A Comparison of Reloading Machine Capabilities

Die Type: This is what type of die the press will accept. There are a few common types.
- 7/8"-14: These are the most commonly encountered type of die.
- 1 1/2"-12: These are the most commonly encountered die for cartridges too big to fit into the 7/8" dies. This is typically encountered for 50 BMG, 50 DTC, 416 Barrett, etc etc.
Press Type: Presses have a spectrum of automation levels.
- Progressive presses have a shellplate which the cartridges are placed on, and they rotate through the stations in order. A progressive press is generally designed to take brass in and dump out completed rounds (usually with user intervention to seat bullets)
Priming: Some presses have built-in priming systems, and others don't. Generally, presses without built-in priming systems can accomodate a priming die, but this is not built-in.
Swaging: Some presses can automatically swage primer pockets as part of their operation. This is useful for resizing military-crimped brass.
Minimum Length: This is the shortest cartridge which this press can handle.
Maximum Length: This is the longest cartridge which this press can handle.

Name	Die Type	Die Stations	Press type	Auto-Index	Priming	Swaging	Shortest Case	Longest Case	Notes
Dillon Square Deal B	Dillon Square Deal	4	Progressive	No	Yes	No	???	???	Inexpensive pistol-caliber-only press without auto index and proprietary dies.
Dillon RL550B	Std 7/8-14	4	Progressive	No	Yes	No	???	???	No auto-index; inexpensive caliber conversions and more available calibers than any other Dillon.
Dillon XL650	Std 7/8-14	5	Progressive	Yes	Yes	No	???	338 Lapua	Auto-indexing; middle ground between 550B and 1050
Dillon 1050	Std 7/8-14	6	Progressive	Yes	Yes	Yes	???	???	Top-end Dillon press; frequently used for a single caliber due to expensive caliber conversions..
Dillon BFR	Std 1 1/2"-12	4	Semi-Progressive	No	???	???	50 BMG	50 BMG	Indexed shellplate rotates clockwise OR counter-clockwise.
Hornady
Lee Reloader	Std 7/8-14	1	Single Stage	N/A	No	No	???	???
Lee Classic Cast	Std 7/8-14" and Std 1.5"-12	1	Single Stage	N/A	Yes	No	???	50 BMG	Cheapest press capable of loading 50 BMG
Lee Hand Press	Std 7/8-14	1	Single Stage	N/A	No	No	???	???	Only press I know which doesn't have to be mounted somewhere; perfect for load testing at ranges..
RCBS

-- SeanNewton - 04 Apr 2012

This topic: Gunwiki > WebHome > RefReloading > RefReloadingMachineCapability
Topic revision: r2 - 04 Apr 2012 - SeanNewton