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Letter Re: Progressive Presses

HJL,

Regarding your answer on progressive presses [1]; not to start a Red vs. Green vs. Blue war (this is a reference to the colors of different brands of reloading presses), but there are some other considerations to take into account. Here’s a link to a paper that compares [2] three popular progressive presses.

I was considering purchasing the Hornady LNL AP but decided to go with another option. I upgraded from a single stage press to the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press [3]. It’s a compromise between a single stage and a true progressive press. You have to pull the handle four times to make a completed round of ammunition, compared to a single pull on a progressive. In reality, it’s theoretical rate of production is about half that of a progressive press. However, its simpler design translates into higher reliability.

HJL responds: While purchase price is significant on something like this, there were other concerns that I weighed as well. I have used Dillon presses for 30 years and have watched their warranty polices change the market. I do have some brand loyalty there. While other manufacturers are now offering much of the same warranty that Dillon does, it wasn’t always that way. With that said, I am well aware of many of the presses short comings that are listed in the article that you reference. I have owned all of the Dillon lineup except the Square Deal B. I eventually sold the RL1050 because it was too expensive and too difficult for caliber changes. I would consider that one a specialty press that can be set up for large runs of one caliber. I sold my original RL550 but purchased another after I sold the 1050 because caliber changes on it are a piece of cake– easier than any other progressive I have used. I use my XL650 for largish runs of a caliber, but most of my load development is done on the RL550 because it can be used in the same fashion as a single stage or a turret press.

All of the deficiencies mentioned in the article comparing presses have been addressed by third parties, and some of them are pretty ingenious:

While many of the press enhancements require a considerable outlay of cash, many can be done with a little elbow grease like polishing the powder funnel [16]. Also, while many of these improvements are specific to Dillon, some are also available for other presses as well. A simple Internet search on press enhancements yields a plethora of data. In the end, a progressive press is one of the most expensive investments that a person reloading their own ammo will make. Like the author of your letter suggests, you get what you pay for.