SPECIAL FEATURE: PART THREE UNDER PRESSURE

Created on 14th May 2009

In the final part of this special feature on handloading presses, LAURIE HOLLAND looks at turret and progressive models

Finishing this review off, we have a couple more turret models to look at before moving onto progressives. While the Redding T7 conforms to the same layout as most competitors, its reputation and price put it into a different bracket, allegedly suitable for the same sorts of jobs as the big, rigid O-frame designs. The C-H 444 models are unusual designs that employ a fixed tool-head, with the user switching the case between easily accessible positions on a shellholder platen.

Progressives

Our final category of mainstream press is the progressive. Not everybody makes the type - C-H, Forster, Lyman and Redding all give it a miss. We do have a new maker though - Dillon Precision Products Inc of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Like turret presses, dies are set up in the press beforehand to undertake multiple operations, but the dies and powder measure remain static on the top of the frame. Multiple cases (four or five are the norm, but it can run from three to eight depending on the press) are held by a rotating platen or base-plate that moves the case onto the next work station with each pull of the handle. A completed cartridge is manually removed (or automatically ejected by the press) while a new unsized example is inserted at the first station. A shellplate is used to hold cases on the platen, and this has to be changed if the press is re-set to load cartridges with a different case-head diameter. A powder measure and special mounting/operating die are normally provided, the latter also flaring the case-mouth when loading straight-wall cartridges. All models are supplied with dedicated magazine priming systems that usually require a complete assembly, or at the very least some parts swapped on changing the press to load a cartridge employing a different primer size.

A progressive's USP is high-output, so private individuals primarily use them for loading pistol cartridges. Some handle shorter rifle cartridges like .223 Remington; a few support everything excluding .50 Browning-sized numbers. The most expensive models can load very high volumes of both rifle and pistol ammunition but the outlay and complexity can only be justified by abnormally high-volume users or commercial operators. Manufacturer-quoted outputs are best treated as ‘cyclic rates' as they rarely take account of time spent on replenishing component supplies, especially filling primer magazine tubes. Realistic outputs range from around 300 to 1,000 rounds per hour, depending on the model and accessories employed.

A couple of models don't auto-index, such as Dillon's bestselling RL-550B and the RCBS Pro 2000. This means you rotate the base and shellplate assembly manually rather than have the machine do it for you through a cam attached to the ram. This may seem inferior, but experienced progressive users disagree, some even considering it a plus. Auto-index offers no benefit unless an automatic case-feeder is also in use, as the hand has to be taken off the handle anyway after each stroke to slot a new case onto the shellplate. Manual indexing simplifies the machine and its operation, allows slower and smoother rotation and makes it much easier to ‘backtrack' to sort (inevitable) problems out safely.

Many users only load one cartridge on their progressive, but those who intend to load several must consider the cost, practicalities and time required to switch calibres. For example, does the press employ detachable tool-heads, and at what cost to allow a quick die-switch? How much does a new case-index kit cost if required, and how simple and quick is the operation to switch the shellplate? What is involved in changing the priming mechanism if a different size is involved? Also worth considering is ease and speed of the powder measure recalibration for a new cartridge or different load.

There are concerns about progressives, which are mainly issues of powder-charging reliability, priming feed and seating problems. The former is to do with the odd cartridge turned out lacking powder, or having a double charge. Special dies with a protruding rod to show the powder level, or even employing an electric warning buzzer, can sometimes be used. Priming concerns are about feed reliability; the primer always facing correctly before seating in the pocket; making the operator aware that the magazine is nearly empty (most designs use enclosed metal tubes); and lack of ‘feel'. As a general rule, new or inexperienced handloaders are advised to avoid this type of press and cut their teeth instead on single-stage or turret types.

Dillon presses

Dillon offers one dedicated pistol, three pistol and rifle loaders, and one shotgun cartridge loader, the SL-900. The company specialises in progressives and has a reputation for good design, quality manufacturing and machines that are user-friendly and reliable. There is a lifetime ‘no B.S. guarantee' in which any major non-electrical component that wears out is replaced, even for second and subsequent owners. It has made its presses as foolproof as possible and provides purchasers with assistance including an instructional video at a low price. The purchase of some factory accessories should be seriously considered as they enhance press ergonomics and output. All presses are supplied with the company's design of priming mechanism. They also come with an adjustable Dillon charge-bar-based powder measure and mounting/operating die incorporating an interchangeable ‘powder funnel' suited to the specified cartridge. The company makes four sizes of charge bars and provides the middle two as standard, covering around 2-60gn charges. On those models where dies are not provided the purchaser must still specify the cartridge to get the press fitted with the correct shellplate, powder measure mounting/case expand die and powder funnel. Dillon manufactures a full range of dies that have a good reputation and are designed for optimal progressive press operation, allowing easy disassembly for cleaning without altering settings.

There is no UK importer, but the factory will supply customers directly and large or specialist retailers can be approached to arrange import and supply if required.

Speciality and portable presses

Various small precision presses are available and are suitable for covered firing-point loading for benchrest shooting and similar. A selection is shown with the manufacturer listed (the Sinclair arbour-type press with Wilson hand dies will be looked at in depth in a future Handloading feature).

 

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