Hi Robert, I am by no means an experienced reloader, but I have been doing it. Knock on wood, i have yet to have a squib or a primer issue. i am a scientist and after thoroughly researching reloading, I wrote myself a Standard Operating procedure.
I have a single stage Lee press (their anniversary model). I do not see the need to go to a progressive. Not to throw shade, but I have experienced shooting with those who have squibs and raised primers. One thing they had in common was a progressive press. i am not saying that caused the issue, but i find doing things quicker is not always better.
First I resize and deprime everything at once. Then they get a 2nd cleaning, having been cleaned after firing. When everyone is dry and happy, I prime them all and open up the case mouth a touch. I inspect each one individually at this point, both the body of the case, and the seated primer.
I am now ready to do small batches of cartridges. For smokeless, i have a powder charger. I charge five cartridges and then a 6th charge gets weighed. if all is good, I seat and crimp the five charged cartridges. Then do the same thing. This lets me start and stop, not having to remember where I was at and regular weighings ensures all is good.
For blackpowder, all the same up until adding powder. I have spouts I use for each caliber. In both I use a card and wad. So, I measure powder in the spout, pour into the cartridge, ensuring all is added and then tap them a bit to settle it. Add card and wad then place the bullet. These I do one at a time, compressing the powder, seating the bullet and crimping before moving to the next cartridge. I could probably shorten this, but to my science mind, that means I am not focusing on my safety and the safety of my friends that I shoot with.
My procedure is printed and setting on my bench right by the press. works well