Reloading press - limited to one hand

[Lefty 223]

Good day,

As the title and forum handle implies... is the question. Been a pistol reloader over 20 years Started with a Lee turret ... then the Loadmaster... then running a fully optioned Dillon SDB for the past 20 years. Slowing down with a singe stage for a seldom used 30-30.

Now am deep in the learning curve for a press with a higher volume running 223/5.56. Appears Hornady and Dillon both have case feeders... however the bullet feeders are my current focus.

Any suggestions for this Lefty?

(... and have zero dexterity or use of my right hand... not an option)

 

[Pawnee Bill]

Call Dillon and talk to them. Good folks.

 

[Rsadams]

Another vote for Dillon but their wait times are long right now just like everyone else....

 

[Lefty 223]

So... in other words.... if I read this right...

"Call someone else... for a sales pitch."

Tough crowd... for an honest question... for a first time post.

 

[SSL]

So... in other words.... if I read this right...

"Call someone else... for a sales pitch."

Tough crowd... for an honest question... for a first time post.

Probably not a lot on here with your exact problem. Since you stated what presses you have, it makes sense to call the maker for options. First time post or not, no one here has a magic bullet answer for all questions. What you got was honest advice.

 

[Dub]

So... in other words.... if I read this right...

"Call someone else... for a sales pitch."

Tough crowd... for an honest question... for a first time post.

if you don't want good advice, don't ask. It would be hard for someone not with your situation to lead you.

 

[Lefty 223]

I realize am an odd-looking duck... and the most common answers and popular options do NOT fit ... for my cup of tea.

However... I continue to strive to learn and grow in spite of various opinions. Never stopped me having fun in IDPA, Cowboy Action, Bullseye shooting, Benchrest, and CMP competitions.

Just another shooter...

 

[DirtySteve]

You won’t gain dexterity in your other hand if you don’t use it. When I was a child my dad made me pass the football to him with one hand then the other. Started close and slowly moved back. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Why not Dillon? I cannot see any advantage elsewhere, except a motorised press. I have seen the Mark 7 working, and it is good for turning out reasonable ammo. Set-up may be a bit fiddly, but once adjusted...

 

[Lefty 223]

You won’t gain dexterity in your other hand if you don’t use it. When I was a child my dad made me pass the football to him with one hand then the other. Started close and slowly moved back. Nothing ventured nothing gain

Because I lost the use of my hand... over 50 years ago

 

[DirtySteve]

Sorry about that. Some folks just make excuses and never try. Just I should have read that last line in your post a little better. Sorry.

 

[jr600yd]

Yeah call Dillon, who better to ask about their press?
Sales pitch? Maybe, it’s part of their job.
Explain your handicap bet they can help.

 

[Minshooter]

With all those shooting experiences, I would inquire locally if someone would like to use your new -lets say, 750/1050/1100 Dillon, plus case cleaner, etc. for loading their components, and they in turn would run your machine for your loads. Of course, you'd watch them carefully, until you were satisfied with their work.
May not suit you, but it has worked for some people in my local. Same for shotgun loading.

 

[riflewoman]

If you want volume production, but are limited to Left hand only, I’d take a good look at the Redding Turret presses. Slower than (only a bit really) a true progressive but they produce quality ammo. Other than that, an Autodriven big axed press can be operated with one hand. Most everything else is mainly set up for right handlers, unfortunately.

 

[Jackal2016]

Lefty, I'm thinking that a Mr.Bulletfeeder by Double Alpha is what you are asking about.

Buy Machines from Double-Alpha – Mr.Bulletfeeder Machines for pistol and rifle calibers. Standard or Pro grade. Purchase directly from the manufact...

www.doublealpha.biz

Or the Mini Mr.Bulletfeeder would be a less pricey option too.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Probably not what your looking for but you are supposed to be able to drop bullet down in this seater then seat it.https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022385148

 

[Lefty 223]

Lefty, I'm thinking that a Mr.Bulletfeeder by Double Alpha is what you are asking about.

Buy Machines from Double-Alpha – Mr.Bulletfeeder Machines for pistol and rifle calibers. Standard or Pro grade. Purchase directly from the manufact...

www.doublealpha.biz

Or the Mini Mr.Bulletfeeder would be a less pricey option too.

I came to the same conclusion... with a Lee Pro 4000 in .223 - at just over $400 pus shipping for press, dies, and including the add-on mini feeder (at station 3 - and seat/crimp at station 4).

Pre-loaded to compile at 100 round batches... then re-fill.

Thanks for the thought processes for a road less traveled.

 

[Intheshop]

Foot op rod? Look at vintage drill press foot controls for inspiration. Not a lot of precision parts on these. Mainly bolt together. Another,still foot controlled,would be a pnuematic cylinder but,best have your setup spot on cause this "can" be a case/finger masher. Ideally you'd engineer in a lockout safety control preventing accidents. Manual foot pedal is how I'd do it.

That would free up your left hand for handling cases. Which,as a righty is how I utilize my left hand. Good luck with your project.... and I agree with above posters about calling the manufacturer. They may have a solution already "on the shelf"?

 

[No.343]

What about a motorized press like a Dillon 750?

 

[divingin]

Buddy of mine (since moved away) had a pair of Dillon 1050's, one for prep and one for loading. The one for loading was motorized (self-designed); he loaded up all the hoppers, turned it on, and just let it run. I never did get a chance to see it in action, but he claimed to have loaded several hundreds of thousand of rounds on it.

Before you ask, he was one of those guys with incredible engineering knowledge, and way too much money.