I would like to buy a progressive press.
it would mainly be used for rifle ammo.
With so many to choose from i thought i
might get some help here!I also would like to keep the price under 500.00.
Thanks !

Definitely go with a Dillon press. I use a 550b model, with no complaints.

http://dillonprecision.com/default.cfm?

I used a Hornady Projector for years. It was just "ok". I now have a Dillon and much prefer it. I bought it second hand and have not had really any problems with it. The few i have had (including an ordering error on my part, didnt order enough parts, LOL!) they fixed ASAP on their nickle! The one time that i had parts breakagke on the Hornady, they sent me the parts and then 2 days later i got a bill, never told me there was a charge for them, just sent a bill. The single biggest problem i had with the Projector was the priming system. It seemed that it always went out of adjustment and needed attention.....

[ 08-04-2003, 05:25: Message edited by: MSSmagnum ]

I would suggest a Hornady Projector. It is way less complicated than the Dillon and has the same warranty.
The Hornady has way fewer parts and is much simpler to set up for a new caliber for the first time. A new caliber will cost less as well.
Having said that I do own a Dillon 650 and a Hornady Projector (pre lock-n-load) . The dillon stays set for 10mm and the Hornady does all my varmint calibers and the remainder of my pistol reloading
I do like both machines and would not part with either, but when you see all of the parts in the Dillon it can be over whelming.

I'v only used,other than a Piggyback(doesn't count ) a 550B and wish I would bought it long ago. I got it here http://www.eguns.com/Dillon_Precision/RL550B/rl550b.html
cheaper than Dillon,and have had great service and tech help also.
J

Mine is older than dirt, it's a RL 450. I've been using it since 1980, and have NO complaints. Dillon makes THE BEST progressive press.

Some will tell you they are for pistol/revolver calibres only, and they are full of prunes,(or sour grapes) depending upon who is complaining. I've loadad from .338 Win to .223 Rem, and as always, the press does its part well.

Dillon has:
-the best progressive press made
-excellent accessories
-the best customer service
-the best reputation
-expert assistance 800-223-4570

Request a catalog 800-762-3844. You will be happy with their products.

[ 08-04-2003, 17:47: Message edited by: packrat ]

Without a doubt...DILLON!!!

I had a bad experience with an older RCBS "PiggyBaack 1. The thing just would not work.
From what I can tell about Dillon, it may use some of the same "flemzy" technology.
The only RCBS I would buy is their old discontinued 4x4.
I like the HORNADY Projector/LNL Progressive. It seems to have a more stable platform.

At thr risk that all will be jumping on me :
My LEE Loadmaster works just fine with some "finetuning" and care.I only loaded 45 ACP so far but I`ve set it up for 357 Mag. and assume it will work too.
Just my 2 cents worth ......J�rgen

Madison,

O.K., I'll bite, just what are you making reference to when you say; "From what I can tell about Dillon, it may use some of the same "flemzy" technology."?

[ 08-06-2003, 21:16: Message edited by: Byron ]

Dillon is the only way to go. Even if there product were not the best their customer service damn sure is. RCBS also has excellent cutomer service as well. I will never buy another reloading product from Hornady. I bought a defective priming tool from them and they charged me for the parts to fix it. Their reloading dies are a piece of crap as well. Never again. Yes the RCBS Piggyback was a piece of crap but I have had excellent luck with all their other products as well as Dillon.

Dillon, enough said. Well I got my 650 not too long ago and LOVE it. You will not be sorry with a Dillon.

Brian

I have the older Piggy-Back, 4X4, green machine and AmmoMaster presses by RCBS. I have to admit that the piggy-back is really Mickey mouse. The green machine is so,so but is nice to have the brass feed semi-automatic. The 4X4 I use to lube, size and prime my varmit loads. The Ammo-master is great! I have extra primer tubes so it will load up to 400-450 rounds of S&W 40 with out a hitch in an hour or less. I even get up to about 300 rounds loading 223 for my mini-14. Ever time that I have lost a part or broken one, RCBS has come through with excellent service at no charge.

I have a Dillon 550 and love it. If I was to buy another press it would be an identical Dillon 550 just so I could have one setup for small primers and the other one for large primers. Last year, I loaded a pile of 06' ammo for my Son's rifle and mine, His Rem 721 would shoot 3 shots into .32", My two Mausers went into around .8".
My only complaint is that they don't have a caliber conversion kit for 470NE, but the R&D depts is working on presently for me.