Who here has a Camdex?

[phaux]

I'm looking for feedback and reviews on those who own, or have owned a Camdex machine, not hearsay or internet jibber-jabber. I blow through a lot of 9mm and would like something automated for 9mm to load 5-6k a month. THose who own one, what do or do you not like about them? Any common issues? Worth the cost of buying?

[jmorris]

Might not be worth it for only 5-6k a month, what dollar value do you put on your time? That would be 2 hours of loading on the outside with a Camdex or 4-5 hours on a 1050, for example. The cost between the two and complexity have more of a gap than their load rates.

They have a lot going on, nothing very complicated but a lot of it, they do check the case more than another press that I know of.

If you have an extra $25,000+ sitting around, I guess it would be cool to have one or if you really like a challenge you could buy one that has been ran for a few decades in the $5-7k range and try to get it running smoothly.

[Bonz]

I think that the backlog for a new machine is now almost one year. Also, Camdex recommends buying a Camdex case processor and a Camdex loader.

[phaux]

Ya, I def don't have 25k for a new one. I was thinking more along the lines of a used one for 3-5k. I see them pop up a couple times a year though they do go fast :D

[jmorris]

$3-5k would be a good deal if it still works and is in the caliber you are wanting to load. Caliber conversions cost more than that alone.

Bonz is correct, any automated machine runs best when fed processed brass. If you can find one Scharch also made them.

I just remove the powder measure and powder check to process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1ieGYpdr9I

This was my "low buck" Soultion for my Camdex/Ammoload itch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrFhnDQ-eUU

It still won't check for cracked cases or "ringers" left in the primer pocket but I did build a device for my 45 acp 1050 to check for and cull SPP brass, that I will use in the processing pass when I autodrive it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V7vSEAqkZw

[phaux]

Hmmm, so 1050 is the way to go you're saying? Any issues with your 1050? I'm torn between the 1050 and 650 as the 1050 doesn't come with the life time warranty and that's what I love about Dillon so much. Also, that's some great stuff you've done with your machine there!

[jmorris]

If you have the money and can work on one, I think you would enjoy a Camdex but they don't have a lifetime warranty either.

The 1050 is just the only "cheap" machine that I feel is reliable enough to auto drive for loading.

Manually 650's can be made to load quite fast and if they had a primer pocket swage, adjustable primer seating on the "down" stroke, and dowel pins on the tool head to align the shell plate, might even be better than the 1050.

This is my 45 acp bullet fed 650.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3hVi6PuduM

[angus6]

Ya, I def don't have 25k for a new one. I was thinking more along the lines of a used one for 3-5k. I see them pop up a couple times a year though they do go fast :D

This a gentleman in CA. that has them every now and then in the $3500 range, have come close a couple of times in the past to picking one up. Came across him on ebay

[DeputyDog25]

Wow JMorris, that is very, very impressive. I have said few times on here that I am just amazed at the amount of talent that is found here on this forum. You should actually patent those devices on your 1050 and sell them in the open market.