Turret Presses

DaRkWoLf · 04-29-2008, 09:40 AM

I need to have 6,000 .308s and 1,000 .338s loaded by late may. You don't want to know how much 5.56 is about to be processed through their Dillon only to be expended in the space of three weeks. On top of that, I also need to make a small (1000rnd) batch of 7.62x39, for which I don't have a toolhead for the Dillon, nor does it's small quantities deserve the hassle. I can't however, have more inherent manufacturing deviance than my Rock Chucker (which isn't much) for the precision rifle loads.

So I'm thinking turret press. I am personally partial towards RCBS, their products have always performed optimally. I've read not so awesome things about Lee, but I've also read the RCBS Turret Press has some indexing issues. If I can't get any input here I will probably get together with the group and engineer an individual solution to said problem; but I really don't want to go down that road and have it possibly be ineffective.

All charges will be individually weighed and measured on my ChargeMaster, and I will be using the APS for priming so any frills are actually undesirable.

Thoughts?

neolithic hunter · 04-29-2008, 11:29 AM

you would be much better off to go ahead and set up your dillion for the new rounds. you have plenty of time to receive the parts and dies to set it up. it would be cheaper in the long run also. the only presses that i have heard of that are less trouble free than the dillion are way to expensive to purchase for your average 1000 round run.

when using the dillion for match loads you need to use the loadest interuptest method.

1. clean you brass first
2. take your bass and size it on the dillion it will be faster to do it there than on a single stage press.
3. then clean it again, trim it, turn the necks or do what ever in necessary at this stage.
4. put it back through the press without the sizing die, when it gets to the priming and powder throw station use a funnel and put your measured powder in the case at this stage.
5. pull the handle and seat the next bullet and repeat as necessary.

this will be faster than using a single stage press, it won't be as fast as using the powder measure but your loads will be exactly like they were loaded on a single stage press.

DaRkWoLf · 04-29-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolithic hunter

you would be much better off to go ahead and set up your dillion for the new rounds. you have plenty of time to receive the parts and dies to set it up. it would be cheaper in the long run also. the only presses that i have heard of that are less trouble free than the dillion are way to expensive to purchase for your average 1000 round run.

Its actually two Dillons. One 1050 set up for .223 and one set up for 9x19. I also don't trust the 308 or 338 to the Dillon (actually, I don't think its possible to fit a .338 in one). Both loads are toasty and I wouldn't trust them without confirming the weight on my scale, for safety's sake above accuracy. The 5.56 is toasty too, and you really don't want to know what brass I'm using; but that brass is one of the reasons I'm less concerned with a still safe load.

Would stripping down a progressive to what is essentially a revolving shell holder and have one friend feed cases while I process and examine work? It's just a lot of loading for the Chucker.

Out of curiosity what kind of machines are you thinking of? It may be worthwhile for me to consider them for 5.56 at a later date.

DaRkWoLf · 04-29-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolithic hunter

when using the dillion for match loads you need to use the loadest interuptest method.

1. clean you brass first
2. take your bass and size it on the dillion it will be faster to do it there than on a single stage press.
3. then clean it again, trim it, turn the necks or do what ever in necessary at this stage.
4. put it back through the press without the sizing die, when it gets to the priming and powder throw station use a funnel and put your measured powder in the case at this stage.
5. pull the handle and seat the next bullet and repeat as necessary.

this will be faster than using a single stage press, it won't be as fast as using the powder measure but your loads will be exactly like they were loaded on a single stage press.

Loadest Interuptest, NH thats just awesome. +10 Internets.

I just went and took a loaded 338 to the Dillon and ya... it has no chance of fitting. Any ideas on a progressive I can strip down or just procure as a press alone that fits 338?

neolithic hunter · 04-29-2008, 12:41 PM

i didn't know you were using a 1050. i would have thought with the rounds you have mentioned in the past you would have a 650 or maybe a 550b. ya the 1050 is a good press but its too limited on what it can load. i think if a case is much bigger than a 308 it starts running out of space to operate. with the above loading schedule you eliminate the powder measure and throw your load from your scale and not from the machine. its the process i use for all of my match loads. i think the name of the other press is a harelson and from what i remember the press alone is about 5 grand, thats before buying the proprietary dies and shell holders for it. defiantly not worth the money asked. i think the dillion 650 will work with your 338, best thing to do is call dillion and ask.

billt · 05-22-2008, 12:43 PM

If you are serious about getting a turret press the only one to really consider is the Redding T-7. I purchased this one a couple years ago and it's was well worth it. It has a very large footprint across the top which reduces spring to nothing. I've full length resized .460 Weatherby brass in it without any issues what so ever. It's all cast iron, and extra turret heads are available for it as well. The priming system works very well. Bill T.

04-29-2008, 09:40 AM	#1
DaRkWoLf Registered User Joined: Dec 2004 From: Miami, FL Posts: 2,927	Turret Presses I need to have 6,000 .308s and 1,000 .338s loaded by late may. You don't want to know how much 5.56 is about to be processed through their Dillon only to be expended in the space of three weeks. On top of that, I also need to make a small (1000rnd) batch of 7.62x39, for which I don't have a toolhead for the Dillon, nor does it's small quantities deserve the hassle. I can't however, have more inherent manufacturing deviance than my Rock Chucker (which isn't much) for the precision rifle loads. So I'm thinking turret press. I am personally partial towards RCBS, their products have always performed optimally. I've read not so awesome things about Lee, but I've also read the RCBS Turret Press has some indexing issues. If I can't get any input here I will probably get together with the group and engineer an individual solution to said problem; but I really don't want to go down that road and have it possibly be ineffective. All charges will be individually weighed and measured on my ChargeMaster, and I will be using the APS for priming so any frills are actually undesirable. Thoughts?

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04-29-2008, 11:29 AM	#2
neolithic hunter Registered User Joined: Feb 2005 From: on the back porch Posts: 1,621	you would be much better off to go ahead and set up your dillion for the new rounds. you have plenty of time to receive the parts and dies to set it up. it would be cheaper in the long run also. the only presses that i have heard of that are less trouble free than the dillion are way to expensive to purchase for your average 1000 round run. when using the dillion for match loads you need to use the loadest interuptest method. 1. clean you brass first 2. take your bass and size it on the dillion it will be faster to do it there than on a single stage press. 3. then clean it again, trim it, turn the necks or do what ever in necessary at this stage. 4. put it back through the press without the sizing die, when it gets to the priming and powder throw station use a funnel and put your measured powder in the case at this stage. 5. pull the handle and seat the next bullet and repeat as necessary. this will be faster than using a single stage press, it won't be as fast as using the powder measure but your loads will be exactly like they were loaded on a single stage press.

04-29-2008, 12:41 PM	#5
neolithic hunter Registered User Joined: Feb 2005 From: on the back porch Posts: 1,621	i didn't know you were using a 1050. i would have thought with the rounds you have mentioned in the past you would have a 650 or maybe a 550b. ya the 1050 is a good press but its too limited on what it can load. i think if a case is much bigger than a 308 it starts running out of space to operate. with the above loading schedule you eliminate the powder measure and throw your load from your scale and not from the machine. its the process i use for all of my match loads. i think the name of the other press is a harelson and from what i remember the press alone is about 5 grand, thats before buying the proprietary dies and shell holders for it. defiantly not worth the money asked. i think the dillion 650 will work with your 338, best thing to do is call dillion and ask.

05-22-2008, 12:43 PM	#6
billt Joined: May 2008 Posts: 37	If you are serious about getting a turret press the only one to really consider is the Redding T-7. I purchased this one a couple years ago and it's was well worth it. It has a very large footprint across the top which reduces spring to nothing. I've full length resized .460 Weatherby brass in it without any issues what so ever. It's all cast iron, and extra turret heads are available for it as well. The priming system works very well. Bill T.