Precision Progressive

[FireKracker50]

I've been running a Dillon 1050 Super for 19 years and load 9mm, 38Sp, 40S&W and 45ACP, all dies, powder measures and bullet feeder drop tubes on their own toolhead.

All loads are made to a power factor that I like.

For powder drop consistency I mount a aquarium bubbler to the hopper.

All of my rifle loads are done on an RCBS RockChuker from the 1970"s with weighed powder charges, one at a time.

I like the aquarium bubbler idea. Anything to provide some vibration may prove to settle the powder to on constant state throughout the entire reloading session. Im surprised someone hasn't marketed this already.

 

[neckturner]

The 2 presses I have looked into the most are the Dillon xl750 with case feed, Mr bullet mini feeder, as well as the quick change tool head and caliber changover kit for 9mm, 223, 224 Valk (however i havent found that or 6.8 spc), and 7WSM.
Ive also looked into the Hornady LnL ammo plant as it seems like a rather turn key solution.

Which will give me the best ammo consistency?

I think the LNL AP. I've used that, a Dillon 650, a Lee, and a Dillon 1050. The LNL AP is also easier to change calibres and do load develpoment.

Will I sacrifice precision with the Hornady LnL Ammo plant over the XL750?

No.

Thanks everyone for your time and opinions.

Here is an older but somewhat relevant review: https://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

From page 17 regarding loading .223: "Runout averages .0017”, OAL standard deviation using a Sinclair comparator is 0.0007” (using Hdy 75gr HPBT), and velocity standard deviation is about 12fps – all with banged-up brass from a precision AR15 upper."

So precision will be fine.

 

[CJ6]

I have RCBS, REDDING, FORESTER presses. Excluding the Forester all the other presses benefited from either O rings under the die or O rings built into the lock ring.

 

[jpjulian]

When I was competing in NRA & CMP Highpower I loaded countless thousands of rounds on a Hornady Projector progressive, pre-LNL model. I did not seat primers progressively however as I did that operation by hand. I was not handicapped in any way with ammo loaded in a progressive press. Neither was anyone else I know.

 

[Hoser]

I use a Dillon 1100 or a 550 for all my ammo outside 470 Nitro and 50 BMG.

Anything that will be shot past 400-500 yards gets loaded on my 550.

These presses are plenty capable to seat primers with exceptional accuracy. The 1100 might have the edge when you put a case hold down over the case due to the way the priming system works.

I do not use the Dillon powder measures, I use an autotrickler or a Prometheus. When the case pokes through the toolhead I add powder. No need to remove the case or anything. That said, a tuned Dillon powder measure will give excellent consistency with small kernel/flake powder like most pistols use. With big stick powders like Varget and 4350, nope.

I normally use Forster or Redding inline seat dies. I check runout with an Accuracy One gauge. I have yet to need to swap out a die due to too much runout.

If the ammo is for a precision semi auto, the last station is for a Redding body die. This way I am 1,000% sure I got 2-3 thou shoulder bump.

After loading the ammo goes in a tumbler filled with corncob and NuFinish for 10-15 minutes to remove the lube.

Below is 338 Lapua ammo on my 550. 2-3 days after I loaded it, it won an ELR match in Ration NM.