Which Progressive Loader

OleEd · August 8, 2010, 06:08 PM

I am getting tired of the single stage rcbs loader I bought back in the late 80s. I am now loading 38 spec, +P, 357, 9mm and 45s. Mainly tgt loads for 38 and 357 and the 9mm. Since I bought that 9mm semi I find I am reloading a BUNCH more...

I have read articles and leaning twds the rcbs 2000 but I need/prefer more info and preferences from you "more experienced" reloaders.

Thanks in advance.

Ole Ed

glock 2026 · August 8, 2010, 06:19 PM

I have the dillon 550, and 650 never regret buying ,with component prices now , 550 would be good enough.

Shoney · August 8, 2010, 06:50 PM

I started on a single stage press, and after 30 years purchased a 550 at an estate sale in the early 90's (They had no idea of it’s worth). I became a member of the blue buffoon battalion and spewed nonsense about the product. One day Isaw the LNL and my blue loyalty was shaken.

I got the LNL and kept the 550, and load on a friends 650. I prefer the LNL for the following reasons.

Quick caliber changeover is much faster and a fraction of the cost of a Dillon.

The old technology slide powder measure of the Dillon is it's weak point. Unlike others, after nearly years of loading, I have accumulated 3 other powder measures besides the Dillon, on which I base my comments. As time and #'s loaded increased, the dillon slide began to leak some ball powders, and it has poor accuracy with flake powders, even with anti-bridging funnel was never good.

The LNL powder measure on the bushing is removed with the flick of the wrist, powder can be dumped and repeatabley accurate load volumes can be dialed in taking less than 15-30 seconds. Since I load for over 15 handguns, several bolt weapons, and 2 semi-auto rifles on my progressives, $ince Dillon$ a$$e$orie$ are $o expen$ive; the LNL i$ a con$idereable $avings in time and money.

In working up loads, where you need to remove all but one die, it takes about 5 seconds to remove and reinstall on the LNL. It CAN NOT be done quickly or easily on the Dillons.

Used primer disposal on the LNL is thru the plate into a tube, out the bottom into the trash. This prevents primers from rolling around and spent primer compound from gumming up the mechanisms like it can do on the Dillons

The LNL is much beefier and it also produces cartridges with a great deal less run out. The friend who has a 650 challenged this and we did a long process of measuring run out on 4 different chamberings using the same dies sets his Rockchucker and 650, and my 550, and LNL. The LNL produced measurably better cartridges. Because of this accuracy, I rarely load ammo on my single stage press’s.

My friend with the 650 is a dyed in the wool Dillon man. A while back he sheepishly told me his wife had given him permission to sell the 650 get the LNL.

Quantrill · August 8, 2010, 07:21 PM

Dillon 550

bkhann · August 8, 2010, 07:49 PM

LnL without a doubt. Quality robust product and customer service second to none.

sixxgunnernick · August 8, 2010, 08:01 PM

I can set 4.5 grains and load a bunch of rounds. Leave my 550b sit for a week and it still measures 4.5 grains.

Real Gun · August 8, 2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OleEd

I am getting tired of the single stage rcbs loader I bought back in the late 80s. I am now loading 38 spec, +P, 357, 9mm and 45s. Mainly tgt loads for 38 and 357 and the 9mm. Since I bought that 9mm semi I find I am reloading a BUNCH more...

I have read articles and leaning twds the rcbs 2000 but I need/prefer more info and preferences from you "more experienced" reloaders.

Have you considered the turret press option? I believe that would be the next step up in productivity and might be a lot more comfortable for someone with a history of single stage experience. It can quite easily be used as a single stage.

Unfortunately, RCBS is not very strong in either turret or progressive, so any sense of brand loyalty you feel might be misplaced. I don't know about price's in the 80s, but these days RCBS has grand ideas about what their stuff is worth. It is a pretty green though.

I don't know how important expense is to you, but you can get a really good turret press for a fraction of the cost of the premium progressives.

Your single stage does one operation at a time, while you would do all the operations on a round in one pass on a turret. The progressive does multiple rounds in one lever pull, so it can seem like a juggling act being sure each station is ready for the next round (lever pull). You don't have that stress with the turret. I think it is something you learn, but progressive press guys regularly mention how critical it is to concentrate.

A turret can auto index, moving to the next die on the turret as you pull the handle. Some turret designs don't include that, but I would recommend it in both a turret and a progressive.

TXGunNut · August 8, 2010, 09:22 PM

My only progressive experience is with an early 550, so early that I felt I was part of what we now call Beta testing, if not R&D.

There are more choices now but I'd buy a Dillon again, FWIW.

frumious · August 8, 2010, 11:05 PM

I have the RCBS Pro2000 and I like it a lot. The priming system is pretty cool, with the little reusable strips. Mine is manual index, which took some getting used to, but if it ever jams up then it is easier to un-jam than an auto-index.

-cls

Wrangler5 · August 9, 2010, 11:44 PM

I've been reloading 38, 357, 9mm and 45ACP for decades on a Lee Loadmaster. You will find Lee equipment is less expensive than Dillon, and the differences become more dramatic the more calibers you add. (Dillon powder measures are more expensive than Lee, and adding one to each tool head runs the costs up quickly. Dillon powder measures are not calibrated, so if you want to just have one and move it to the tool head in use, you have to rework the setting each time you move it.)

That said, the Loadmaster can be a bit fussy to keep running for those who are not mechanically inclined. I actually started with a Lee turret press, and will readily recommend one as a starting point for those who want to step up their productivity from a single stage but don't want the initial expense of a full progressive. They can be set to work as a single stage but with a tool head with pre-adjusted dies, or as an automatically indexing press that produces one round with one insertion of the case and 3 or 4 pulls of the handle.

escard · August 10, 2010, 12:46 AM

I worked about 30.000 pieces of different calibered pistol-ammo (.357/.45 LC/.44/.45 ACP) through my RL-550.
For me it works just fine, although the weakest point of the 550 seems to be the sliding-bar of the powder measure (I had to replace it twice because of "worn-out-syndroms"....), also, it is a bit fussy to change from large to small priming system.....maybe I will try a LNL (not for replacement, but as a companion to the 550, so there is a ready-to-race large primer & small primer machine there....).

Mike-Mat · August 10, 2010, 01:19 AM

Had some trouble with my Lee Loadmaster when I first got it. Once I got it setup, it's working great. Excellent press for the money.

Money: So What's Your Budget?

If I had unlimited funds I'd probably have purchased a Dillon. That would have been about 3-4 times what I spent on my Loadmaster.

There is a site specifically about the Loadmaster. Lots of setup videos and refinement suggestions.
http://www.loadmastervideos.com/

Mike Mattera

Bruno2 · August 10, 2010, 01:44 AM

The LNL AP is built like a tank. Mine has several grease zurks for keeping the wear off of the stressed points. I like it , but , I went from a Lyman All American turret press built in the 50's(still have it and going strong). Hornady has some of the best customer service out there. I have two shotshell reloaders made by them. I am telling you there cs reps will hang in there with you through thick and thin

Graf and sons is running a special on the LNL right now. You get a die wrench, a dust cover and 500 free bullets when you buy one for $399.99. I got mine off Amazon for about $20.00 less and got 1000 bullets with it.

salvadore · August 10, 2010, 02:20 AM

I've had the same Dillon Square Deal for 20 some odd years and have loaded 2 gazzillion rounds in three different calibres...OK...1 gazzillion rounds and Dillon backs its product forever no questions.

73-Captain · August 10, 2010, 03:43 AM

Don't think the color of your press was what made you THE buffoon...

Since you are STILL spewing nonsense but now about a different products.

Instead of spewing your current nonsense and belittling one product, why not just try to show the advantages of your favorite toy?

RWNielsen · August 10, 2010, 07:08 AM

Click on the brand name tabs at the top. There's a lot of videos showing setup and usage of various machines

http://ultimatereloader.com/

Krieger9 · August 10, 2010, 08:23 AM

Love my Load Master.
I think only because people gripe about it and it makes me feel like a rebel. Really bad as$ too since I can pump out some rounds. Really though I'm more about convenience than speed. I also find comfort in the adjustments and time I spend initially setting it up.

Secret is to having a sizing die in the priming station so add 1 die per caliber to the price.

Also works well like 5 single stage presses individually set up for different stages.

This should probably be a stickied thread. It appears every couple weeks.
I love the sound of my own typing...still.....

OleEd · August 10, 2010, 03:36 PM

The responses are like the one liners that I have with with the semi-gun guys I shoot with here in MO when I'm shooting my besto .357, S&W 586 "wheel gun . Even though I shot & carried the 1911 in the Marines (60's) and the Army (70s to 85), I always preferred my wheel guns. (But that Kimber "Super Carry" 45 line and the Eclipseis are just down right beautiful and just a bit too $$$$ for this retired artilleryman.)

Getting back though to the subject at hand -- I thank you all for your imput. Looks like more pricing and evaluating is needed. Me thinks my son-in-law 45 shooter needs to consider putting some bucks in this investment since he pops about 100 rds when he visits.

Again, I thank you Capt and each one for your valued info.

Bruno2 · August 10, 2010, 06:09 PM

Let me say this about Dillon although I have never owned one or loaded on one. I knew a guy that had 2 Dillon presses mouned on his bench at his place of business. The shop burned to the ground one night. He called Dillon and they warrantied his presses.

Waldog · August 10, 2010, 06:57 PM

OleHead,
I have loaded on all Dillon models and I currently own a Hornady LNL. I have written a rather long post on my perspective of Dillon vs. Hornady. I have posted it before so I won't clog the website with another post. If you are interested, PM and I'll gladly e-mail you my post.

The Blue vs. Red discussion generates a lot of passion and it is difficult to find an objective evaluation.

rtpzwms · August 10, 2010, 07:29 PM

OleEd how many rounds are we really talking about?
100
1000
10000
per week
per month
per year
Will that remain the same if you reload or will it likely increase?
How much time are you willing to use reloading each week?
Do you have a budget or is this a moving target?
I think collectively we could help you more if you would give us as much information as you feel we have need to know.
We all have our pet presses and they all have a lot of great points. But volume will help separate the hardware.

BigJakeJ1s · August 10, 2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Don't think the color of your press was what made you THE buffoon...

Since you are STILL spewing nonsense but now about a different products.

Instead of spewing your current nonsense and belittling one product, why not just try to show the advantages of your favorite toy?

I thought that's what Shoney was doing... Advantages of one product are usually the disadvantages of a competing product.

And he left out a few: the LNL PM works in any station (unlike Dillon's PM), so you have the option of having more than one operation prior to charging, whether it be separate neck and body dies, or a lube die followed by an X-die.

The PM also allows swapping inexpensive pre-set metering inserts or micrometer inserts (factory warranted), all without tools, and without having to empty the PM. There's even a drain insert to empty the PM without tools or removing it from the press. Try doing any of that with a Dillon PM. Or just purchase a Hornady PM and case activated linkage to use on a Dillon. I have seen several users with Hornady or RCBS PMs and linkages (they are almost identical) on Dillon progressives, but I've never seen a Dillon PM used on a Hornady or RCBS progressive.

Like the 550, the LNL is easily usable as a single stage press (just remove the dies you are not using with only a 30 degree twist each on the LNL), but unlike the 550, you can still use the case feeder, auto-index and auto-eject while loading single stage style, without touching a case. The 650 cannot be used as a single stage easily, unless you purchase a separate tool head for each die.

You can also use the LNL turret-style, by just running one cartridge at a time, but you can't use the case feeder (on any progressive). The 650 dispenses a new primer every pull of the handle, so it does not work turret style.

Andy

Waldog · August 10, 2010, 09:48 PM

Also, read this: http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillon...Comparison.pdf

It's a reasonable comparison.

One other item. Mark as "food for thought". I did some VERY LIMITED research. (Meaning I PM'd about 30 guys that posted a KABOOM on the web.
KABOOM meaning a blown-up gun.) Anyhow 26 of 30 kabooms were loaded on a manually indexed progressive press. Specifically the Dillon 550.

Now understand the KABOOM is not the result of the 550 press. It is a result of manual indexing. Most of these guys claimed they were distracted by wife, kids, phone, news, dog, you name it. And, they did not index and ended up putting a double charge in a pistol case. I's easy to do.

Nothing wrong with manual indexing. However, auto-indexing significantly reduces the likelihood of a double charge. AT LEAST THAT'S MY OPINION.

Mike-Mat · August 11, 2010, 01:21 AM

I'm pretty deep in my Loadmaster now. But If was starting over I might have spent a little more and bought the Hornady LnL progressive. I like that the primer feeds on the down stroke.

Mike

bkhann · August 11, 2010, 10:58 AM

If you are concerned about double fills of non fills on your progressive press, you should look at the RCBS Lock-Out die. This is a neat device that takes up a die slot on your press. It has an adjustable plunger that you set. If the powder charge is much higher or lower than the set level, the device prevents the case from entering the die, thus effectively stopping the loading process. It will definitely get your attention and at that point you will look at the case and determine why it did not pass.

It has caught 1 or 2 cases that did not get charged with powder for me. It normally just mindlessly goes up and down, and you forget about it until there is a problem. IMO, $40 well spent.

August 8, 2010, 06:08 PM	#1
OleEd Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: Mo Posts: 44	Which Progressive Loader I am getting tired of the single stage rcbs loader I bought back in the late 80s. I am now loading 38 spec, +P, 357, 9mm and 45s. Mainly tgt loads for 38 and 357 and the 9mm. Since I bought that 9mm semi I find I am reloading a BUNCH more... I have read articles and leaning twds the rcbs 2000 but I need/prefer more info and preferences from you "more experienced" reloaders. Thanks in advance. Ole Ed

August 8, 2010, 06:50 PM	#3
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	I started on a single stage press, and after 30 years purchased a 550 at an estate sale in the early 90's (They had no idea of it’s worth). I became a member of the blue buffoon battalion and spewed nonsense about the product. One day Isaw the LNL and my blue loyalty was shaken. I got the LNL and kept the 550, and load on a friends 650. I prefer the LNL for the following reasons. Quick caliber changeover is much faster and a fraction of the cost of a Dillon. The old technology slide powder measure of the Dillon is it's weak point. Unlike others, after nearly years of loading, I have accumulated 3 other powder measures besides the Dillon, on which I base my comments. As time and #'s loaded increased, the dillon slide began to leak some ball powders, and it has poor accuracy with flake powders, even with anti-bridging funnel was never good. The LNL powder measure on the bushing is removed with the flick of the wrist, powder can be dumped and repeatabley accurate load volumes can be dialed in taking less than 15-30 seconds. Since I load for over 15 handguns, several bolt weapons, and 2 semi-auto rifles on my progressives, $ince Dillon$ a$$e$orie$ are $o expen$ive; the LNL i$ a con$idereable $avings in time and money. In working up loads, where you need to remove all but one die, it takes about 5 seconds to remove and reinstall on the LNL. It CAN NOT be done quickly or easily on the Dillons. Used primer disposal on the LNL is thru the plate into a tube, out the bottom into the trash. This prevents primers from rolling around and spent primer compound from gumming up the mechanisms like it can do on the Dillons The LNL is much beefier and it also produces cartridges with a great deal less run out. The friend who has a 650 challenged this and we did a long process of measuring run out on 4 different chamberings using the same dies sets his Rockchucker and 650, and my 550, and LNL. The LNL produced measurably better cartridges. Because of this accuracy, I rarely load ammo on my single stage press’s. My friend with the 650 is a dyed in the wool Dillon man. A while back he sheepishly told me his wife had given him permission to sell the 650 get the LNL. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

August 8, 2010, 08:01 PM	#6
sixxgunnernick Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 247	I can set 4.5 grains and load a bunch of rounds. Leave my 550b sit for a week and it still measures 4.5 grains. __________________ R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio

August 8, 2010, 09:22 PM	#8
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	My only progressive experience is with an early 550, so early that I felt I was part of what we now call Beta testing, if not R&D. There are more choices now but I'd buy a Dillon again, FWIW. __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

August 10, 2010, 01:19 AM	#12
Mike-Mat Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2010 Location: Phoenix area Posts: 361	Had some trouble with my Lee Loadmaster when I first got it. Once I got it setup, it's working great. Excellent press for the money. Money: So What's Your Budget? If I had unlimited funds I'd probably have purchased a Dillon. That would have been about 3-4 times what I spent on my Loadmaster. There is a site specifically about the Loadmaster. Lots of setup videos and refinement suggestions. http://www.loadmastervideos.com/ Mike Mattera __________________ Mike Mattera - Tips For Mfg Video Training For CadCam Systems http://www.tipsforcadcam.com

August 8, 2010, 06:19 PM	#2
glock 2026 Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Posts: 18	I have the dillon 550, and 650 never regret buying ,with component prices now , 550 would be good enough.

August 8, 2010, 07:21 PM	#4
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	Dillon 550

August 8, 2010, 07:49 PM	#5
bkhann Member Join Date: August 5, 2009 Location: Grand Rapids MI Posts: 98	LnL without a doubt. Quality robust product and customer service second to none.

August 8, 2010, 11:05 PM	#9
frumious Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2009 Location: Carrollton TX Posts: 521	I have the RCBS Pro2000 and I like it a lot. The priming system is pretty cool, with the little reusable strips. Mine is manual index, which took some getting used to, but if it ever jams up then it is easier to un-jam than an auto-index. -cls

August 9, 2010, 11:44 PM	#10
Wrangler5 Senior Member Join Date: September 18, 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 326	I've been reloading 38, 357, 9mm and 45ACP for decades on a Lee Loadmaster. You will find Lee equipment is less expensive than Dillon, and the differences become more dramatic the more calibers you add. (Dillon powder measures are more expensive than Lee, and adding one to each tool head runs the costs up quickly. Dillon powder measures are not calibrated, so if you want to just have one and move it to the tool head in use, you have to rework the setting each time you move it.) That said, the Loadmaster can be a bit fussy to keep running for those who are not mechanically inclined. I actually started with a Lee turret press, and will readily recommend one as a starting point for those who want to step up their productivity from a single stage but don't want the initial expense of a full progressive. They can be set to work as a single stage but with a tool head with pre-adjusted dies, or as an automatically indexing press that produces one round with one insertion of the case and 3 or 4 pulls of the handle.

August 10, 2010, 12:46 AM	#11
escard Member Join Date: April 20, 2010 Posts: 44	I worked about 30.000 pieces of different calibered pistol-ammo (.357/.45 LC/.44/.45 ACP) through my RL-550. For me it works just fine, although the weakest point of the 550 seems to be the sliding-bar of the powder measure (I had to replace it twice because of "worn-out-syndroms"....), also, it is a bit fussy to change from large to small priming system.....maybe I will try a LNL (not for replacement, but as a companion to the 550, so there is a ready-to-race large primer & small primer machine there....).

August 10, 2010, 01:44 AM	#13
Bruno2 Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2009 Location: Not saying b/c I dont want any of you crazy people to rob or kill me. Alright it's Tulsa , Oklahoma Posts: 224	The LNL AP is built like a tank. Mine has several grease zurks for keeping the wear off of the stressed points. I like it , but , I went from a Lyman All American turret press built in the 50's(still have it and going strong). Hornady has some of the best customer service out there. I have two shotshell reloaders made by them. I am telling you there cs reps will hang in there with you through thick and thin Graf and sons is running a special on the LNL right now. You get a die wrench, a dust cover and 500 free bullets when you buy one for $399.99. I got mine off Amazon for about $20.00 less and got 1000 bullets with it.

August 10, 2010, 02:20 AM	#14
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	I've had the same Dillon Square Deal for 20 some odd years and have loaded 2 gazzillion rounds in three different calibres...OK...1 gazzillion rounds and Dillon backs its product forever no questions.

August 10, 2010, 03:43 AM	#15
73-Captain Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2007 Posts: 199	I became a member of the blue buffoon battalion and spewed nonsense... Don't think the color of your press was what made you THE buffoon... Since you are STILL spewing nonsense but now about a different products. Instead of spewing your current nonsense and belittling one product, why not just try to show the advantages of your favorite toy?

August 10, 2010, 07:08 AM	#16
RWNielsen Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 116	Click on the brand name tabs at the top. There's a lot of videos showing setup and usage of various machines http://ultimatereloader.com/ __________________ NRA Lifer

August 10, 2010, 08:23 AM	#17
Krieger9 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Howell Michigan Posts: 130	Love mine Love my Load Master. I think only because people gripe about it and it makes me feel like a rebel. Really bad as$ too since I can pump out some rounds. Really though I'm more about convenience than speed. I also find comfort in the adjustments and time I spend initially setting it up. Secret is to having a sizing die in the priming station so add 1 die per caliber to the price. Also works well like 5 single stage presses individually set up for different stages. This should probably be a stickied thread. It appears every couple weeks. I love the sound of my own typing...still.....

August 10, 2010, 03:36 PM	#18
OleEd Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: Mo Posts: 44	Wow, THANKS ALL!! The responses are like the one liners that I have with with the semi-gun guys I shoot with here in MO when I'm shooting my besto .357, S&W 586 "wheel gun . Even though I shot & carried the 1911 in the Marines (60's) and the Army (70s to 85), I always preferred my wheel guns. (But that Kimber "Super Carry" 45 line and the Eclipseis are just down right beautiful and just a bit too $$$$ for this retired artilleryman.) Getting back though to the subject at hand -- I thank you all for your imput. Looks like more pricing and evaluating is needed. Me thinks my son-in-law 45 shooter needs to consider putting some bucks in this investment since he pops about 100 rds when he visits. Again, I thank you Capt and each one for your valued info.

August 10, 2010, 06:09 PM	#19
Bruno2 Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2009 Location: Not saying b/c I dont want any of you crazy people to rob or kill me. Alright it's Tulsa , Oklahoma Posts: 224	Let me say this about Dillon although I have never owned one or loaded on one. I knew a guy that had 2 Dillon presses mouned on his bench at his place of business. The shop burned to the ground one night. He called Dillon and they warrantied his presses.

August 10, 2010, 06:57 PM	#20
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	OleHead, I have loaded on all Dillon models and I currently own a Hornady LNL. I have written a rather long post on my perspective of Dillon vs. Hornady. I have posted it before so I won't clog the website with another post. If you are interested, PM and I'll gladly e-mail you my post. The Blue vs. Red discussion generates a lot of passion and it is difficult to find an objective evaluation. __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill

August 10, 2010, 07:29 PM	#21
rtpzwms Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Location: OTS Posts: 1,035	OleEd how many rounds are we really talking about? 100 1000 10000 per week per month per year Will that remain the same if you reload or will it likely increase? How much time are you willing to use reloading each week? Do you have a budget or is this a moving target? I think collectively we could help you more if you would give us as much information as you feel we have need to know. We all have our pet presses and they all have a lot of great points. But volume will help separate the hardware.

August 10, 2010, 09:48 PM	#23
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	Also, read this: http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillon...Comparison.pdf It's a reasonable comparison. One other item. Mark as "food for thought". I did some VERY LIMITED research. (Meaning I PM'd about 30 guys that posted a KABOOM on the web. KABOOM meaning a blown-up gun.) Anyhow 26 of 30 kabooms were loaded on a manually indexed progressive press. Specifically the Dillon 550. Now understand the KABOOM is not the result of the 550 press. It is a result of manual indexing. Most of these guys claimed they were distracted by wife, kids, phone, news, dog, you name it. And, they did not index and ended up putting a double charge in a pistol case. I's easy to do. Nothing wrong with manual indexing. However, auto-indexing significantly reduces the likelihood of a double charge. AT LEAST THAT'S MY OPINION. __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill

August 11, 2010, 01:21 AM	#24
Mike-Mat Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2010 Location: Phoenix area Posts: 361	I'm pretty deep in my Loadmaster now. But If was starting over I might have spent a little more and bought the Hornady LnL progressive. I like that the primer feeds on the down stroke. Mike __________________ Mike Mattera - Tips For Mfg Video Training For CadCam Systems http://www.tipsforcadcam.com

August 11, 2010, 10:58 AM	#25
bkhann Member Join Date: August 5, 2009 Location: Grand Rapids MI Posts: 98	If you are concerned about double fills of non fills on your progressive press, you should look at the RCBS Lock-Out die. This is a neat device that takes up a die slot on your press. It has an adjustable plunger that you set. If the powder charge is much higher or lower than the set level, the device prevents the case from entering the die, thus effectively stopping the loading process. It will definitely get your attention and at that point you will look at the case and determine why it did not pass. It has caught 1 or 2 cases that did not get charged with powder for me. It normally just mindlessly goes up and down, and you forget about it until there is a problem. IMO, $40 well spent.