Best Progressive upgrade

[irish2025]

I have been reloading long enough to where i have hit that impatiant wall and want to go from a rock chucker to a progressive. Having a hard time keeping up with .223 ammo as im sure everyone else is. been looking around but with so many brands out there these days wanted some imput on a progressive loader thats not gonna break me but will be reliable. thanks

 

[DrMike]

irish2025,

Welcome to the forum; it's good to welcome you aboard. I'm not certain that any of the Progressives are bad today. Those that were prone to serious problems seem to have fallen into disuse and finally dropped out of availability. Dillon appears to be the epitome of progressive presses, though any of those commonly available (Lee, RCBS, Hornady) will work very well for you. All of the common marketers (Sinclair, Natchez, Mid-South, Graf & Sons, Midway) appear to be fairly competitive. From time-to-time I see some on sale by various on-line marketers. Though the discounts are not major, every penny helps. I'm certain that manufacturers are offering inducements to these marketers in order to promote sales. I'd suggest that you keep your eyes peeled for some of the major marketers to see when they are promoting these and snag them at that time.

 

[HTDUCK]

Another nod for Dillon.
Yeah they are a bit pricey but their warranty and customer service are beyond compare.
Something breaks just pick up the phone and call 'em.
No questions asked.

 

[dlove]

I have a hornady lock-n-load AP. there is a bit of a learning curve getting everything set properly and getting a feel for primer seating and how to run the handle. I have never tried to run rifle cases progressively. I think you would be ok with short action cases and a free flowing powder.

I LOVE it for pistol rounds. after a few minutes of setup, I can run 100 pistol rounds in about 12 minutes. I have done 1000 9mm in a little over 3 hours. after loading some tedious rifle rounds and driving yourself half nuts with precision, its nice just to pull the handle and watch the ammo fall into the bucket.

hornady customer service has always been above and beyond. I've called them to order something that I broke myself and they wouldn't let me pay for it even though I told them it was 100% my fault. ....the part even shipped for free.

 

[FOTIS]

I have a hornady lock-n-load AP

I have the same one. Very good press.

BTW welcome to the forum.

One thing we forget (and myself included) is to visit you tube and see the videos that actually review and show setup and use of gear.

 

[pre6422hornet]

Another nod for dillon presses. I have had a Square Deal B for 15 years now and it is awesome. Warranty is unreal as is the customer service.

I would not hesitate at buying another Dillon for to reload rifles for, especially for something like a 223.

 

[dlove]

dont forget to consider the price of die bushings and shell plates.

 

[rick smith]

After loading on a Dillon 550B for over 20 years, I cannot recommend any other progressive but Dillon. I have done rifle and pistol ammo without a problem. Current load thousands of rounds a year on the Dillon. Great machine and customer service is the best in the business.Rick.

 

[meatmachineman]

On the other end of the quality scale, I have a Lee Pro 1000. It works. It is ill tempered, moody, nervous, and one must not make any sudden or unexpected movements when using it. That being said, I have finally built up a rapport with that foul machine, learning it's quirks and idiosyncrasies, and not doing anything to get it on it's bad side. I have loaded thousands (closing in on 10k) of pistol rounds through this machine (Considering doing 223, as well, but it is not tall enough to do most rifle cartridges). It works well enough for the price. But be warned, the first couple hundred rounds will make you think you bought a headache in a box!

Although it won't happen anytime soon, I desperately want a Dillon. Good grief, I hope my Lee didn't hear me type that!!!

 

[Newysan]

Only progressive I ever had is the Dillon. If every business in America had a service dept. like them it would indeed be a wonderful world. Absolutely no hassle with anything, even if I admit to my ham fisted errors and they pay the shipping. Hard to beat. The only irritant is the occasional switching of the primer feed mechanism. Also no lube of any kind is advised. 24 years of use has seen gradual improvements in it's design. They {primer feeds}work perfectly now. I found an almost new 550 on E-Bay for a reasonable amount and set it up for small primers so the switching around of feed mechanisms ended. The carbide dies for the 223 are a little pricey but will more than likely out last me. Like all powder dispensers the long extruded powders can be frustrating but there are suitable alternatives available. I also added the Hornady bullet seater die, just makes things easier and a better overall cartridge . Good luck shopping around. I know you will be happy with Dillon, The machine and the company. Newysan

 

[C.Smith]

Dillon all the way. Great company, great waranty. I have had my 550 for over 6 years no issues with it.

Corey

 

[irish2025]

thanks everybody very helpful!