Clovishound
Blackhawk
Well, I've reached the point where I'm considering a progressive. This will likely be something I will dither about for months, so I might as well get started now.
I've looked at the stats and the videos and I have a couple of questions and observations for those that actually have one of these beasts.
Before I get started let me throw out one ground rule.
NO DILLON SUGGESTIONS.
I'm just not going there and will ignore any posts suggesting such. If you are happy with your Dillon, I'm happy for you, but I will never own one and will not discuss it.
I have looked at the Lee Loadmaster and the Hornady Lock and Load.
I know the Lee has a reputation as being finicky. I can live with a little of that, but don't want to be twiddling with it every 20 minutes. The big question I have is using a powder check die. I use one on my turret press and really like the confidence it gives as a last ditch check on powder throws. I know there is room on the 5 hole plate for one, but the videos make it look like it would be awkward to place a bullet on a case in the last station, if I use the fourth station for the powder check and then us a seat/crimp for the 5th. Anybody done this? I know I can rig up a light for deep cases and do a visual, but I really like the powder check dies.
Moving on to the Hornady. It looks like a good machine. It costs more, but I can live with that. I would also have to repurchase all my dies, as the common dies I use are Lee and won't work on the LNL. Not a huge deal, as I would probably only load 3 calibers on the progressive. These are my 3 high volume pistol calibers. I have two questions. First, it looks awkward putting the case in the first station and getting it under the keeper spring. Is this true, or just looks that way? The case feeder for it is expensive, and looks cumbersome. The other issue is the position for placing the bullet also looks awkward as it is right next to the frame. Again, is this the case, or just look that way on the videos?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
I've looked at the stats and the videos and I have a couple of questions and observations for those that actually have one of these beasts.
Before I get started let me throw out one ground rule.
NO DILLON SUGGESTIONS.
I'm just not going there and will ignore any posts suggesting such. If you are happy with your Dillon, I'm happy for you, but I will never own one and will not discuss it.
I have looked at the Lee Loadmaster and the Hornady Lock and Load.
I know the Lee has a reputation as being finicky. I can live with a little of that, but don't want to be twiddling with it every 20 minutes. The big question I have is using a powder check die. I use one on my turret press and really like the confidence it gives as a last ditch check on powder throws. I know there is room on the 5 hole plate for one, but the videos make it look like it would be awkward to place a bullet on a case in the last station, if I use the fourth station for the powder check and then us a seat/crimp for the 5th. Anybody done this? I know I can rig up a light for deep cases and do a visual, but I really like the powder check dies.
Moving on to the Hornady. It looks like a good machine. It costs more, but I can live with that. I would also have to repurchase all my dies, as the common dies I use are Lee and won't work on the LNL. Not a huge deal, as I would probably only load 3 calibers on the progressive. These are my 3 high volume pistol calibers. I have two questions. First, it looks awkward putting the case in the first station and getting it under the keeper spring. Is this true, or just looks that way? The case feeder for it is expensive, and looks cumbersome. The other issue is the position for placing the bullet also looks awkward as it is right next to the frame. Again, is this the case, or just look that way on the videos?
Thanks in advance for your replies.