kmw1954
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There is always a Factor to Consider for everything in life.
Seems all you did here was provide examples.
The best solution is mostly a matter of opinion. Unless of course there is only one option..
Quick Question: Cheap Progressive Press
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There is always a Factor to Consider for everything in life.
Seems all you did here was provide examples.
The best solution is mostly a matter of opinion. Unless of course there is only one option..
LiveLife
Member
If you want consistency of OAL, another factor to consider is the design of where the ram is placed to minimize shell plate tilt/deflection.
Most progressive presses utilize ram under the center of shell plate/subplate and when operated while resizing brass, differing amount of resizing force can apply different amount of shell plate tilt/deflection to vary the bullet seating depth/OAL. And for this reason, you can improve OAL variance by using pre-resized brass to reduce/minimize shell plate tilt/deflection.
Surprisingly, the "humble" 3 station Pro 1000 with smallest shell plate utilizes floating shell plate "offset" ram design under station #1 so resizing force has less affect on bullet seating depth/OAL variance and when full force is applied, shell plate engages the shell plate surface "flat" as "floating shell plate" makes contact. (ABLP/Pro 4000 also utilizes "offset" ram design under station #1)
In this "Myth Busting Pre-Resized Brass Affect On OAL Variance - Progressive Press" thread, use of consistent nose profile/ogive RMR bullets, Pro 1000 produced .002"-.003" OAL variance with mixed range brass and .001" with pre-resized brass - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...progressive-press.833604/page-2#post-10779806
I'd say not bad for "cheapest" progressive press and reason why I have used Pro 1000 to reload most of THR myth busting/range testing rounds:
BLAZER - 9mm RMR 115 gr FMJ:
Pro 1000 shell plate carrier showing ram hole offset under station #1 (Center hole is used for hex rod/nylon ratchet gear mechanism)- Regular: 1.115" - 1.118" = .003" OAL variance
- Pre-resized: 1.115" - 1.116' = .001' OAL variance
- Regular; 1.115' - 1.118" = .003" OAL variance
- Pre-resized: 1.115" - 1.116' = .001" OAL variance
- Regular: 1.114" - 1.117" = .003" OAL variance
- Pre-resized: 1.114" - 1.115" = .001" OAL variance
- Regular: 1.070" - 1.072" = .002" OAL variance
- Pre-resized: 1.069" - 1.070 = .001 OAL variance
ABLP/Pro 4000 exploded diagram showing ram hole under station #1 (long case slide ramp) and space center of shell plate is used for auto-adjusting index mechanism.
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jmorris
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There was a time when I had loaded with every progressive that one could buy new. The “cliff notes” version is that Dillon’s were more problem free than the others and also cost more. The Lee’s were on the other end, the least expensive and required more user input during setup to get great results. Everything else fell in between.
I spent a lot of time figuring out how to get this loadmaster to run like it did.
The beauty of the design only came after I figured out how to make it work right and understood what increases in machining and material costs it took to get the other progressive press mechanics, that make them “better” to a larger group of users.
I spent a lot of time figuring out how to get this loadmaster to run like it did.
The beauty of the design only came after I figured out how to make it work right and understood what increases in machining and material costs it took to get the other progressive press mechanics, that make them “better” to a larger group of users.
jmorris
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Certainly worth checking, there are also some progressives that use shell plates like the one on the left. Note the case doesn’t sit “in” the shell plate, like others. You could throw the shell plate in the trash and it wouldn’t make a difference in “tilt”. The only reason it is there is to locate the cases, radially, and remove them from the various dies.
To most all that reload, none of that makes any difference. If it makes them feel better thinking it does, it doesn’t hurt anyone…
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kmw1954
Member
Congrats on the purchase. I purchased the Pro4000 because of a 45acp I was having problems and the FCD helped relieve that. Then also have a Pro1000 and the Value turret press, I find the Pro4000 as a hi bred of both. In my view if they would have stayed with the full metal carrier of the Pro1000 it would be a complete winner.
You are incorrect in that a 380, #4 shellplate is needed along with the Powder Thu die. I have used mine with both the Auto Drum and Auto Disk.
You are incorrect in that a 380, #4 shellplate is needed along with the Powder Thu die. I have used mine with both the Auto Drum and Auto Disk.
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N555
Member
The lee got marked down to two fiddy and has free shipping!? I would buy the Lee and just use it to: 1st flare (range pickup cases are sometimes crushed a bit and sizing a crushed case will put a fold in the brass), then size+deprime, next flare and last deprime again just to make sure. Cause at least 1 or 2 out of a hundred cases I get a primer that sticks to the Decaping pin some how and tries to go back in its hole and I have to hit it with the deprimer it again.
Yeah I hear the Lee kind of stinks for going from fired cases to live ammo in one go around, but I like doing things like wet pin tumbling and hand priming so I know every single primer is seated good before it becomes live ammo. Trying to seat primers on live ammo, so much fun.
LiveLife
Member
Yes on #4 shell plate - https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-41Mg-Powder-Through/dp/B008B3J496
And this mod for universal case feeder to prevent tipping of .223 cases - https://support.leeprecision.net/en...ase-feeding-using-universal-case-feeder-90242
Quick change steel bushings for fast die swap out - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012849384/
Not these aluminum bushings even though they have built in lock ring (Unless you prefer bushings with built-in lock rings) - https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISIO...e+quick+change+bushings&qid=1648440275&sr=8-1
And here's Lee's Ultimate Lock Rings - https://www.midwayusa.com/s?searchTerm=lee+ultimate+lock+ring
And congrats!
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Mark_Mark
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i can’t wait to set it up and take photos!
kmw1954
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I do not believe that is the powder thru die.
https://www.titanreloading.com/product/lee-long-charging-die/
https://www.titanreloading.com/product/lee-long-charging-die/
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Mark_Mark
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kmw1954
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No, that was just the link I clicked on. All the Lee 3 die pistol sets come with one. The rifle one does not flair.
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Mark_Mark
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Strange, I remember buying the RGB .223 2 die set and it came as a 3.
Short Charging Die… No? won’t work?
kmw1954
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If there is a short charging die in there it will work as that is what I use. When I bought dies I bought the 2 die.
kmw1954
Member
This from the Lee web site;
https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/rgb-dies/
So it looks like the new die sets do not include a charging die.
https://leeprecision.com/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/rgb-dies/
So it looks like the new die sets do not include a charging die.
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Mark_Mark
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I bought these on Amazon 3-6 months ago because they were on really good sale $13 if I recall they were supposed to be 2 die set. I never pay any attention to them until this morning and seen it was a 3 die set! LUCKY ME!
Now I just need the #4 Shell holder and I should be good.
I also bought a bullet feeder a few months back for the Pro 1000 hoping to retrofit it to Lee APP press. You think they will work in the Pro 4000?
thump_rrr
Member
Bottom die should be a factory crimp die.
Near the base it should say Lee and the caliber.
The little piece near the bullet seating die at the top looks like the powder drop insert for a Hornady
powder measure
Lee rifle dies don’t come with a powder insert.
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Mark_Mark
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I’m just going to buy the short and long set and some Shell Plates and call it a day!
kmw1954
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Keep in mind that the #4 plate/shell holder with work with 380 and 223, others will interchange as well.
gifbohane
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There is definitely something wrong with me. If I was standing in front of a Dillon 650 or 750, I would buy it on the spot.Even though I do not need it for the type of loading that I do.
Actually, I have examined the Dillons many times and they do not meet my needs at all. Too much on and off the press in my process.
Actually, I have examined the Dillons many times and they do not meet my needs at all. Too much on and off the press in my process.
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