Wow, if you can do that 10 times in a row I’d say you have something there. My old Single Stage loaded ammo, that my rifle put 5 rounds in less then .200 inches, and have done that once in a row.
I think that a good progressive will not equal the repeatability of a good single stage.
What do the worlds most accurate shooters use?
Respectfully,
jkelly
I'm not going to speak for Gammon and his loads, but to get sub-.5 MOA groups from a progressive press is not outside the realm of possibilities. I've done it with my .223 on my 550. Obviously not from position, but on a bench with a scope, ten five-shot groups, average .443" (the rifle and the load are up to the task, now to work on the trigger-puller
).
I've modified my 550's powder die by reaming it to get a more tapered drop. It will drop charges more consistantly than my RCBS Uniflow. I also use a Forster precision seater. I don't think it makes a more accurate load, but it makes it a lot easier to find my settings when switching between 77 and 80 gr weights.
My advice to any potential handloaders: buy a good
used single stage press and other stuff. Most shops around here have a Rockchucker or an old Lyman gathering dust which can be had for very little money. Just thinking of my local shop, you could get a used Lyman press, a used RCBS 5-0-5 scale, a used Uniflow, and a set of used dies for less than $100. That set-up is perfectly capable of churning out quality ammo. From there, you can upgrade to a progressive if you want (recommended if you want to make a
lot of ammo). Keep the stuff you bought earlier, or sell it off for probably what you paid for it.
I think LEE makes a starter package with everything you need, too. I've never been a big fan of LEE stuff, but many here like it and put it to good use. Re-sale value is less with LEE, so you probably won't get your money back out of it, but it doesn't cost much to begin with.