Single stage or Progressive press

[Billett]

I have recently put my FAC, so now with a 6 month wait I have some time to work out what I want. I looking to possibly get a Marlin 1894c and load my own ammo.

 

Looking at presses, what are the benefits if any or using a progressive press over a single stage? Or does it come down to preference

[Guest cookoff013]

Progressive = lots of ammo quick.

Single = ammo.

[phaedra1106]

Progressive = very quick ammunition (100rnds in 15-20 mins easily) + somewhat more difficult setup and a steep learning curve if/when things go wrong. If you know someone who has one and can help with the setup and show you the ins and out then go for it.

 

Single stage = time to see what's happening and very easy to use, can be used on virtually any calibre round you can think of.

 

Turret press = in between the two above, still simple to set up and use and produces ammo at a good rate, can be used on rifle cartridges to around 30-06 if you get the right press.

Edited June 27, 2015 by phaedra1106

[Billett]

Thanks. I thought the progressive might be a little more involved. I might just stick with a single stage

[sitsinhedges]

Once you've used a progressive using a single stage soon becomes a chore but a single stage is good to learn the process with.

[Livefast123]

Personally I would stick with a single stage until you know the processes and are confident in what you are doing and even then it depends how many rounds you'll be getting through a month. The chance of a mistake is multiplied by using automated presses and a mistake usually ends up in a KB especially with fast pistol powder.

 

I reload around 200 rounds of .44 Magnum amonth on a single stage Lee hand press with their carbide dies. It's a nice escape from family life and a bit of man time. The worst part of the process is cleaning the cases.

[cervusman]

If you get a progressive, you can use it as a single press to get use to it, and as you do you can start using as a progressive. I use a Dillon 550, and I can load 500 to 600 44mag rounds an hour, or load my rifle rounds as a single or progressive.