Quote from: muskrat on December 28, 2013, 07:03:39 AM
noted, I missed that "tiny" detail

I think Graf's is the only place that offers the classic in a kit form. Lee doesn't even offer it.

The Lee turret presses fill a void between a manual turret and a full progressive and are good units.

a little more light reading.  Thanks for the info

Quote from: rgramjet on December 28, 2013, 06:50:51 AM
80% lowers, anyone play with one?

There are several great threads on Pirate 4x4 about them, including step by step instructions. I'm ordering a jig soon 

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/outdoor-sports-recreation/1110045-80-lowers.html

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/75-outdoor-sports-recreation/

Quote from: muskrat on December 28, 2013, 06:51:21 AM
looking at this http://www.opticsplanet.com/lee-deluxe-turret-press-kits-4-hole-turret-with-auto-index-90928.html for 9 and 45's.  Thoughts?

Do you have a single station press yet?  I can't imagine jumping into reloading with a progressive press.  I still do a pile of reloading on my Lyman Orange Crusher and Redding Turret press.  I just have the Redding set up with a 22, 6mm and 30 cal seating dies and whatever resizing die or other seating die I might be using.  A Dillon Square Deal B in 9mm and a Dillon 650 do the high volume reloading. 

If you have some good reloading experience, the Lee will give you some more speed, but I really do like the Dillons if you are going to use them a lot, plus their customer service is great.  If you are new to reloading, I'd look around for an inexpensive, used single station press and process a couple thousand rounds singly before getting a progressive, to give you a better perspective on what is happening.  Even after getting the progressive, you'll still use the single station press for experimenting with different loads, etc.  Just my $0.02

Warren makes some good points. There's nothing like a single stage press to learn the ropes of reloading.

Be aware though the Dillon Square Deal B press uses proprietary dies. Not my idea of a 'square deal'.

I do have reloading experience but it's been more than a few years.  There's a lot to learn, I know, so I'm carefully reading and then following up with more reading.

I didn't have any intention of buying a Square Deal, a guy needed some money and sold the whole rig set up for 9mm with a pile of primers and bullets cheap.  Its nice to have a unit dedicated to a specific caliber.  Its not as fast as the 650, but it works well.  I've probably loaded 20K rounds through it over the years. 

If you already understand how to properly set up 3 or 4 stage die sets for loading ammo for semi-autos, you could probably jump into a progressive press.  Single station presses are just handy for running small sample batches or loading rifle ammunition, etc.  I always found that one of the most important things when running a progressive press is carefully listening to the sounds as you cycle.  If something suddenly sounds different, you better find out what it is, because a wreck is coming! 

My two cents on a press would be a Dillon 550.  They are semi progressive and can be upgraded with accessories to increase performance when you need it.  It can do most of the things a single stage press can do and can load rifle and pistol ammunition.  Not as fast as a dedicated progressive press, but much more versatile. 

Thanks WarrenJ.  I'm going to revisit this later today.

Interesting that this came up when it did.

I've been tossing around the idea of getting into reloading for several years now, and I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

I just read over the advice handed down in the previous few posts.  I'd never thought about not starting with a progressive press.

I was of the mindset that progressives are the fastest and most productive, so that's what I needed to be looking at.   

Makes total sense though.  I wouldn't recommend someone start riding on a SBK.


So here's my question...  the Lee Pro 1000.

It's a progressive, but I've read that it can function as a single stage.  Is this a viable option for a rookie?

Any thoughts and/or advice are appreciated.

Thanks guys!

I don't have any first hand experience with the Pro 1000 but from what I can see, it won't work as a single station press.  Their turret presses have an interesting feature - an auto indexer that can be turned on and off - so it can be used as a single station press, or auto indexed to provide semi-progressive performance.  Might be an ok option. 

Some people like the Pro 1000, some don't. Most who do like them don't mind 'tinkering'...read that as effing with them to make them work.

The Lee Classic turret can function as a SS press if you disable the advance mechanism, or as a manual turret.

I bought a used Rock Chucker. Single stage...built like a tank. The only downside to the press is the spent primer catch system leaves a bit to be desired. I think SS is the way to go over changing the operation of a press.

It will do what you want, and after a few thousand rounds you'll have a real good idea of what's going on when you pull that handle. All the manu's make a good single stage.

How many rounds you shoot a year should dictate your press IMO, it has nothing to do with how many rounds you can pump out in a sitting.

Like Warren says a SS press is also excellent for load development and most any rifle cartridge.

Any AR15 owners on here?
I'm looking to buy one with emphasis on accuracy, long range
and the occasional hunting trip.
Recommendations, preferences, new or used?
Thanks in advance.

http://www.knightarmco.com/portfolio/sr-15e3-iws-lpr/?cate_cm=commercial&term=sr-15&features=sr-15e3-iws-lpr

Yeah, I had actually looked at a Rock Chucker a while back. I don't really remember why it was that I was looking at it.

Any other single stage presses that have a good reputation?

All of the major manufacturers make a rugged single stage press. If you plan on reloading for a really long rifle cartridge you want to be sure the arch will allow for that.

I think the Hornady has a spent primer system that passes down through the ram and lands in a bucket.

You might look on Craigslist...that's where I got mine and it was a great deal. Everything to reload 2 calibers except a set of calipers.