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I'm a Lee man, but honestly - I would recommend starting with their 4-hole turret press more than their progressive. A turret is basically a single-stage with a multi-die head (in this case, 4 dies. There is no difference between the 3 or 4 die; the 4-die is better if you use the Lee full length crimp die. This way you can install all 4 dies of an autoloader set of dies and get after it) where you take one piece of brass and with four consecutive pulls of the handle you take that single piece of brass through the four steps: full-length size/deprime/reprime; expand mouth and charge with powder; seat the bullet; crimp the bullet. Revolvers will usually do step #3 and 4 in one.

Not a Lee bash, but I understand the Lee Progressives can be...shall we say...finecky until they are correctly set up. Some brand new reloaders get very frustrated having to learn PLUS set the machine up. If you are not mechanically inclined and don't have an experienced reloader nearby, it MIGHT be enough to put you off reloading.

You'll get every opinion of whose equipment is best. Red (which red?), orange, blue, black? Ford, Chevy, Cadillac, Hyundai? They will all load good ammo; some will last longer than others. For me, initial output of money was primary concern. You can get the kit of the turret press for ~$100. By purchasing Lee's kit, I was able to start reloading when funds were VERY tight. Had I needed to wait to save up for a Dillion, et. al., I would have missed at least a year; maybe two of reloading and at least one gun deal.

But, while that is my opinion, a FACT is you need to read. Hit a couple good forums and soak up what the oldtimers say. Get a couple good manuals and read them - again, Lee's Modern Reloading can be picked up for about $15. My Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual has been excellent. Data can be found at powder manufacturer's websites. Read, ask questions. If you can find an experienced reloader nearby, he's worth getting to know.

Q

I highly recommend you go with a Dillon. They have a 100% no bull guarantee on all their equipment.

I had a 550 for years and now I have a 650. Never had a problem with them. Customer service it top rate. The few dollars you may save with other loading systems will come back to hunt you later. With Dillon you will never have any regrets unless you go for their single caliber unit (what were they thinking???)

just my 2cents

Gil V.

I found this review (http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLee ... arison.pdf) to be very informative.

A couple of weekends ago I was at cabelas in ft Worth. I noted the sign that said "Free reloading for beginners saturday 11:00".
I stuck around for that. Bill was the instructor, and he was EXCELLENT!. He also recommended Marty, described as the guy with the SERIOUS moustache.
It started out with just me, then a couple others wandered in. Bill walked me through every step of reloading, showing me the various choices in equipment, telling me where to save money and what more money actually gets you. He packed a lot of great information into an hour of informal discussion. No selling. He never recommended any particular purchase, but he did tell me what not to buy there on the shelf. I told him I had bought some used equipment, he invited me to bring in the box and he'd help me figure out what I had and what I needed.
Great guy, great teacher. Try it, you won't be disappointed.