I don't usually reload a lot of cartridges with the same load at any one time. But sometimes the night before a match I think a progressive might not be a bad idea. What are the pros and cons. John
A progressive for cast bullets
- 6.9K Views
- Last Post 13 August 2014
Back when I was shooting Bullseye Pistol, I had two Stars set up, one for .45 and one for .38 (still have one set up) but I have never used a progressive for rifle loading. I do, however, agree 100% with Pete re the ram prime for seating primers. Tried several different “hand” primers; kept getting varying seating depths. Ram prime definitely solves that problem, and doesn't seem to take any more time.
Wes
Attached Files
I concur with JSH i.e.. primer feed problems. I loaded thousands of rounds on my Star Universal in my bullseye days--had it upgraded with a case collator and case feeder, etc. Also used a Dillon previously, I'm now using an RCBS Piggy Back on my Rock Chucker and am quite satisfied with it, but--I totally eliminate the priming stage. I run cases through the vibrator/cleaner, then deprime and reprime (on an old Pacific C Press with an RCBS Ram Prime) before starting them through the progressive. Sure, it takes longer, but for my purposes and my simple brain it's fast enough, and the peace of mind is well worth it.
Attached Files
Loren, I will look forward to taking a look at it at Pioneer. John
Attached Files
John, I really like my CH 4D press. I will have it at Pioneer if you would like to see it. It can work as a progressive as mentioned. I also adapted one position to function as an arbor press when using Wilson dies. It does not have the leverage that a press like RCBS or others have, but for standard reloading, it works wonderfully. Cost is about $260 as I recall. Loren
Attached Files
I have had an RCBS and the Dillon 550. I liked the 550 better because it was not an auto advance. When things ball up the manual is a little simpler to clear. What I liked to use the Dillon for was priming and prepping a whole bunch of cases to load with what I felt like making on a given day. I made up buckets full of ready to go 30-06 cases.
Attached Files
Has anyone made a progressive bullet sizing, gas check seating, lubing, tapering, bumping press? My bench is covered with single-stages presses for bullet prep. Might be a good winter project.
This would probably be the holy grail for bullet prep!
Attached Files
As with any mechanical device, diligent cleaning and lubing goes a long way in keeping the Hornady running smoothly.
Attached Files
The LNL primer feed needs a little tuning when you first get it to center the feed tube over the shuttle. My only improvement would be to add a small hole in the base plate where the shuttle stops so that any loose powder would have a way to automatically clear the mechanism. A small paint brush cleans things up quickly.
Attached Files
The top down fall on ALL progressives is the primer feed. I have had a chance to operate or use a half dozen or so progressives. All of them had primer feed issues at some time or another. Being dirty was the most common fault. Some systems just don't like certain primers also. I have one powder measure I trust with any type powder. The progressives will do good service with ball powders with hardly any issues. Stick type exhibit the same results and problems most measures do. Buddy of mine swears by 4198 and uses it in a dillon. He is happy with it but his results on paper are not what I seek in the accuracy department. Jeff
Attached Files
My Hornady L&L AP already has a spring on the powder measure linkage that returns the rotor. Has never been a problem.
Attached Files
I didn't know so many people ran the Hornady L-N-L. I use a spare shell plate spring around the powder linkage and a small shot bag to virtually guarantee that the throw will reset properly when using stick or large flake powder.
Attached Files
Has anyone made a progressive bullet sizing, gas check seating, lubing, tapering, bumping press? My bench is covered with single-stages presses for bullet prep. Might be a good winter project.
Attached Files
Wow -- I am impressed with the amount of detailed recommendations and the reasons why as well as all the pros and cons you all were willing to take the time to write. There is nothing like the experience of users to get the straight skinny.
I especially appreciate Ric customizing his recommendation to my odd personality quirks.
This is such good information for anyone thinking about buying a progressive that i will put a notice in the “CBA News” section of the Fouling Shot suggesting that others interested in a progressive use it as a reference.
Thanks to all.
John
Attached Files
I would vote for the Hornady L&L AP for all the reasons already stated. About five years ago, I compared all the popular progressives as to features operation and price and decided on the Hornady. I like it. It serves my needs well.
I especially like the five stations and the versatility of easily using all five stations or any combination depending on the situation at the time.
For some cartridges I use all if loading for volume. Or, when loading for my military match guns just an M-die in one station, a powder measure in another and powder cop die in the third position. The sizing, decaping and priming are done on a single station Hornady. A drill press does the seating of cast with a St. line Wilson die.
I put a 1/8” dowel with a little red flag on the top end in the primer tube as a low primer alert. And, made a sliding rod linkage between the handle casting and powder measure. Now stick powder works through the measure flawlessly.
Attached Files
Just my 2 cents worth: been using my Star Universal for 35 plus years to load .38's and .45 ACP's. Haven't had to replace anything worn out yet :)
Attached Files
I have a Hornady AP L-N-L that I've been using for around 10 years. I've loaded literally 1,000's and 1,000's of rounds over that time. It's worked pretty much flawlessly for me over that time. The only thing I've had to replace has been the cartridge retainer springs every once in awhile. Hornady has so far always sent them out to me for FREE when I call. I went with the Hornady over the Dillon, because the Hornady is a five station, auto indexing progressive, and I liked the quick change bushing system Hornady uses much better than Dillon's interchangeable tool-heads. With the Hornady quick change bushings, you don't have to re-set the dies when you change them. You can also do a complete cartridge change over (including shell plate and primer feed systems) in less than five minutes. If you load a lot of different cartridges like I do, Dillon's tool-head set up can get expensive really fast. I can do rifle loads on my AP L-N-L, but I usually use it for pistol rounds, which I do in large batches as needed. Most of my rifle rounds I still do on a single stage press. I prefer doing the rifle loads on the single stage primarily because of the hassle dealing with lubing the cases for sizing, and then having to handle the bullets, cases, etc. For me, its easier doing that on the single stage press. Dave
Attached Files
A little off topic but it would be interesting to see which, if any, of the CBA National Records were set using a progressive press. And while we are it, listing the rifle, chambering, bullet, powder and primer that was used to set the NR would be interesting. True, you can go back into the Fouling Shot archives and search for the info but boy that takes time...almost as much time as using a single stage press!
Tom
Attached Files
I started loading with a Lee Classic Cast single stage for everything. I now load all of my pistol calibers on a Lee Classic Turret with the single stage relegated to loading my rifle calibers. To me, a progressive is just too many moving parts and too many places to screw up, but I am a klutz to begin with.
Attached Files
I have had the Lee Load Master for about 10 years now. Works well without any problems. I load about 2000 40 S&W and about 2000 45 auto each year for my USPSA shooting. I change back and forth without any problems and leave each caliber set up in it's own turret plate.
Attached Files
The small Lee press on the right is for sizing bullets in the Lee push throug die.
Attached Files
Categories
- All Categories
- General Polls
- Contact Us w/ Forum Issues
- Welcome to The Cast Bullet Association Forum
- General
- Bullet Casting
-
Guns and Shooting
- AR Platform
- TC Contenders & Other Single Shot Handguns
- Shotguns
- Informal Matches & Other Shooting Events
- Gunsmithing Tips
- Gun Cleaning & Maintenance
- Optics
- Benchrest Cast Bullet Shooting
- Military Bench Rest Cast Bullet Shooting
- Silhouette Shooting
- Postal Match Cast Bullet Shooting
- Factory Guns
- Black Powder Cartridge
- Hand Guns
- Lever Guns
- Single Shot Rifles
- Bolt Action Rifles
- Military Surplus Rifles
- Plinkers Hollow
- Muzzleloaders
- Hunting
- Reloading
- Buy, Sell or Trade
- Other Information & Reference