Author Topic: Which Progressive? (Read 619 times)

Kentone · « **on:** May 22, 2004, 08:30:51 AM »

Hi Guys,

I have decided to get a progressive press,set it up for 38 special
and load nothing but 38's on it forever!

Having a hard time picking one out.

Your thoughts please.

Thanks and Take Care

Buford · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2004, 08:44:24 AM »

Go with the Dillon Square Deal B - can't beat it - lifetime guarantee - dependable - help available. I have three of them set up for the handgun calibers I shoot the most.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2004, 09:49:27 AM »

I use RCBS and have a couple of progressives set up and running in addition to a few RockChuckers. Traded off the only Dillion I came into, a 650XL.

But considering your criteria, I recommend you choose the Dillon Square Deal as it is an excellent piece of equipment for what you want to do. Although I am happy with my RCBS equipment, Dillon is also first rate top quality equipment you will be very satisified.

Kentone · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2004, 10:08:23 AM »

Hey Tom,

Why did you trade off the 650XL?
Looks like a great machine.

I have a buddy who has one and thinks that is what I should get.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2004, 10:45:50 AM »

Your right, it is a great machine and I had picked it up on a trade, and I found a friend who was using Dillon and could use it. But for me there were too many parts that were incompatable with my RCBS equipment that I am pretty well invested in. I talked to the folks at Dillon (a local company for me and I stop in occasionally) about it and their recommendation that I use their straight wall dies rather than the RCBS ones that I already had. Bottlenecks they said it would not make a difference.

The powder measures (Uniflo's) that I have would have required some working of the linkage systems to interchange. I swap a bit of stuff between units and it's nice to have everything fit together. Even though there are individual differences between die settings among RockChuckers, just about all of mine are the same.

Now if Dillon was available back when I started out, I would probably be all Dillion now.

I have seen and operated that Square Deal at Dillon and it would be perfect for what your stated requirements are. However if you are wanting to load other than one chambering, and can handle the extra cost of the 650, that's the way to go. It's always better to plan ahead and have the capability in case you need it, if you can afford it.

Donna · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2004, 11:40:58 AM »

Looks like I'm in the minority but my vote is on the Hornady. But that is the only one I have had. Got rid of it and went back to the single stage presses because I do too many steps in between.

Donna

Kentone · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2004, 02:50:42 PM »

Just got the june issue of handloader,they have a write-up on the
Hornady AP. Appears to be a fine press, with a life-time warranty
just like Dillion.

Lots to think about.

Maybe it just comes down to what color you like the best?

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2004, 02:58:47 PM »

I know what you mean about the Hornady's. I have a few of their shotgun presses and really like them a lot.

Kentone · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2004, 03:11:12 PM »

Hey Tom,

Do you have any thoughts on the Hornady AP?
Already have one vote for Hornady.

Thanks

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2004, 03:31:47 PM »

Hornady, Dillon, and RCBS all make fine well made equipment with lifetime warranty. There are differences in how they address certain issues and they have come up with good solutions. I don't think you would go wrong with any of these manufactures. Which product you choose would depend upon your usage. I am too far into RCBS metalic cartridge equipment to have try that AP, already have enough to cover all my needs.

There are a couple of others, Lee and Lyman, that I have used and not been at all satisified with the quality and support. I don't have any experience with Redding but hear they are good, and there are probably others that are also excellent buys that just don't come to mind now.

If your requirements are only going to be 38 Special for the future then that Square Deal is probably your best bet.

HeresJohnny · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2004, 01:06:48 PM »

How about a Redding? I've been looking at their T-7 Turret and it seems pretty hefty. Any words of wisdon on their line of equipment?

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2004, 02:29:41 PM »

Johnny, Redding is quality, no question, there are some small differences in a turret press and a progressive, the progressive usually being faster, because you are working on 4-5 cartridges with each pull of the handle.

38 special for ever and ever, no doubt in my mind, Dillon Square Deal B. Bolt it down, adjust the powder measure, MAYBE adjust the seating depth, and start cranking them out. Their claim of 4-500 per hour is definitely doable.

Hcliff · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2004, 07:13:34 AM »

I vote for the dillion. Great machines, even spring are covered under the lifetime warranty. YOu tell them what you need and they just send it. RCBS make great stuff too. I have never used the Hornady press but they make quaility dies.
Any of these machine will work. It is just a matter of what you like.

Hcliff