Progressive press and caliber change question

swampy · June 9, 2001, 12:43 PM

I reload with a Lee turret using Lee dies. Changing calibers is as simple as having a separate die plate for each set of dies. I am thinking of getting a progressive press for the improved volume per hour at the press. Problem is I load 9mm, 38 Special, 357 mag, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and 45Colt. I would also like to load 223 and 308 in volume. The RCBS Pro 2000 appears to be similar to the Lee turret-- simply have a die plate dedicated to each caliber (although a little pricey compared to Lees). Is this correct? How much time is invested in changing calibers on the Dillon 550 and 650 machines? Thanks.

Bob C · June 9, 2001, 01:50 PM

I can only comment on the Dillon 550. The initial set-up takes a bit of time, but after you get the dies set, changing calibers takes very little time.

The dies are in a tray which is held by two pins, the shellholder is held in place with two allen screws. Removing and replacing the powder measure on the charging die involves a wing nut, and two allen screws. Even if you have to adjust the powder measure, that's easier than with my Lyman 55.

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Archie · June 9, 2001, 03:51 PM

As for the 550, initial set takes as much time as adjusting dies individually. Since there are two additional dies, powder charging and powder check (and possibly crimp) dies, it may take longer INITIALLY.

Once set up, changing everything takes about 10 minutes, tops. Maybe less if you're in a hurry. (I tend to be relaxed about such things.)

Not to bad mouth any other progressives, but I would not deal with any progressive other than Dillon.

tawakoni · June 9, 2001, 06:35 PM

A big AMEN to what Archie said!

tawakoni

June 9, 2001, 12:43 PM	#1
swampy Member Join Date: August 11, 1999 Posts: 92	Progressive press and caliber change question I reload with a Lee turret using Lee dies. Changing calibers is as simple as having a separate die plate for each set of dies. I am thinking of getting a progressive press for the improved volume per hour at the press. Problem is I load 9mm, 38 Special, 357 mag, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and 45Colt. I would also like to load 223 and 308 in volume. The RCBS Pro 2000 appears to be similar to the Lee turret-- simply have a die plate dedicated to each caliber (although a little pricey compared to Lees). Is this correct? How much time is invested in changing calibers on the Dillon 550 and 650 machines? Thanks.

June 9, 2001, 03:51 PM	#3
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	I use a Dillon XL650 As for the 550, initial set takes as much time as adjusting dies individually. Since there are two additional dies, powder charging and powder check (and possibly crimp) dies, it may take longer INITIALLY. Once set up, changing everything takes about 10 minutes, tops. Maybe less if you're in a hurry. (I tend to be relaxed about such things.) Not to bad mouth any other progressives, but I would not deal with any progressive other than Dillon.

June 9, 2001, 01:50 PM	#2
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 1999 Location: St. Louis, MO suburbs Posts: 386	I can only comment on the Dillon 550. The initial set-up takes a bit of time, but after you get the dies set, changing calibers takes very little time. The dies are in a tray which is held by two pins, the shellholder is held in place with two allen screws. Removing and replacing the powder measure on the charging die involves a wing nut, and two allen screws. Even if you have to adjust the powder measure, that's easier than with my Lyman 55. .

June 9, 2001, 06:35 PM	#4
tawakoni Member Join Date: November 22, 2000 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 68	A big AMEN to what Archie said! tawakoni