Progressive or single stage pres

[Tonmarchelli]

hello all,

Fairly new here and new to long range target shooting. just picked up a Remington 700 sendero II in 300WM and am going to reload for it. now have to find optics. I'm looking at hornady stuff.

My big question is if there is a big difference in accuracy when reloading with a progressive press vs a single stage press. My thinking is that there is more control with the single stage press thus will be more accurate and consistent.

Sorry if this has been covered before, tried to search for it but the search function on these boards are confusing to me. leaving multiple results for the same threads.

thanks everybody!

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

The advantage of the progressive is volume, so if you shoot gazillions 308 or 45ACP or 223, then you will love the progressives. Downside might be in set up, but you can crank out hundreds while the guy with a single stage can barely do 50.

I don't think there is "a big difference" in accuracy as long as you enjoy mindlessly jerking the handle. The next step is training a caged gerbel so you can have a sandwich while manning the shovel. BB

 

[femadog]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I shoot competitive high power and I don't know of many Master or High Master shooters using progressives on their match ammo. I have a 650 I use to crank out handgun ammo (for IDPA type shooting, that works fine.) I also use it for 223 plinking stuff.

There are too many potential places for issues to pop up with long range rifle ammo for me to trust a progressive, the most critical being the powder charge. I can't get the Dillon to drop within an acceptable range (+/- .1 grain). I also clean and uniform the pockets so there goes the deprime/prime station. Last on my list, the process requires me to handle the cases at least 4 times which ensures I see or feel little things like cracked necks, loose primer pockets, etc.

My guess is that you probably wouldn't shoot a 300 WM enough to justify loading on a progressive. I know my Sendero in the same caliber is not very pleasant to shoot for long periods.

FYI, I usually do all my case prep work in one setting and prime them. I have those cases stored in ammo boxes ready to load as needed. I just have to drop powder and seat bullets to go shoot. That allows me to play with different loads and not have a bunch of loads set up for the wrong distance or match.

YMMV, Steve

 

[turbo54]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I am an NRA F/TR "Master", and I load my ammo on a Dillon 650. I missed High Master by .02% because I didn't skip the 60 round match in 15-20mph winds.

Sorry to be controversial or condescending, but anyone that says match-grade ammo can't be made on a progressive simply doesn't know what they're talking about.

Most people's free time is limited, myself included. Do you want to spend it at the bench, or at the range?

I choose the range.

Other people I know LOVE the act of reloading . For them, they'd just assume load rather than shoot.

Not me. It's a means to an end. That end is shooting.

 

[luvtolean]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I just bought a single stage to get my precision rifle ammo off my progressive, as was stated, powder thrower isn't accurate enough, I decap and clean, and I like to prime by hand for feel...

 

[Tonmarchelli]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

thanks for the comments, im still torn, I will probably end up going with a single stage kit for the 300 but plan to do pistol and .223 on a progressive at some time in the near future. Im going to put a brake on the sendero that will hopefully take away a lot of the kick of the gun. Might make the people next to me a little unhappy though.

thanks steve i like the idea of prep before, which would make the single stage press more feasible.

 

[Gosu]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

For me, I would stick with a single for a bolt gun. Progressive for my autoloaders or .223 and .45acp.

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I know a number of high masters that load on 550s/650s. Multi-year champion David Tubb used (still uses?) a 550.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EddieNFL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know a number of high masters that load on 550s/650s. Multi-year champion David Tubb used (still uses?) a 550. </div></div>

Wouldn't that seem to indicate that; David Tubb and other high masters do a lot of competitive shooting and require a progressive press to satisfy the volume required, to play the game at that level? BB

 

[dstewart51]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I would recommend the Redding T-7 Turret press. Much faster to load on than a single stage but just as precise.

I have a fully loaded 650XL. Its fantastic for 45ACP but I didn't like the consistency in powder charge and seating depth for my 44Mag hunting loads. So I picked up a Hornady L&L classic for 44Mag and 475Lin hunting loads. Love the L&L bushing set up for its repeatability and easy changing dies. When I started getting in to Hi-Power rifle I picked up a Redding T-7. The T-7 is fast and amazingly precise, the more I use it the more I love it.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I use the Dillon RL550B, and it's all I've ever used in close to 20 years. While I can use it in progressive mode, I tend to use it one stage at a time for most of my handloading.

I will gladly concede that some really good single stage presses can probably make significantly more consistent ammo; but I also believe that such presses may be producing better ammo than a lot of shooters can use to full advantage.

I am equally convinced that as far as the RL550B and my marksmanship skills are concerned, the Dillon is at least a good enough press for the likes of me.

Greg

 

[zuke]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Go with a LEE Classic Cast.
You can remove the auto index or leave it on to automate thing's.

 

[DeadNoise]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

i would get a single stage, learn how to load then move up to the progressive.

 

[YAOG]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tonmarchelli</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hello all,

Fairly new here and new to long range target shooting. just picked up a Remington 700 sendero II in 300WM and am going to reload for it. now have to find optics. I'm looking at hornady stuff.

My big question is if there is a big difference in accuracy when reloading with a progressive press vs a single stage press. My thinking is that there is more control with the single stage press thus will be more accurate and consistent.

Sorry if this has been covered before, tried to search for it but the search function on these boards are confusing to me. leaving multiple results for the same threads.

thanks everybody! </div></div>

A Dillon 550 when properly configured and properly used will produce loaded ammunition that is as good as any single stage press. There are/have been several nationally competitive shooters that load their ammunition using Dillon presses. Don't be fooled into thinking the Dillon presses are not capable of producing top of the line ammunition.

I use my 30+ year old Dillon 550 that has been slightly modified with a clamping toolhead that allows the dies to slightly float on center and a precision roller bearing to reduce shell plate movement. But I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage press which is to say I do not load progressively but process in batches. This is not to say the Dillon has to be used as a single stage press to maintain precision, it does not. It's just personal preference to perform loading operations in batches.

Check out these recent threads: <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">"Precision on a dillon 5</span>50"</span> and this one too: <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">"A good pre</span>ss"</span>

The funny thing is as far as cost goes if you buy a top of the line non-magnum single stage press and all of the other stuff you will need to build very high precision ammunition you will end up spending about the same amount of money as you would for a Dillon RL550B similarly equipped. But with a Dillon RL550B on the bench you will have a MUCH more versatile loading bench and press that takes less time to build loaded rounds and is more than capable of producing excellent loaded ammunition.

When you decided to load pistol ammo the Dillon will be ready to load large amounts of pistol ammo very quickly simply by adding a set of dies and a caliber kit. A big plus if you switch between calibers is to add an additional toolhead to leave the pistol dies setup to minmimize setup time when switching calibers.

HTH!

 

[t185]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the Dillon RL550B, and it's all I've ever used in close to 20 years. While I can use it in progressive mode, I tend to use it one stage at a time for most of my handloading.

I will gladly concede that some really good single stage presses can probably make significantly more consistent ammo; but I also believe that such presses may be producing better ammo than a lot of shooters can use to full advantage.

I am equally convinced that as far as the RL550B and my marksmanship skills are concerned, the Dillon is at least a good enough press for the likes of me.

I agree 100%

Greg </div></div>

 

[DrRansom]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BuzzBoss915</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EddieNFL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know a number of high masters that load on 550s/650s. Multi-year champion David Tubb used (still uses?) a 550. </div></div>

Wouldn't that seem to indicate that; David Tubb and other high masters do a lot of competitive shooting and require a progressive press to satisfy the volume required, to play the game at that level? BB </div></div>

Do you skip primer uniforming because you use a progressive? How close of an eye are you keeping on your powder measure?

 

[scotharr]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I shoot a lot of F-Class and I've used a Redding Big-Boss, Harrell's Turret, and most recently a Dillon 550B. I'm a nerdy type and have kept detailed run-out statistics on the different presses. I would not be using a Dillon unless it could produce ammo that is just as good as a single-stage: it does. With a Uniquetek floating die toolhead (shown in YAOG's picture above), my run-out numbers on the Dillon are just as good as the other presses. In fact, each of the presses produces top-notch ammo. The dies make a much bigger difference than the press IMHO.

I"m loading 300 rounds per week and reached the point where I had to figure out a better/faster way to reload. The Dillon has exceeded my requirements and is a damned fine press. It is clearly saving me time and producing great ammo.

My only gripe about the Dillon is the auto-priming system. After quite a bit of experimenting, I returned the primer system to Dillon for a refund. This is the weak link IMHO....it's probably the weak link in most progressive systems. With the Dillon 550, there is no way to adjust the primer seating depth and no way to feel if the primer was bottoming out correctly in the cup. I measured seating depth on the Dillon vs my hand priming tools and my RCBS bench prime: there was a clear difference. The Dillon always seats to about .0005-.0025 and the other tools seat to .006-.008. Also, I was getting the odd primer that would not drop correctly and this causes everything to grind to a complete halt. Also had a prime get squished into a case side-ways. Additionally, it is a pain in the arse to change between large and small primers: lots of re-adjusting. I decided it was not worth the hassle and returned it. Beside the priming though, the Dillon produces ammo every bit as good as as single stage and saves me quite a bit of time. It's actually fun to work the press.

 

[deadnbrkn84]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Huge +1 on a Dillon 550b

 

[BGE541]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

For you I would say Single Stage. Im sure your not going to be shooting so many 300WN rounds that a SS would impede your shooting due to time, and as a new reloader it will help you learn the basics and identify what helps make handloads just so accurate. Love my SS...

 

[jschroed]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Hard to beat the 550B

 

[YAOG]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawkerpilot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hard to beat the 550B </div></div>

The Dillon 550 bang for the buck is very hard to beat in more ways than one.

 

[crazybrit]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Only good things to say about the Dillon 550. Thousands of pistol rounds with no problems. Measures the H 335 perfectly for the 223. I still measure each one out individually for the Win Mag though. The press handles the larger rifle cases just fine for sizing, priming and seating. Great customer service from Dillon.

 

[Squid284]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Rockchucker or a Redding T-7. Neat trick: on your rock chucker drill and tap a 8/32NC hole horizontally through web of the rear press member and you can put cleaning brushes (or many other case prep attachments) right where you need them before sizing.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I use a progressive but not with progressive function when loading for MR and LR. Since I use a stick powder that does not meter very well and I weigh each charge the progressive function is moot.

 

[scott123456789]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Never a bad deal to have a single stage its only $100 part. And with the shear size of 300wm I would think that would be a bunch of extra movement alignment with the larger case.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I use a 550 "semi-progressive".

Size-trim, deprime & neck-swedging on the 1st trip thru. Clean brass again.

Weigh and charge powder & Seat bullet on 2nd trip thru.

It's been my experience that it's easier to load semi-progressive with the 550 versus the 650. I haven't tried it on a Hornady yet.

My ammo is competitive at 1K.

 

[beretta989]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Forster Coax its worth its weight in gold!!

 

[littlecalm]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Single stage here. Once brass prep is done, you're talking 30 minutes with a Chargemaster to seat 50 bullets. So as noted above, unless you need to make hundreds of rounds a night, a single stage press is all you need and IMO is much easier to learn on. I only reload 308 and 300 WM.

 

[Conrad]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

Completely agree with YAOG and Scooter-PIE as they have covered most of the mods. You can shave the skirt around the primer plunger to get better primer seating. I started on a Co-AX, then got the 550 and floated the dies myself per Tubb. Now I also have a 650 and stainless media tumbler and am playing with using the 650 to size and decap very quickly on 650, get a thorough cleaning with stainless, quick trim with Giraud, and then off to to the 550 for expander, powder, and bullet seating. Learn at your own pace, but when you're ready to spend less time reloading and shoot more you'll be looking at a progressive. Start with a progressive and use it as a single stage to learn and you'll spend less money in the long run....well, no, probably not

.

 

[Norkon]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I'm new to reloading as well and I opted for the progressive. If I want I can batch them and measure each charge and use the press like a single stage to ensure i'm concentrating on one thing at a time. For 95% of my shooting I just like shooting so why not just load volume!

If I was shoot a more sensitive match, just use your press in batches and axe the powder throw. Its great for both worlds?

 

[Run N Gun]

Re: Progressive or single stage pres

I use a dillon 550 for all my pistol and 223. I haven't bought the setup for 308 yet but i see no reason why it could load just as good as my rock chucker.