In need of recommendations.......

[rob232369]

So I'm currently pricing reloading stations. I learned the basics on my friends RCBS reloading some Hornady A-Max .308. Now I'm hooked and really enjoy reloading. However I'm in a situation of buying my first one.....however I run a 9mm and a .45 as well. To me while yes I'm learning/getting into precision shooting with my R700 AAC-SD in .308 and understand the importance of hand loading.....would a progressive system such as the Hornady Lock & Load based on shooting different cals be in my best interest as long as I invest in precision tools such as a good caliper, digital scale, and such? I don't mean to sound like such a noob.....however it was a toss up between a RCBS single stage or just go for a progressive right off the bat? What do you all think/recommend? I do like how the Hornady Progressive is setup however not sure its the right decision. Any advice from those who shoot not only precision rifle but a decent amount of pistol would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

Rob

 

[rduckwor]

Never had a Hornady, but I have a Dillon 550B for pistol and a Lee turret and Lee SS for precision rifle.

I bought the turret for the changeable tool heads that allow be to maintain the setting s of the dies when I change calibers.

I took the auto index system off and use it like a single stage.

Easy enough to put back on.

Perhaps that would work?

 

[steve123]

This was many years ago so I don't know if Hornady got all the bugs worked out of the lock and load but it was finicky.

My Dillon 550 has always been good. I only load rifle ammo for plinking on it, mostly 223 for paper stages with ball powder.

For serious match rifle ammo I use a single stage press, weigh temperature insensitive powder, etc.

If you could find a used Dillon Square deal B for pistol loading that'l save you some money. I have friends that have 2-3 of them set up in different pistol cartridges so they don't have to switch over.

 

[flashhole]

Get one each of the Lee Classic Cast single stage and the Lee Classic 4-station Turret and you will have all your needs covered. Both can be had for a lot less money than a Hornady or Dillon progressive system and it gives you a lot more versatility on the bench.

 

[sib1948]

I load all my rifle and pistol ammo on a Diilon 550b. Use it like single stage for bolt stuff. Use RCBS Chargemaster, which throws loads very accurately. I live 1/4 mile from Diilon and they have been a great help. Labeled my tool heads and just pop in the one I need and go to work. Once brass cleaned, I can load 100-150 rounds and hour. Started shooting much more, since I started reloading!

 

[samnev]

I load all my rifle and pistol ammo on a Diilon 550b. Use it like single stage for bolt stuff. Use RCBS Chargemaster, which throws loads very accurately. I live 1/4 mile from Diilon and they have been a great help. Labeled my tool heads and just pop in the one I need and go to work. Once brass cleaned, I can load 100-150 rounds and hour. Started shooting much more, since I started reloading!

Same setup I use. But for precision loading I remove the case at the 2nd stage and drop the powder from the Chargemaster then reinsert the brass for the final stages, bullet seat and crimping. Might as well get the 550B rather than buy twice. Dillon's techs are very helpful if you have any questions along the way.