1050 vs single stage for 223

[Shrinkmd]

I have seen different threads, but not necessarily comparing the apples and oranges I am using.

I am currently making up my 223 loads pn my Redding Ultramag single stage, as I am testing powders and bullets. At some point, however, I want to ramp up production. As I posted in https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/realistic-55-gr-fmj-bt-accuracy-in-plain-ar.842286/ I am shooting through a service rifle type AR with my ACOG, so even with a better rest on the way soon, I will still be limited by that 4x and chrome lined barrel.

Will I be losing any accuracy if I use my 1050 for swaging, priming, powder, and bullet seating? I plan on sizing on the single stage, and then using the Giraud trimmer I am fixing to order next week. My current range only goes out to 200 yards.

I'm curious if people have experience using the 1050 or other progressives for their match ammo, fancier bullets, etc, and how much real difference they see and at what ranges?

 

[frankmako]

i do all my match rifle loads on a several single stage presses, rcbs charge master and/or rcbs uniflow powder drop. the system that i use i can make a lot fast. for all my match pistol ammo i use a dillon 550. but i go slow and take my time with the dillon.

 

[FROGO207]

There is only so much accuracy you can get from a semi auto load and I would think a progressive would be OK for the distances you shoot. Using a bolt rifle, neck sizing only, and shooting 1000 YD targets then I would put a LOT more into each round on a single stage press with LOTS more brass prep and taking time to weigh things like brass, bullets, and charges. YMMV

 

[giggitygiggity]

I have seen different threads, but not necessarily comparing the apples and oranges I am using.

I am currently making up my 223 loads pn my Redding Ultramag single stage, as I am testing powders and bullets. At some point, however, I want to ramp up production. As I posted in https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/realistic-55-gr-fmj-bt-accuracy-in-plain-ar.842286/ I am shooting through a service rifle type AR with my ACOG, so even with a better rest on the way soon, I will still be limited by that 4x and chrome lined barrel.

Will I be losing any accuracy if I use my 1050 for swaging, priming, powder, and bullet seating? I plan on sizing on the single stage, and then using the Giraud trimmer I am fixing to order next week. My current range only goes out to 200 yards.

I'm curious if people have experience using the 1050 or other progressives for their match ammo, fancier bullets, etc, and how much real difference they see and at what ranges?

If you see any difference in accuracy as a result of using a progressive instead of a single stage, it will likely be minimal. In theory, single stage presses have less potential for inconsistency as every step is performed separately and there is greater opportunity to ensure quality control and consistency. However, a properly configured and operated progressive press can reload ammo that is just as accurate.

 

[Soupy44]

I asked similar questions about my setup for service rifle. The advice I got was there is little benefit to single loading 200 and 300 yard ammo as long as you're using a powder that meters well. I'm sure there are many lists here for stick powders that don't get along with Dillon powder measures. I personally use TAC powder under 77gr SMKs. It meters well enough for my needs shooting EIC matches for Service rifle. I even use it for 600y and I don't see any fliers I can't explain with wind or the nut behind the sights being loose.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

If your looking for precision to a degree then there is nothing wrong with a 1050 setup. Powder choice would be the most important factor next to a good bullet. What I mean is metering and temperature sensitivity. If the powder meters well and on both sides of the node and your load is on with acceptable accuracy you have a great formula for success. Trimming aside do you anneal? Annealing is not just about case life it insures consistent neck tension. Here's a perfect scenario as an example. Varget ( an extreme line of powders that are not temp sensitive) load with a .3" variance in group size within .3 grains of powder on both sides of the load you have. Your going to need that +/- .3 gr to stay within the margin of accuracy combined wih a powder that stays within 15-20 FPS from below freezing to 115 degrees. Anneal your cases every load. Setup a 1050 and your rocking and rolling.

 

[someguy2800]

With a chrome lined AR with an acog you won't be able to tell a bit of difference. If you really want to speed up production you could just get the dillon trimmer that mounts on the press and do the whole reloading cycle in one go through.

 

[cheygriz]

For the last 25 years I have used a Dillon 650 for all of my .223, .308, and 6MM Remington loads. The 6MM loads shoot 3/8 MOA.

I size/decap on an Ultramax, then everything else on the Dillon.

 

[RandyP]

I suspect that there are a small number of 1000 yard benchrest competition shooters who truly benefit from 'custom' ammunition. I can attest that I am not one of them - lol. I have also read that a 1000 yard record was set many years ago by a shooter using a Lee 'whack-a-mole' loader for his ammo. I doubt most of us could discern a big difference in ammo made by various makes and models of reloading machines.

I subscribe to the notion that it ain't the arrow, it's the archer.

Caveat - Every time I have gone handgun or rifle paper punching in the last 5 or so decades there has been no trophy or cash prize on the line sufficient for me to fret over "MOA's" - honest to Pete, I REALLY enjoy just plinking for fun and maintaining MOD (Minute of Dead) accuracy.

If a MEGA-MUCHO buck Dillon 1050 can't churn out quality reliable ammo? Then there's something wrong with the world - lol

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If a MEGA-MUCHO buck Dillon 1050 can't churn out quality reliable ammo? Then there's something wrong with the world - lol

Hard to argue with that statement.

 

[taliv]

i'm gonna have to non-concur with nearly every post above. i have owned 3 dillon 1050s, two of which were set up for 223rem, and i have my distinguished badge and have shot F-class and past ten years mostly do PRS style competitions and every round i've shot in competition was loaded on a single stage. there is no way i would use the 1050 for any precision reloading. i don't know ANYONE competitive in any of those disciplines that uses a 650 or 1050 or any progressive for precision reloading. I do however, know a bunch of dudes that use a dillon 550.

i am not knocking the dillon any more than i would knock a corvette because it isn't a good choice for hauling concrete to job sites.

if i were to use the dillon, it would basically only be good for sizing. i'd hand prime. i'd weigh each charge. i seat on an arbor press. no crimp. no swaging of primer pockets. and if you're shooting a case like 223 that you need to trim often, you'll have to pull that out and put it back in after the sizing station.

it's altogether a bad idea.

 

[Soupy44]

I think there are two discussions going on here. Will hand loading be more consistent and precise than on a 1050, absolutely.

Will taking the time saved loading on a 1050 and putting it into training time give you better groups due to your ability, absolutely.

I simply believe the training time will yield more gains than spending that time on ammo. Train until you can see what the 1050 might lack vs the single stage.

 

[jmorris]

I am shooting through a service rifle type AR with my ACOG..
Will I be losing any accuracy if I use my 1050 for swaging, priming, powder, and bullet seating?...
My current range only goes out to 200 yards.

You certainly won’t be able to tell any difference at 200 yards, even if you are using an extruded powder that doesn’t meter well in a Dillon measure.

I load my 3 gun ammo on a 1050, big difference in load time vs a SS and won more than a few matches. The projectile makes more difference that what kind of press you load it on, all else being equal.

This loading on a bullet fed one after size/trim pass on a 650.

 

[Shrinkmd]

It sounds like an AR15 with Acog 4x at 200 yards and a 1050 go together nicely, once the powder/bullet combo has been optimized. I want to practice more, with ammo tuned for my gun. I am amazed at how much better my current Hornady 55 fmjbt load shoots than the factory Wolf or Prvi M193 I have. I think it’s time to start sizing all those cases, while I wait for the power trimmer.