Originally Posted by
richiecotite
The press still works and fits my needs well.
Like I mentioned, I bought it as a secondary to my 550b, which is setup 90% of the time with 9mm and 10% of the time 45acp. A year later, It's still setup for 38. I reloaded about 100 rounds of 40 s&w back in the summer, but it's almost exclusively set for 38. I've loaded maybe 800 rounds total through it. After getting to spend a little time with it there are things i like and things I dislike about it.
-Price is outstanding for what you get. The shell plates can be used for multiple calibers vs. the 550.
-Lee bracket system has worked well for me so far on this and and an LCT I have setup for rifle rounds.
-Press runs smooth and comes with a roller style handle
-Can be upgraded with a case feeder and bullet feeder for less than $100 (I haven't done it as that's outside of my needs for now)
-Wish it had a removable toolhead vs. bushings.
-Harder to get into rhythm as the process is different and requires an extra step with the left hand to prime, and give stage 3 a reacharound to add the bullet. I still don't like that as it's awkward and slows things down some.
-All the plastic on it makes it feel cheap
Overall, it's a great value. If this had come out before I outgrew my LCT I would have gotten this and been none the wiser. This would be a good press for someone going through 600+ rounds per month of various pistol calibers. I imagine with the different feeders and practice 100 rounds in 12 minutes for around $250 all setup.