New Reloader, Progressive or Not??

[broker]

Hi guys, just getting into rifle reloading and wondering whether should go with single stage press like RCBS Rockchucker or go with a Progressive like Dillon 650..  Have been advised that more precision is to be had with Rockchucker type press vs. Progressive Dillon.  I have a .223 which i shoot quite a bit, 7mm Rem Mag, and .300 Ultra.  Most guys i have spoken with really suggest that go with a single stage, although they do not bash Dillon and progressive route. Cost difference is not an issue, i just wonder how much more precision is achieved by not going with a Progressive and are the gains really noticeable. would appreciate your advice. thank you.

[KN]

For rifle rounds all I ever use is a single stage. I prefere to re-clean my brass between sizing and priming so a progressive is not much good to me. I do all my 45's and 9mm's on a square deal but I usually load 600+ at a time. If I'm only loading a couple of hundred then I dont feel like its worth the effort to set up a progressive.  KN

[hans g./UpS]

You might consider the Redding turret press.Current one has 7 positions, older ones have 6.Allows one to set up two die sets or a die set,plus universal decapper and separate crimper[if necessary].Good quality [single stage] press[and dies].

[newfalguy101]

I generally suggest that people who are just entering the wonderful and mysterious world of reloading should get a good single stage, then after they have had a chance to learn from their mistakes, move up to a progressive if they feel they need to.

I have been using a RCBS single stage for bout 10 years and have been very happy, I am considering going to a Dillon, either the AT500  or the 550.

As far as accuracy is concerned, I have read that with a GOOD progressive that is set up correctly  there isnt really much of a diference in the final product.

[Alice Cooper]

by all means, start with a single stage, you'll still need it from time to time when you get a progressive.after loading with a single for 30 years, i got a dillon 550....it's like magic!but i still load some on the single, stuff i don't shoot massive amounts of, like 44 magnums.you can get a real deal on old single stages ,mine was 25 bucks, with a set of scales and dies, barely used..it's set up right next to the dillon right now....

[Thomas Krupinski]

Actually you really need both.  But you can make do with either if you make comprimises with their functionality.  They are just different types of tools that have different qualities.  I load handgun and .223 on my smaller progressive and larger rifle and handgun on the larger Ammomaster.  It's nice to leave a rig set up for a while when you have multiple projects going on.

I have a bunch of single stage presses on my benches and a couple of progressives.  My presses are 98% RCBS, I really like their warranty and service.  However Dillon, a local company, also has excellent quality and service but I feel their stuff although excellent in design and construction is too complicated for what I do.

[New Hampshire]

I say go with a Lee turret press.  This press allows you to load in a single stage fashion or, by simply adding the rod, you can turn it into an automatic indexing press.  They are much more cheaper than a progressive.  Get the feel for what your doing first.  Then when the time comes and you feel your shooting quantity rates it, then go with a progressive.
Brian M.