Progressive Press Quick Start Guide

Have you thought about progressive reloading but don’t know where to start? This video will give you a quick primer to help get you started!

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Press Overview

We have published a number of in-depth videos detailing the specifications of various presses and the minutia of reloading on them. This video is intended to help new users better understand progressive reloading and what they need to get started.

There are three types of presses: single-stage, turret, and progressive. Single-stage presses like the classic RCBS Rock Chucker do one thing at a time.

They consist of a ram and a die. If you want to change the process, you also have to change the die. Turret presses like the Lyman All-American 8 offer a more efficient flow of single-stage operations.

Just like a single-stage press, there is a single ram and the press performs one operation at a time, but a turret head holds multiple dies. Changing the die is as simple as rotating the turret. Progressive presses perform multiple operations at the same time. For example, the Dillon XL-750 has five stations and can perform five operations with one stroke of the handle.

In general, progressive presses are more expensive and complex than single-stage presses. There is a lot to pay attention to and they take longer to set-up initially, but they are much more time efficient when you are loading large quantities of ammunition.

Choosing a Progressive Press

When it was time for me to buy a progressive press, I spent hours researching the varying models — wishing there was more information out there to reference. Deciding to share my experiences with others spawned Ultimate Reloader.

Choosing a progressive press also means choosing a system. Consider choosing Apple vs. Android or selecting a camera system. Canon camera bodies require Canon lenses. All of the accessories need to be interoperable. There is also a wide array of progressive reloading equipment ranging in price, quality, and capabilities.

In example, eight-station and 10-station presses are more complex than a five-station press, but this does not mean that they are necessarily better. For someone who will be frequently switching calibers, a simpler press may be better. If you want to isolate various steps and include things like a bullet feed and powder check, you will likely need more stations.

Also consider the after-purchase support you desire from the manufacturer. Dillon Precision is well-known for their lifetime guarantee.

If you are looking for more information, our progressive press shootout gives all of the specifications and costs associated with a number of progressive presses for easy comparison.

Our Dillon press buyer’s guide directly compares all Dillon Precision machines.

Loading 9mm — A Demonstration

I set up Dillon carbide 9mm dies on an XL-750.

This is a tried and true press with excellent step-by-step instructions.

I do have a case feeder installed on this press, which is an additional accessory, but everything else is as it comes from Dillon Precision.

With five-stations, this press offers intermediate-level capabilities.

I have it set up as follows:

Station 1: Sizing and Depriming
Station 2: Powder Charge, Case Mouth Expansion, Priming
Station 3: Bullet Seating
Station 4: Crimping
Station 5: Empty

This is just one way to configure the press. Loading rifle ammunition also generally requires fewer stations than loading pistol ammunition. I decided to start this demonstration in “steady-state loading” with all stations full.

I filled the powder measure with Hodgdon CFE Pistol powder and had a box of Berry’s 9mm 124 grain HBRN-TP bullets easy accessible.

I placed a bullet with my left hand and pulled the lever with my right hand, sending a completed cartridge into a side bin.

Repeat this process until you run out of components or choose to stop. Be sure to watch the various processes as you develop a rhythm with the machine—it is easy to accidentally run out of primers or powder.

Conclusion

Loading on a progressive press will allow you to spend more time at the range and less time reloading. Whatever system you choose, be sure to consider your needs and accessories you may want to pair with the press in the future.

Take the time to learn your press and develop a rhythm while using it. Remember this can vary by caliber and setup! If you get stuck or want more information, we have videos on every progressive press currently available as well as some older models that you may still come across.