Single stage press inappropriate 4 handgun loads?

T

thefitter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 10, 2010
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#1
Yes I'm back with another re loading question:

I had initially thought I was only going to reload for rifle. Then since I recently bought a Colt SAA I thought I'd reload for .45 Long Colt. Mostly because there's not very much good factory ammo out there but it's also expensive compared to the other hand gun loads I shoot - 9mm, 10mm, .45acp, .357

Now I'm starting to think that re loading handgun in my Forster single stage is not too smart. Should I look at a Dillon progressive or something? 550, 650?

As always recommendations are appreciated. Thanks

 
#3
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dksd39</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have reloaded thousands of handgun rounds on a single stage. All depends on what you want to do with your time and money. </div></div>

I agree, but I started out with a Dillon 550b progressive and handgun rounds are where a progressive press really shines. It just saves a lot of time.

Chris
 
#5
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

If you are just learning, and especially if you also want to reload rifle cartridges, get a good single stage press and learn the ropes on it. The Co-Ax is the best there is.

Then when you have learned the process, you can look at getting a progressive. While you're at it, look at the Hornady LNL AP progressive press, especially if you ever want to reload rifle cartridges progressively.

Andy
 
#6
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

I use my RCBS Partner Press to load pistols with, my Co-Ax is for rifle rounds only, I'm going to buy a Hornady LNL AP for pistols, its a 650 at a 550 price, and caliber changes are a breeze compared to the Dillons.
 
#8
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

I dont know about it being, "not too smart" to load pistol rounds on a single stage. Its just slow. I loaded over 5,000 rnds of 45acp before I got my first progressive.
 
#9
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

"Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?"

What's "stupid" is to use the wrong tool for a job. For reloading, it's the needed volume and precision that determines the ideal choice of press, not the cartridge being processed.
 
#10
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJakeJ1s</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are just learning, and especially if you also want to reload rifle cartridges, get a good single stage press and learn the ropes on it. The Co-Ax is the best there is.

Then when you have learned the process, you can look at getting a progressive. While you're at it, look at the Hornady LNL AP progressive press, especially if you ever want to reload rifle cartridges progressively.

Andy </div></div>

I 2nd that learn the ropes first.
 
#11
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

It is not a matter of stupid. It is a matter of economics, and the value of your time. If you have the cash and your time is more valuable doing something else then by all means get a good progressive.

Personally I believe there is a learning curve to reloading. And I also believe you need to be high up on that curve before buying a progressive. A progressive press will compound any problems you are having, but if you have a good thorough understanding of reloading then by all means buy a progressive.

Personally I loaded on a single stage press for 40 years. And also did a fair amount of volume shooting. Sometimes 10,000+ rounds a year. And loaded all them on a single stage, so it can be done.

I just bought a progressive. And I went with the Hornady. I spent alot of time deciding between the Dillon and the Hornady. IMO you get more features for less dollars with the Hornady. However quality wise I think they are both a great choice. Tom.
 
#12
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

There is nothing wrong with a good single stage for pistol rounds. Yes it takes longer, but it helps with getting the steps right. I started with a single stage press 35 years ago and I still have 2 set up on my bench right now and use them often. Hell I have my fathers old Lyman hand press for 30-30, 30-06, 44wcf, and 45-70 and use them when i feel old school.
 
#13
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

You have what you have...

I know of a few people who reload ons of ammo with a single stage.

When I load up a few hundred I do groups at a time then call it a day then more groups.. Less repetativeness which leads to exaustion and less mistakes.
 
#14
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

I load 9mm on a RCBS single stage press .... I will set up the sizing die and size 1k or so of cases and throw em in a bucket, then go back and bell that 1k and throw em back into the bucket, then sit down and watch TV as I prime all them with a hand primer and throw into a bucket. Now I have 1k of brass ready to go .... Ill then sit down and just drop powder and seat a bullet in batches ... usually 100 or so at a time, maybe a little more, maybe a little less, all depends on what is on tv or how much I need away from the GF.
 
#17
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

I think I reloaded for my pistols for 5 years on a singe stage Lee Challenger press before moving up to a Dillon 550B. So much faster.....have since moved up and away from a couple of 650 presses to a 1050....so much, much faster!!
 
#18
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

I got a 650 the day after Obama was elected. I needed some kind of relief. After having it for about a day I don't know how I lived without it. Loading pistol with a single makes my eyes glaze over.

If your budget allows, Do the blue!
 
#19
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

used to use a single stage, just got me a rcbs turret with the uniflow, this wont be as fast a ur dillon but will be faster than my rockchucker, got about 4K ready to load 9mm brass just waitn.
 
#20
Re: Single stage press stupid for handgun loads?

A Dillon 550 is more versatile than the 650. 650 is faster, but takes long to change calibers especially if you have to change the priming mechanism. 550 can also be used for more calibers than the 650 especially with rifle cartridges. A lot of the guys I shoot with have multiple 650's in the reloading room because they don't want to have to change calibers.

Just by the 550 and be done with it. There is absolute no reason to start with a single stage to "learn" how to reload except wasting more time. You can easily run a 550 like a single stage by feeding cases into individual stations one at a time, basically functioning like a turret press.
 
#21
Re: Single stage press inappropriate 4 handgun loads?

Progressive is definitely a plus for loading pistol calibers. I use a Hornady Lock N Load and have been pleased with it, but have had second thoughts about whether I should have bought a Dillon 550B instead. My main issue is the powder drop occasionally hangs up and doesn't reset when the ram is lowered which could result in a squib if you don't catch it in time. I think the Dillon powder system might be a little more reliable.

Other than that the LNL is great.

If I was planning on reloading the other pistol calibers you mentioned in any quantity, I would not go with the square deal B. I think they are expensive to do caliber changes and are meant to be used as a one caliber setup. The 550 and 650 are a little better if you are swapping calibers.

I don't own any blue, just red and green, but a friend has a 550 that I set up for him. Never anything bad to say about the blue stuff.

BLK7
 
#22
Re: Single stage press inappropriate 4 handgun loads?

I load handguns rounds on a single stage, its good time hanging out with the kids, they help and we have fun. usually 3000rds a summer on a rock chucker.
 
#24
Re: Single stage press inappropriate 4 handgun loads?

If you shoot a lot of something, consider the Hornady AP. I switched from a Dillon 550b when it mangled too many cases. My boss says his 550b mangles the occasional .45 Colt case. Neither my Co-Ax or the AP have ever damaged a case.
 
#25
Re: Single stage press inappropriate 4 handgun loads?

I have had both the Dillon and the Hornady Lock n Load AP at the same time. The Dillon went back for a refund very quick. I have loaded 10s of 1000s on the Hornady without any major issues. I am left handed so it works very well for me as everything enters from the left side. In addition you can look into the case and see the powder as you put the bullet in for seating. And yes caliber changes are very quick with there bushings.
 
#26
Re: Single stage press inappropriate 4 handgun loads?

if you have a dillon xl 650, will you still need to go for a single stage press for precision rifle rounds?

I was thinking if you change the tool head and place a FL Sizing die, size all cases at one go, then seat with K&M arbor press just for the precision rifle rounds. would this still keep low runout for the rifle rounds? i figure it should not make much of a difference
 
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