My Arm's Tired

[JohnH]

I've been thinking about getting a progressive press for a couple years now. Between the tendon in my right forearm being severed some 30 years ago, and then a tendon repair on my rotator cuff tendon, operating a single stage press has become painful if I'm loading more than 30 or 40 rounds.

My usual loading routine is to load up only about 10 or 20 rounds at a time since I do my shooting in my backyard, but I might load those same cases all day long when I fire as much a 200 rounds over a day which is not all that unusual. My neighbor has a Dillon 650 and I know I don't want that, it is far to dedicated a set up to change over say I start the day with 45 ACP then want to go to 45 Colt then perhaps some 308 or the like. The Dillon won't do that easily. What I want is a press I can change the dies out like I might in a single stage, but which will allow me to manually charge the cases, feed a new case and set the bullets. I don't have a problem keeping up with all that as I spent more than a few years loading shotshells on a MEC 650 which required manual feeding of hulls and wads into the machine during loading.

Looking at them, either the Lee 1000 or the Lee LoadMaster could be operated this way. But perhaps the RCBS Piggy Back will do the same. I have a Rockchucker press the unit could be mounted on. Anyone out there have some suggestions? Thanks

[Zymurgy50]

On a Dillon 550 change from 45ACP to 308 would take about 30 seconds, shell holder plate is the same, just swap out toolhead. (If you are shooting large primer 45ACP). From either of those two calibers to 45LC would take about 5 minutes more to change out the shell plate.
Probably what would take the most time would be emptying the primer tube when you switch from pistol primers to rifle primers.

[Artful]

550 Dillon Caliber Conversion,
It's not that tough even between totally different cases regarding primers- really
Worst Case - going from 45 ACP large pistol primer to small pistol primer on 9x19

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUHrWfN3JGI

and if you use dedicated powder measure for each tool head it's real fast between 45ACP and 308.



My usual loading routine is to load up only about 10 or 20 rounds at a time since I do my shooting in my backyard, but I might load those same cases all day long when I fire as much a 200 rounds over a day which is not all that unusual. My neighbor has a Dillon 650 and I know I don't want that, it is far to dedicated a set up to change over say I start the day with 45 ACP then want to go to 45 Colt then perhaps some 308 or the like. The Dillon won't do that easily.
Actually a 450 or 550 will...


What I want is a press I can change the dies out like I might in a single stage, but which will allow me to manually charge the cases, feed a new case and set the bullets. I don't have a problem keeping up with all that as I spent more than a few years loading shotshells on a MEC 650 which required manual feeding of hulls and wads into the machine during loading.


At only a couple thousand a month, you really don't need case-feeders and auto-indexing and the other bells and whistles of the 650 or other more expensive presses.

But what you describe sounds more like my LEE turret press.

[1bluehorse]

The only way I would recommend a Piggyback unit is if you could pick one up for cheap..a couple hundred bucks INCLUDING the powder measure....the Pro 1000 won't do 308 but is pretty handy and an inexpensive press for pistol rounds...it can have primer feed problems and is only for 3 dies....but it is easy, fast and CHEAP to set up for different calibers....I do not like the Loadmaster Press, full of problems...but...I understand through reading from his fanboy that there is a fella over on the Loadmaster Forum that has made some remarkably good fixes for that press....but I would check on prices of the things needed to "fix" the Loadmaster along with the cost of the press and see if it wouldn't be just as easy to buy a known good working platform be it Dillon, Hornady, or RCBS...there are also older models of progressive presses that work well also....mine are both discontinued models from RCBS and they are fine presses....if I were starting over looking for a Progressive press, I'd probably be buying the Hornady....I like the ergonomics....

[engineer401]

You can purchase Dillon 450 die with a powder measure adapter for use in a 550 press. This will allow you to manually charge the case and continue to use your existing powder measure. You only need one adapter for each powder measure you plan to use. http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/catid/3/pid/23634/Powder_Measure_Adapter

[Artful]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iW9z1LaKM4

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Based on your description, you're looking at buying a Lee Classic Turret press with all the trimmings, then adding an ergonomic handle from inlinefabrications. Fast changeover, very much the operation you describe and you'll produce between 200-300 cartridges an hour, depending on how well you tune the press and how you operate it.

My suggestion would be to carefully fine tune it, including deburring the first time you set it up. Load a turret with dies and adjust the auto advance so it just falls into the "latched" position when operated at normal speed. Take the time to tune and adjust the primer dispensing system and the auto disk adjustment first thing. BTW, I owned my Lee turret for well over a year, used it frequently in multiple calibers, both rifle and pistol and never replaced the plastic part. It's all in how it's adjusted, tuned and operated. After you've got it right, all you have to do is learn it's rhythm and you'll never strip anything.

Once you do this, you'll have a press that can be operated fairly quickly in auto advance mode, that allows you to prime as you go and has case expansion/automatic powder drop on the press. Can't beat that for pistol.

When you're ready for rifle, just add a used RCBS Uniflow and a Hornady case activated powder drop. The Uniflow is light enough to balance well on the Lee and with the Hornady CAPD, it will clear the dies and provide you case activated powder dispensing. Works great.

[Johnny_Cyclone]

+1 for the Lee Classic Turret press with all the trimmings.

Your needs sound as though they equal what it does

I have a 650 and a 550, but I use the LEE Classic Turret for far more calibers.

The 650 is more my 9mm, .222, .223, 300 Blackout bulk loading press
The 550 is my other lesser bulk load press
The Lee Classic Turret is my little bit of everything in short runs press (20 -to- 150 rounds then change calibers)

It rocks at thriftiness, quick die changing, and caliber versatility.

Run it as a single stage, or run it as a auto die indexing press.

If the law said I could only have one press then the Lee Classic Turret would be it (thank gawd that's not a law)

Reconditioned 4 Hole Classic Turret Press
http://leeprecision.com/reconditioned-4-hole-classic-turret-press.html

[Artful]

Hey that's a darn good price for a Lee 4 hole turret

[Catshooter]

I feel your pain John.

The Piggyback is a great unit. I use one for all my pistol rounds.

It won't however load anything much longer than the 223, just doesn't have the room. It is very easy to change over though. It's what I use often to work up loads with. Just a few at a time.

For longer rounds I use an RCBS Ammomaster. RCBS took a Piggyback and fed it steroids until it was big enough to load anything shorter than a 20mm. I use it progressively for 45-70. Looks funny as heck.

I bought both machines used and both were missing eight or nine small parts when I got them. RCBS has never let me pay for postage, let alone the part. And yes, I told them the truth, too. :) No hassles, just what customer service should be and isn't hardly anywhere else.


Cat

[Bzcraig]

Since I don't shoot high volumes of any one caliber I bought a Classic Turret and haven't regretted it at all.

[mdi]

You mention that after 30 or 40 pulls of the lever, the pain starts? If you load on a progressive press, 30 or 40 pulls of the lever will still just give 30 or 40 rounds. Perhaps a pneumatic or hydraulically operated press, single or progressive, would be what you need. If the problem is your shoulder pain limiting the number of moves/operations, get something to do those moves/operations for you...

I've found batch loading to be a bit easier on my body (clean/inspect a couple hundred, at another time size and deprime, then later prime, mebbe later charge and seat). I normally do 200 cleanings/inspections (easy on the body), process some later mebbe 50 or so, and finish the 50 one step at a time. Not too many repetitive movements at one time.

[Artful]

MDI - good idea

Has anyone ever seen one hooked up to a foot lever/peddle arrangement?

found this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfHCs-WLhrg

http://www.mecshootingsports.com/p-403-mec-auto-mate.aspx

[Artful]

And a Dillon 650 automated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYpyUM5bqH0

[Bonz]

I would never buy a reloading press that had less than 5 stations. I like to use one of the stations for Hornady Powder Cop die or the RCBS Lockout die for safety reasons. The real nice part of a progressive press is having a bullet feeder and case feeder.

[JohnH]

You mention that after 30 or 40 pulls of the lever, the pain starts? If you load on a progressive press, 30 or 40 pulls of the lever will still just give 30 or 40 rounds. Perhaps a pneumatic or hydraulically operated press, single or progressive, would be what you need. If the problem is your shoulder pain limiting the number of moves/operations, get something to do those moves/operations for you...

Yeah, but that is 30-40 strokes for 30 or 40 rounds compared to 90-120 for the same number of rounds. I do like the idea of automating the stroke, do you have any links for a tool for that? Thanks

[Artful]

JohnH look at the link I put up
http://www.mecshootingsports.com/p-403-mec-auto-mate.aspx
http://www.mecshootingsports.com/images/Product/medium/403.jpg


MEC AUTO-MATE
The MEC Auto-Mate allows you to convert your manually operated 9000G series or 8578 Grabber series machine to an electric operation.
Product Description
Simply press the two control buttons and the machine does the rest. Each operation is performed consistently with the push of a button.

Linkage kits are available. Click here for more information.
http://www.mecshootingsports.com/images/Product/medium/406.jpg

I don't like their price but it shows you have a platform to start from for DIY or just buy theirs.
The MEC Auto-Mate can be easily stored or transported, regardless of your physical limitations. Reloading just got easier!

[mdi]

After I posted my first reply I got to thinking about a foot operated set-up. Wouldn't be too difficult if you're handy with tools/makin' stuff; replace the press handle with a lever, fabricate a foot pedal to hang below the bench, figger the "swing"/leverage needed and connect the two.

[ACrowe25]

I'll also chime in for the Lee classic cast turret.

I would mention the 550/SDB but it seems that's not something you're interested in. Caliber conversions on the turret take... 3 seconds if I drop the priming arm :)

I have both and still use the classic turret from LEE. It's one of their products that I believe is their best in all aspects.

[gunoil]

Very recent the lee loadmaster has arrived because of below website. l was about to sell my 2 loadmasters till:
http://www.mikesreloadingbench.com/

100$ worth of mods and you have a solid machine.

@ home checkin powder:
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/CD639CF2-A3C3-4B91-B63B-5DB6D7A7D99B-11578-00000CB48441EB26_zps6d0efd7f.mp4

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/null_zpsb20b8c9f.jpg

[mdi]

Most of these suggesttions are still hand operated presses. Ya gotta use an arm to operate them. Anyone have any info on reloading for an amputee? or disabled reloader? Gott be some info out there...

[gefiltephish]

Lots of folks suggested the LCT. I like mine as well, but I don't think it addresses the OP's problem any better than a single stage. It takes four pulls to complete a cartridge. At least with a progressive there's one cartridge with each pull. I think the LNL perhaps suit his needs best for easy caliber changes. Is there a progressive that is better suited to left handed operation? As others suggested, some kind of foot actuation may be the best alternative though.

[Artful]

Very Educational links
http://drc.libraries.uc.edu/bitstream/handle/2374.UC/701558/MET2013_Hanschke_Corey.pdf?sequence=1
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=71291.0
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/eis30.pdf
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406917

shotgun loader probably adaptable...
http://conniescomponents.com/cgi-bin/image/templates/9000HN.JPG
With the hydraulic model, the 9000HN, the operator inserts the empty shells and wads, and the reloader does the rest.
With each complete downstroke of the foot pedal all operations are completed.

or
http://www.spolargold.com/hydrauli.htm
http://www.spolargold.com/images/hydraulic_3.jpg
Instantaneous touch-of-the-toe cycle speed adjustment

Loads up to one shell every 3.5 seconds

Instant, accurate, no-leak electronic stop, start or reverse foot pedal

10 minute, no adjustment, no modification installation

Top quality, American made, steel geared pump for quiet reliability

Uniform motion, speed and pressure for consistent shells

Add additional Loaders with our Power Load Cylinder Plate Assembly

Five year unlimited power unit guarantee

An earned reputation for quality and service

Engineered to last a life time
http://www.spolargold.com/hydraulic2%202013.jpg
The Power Load Cylinder has been tested for one million cycles and is guaranteed for two years. The power unit has quiet, steel gears, has successfully passed 30,000 hours of rigorous industrial testing and is guaranteed for five years. We believe ours is the best product service record in the industry. After twenty four years of production we've received only one request for a replacement part. All components of the Spolar Power Load Hydraulic are top quality, American made and universally available.

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNs2xe0mbbE&feature=youtu.be
http://www.reloaders.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1


This new, easy-to-install unit is super quiet when operating. The AUTO-DRIVE features a smooth, heavy-duty electric motor that has a built-in brake system, making sure the system will stop instantly, with no creep or other unwanted movement.

The actuating arm is equipped with a slip-cutch system, allowing it to slip or stop under too much pressure. The AUTO-DRIVE is easily operated by pressing down on the foot pedal.

The full pivoting system allows the arm to work in one continuous motion. If you need to reverse the system, simply flip the toggle switch to reverse and press the foot pedal.

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DIY mode...
http://www.greencocylinders.com/
http://rencocontrols.com/series%20300.htm