So what exactly makes a press progressive?
Jon
Jon, there are multiple stages to reloading. The first stage punches the old primer out of the brass, second stage reshapes the brass, third stage seats a new primer, then adds powder, inserts the bullet, etc, etc. Each different stage is completed with a different tool or die (for the most part).
With a single stage press, there is only one die in the press at a given time. That means if you're reloading 500 rounds of .40, you have to perform 500 operations (each with the pull of a slot-machine-like handle), change the die, perform 500 more operations on the same 500 pieces of brass, change the die, perform 500 more operations, etc, etc. With a progressive press, there are multiple stations in one machine, each with a different die already installed, and a rotating plate that moves the brass from station to station. Each time you pull the handle, all stations are activated at the same time.
So if you have to perform 5 functions to reload a case, in order to reload 500 cartridges, a single stage press would require 2500 actions (5 x 500). Plus you need to setup and break down between every step. A progressive only requires 500, and you only have to set it up once.
Furthermore, there are different types of progressive presses - the higher up you go, the more and more is automated. With some presses (I think the Dillon 550 falls into this category), you have to rotate the plate from station to station - with my 650, it rotates automatically ("self indexing" I believe is what they call it). That's one less manual step. With some presses, you have to feed the brass by hand - my press has an automatic case feeder. Again, the more you can automate, the faster you can go, the less fatigue you feel, and (this can be argued) the less room for error. With my 650, one hand feeds the bullets, the other pulls the handle - that's all I have to do.
you can start on a small single stage. find out whether you like reloading and are comfortable with it. Lee makes inexpensive single stages. Then step up to a progressive like a Dillon or LEE.
Not to pick on you, Supermoto, but from my perspective, I didn't get into reloading because I like to do it. And if I started loading with a single stage press, I would have quickly learned to disliked reloading, and would have either sold the press for a progressive, or given up entirely.
I should also say that I knew NOTHING about reloading when I started. I got a quick lesson from Ted at Northeast Trading, watched the video that came with my machine, and I was up and running in one afternoon. Within a week, I was 'comfortable.'
You can also take a free reloading clinic from Kittery Trading Post - they have one set (a beginner and intermediate class - I suggest both) scheduled for September.
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