I have been reloading for rifle for over 10 years using a
RockChucker outfit. .30-06, .308 and .223. RCBS equipment is good and
their customer service is outstanding.
Three years ago I started shooting pistol and purchased a Star all
set up for .45ACP. After so much rifle, pistol reloading took a little
getting used to. Not only was case volume a non issue, so was bullet
jump. Also, the move from single stage to progressive had its own
learning curve.
For rifle one shoots about 88 rounds per match. Compare that to
bullseye where a match uses 270 rounds. I would recomend a single stage
press as a minimum. With a single stage it is easy to load ten or twenty
rounds for testing. On a progressive, on the other hand, setting for a
small round count is a pain. But, once you have your load squared away,
the progressive is the best solution for bullseye ammo.
If you want a progressive that can be changed over for different
cartridges, get the big Dillon 1050. If you want (and have the room for)
dedicated progressives the other Dillons may be a idea. Since I only
shoot .45 in volume, I got a Star and it works just fine. Some will say
the Star will give you a double charge and that is true. I had one
double in three years of shooting and after that I tried to duplicate it
at the press and I just can't figure out how it happened.
A double charge won't wreck your .45, but you will sure know it, the
shooters next to you will know it and the whole firing line will know it!
Regards, Ray in FLA
PS: Another difference between rifle an pistol; In rifle you use a lot
of pasters and very few staples. In pistol you use a lot of staples and
very few pasters (unless you can't keep them on the repair center!).