We need to stop calling these presses "progressive." How about SEQUENTIAL?
I've got a Dillon 650, it was buy once, cry once, I think I dumped a little over $1100 initially, for a number of plates, die plates, primer feeds, to load the guns I had at the time. The learning curve was steep but I've been happy for the 20 some years I've had the 650. I keep it clean and wet (lubed), but it's been SO versatile and reliable -- nothing has ever broken.
For pistols, I have carbide dies and charge/seat all in one whack. Takes me about four hours, with breaks, to crank out 500 rounds of A number one personalize ammo.
Regarding rifles, I will say that I am still not crazy about powder charging, especially for extruded powders, and when doing FL sizing, I don't charge as there's a lot of jolting and force involved. But there are other NS rifle loads where I can zoom through a year's ammo for a rifle in just one session.
So yeah, I have a Dillon 650 sequential press and would recommend it to anyone smart enough to read the manual.
