change calibers or a new press?

**steviesterno** · February 14th, 2012, 01:07 PM

hey all,

I've been loading large primer 45 for my SS gun for over a year now. I shoot SS for steel challenge, USPSA, IDPA, etc. I have been using a Hornady LnL and I'm pretty happy with it, now that it's running right.

I will be running an M&P pro in 3 gun this season, and I'm debating loading for it. I want to shoot soft 9mm in 3 gun, steel, and general matches to save some money and not reload every 8 damn shots.

What I'm wondering, is do I buy a LnL conversion set or a new Lee press just set up in 9mm? Please don't say "switch to whatever other brand" I don't want to really mess it up. I was looking, and it seems I could get a conversion set of bushings, dies, shell plates, etc for the LNL for maybe $150, but could get a lee press that a few buddies already load on for $180. I am a bit tight on space, and just want the best for what I will be doing this year.

Honestly, Next year I plan on switching to Limited major, and will run that one gun in every event. Should I just shut up and buy light 9mm for the year, or is it worth it if I know I won't really be loading much 9mm after this year, anyway?

Thanks for the help,
Steve

**Lycanthrope** · February 14th, 2012, 01:25 PM

If you are planning on going limited why not buy a .40 and load down for steel and 3 gun? I find .40 loaded to minor recoils softer than 9mm does.

I guess to answer your question we need to know how long it takes to change calibers over on your press. I can switch mine in 60 seconds and I still find myself trying to load 1000 at a time so I don't have to so often.

If you end up loading 3 calibers or more the extra press should help in efficiency. It will also be worth more in resale than an extra conversion......

Lycanhas3pressesthrope

**DucatiRon** · February 14th, 2012, 02:09 PM

I personally hate switching calibers. I load for multiple calibers on 3 different presses currently. Buying another press this week to help out. If you have the storage space I say go for it. I know it dosent take long to switch out but I find it more convenient to swap out 3 bolts on the table then primer trays and stuff to go from large to small and so forth. Also helps that I don't have to change my powder charge bar from caliber to caliber. Good luck in your choice.

**Yoder** · February 14th, 2012, 03:04 PM

You can't count the cost of the dies since you would have to buy them either way. I'm guessing you have a LNL AP, shell plates are about $35 and the bushings are $25 for six at Midway. So it looks more like $60 to switch over to 9mm. If you count the dies it would be about $110. Changing calibers on my LNL only takes about 5 min, so it's not a big deal. If you got your press running good and you are used to it I would just buy the conversion. If not you might wind up spending more money on a slower press that you will have to mess with to get it working like the press you have now.

**steviesterno** · February 14th, 2012, 03:19 PM

Lycanthrope, I would LOVE to buy the 2011 in 40 of my dreams, and load light for steel and whatnot. I just don't have the $2k I need to do it right at the moment. I picked up an M&P pro in 9mm for only $600 with 7 mags, added another $100 for holster and mag pouches, so I'm pretty much stuck I think for now.

I am saving my 40 brass already and have 5 gallons or so, and will be thinking about and building a dream 2011 as money and time progresses. As of now though, I want to shoot single stack in 45 since it's what I have and I'm pretty good at breaking down the stages.

**Lycanthrope** · February 14th, 2012, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by steviesterno

Lycanthrope, I would LOVE to buy the 2011 in 40 of my dreams, and load light for steel and whatnot. I just don't have the $2k I need to do it right at the moment. I picked up an M&P pro in 9mm for only $600 with 7 mags, added another $100 for holster and mag pouches, so I'm pretty much stuck I think for now.

I am saving my 40 brass already and have 5 gallons or so, and will be thinking about and building a dream 2011 as money and time progresses. As of now though, I want to shoot single stack in 45 since it's what I have and I'm pretty good at breaking down the stages.

Well selling the 1911 (gasp!) and shooting Production would put a nice down payment on a Limited gun......or sell both and buy a G35 with a magwell and two sets of mags (one set for Limited and one set for IDPA/Production) and a new press....

Lycanmuddyingthewaterthrope