Progressive setup for 300BO advice needed

[Team4LongGun]

Looking to reload for 300 BO, large quantities. What is the best setup that doesn't need constant tinkering? I have only ever loaded precision handloads, single stage press, advice appreciated.

 

[tstowater]

That's a loaded question. Do you already have brass or are you going to be forming from 223/5.56? If you are going to be forming, I would be looking at a bigger Dillon with the ability to process cases in volume. At least a 750, if not an 1100. I would add a case feeder. Bullet feeders and electric or hydraulic driven if you want big volume and more painless other than cost. If you have brass or going to source externally, than you can use the more versatile 550. Once you get one of these set up, shouldn't be a lot of tinkering. I sourced a bunch of brass years ago in the 10 to 15 cents a piece range. Not sure what the going rate. Mine was fully processed and roll sized and ready to load.

 

[wind gypsy]

How much is a large quantity?

I have a dillon 550 that I use for higher volume bolt gun stuff. If I wanted to load for significant AR use where a guy is shooting multiple hundred rounds a range trip id want at least a 650/750 with bullet and case feeder.

I'm not as familiar with other brands of progressives.

 

[Weldor]

I have been using a Lee for my 300 Ham'r , works good for what I need. I process all the brass first then just load them up. Easy to do a couple hundred rounds an hour if your arm can handle it.

 

[Axlrod]

I load 300 B.O. for a comp gun on Hornady AP. I have loaded 10k rounds on this press. I use Starline brass mostly, and some 5.56 L.C. that I bought processed. I can load about 400 rounds per hour using the AP's powder measure. I don't have a case or bullet feeder.
All that said a Dillon is a step up from the Hornady, and case & bullet feeders will increase output. Just depends how much ammo you want and how much you want to spend. I got my Hornady 10 years ago for $200 at a store that was going out of business.

 

[DonE911]

I load all high volume 223/556 and handgun on a Dillon. I've tried a number of other brand progressives that others owned.

Dillon simply works. No fussing with stuff.... it's smooth, great customer service and warranty.

It's worth the extra money over more budget progressives.

 

[Team4LongGun]

To answer some questions-we have our one time spent brass, round counts on average of 200 a week, and has anybody done the math as far as it being worth it?

Best prices I am seeing is .70 cents per round, does reloading (after investment of equipment) get PPR down by at least half?

 

[DonE911]

If you average 200 rounds a week year round in just one caliber, then yes I think it is more than worth it.

If you value the probability that you witness another ammo shortage, and having the piece of mind that you can load what you need even when the shelves are empty..... yes, more than worth it. You will have to stockpile components, but you would need to do the same with factory ammo.

 

[Saluki91]

Before Illinois' Dear Leader and Politburo made black rifles verboten, I loaded a bunch of 300BO on my Dillon 750. My Godson LOVED shooting it! For what it is worth, my process was:
1 - Deprime and wet-tumble .223/5.56 brass (mostly LC)
2 - Form Brass - I used a jig and Harbor Freight cut-off saw to rough trim the brass. This process is documented in umpteen places on-line.
3 - Size and final trim. Sizing was it's own process... lube the brass with lanolin/alcohol, fill up the 750 case feeder, and go to town! It sounds like a lot, but the Dillon makes it go fast.
4 - The cases then went to a brass prep station... remove lube, brush out the cases, chamfer, de-burr, etc.
5 - Finally, I loaded up the case feeder with prepped brass and start loading...
Station 1 - Lyman M Die (the Dillon powder drop does not expand the case mouth in 300BO like it does with pistol rounds)
Station 2 - Priming and powder charge
Station 3 - Open, but a bullet feeder or powder check would work here. I always place a bullet in the case mouth by hand in this station.
Station 4 - Seating
Station 5 - Crimp

This ammo was more than sufficient for my needs... minute-of-deer and plinking with the Godson. Our favorite plinking load was with AA1680 and the Speer 125gr TNT. Unfortunately, Chairman Mao's protege got his ban in place before I could hunt with that rifle.