Ammunition & Hand Loading > Cartridge and Shotshell reloading

The only dumb question...

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whatsit:
... is the one you don't ask, right? I hope so.

I'm looking at getting my first press. I think I'd like to start with the Hornady Lock'n Load Progressive... once I can find it in stock somewhere.

I'm going to need 9mm Luger and .223 dies (along with the shell plate for each). Anyway, I'm wondering if any brand of die will work or if they have to be Hornady? Can you mix and match brands of presses and dies? Isn't the diameter / threading on dies different between brands? I understand I'll need Lock'n Load bushings for the dies, but I think they only make one size and threading.

That's more than one potentially dumb question, I guess. But, any help you can offer would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

monkeyboy:
Whatsit, This is your first press,correct? I would strongly recommend getting a single stage first,such as a LEE classic cast or any other makers single stage. Much easier to learn on and set-up. If you do much reloading you're always going to need a single stage press anyway.FWIW--Mike.

pfinn:
I have an RCBS single stage, but use LEE dies/shell holders. I can't speak to whether it is universal between manufacturers, or between single stage/progressive.

However, I have been told to use the same brand shell holder as the die. I've never experimented otherwise.

Neeco:
Any die that is the standard 7/8 die set will work in most presses.

That said, I will second the notion that you start with a single stage press.  There is alot going on with a progressive and if you are playing with fire (literally) it is strongly urged to pay attention so you don't get burned.

Just one double load or short load can make a very baaad day for weapon or at worst your bugger pickers/face.

I have the RCBS Single stage and it is fantastic. I can go from start to finish with 100 .223 rounds in about 3 hours, and that is taking my time for accurate powder throws (which is NOT as easy at it sounds), accurate seating depth, and COL.

Take your time and enjoy it, it is far more rewarding than losing part or all of an appendage.

After you are familiar with loading and can spot the short/hot cases maybe its time to move to a progressive...

Just my .02

Have fun and be safe!

(P.S. I have an extra set of RCBS .223 dies I may be willing to get rid of).

bkoenig:
All current presses from major manufacturers take standard 7/8-14 threads, with the exception of ones meant for 50 BMG and other large bodied dies.  My Lee Classic Cast has a threaded insert which allows both standard and large dies.  Some older presses, such as the ones from Herters, used different threads.  As long as you're not garage sale shopping you probably won't run into that. 

The Lock & Load bushings take standard thread dies, and then the bushing itself locks into the press.  This allows you to do a quick change of dies without having to readjust each time.  Any brand of die will work with any standard press.

I also agree, get a single stage for your first one.  You'll always need a single stage even if you eventually go progressive. 

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