomes a hobby in itself. to me its more fun than actually shooting hahah

[@peteraugust5295]

so what press are you using? I bought a used Lee Loadmaster and it freaks me out. I decided to give it one more try and sell it if I cant get in running smoothly. Absolutely everything makes trouble. 50% of the Primers are flipped, the case feeder gets stuck, the Auto index fails all the time...

[@jessdigs]

I feel the same way. I sit in my garage with my Dillon 550 and crank out ammo. I load 1000 for every 100 I shoot. I load my lever and bolt gun ammo on my rcbs Rock chucker, but pistol and AR-15/AR-10 ammo on my Dillon. Love it. I'm addicted to searching reloading sales marketplaces for deals too. I have caliber conversions and dies for guns I don't even own yet.

[@bustabass9025]

@@jessdigs And I thought I needed to see an analyst because I substitute Power Pistol, when I run outta pepper! [Laffin'😁]

[@swplatemaker]

I don't know why in a lot of these reloading videos the press isn't more securely bolted down. Such a distraction when the press is wobbly when you are pulling the handle down!

[@David-hm9ic]

So true! If the bench flexes that is lost effort and during long loading sessions it is tiring. That flex increases the amount of muscle power required, on every stroke! I've installed vertical supports under some of my presses to increase bench stiffness and the presses are mounted on 1/2" thick steel plates. There is also substantial reinforcement of heavy 2-by lumber under the 3/4" plywood table top. I noticed an immediate reduction in the effort required once the bench flex was eliminated. For vertical supports it doesn't take much. A piece of 1/2" to 1" water pipe with closet flanges on the ends, 1x4 lumber or aluminum/steel tubing are all plenty strong. Since the stress is 100% compression the material doesn't have to be huge.

[@lllottolll8203]

Look at the Dillon wobbling at 5:10. It isn't the bench...it's the Ultramount made by Inline Fabrication that flexes.

[@Russell-1]

lllottolll - True, every time I see a press mounted on an Inline Fabrications Mount it flexes.

[@scarter176]

Gavin is the reloading rocket scientist

[@joncarney1220]

I use a lee trim die in my priming station, because I'm just trying to keep the cases straight and snug. It works for me and not using 2 sizing dies.

[@Disassembledhappiness]

Great talk. I'm all hornady with a pistol and separate rifle powder thrower. Good advice

[@65Guys]

Thanks for your comments.

[@davo1261]

Have LNL however Dillon based on my research seems to allow for plated and coated bullets in its bullet feeder where LNL does not in addition the powder cop is better, option for a low primer alarm a better bullet feeder and after market add ons. The price point difference is about 100 more for dillon base 650 vs LNL. Im turning blue very soon

[@robsciuk729]

The Dillon 550 has the advantage for precision rifle if you single load (one shell on the plate at a time), because you can turn the case 90 degrees, and double stroke on the seating stage to eliminate runout ...

[@nancybarnes29]

i enjoyed the comments at least as much as the vid. now im retiring to my castle dungen to reload one at a time for my pet 25/06.. yes inside neck turn ,trim to lenghth, clean and weigh 100 cases 100 bullets, select only those that are perfect. make 20 good soldiers,.... now where did my wife put my flecktern jacket ?

[@michaelkaye4998]

I assume you are full length resizing in the progressive press. How do you handle lubing cases? Are you using bushing type neck sizing?

[@taylorclinton3911]

how would you guys implement annealing with a progressive press? right now i anneal after the sizing, trimming stage.

[@jlhustad]

Great video, btw this video needs a nod counter :-) Keep up the good work, greets from Norway

[@gregs5295]

To me reloading is close to therapy I have a Lyman brass smith turret press and measure it’s a joy to work sometimes simple is better at least for me

[@stonekold]

best progressive: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press all 5 stages works great for my 6.5 creedmoor and 357 sig rounds

[@peteconlogue6890]

Gavin, you have a vast knowledge of reloading and I’ve gleaned a lot of great ideas, tips, tricks and information from your videos. You’ve truly done your homework and I applaud your videos. I’ve been loading and reloading nearly 38 years and easily follow your discussions. I recently bought out an entire reloading shop and a Lock & Load AP was in the mix. I set it up for .38 spl with the expander in the case activated powder drop tube. I had continual recurring trouble with the powder measure sticking causing squib rounds if I did not pay extremely close attention . I have implemented all the corrections the the Hornaday Techs recommended to no avail. I finally installed a $30.00 Lee Auto Disk powder measure on the Lee Powder Through Expander Die in order to get the machine running. If you have any ideas or tips on how to make the Hornaday Powder Measure work reliably, I would appreciate any advise and wisdom you might impart. I am at my wits end with it. Baffled in Chesapeake, Virginia

[@peteconlogue6890]

@Dayton Carson Done all that, still using the lee powder dump and it works great !!

[@zerocool4256]

I had a similar issue with one of my hornady powder measures. It was a defective one I'm sure. Fixed it by filing material off the inside of the slot that the metering insert rides up and down in. Didn't take much but has been working fine since then.

[@peteconlogue6890]

@@zerocool4256 Thanks for the tip. I set mine up as a manual bench mounted powder dump to charge large rifle cases with. The Lee Auto Disk is working great on the AP L&L. I WILl do a little filing on the Hornady Powder Dump , even as a manual dump the sticking problem makes it very annoying to operate. Thanks Brandon.

[@flattire707]

There are many great presses. They all seem to be blue.

[@marymattingly9738]

lol

[@tonyb3676]

What do you recommend for someone wanting to reload hand gun ammo and still be able to reload percision rifle ammo? I know you mentioned the Dillon and Hornady don't auto index, is that what I'm looking for?

[@cawpin]

Good video but you have the Dillon 1050 called out as the 650.

[@hewlettlittle5652]

Well I think you need to make an update to this video cause Dillon has indeed made changes to there presses one being the dial is not used in new 650/750 xl machines

[@johnwallace1729]

Gavin !

[@twotwentyswift]

I'm not entirely sure but I think the guy on the left is a bobble-head ;))

[@mikegrendel9126]

Now that you say that, now I'm laughing my ass off

[@evolvan1]

I see what you say and there could be a reason based upon agreement with the information and I think that statement in itself would probably get a little affirming bobble.

[@offroaddemon1991]

Lmfso

[@bustabass9025]

[Laffin'😁]

[@roul3688]

If you're loading common pistol rounds like 9mm or 45 ACP, I don't think there's a better option than the Lee Loadmaster. Setup the case feeder and bullet feeder once and it runs excellent. You also have your hands and mind more free to pay attention to powder charges, primers or other details. Not having to touch a case or bullet other than to load the feeders is really, really nice.

[@ZhuJo99]

roul3688 there are much better options. Dillon or Mark 7

[@roul3688]

@@ZhuJo99 You're going to pay WAY more for a Dillon or Mk 7 setup that can do everything the loadmaster can do for under $300. Not to mention, many presses like Hornady's Lock-n-Load will end up using Lee dies in the end. If you have $5000+ to spend, then sure, get the Mk 7. If you want a highly efficient machine that comes pre setup for you in a kit for under $300, go Lee.

[@ZhuJo99]

@@roul3688 Have Dillon XL 650, with case feeder and 3d printed bullet feeder. Sorry, I have used it before with Loadmaster casefeeder and that casefeeder, while works, is not what I imagine for reloading. Also, can't imagine loading thousands of .223 on Loadmaster, that is simply out of question. I like some Lee's products, their pistol dies are fine, their rifle I have are unused in a drawer as rough machining on sizing die is horrible. Their seating stem just plain sucks in concentricity. But crimp die is top notch, no doubt about that. I use Redding dies instead for .223. Powder measure, it's fine, but very, very low capacity. Can't imagine loading rifle with that on progressive. Even Dillon powder measure can't handle more powder than for 300 rounds of .223 which is exactly one 0,5 kg package of powder. Lee's powder measure is 2 times smaller. Loadmaster and it's priming system is story for itself. No, thanks. I don't doubt Loadmaster might be pretty enough for lot of people with plenty of time, but I want to reload at least 1000 rounds per hour, without any hickups, fixing and delays. And I want to be sure that a press will last me for a lifetime. I'm 3rd owner of that Dillon, 1st owner passed out, second is my pal who sold it to me as he upgraded to 1050 (pro competition shooter). And it works without a hitch. For that amount of money I paid for it (400 Euros without case feeder) I'm happy as much as I can be.

[@roul3688]

Jozo99 Jozo99 That’s why I said “common pistol rounds”. I can get pretty close to 1000 rounds of 9mm an hour out of the loadmaster once dialed in. The primer system is actually really convenient, you don’t have to pick them up one by one like the Dillon or other presses, just dump into the flipper, shake a couple times to flip and you’re done. I have no doubt that Dillon makes great presses but your xl650 is expensive and not conducive for changing calibers. With the Lee turret system, you can change calibers in under a minute.

[@ZhuJo99]

roul3688 i reload 9 mm, .45 and .223. Pretty quick to change calibers on dillon. For loading primers I have Hornady’s primer tube filler. What I was talking about regarding priming on Loadmaster is it’s reliability. Also, I can’t mount swager on Loadmaster do decrimp primer pockets in one pass and with RT-1500 trimmer to do complete case preprocessing in one pass like on Dillon. Loadmaster might work fine for pistol ammo and for smaller batches, but I’m not in that group. What sucks is that if Lee wouldn’t opt to cheap out on some critical parts of Loadmaster it would be great press for just a little bit more money. Priming system made from aluminium at least, some serious protection of user against primer explosion (basically none), feeding ramp that would hold long rifle cases without falling, bigger powder container (this one wouldn’t definitely rise price even by 2 bucks). Few small improvements here and there, maybe 50 bucks more and you have nicely made reloading press.

[@LiLi-tu5kb]

Repeatedly the difference was made that 223/556 reloading is different from other rifle rounds, seemingly less demanding of equipment. How so?

[@JeffinTD]

RE the 1050 I personally like the top stroke priming. If they could improve things- an easy way to offload primers, and the powder checker only activating when there is a case present. Primer pocket swage is awesome.

[@rcsontag]

Primer changeover (large vs small) on the Dillon is no big deal taking 10 minutes max.

[@HotReloads]

if you buy anything but a blue machine youre going to end up selling it and buying a blue machine in the end

[@sukivel]

Where did that 650 toolhead come from?

[@joshuasmidt8595]

I am totally new to reloading watched one video from hikock 45 and then this and I feel i have a great idea of where to start. I learned so much just listening to you guys compare. I wanna load .45 acp and 556 and eventually 9mm. I settled on the lock and load ap. You deserve all the views!!!

[@edmobley3]

Excellent - glad we were able to help you make a decision!

[@riverdragon1980]

Looking to get in to reloading, both pistol (9, 40, and 10) and rifle (5.56, 270, various .30s, and 350) cases. For rifle, I am thinking of doing two press set-up assembly. First would be a single stage to decap, then tumble, then back to the single stage to neck size, following with a trimmer. Changing neck sizing dies to match caliber. Second press would be a progressive set up to prime, charge, seat bullet, and crimp neck. Changing the turret with dedicated dies mounted for each particular caliber. Buying a new caliber components and turret set up each year until I have what I need to load for the rifles I have. Would Lee's loadmaster progressive be acceptable for a budget minded, able to grow set-up?

[@Mike-xi4zt]

At 12:29 case falls of the slide shelf. You forgot to edit the inherit malfunction all the way out. I have the same Hornady press with the auto case feeder. 9mm is especially problematic. My case feeder drops cases out of the drop tube at any angle causing them to fall into the processed case box or behind the shell plate so when the ram goes up it smashes the case sideways into the decapping pin and bends or breaks it. This is because the small drop tube provided is way too big to hold 9mm so they drop out straight. The v block is designed to tip the case over as it is pushed towards the shell plate. The v block regularly tips the case and the edge of the rim catches as it tries to cross the retention spring. The hopper jams up all the time. I spend more time unjamming the pile of crap hopper than what it takes to manually feed the cases. I noticed you selectively cut out parts of the video. It is obvious to me you edited the malfunctions of the case drop tube, the malfunctions of the v block, and the jamming up of the case feeder hopper.

[@gscop1683]

Still trying to decide which press will be my first. I decided I will want a progressive since most reloads will be 38 through 44 mag. Rifle will eventually be 45-70, 5.56, and .308. Do the Hornady lok and load bushings work in Dillon Presses, or Lee etc ? That seems like a great innovation.

[@lllottolll8203]

The bushings only work with Hornady. The decision which one to buy really boils down to whether you plan to use a case feeder. If you do, then buy the Dillon. If you intend to load cases by hand then get the LNL AP.

[@gscop1683]

Thanks for the reply and the advice!

[@roquri]

Whats the debate? All 3 of you are wearing BLUE!

[@bill60]

I have owned a Loadmaster, RCBS pro 2000, Hornady LnL AP and a Dillon 650. I load a lot of different calibers both pistol and rifle. Hands down the Dillon 650 reigns supreme, the LnL was a good press but the case feeder is a pain to set up and needs constant adjustment to keep it working properly. I now use the Pro 2000 to prep and the 650 to load I sold the other two presses. IMHO

[@Physics072]

My first press was the XL650 people said noo its too complex you need single stage etc. Was so easy to use on 9mm, 450BM and you don't have to run it in full progressive mode.

[@thetruthserum2816]

"The Reloading Gurus"... pew pew.

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

- "...OK, so let's talk about the 1050..." - "...Oh yes, the 1050, I don't have one, my friend does, but this, and that, and also those and, and..."

[@Bacnow]

Hans Von Mannschaft - Actually, the caption said 650 but the photo and footage was indeed a Dillon 1050!

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

I want to load rifle ammo 30-06 300win ext what press would you recommend for precision hunting?

[@jad2484]

Absolutely don't listen to wrladner. He is a blue boner boy. For reloading and loading precision hunting rounds get a really nice single stage press from Lyman, Hornady, or RCBS. Any of these will do a great job. Also get some reloading literature from Berger, Speer, and Hornady. Read thru all of them and gain your own knowledge so you don't have to listen or depend on brand specific boobs like wrladner.

[@C_Squared]

I want the Lack and Load to have changeable tool heads like the Dillon. then it would be perfect.

[@LeviDanzer]

I have a question regarding the use of these progressives for precision reloading. How do you handle the case lube removal? I Have a hornady i've been using for pistol and plinking 223 (no internal lube, thick case lube). But have been gearing up for 6.5x47L. And the cleaning lube out of case necks is properly annoying. Does using the lanolin based lube reduce the need for cleaning out the inside of the case before seating? Thanks!

[@edmobley3]

Hi - we tumble off the lube. You can read more here: www.65guys.com/precision-from-a-progressive-reloader/

[@LuvBorderCollies]

I tumble the lube off for past 35 years. I use corncob media, the coarser stuff which is just reptile bedding from Petco or Pet Smart. Most lubes come off pretty easy this way. RCBS lube that was/is used with their pad is a little stickier but I haven't used it in many years. But sometimes I'd have to use gun solvent to get it off(worse if its dried a bit). I made my own spray-on lube but for years I loved the Dillon spray or Imperial wipe-on. Tumbling is in a Thumler Tumbler and about an hour is enough for Imperial or lanolin base lubes in fresh corncob. Don't lube the necks very often anymore but occasionally do with bigger cases like 30-06. I switched to eliptical shaped expanders and they don't have near the friction like an old RCBS expander. However I do have a little dry lube kit for those case/die combos

[@SleepngSpeedngDriver]

what is the bullet feeder at 12:14?

[@65Guys]

Hornady 095340 Lock-N-Load AP Rifle Bullet Feeder

[@RyanSpringer1984]

tkarlmann I was thinking of getting a Lee Load Master set up to do my reloads and other pistol rounds; 380-45. Any experience or suggestions?

[@65Guys]

Contact Gavin Gear through his KZbin channel GavinToobe who can answer your question based on direct experience with just about every loading press out there.

[@RyanSpringer1984]

@@65Guys thanks for the information and happy new year!

[@TartanJack]

Enjoy all you guys. But Gavin blows it all away. Does he not know anything about presses?

[@Jim-oo7dk]

Here in 2022 coming out of the Great COVID Shortage, reloading should look pretty good for people. If you do reload, stock up on primers. If you don't stock up on ammo. There will be another shortage. And we'll most likely never know the truth behind this one. That's why I made the vow never another box of store bought.

[@topgunjoeicdbko]

I cant get my case feeder or bullet drop to work. No clue how to set it up its been over a year. My pivot on the case feeder just backs out the screw. If it make it to tight it does not pivit. The bullet drop just does not bring bullets around right. The videos to watch for it dont zoom in enough or go over these issues. Its been a nightmare. Atleast i can still load volume without the hoppers

[@tkarlmann]

I have different opinions, but they change over time. I like my Lee Loadmaster -- and I find it interesting that Gavin never talks about Lee's automated bullet feed system, or much about their extremely economical case feeder for that matter. Then, you began talking about 6.5mm, and you have completely left out the Lee Classic Turret Press, which I also have. True, I need to pull the handle 4 times, but I handle one case, and it's done. I am not a fan of single stage reloading unless I absolutely must -- I don't care for trays of partly-loaded bullets and wondering: "How much powder is in that one?". (Which I might need to do once I get to .338 Lapua.) I get EXTREMELY repeatable results with the Lee Classic Turret Press to the point where I consider it almost laughable to consider some of the costs you are incurring for these other, very expensive, systems. What is your volume on, say, 6.5 CR that you need to consider a progressive?

[@65Guys]

Gavin's comments reflects his own opinions based on his extensive experience having tried and tested just about every reloading press out there and as a credential Mechanical Engineer. Note that this video focused on Progressive Presses, therefore we intentionally did not cover turret presses which are a different type of reloading press. As for volume of precision cartridge reloading - it depends on the shooter and situation. I routinely may load 200 to 300 rounds at a time and have occasionally reloaded as many as 1200 rounds at one time.

[@tkarlmann]

Well, now I know the level of "6.5 guys" so that I can happily go on my own with my new 6.5 rifle. See you at the range. (Hint: there is a difference between someone who TESTS reloaders and someone who owns and uses them.)

[@fandango_buttlicks]

Shut up lee is garbage. U couldnt give me one of those hunks of junk

[@RyanSpringer1984]

@@tkarlmann I was thinking of getting a Lee Load Master set up to do my reloads and other pistol rounds; 380-45. Any experience or suggestions?

[@landonmiller245]

tkarlmann my friend wanted to get into reloading and asked me for help to get into it the cheapest way possible. He wanted a lee turret press but I told him to get a single stage because he doesn’t shoot that much and they’re fail proof. He didn’t listen to me and got the lee and the thing is terrible. I have no issue with lee but this press was unacceptable. The entire turret was loose and wobbly and bent up when you were sizing. He went and bought a single stage a few weeks later. I currently use a Redding turret press and am very impressed with it. I have been using it for 4-5 years now and it’s a big step up from my single stage. I’m going to buy a Dillon because I shoot more that my time allows me to currently reload

[@xxtwattwafflexx1]

A progressive can do match ammo for benchrest. Just remove the powder drop and instead weight every load individually. Everything else is like a single stage, without having to switch dies. You won't do 500 - 900 rounds per hour, but you will reload more than a single stage. A 1050 for that would be a waste for that.

[@lllottolll8203]

Dillon without a doubt has the crappiest powder measure ever. You'd think that after 45 years they'd update it.

[@Bacnow]

These guys look so uncomfortable and awkward standing there! They should have filmed while sitting.

[@marymattingly9738]

I agree LOL

[@jlwade87]

They look fine.

[@kerbyfab]

What happened to these guys? Last video released over 1 year ago... strange.

[@brettwing737]

I don't think a progressive press should even be considered for precision rifle reloading.

[@a.grayman6349]

Changing calibers and primer sizes on a Dillon 550 is under five minutes with a break for a drink of iced tea. It's not a "big deal" unless you are completely mechanically inept. Changing calibers and primers on their 1050 is more involved process but still completely manageable. Going from 9mm to .223 (same primer size) twenty minutes once you get the hang of it. I love that Lee "sells" and explosive shield instead of including such a basic safety feature. They build the cheapest products and their backed by the industries shortest and worst warranty policy. And lastly I don't buy presses built from castings made in china.

[@jungleno.]

I have two Lee Pro 1000's setup and a couple of Lee single stage presses. One of my pro1000s is 28 years old now. On the two progressive presses I reload for 380, 38/357, 9mm, 45, 223 and 7.62 x39. And you're wrong about the warranty. Anyway nothing really ever breaks on them.

[@richardschriver8779]

X

[@rikkrikk7251]

If new to reloading, start with a single stage. As you gain more knowledge ,work your way into a progressive press.

[@ringotomb]

whatever happened to these guys?