Setting Up Dies

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Pokinfun

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When I was using a single stage press without the quick change bushings I could setup dies in 10 minutes. Now that I have progressive press with the quick change bushings, it takes me an hour to setup a new set of dies. But, in the morning I will be reloading 357 mag rounds.
 

dennishoddy

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Once you get them set up, it should take no more than a couple of minutes to change. You are using different quick change bushings for each set of dies, right?
 

Perplexed

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Which progressive press are you using? I have a Dillon 650, and I have separate heads loaded with a set of dies each. Once they’re set up, I can change out one head for another, check to make sure the settings are still good, and I’m off and running.
 

Pokinfun

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I use the hornady bushings, once they are setup it just takes a few minutes to change out to a different set. That is why it now takes me awhile to remember how to setup a new set.
it has been a couple of years since I set up any dies.
 

dennishoddy

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I use the hornady bushings, once they are setup it just takes a few minutes to change out to a different set. That is why it now takes me awhile to remember how to setup a new set.
it has been a couple of years since I set up any dies.
LOL, Ok its operator error.
Yeah, once set up, its a slam dunk. My two most often loaded is .223 and .40.
I have seperate powder measures for them as well so I only have to drop a couple of powder charges to verify and start cranking that handle.
 

swampratt

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I have a scribed line on the Nut on top of my press and an arrow pointing to it. I also use a sharpie to draw a line on my die body
to reference against that line for the bullet I am using ..You can multiple lines for different bullets. make a list of what color line for what bullet.
Less than 2 minutes to remove a die and stick another one in and start loading.

001.JPG
 

Pokinfun

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I have the hornady progressive as well and it does seem to take forever to set up a new set of dies. But man once its set its just a matter of minutes to do a caliber change.
I got it all set up and loaded 100 357 mag rounds in about 10 minutes.
I kept adjusting my powder measure between 4.8 and 5.1 for a couple of minutes before I realized it was two stations back. I would adjust it, pull the handle, weigh the powder, adjust it, pull the handle weigh the powder, all while talking to my mother on the phone. After about 5 tries, I realized I needed to advance the case two stations before I checked the weight. I felt like a dumbass.
 

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