Reloading setup

[old timer]

I’m looking to step up my reloading game and can’t decide between a progressive press or sticking with a single-stage. I like the control of single-stage but the speed of progressive sounds tempting, what’s been worth the investment for you?

 

[VenomBallistics]

Both....
While I lean heavy on a progressive, there are some things a single stage does better.
30-06 is possible on a progressive, but not necessarily optimal. anything pistol up through 308, progressive has been the way and the truth

 

[sixth_sense]

I hear ya, friend. The lure of speed versus the love of precision... it's the oldest debate in the reloading room. But let me ask you this, and be honest, what percentage of your current reloading is for absolute, sub-MOA precision shooting, versus just high-volume range time and practice ammo?

 

[Jason1]

If you're churning out hundreds of straight-wall pistol rounds for weekend range sessions, go progressive! It’s fast and will save your arm but it has a steeper learning curve and can be less forgiving.

 

[Leonard]

Well if you're chasing sub-MOA groups with that new .308 recipe, stick with single-stage, the control is unmatched for rifle precision, and the lower initial cost is a plus but the real deal from my experience is that most serious reloaders eventually end up with both! Use the single-stage for meticulous rifle load development and switch to the progressive for high-volume practice ammo but what kind of rounds are you hoping to make more of right now? That'll tell you which one to buy first

 

[old timer]

Both....
While I lean heavy on a progressive, there are some things a single stage does better.
30-06 is possible on a progressive, but not necessarily optimal. anything pistol up through 308, progressive has been the way and the truth

That makes sense, I’m leaning the same. Progressives are great for volume pistol/.308 work, but I’ll keep a single-stage for magnums and precision loads where control matters.

 

[old timer]

I hear ya, friend. The lure of speed versus the love of precision... it's the oldest debate in the reloading room. But let me ask you this, and be honest, what percentage of your current reloading is for absolute, sub-MOA precision shooting, versus just high-volume range time and practice ammo?

Honestly, maybe 20% precision and 80% volume. I keep the single-stage for that 20% benchrest and hunting loads and use the progressive for bulk practice and range ammo.

 

[old timer]

If you're churning out hundreds of straight-wall pistol rounds for weekend range sessions, go progressive! It’s fast and will save your arm but it has a steeper learning curve and can be less forgiving.

Absolutely, progressives save your arms for big volumes. It is worth noting the setup and QC time pay off. I still bench precision on my single-stage for one-offs.

Well if you're chasing sub-MOA groups with that new .308 recipe, stick with single-stage, the control is unmatched for rifle precision, and the lower initial cost is a plus but the real deal from my experience is that most serious reloaders eventually end up with both! Use the single-stage for meticulous rifle load development and switch to the progressive for high-volume practice ammo but what kind of rounds are you hoping to make more of right now? That'll tell you which one to buy first

Mostly high-volume pistol and .308 practice rounds right now, with occasional sub-MOA .308 load development. Buy a progressive first for the volume, and keep a single-stage for precision work

 

[VenomBallistics]

That makes sense, I’m leaning the same. Progressives are great for volume pistol/.308 work, but I’ll keep a single-stage for magnums and precision loads where control matters.

That's exactly what I do