question about loading speed between Lee Classsic Turret and Dillon Square Deal

[asmith80]

I'm starting to get more into competition shooting. Only doing once a month competitions but I'd like to get some more practice in between. I'm taking a look at my reloading situation to see if it can keep up with my ammo needs.

Right now I've got a Lee Classic Turret press with some Inline Fabrication upgrades. Specifically the auto shell ejector finger and indexing rod. I can load probably around 150 rounds an hour with this setup if I'm taking my time.

I'm looking at getting the Square Deal just to load 9mm for practice. Budget is a little tight, so the Square Deal is about at the edge of what I can afford. Am I going to get a significant (at least 200/hour) increase over what I've already got?

[dragon813gt]

Yes, you will see a significant increase w/ a SDB. Even putting along on a 550 will increase your production rate. I use a LCT a lot. But if I want to crank out a lot of ammo I use the 550.

Just a reminder that the SDB uses proprietary dies. And that the window to work in is small. Guys w/ larger hands can have issues w/ it. For loading lots of pistol ammo it’s a great press if you don’t mind the die issue.

[Stan_TN]

I know a lot of Dillon folks are going to get steamed about this one. Long story short, I purchased a used SQDB and then after a lot of frustration bought a brand new one. Good little press....but I hated it!!! It is tiny and I am BIG. Worked ok, but I didn't like it at all. What I would do - and this is just from my experience. I would purchase a used Lee Load Master and go from there. It is fast enough, but need to prime off press to avoid frustration. The SQDB is a good little unit, but I did not like it at all. Pretty complex little unit, lots of moving parts in my opinion and the dies, etc are completely and only used for the SDB. This is a downfall to me given inexpensive Lee dies and other "common" sized type of accessories available.

[asmith80]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not too concerned with the proprietary die issue. In fact, one of the things I liked about the deal is that it comes with everything already set up, and there's not much I would have to do to get it running.

[dragon813gt]

If you’re looking to speed up production than any step performed off press doesn’t help. If you don’t mind tinkering to get it to run than a Lee progressive is an option. If you want it to run out of the box and keep running for years on end then buy a Dillon.

The cost difference is negligible and the 550 is a versatile press that’s more capable than a SDB. But you’re going to give up some speed w/ no auto advance. You will find more used accessories for a 550 than a SDB which keeps costs down.

[jmorris]

I can load 100 rounds on my square deals in 9:30. 200-300 an hour would be a very relaxed pace with a break or two as well.

It will be a night and day difference between your turret press for sure. The next big step after that is a bullet and case fed 650, that will load 100 rounds in 4 minutes and it’s less work than loading 100 in 10 minutes on an SD.

[onelight]

I would think any progressive press that is running RIGHT should double or triple your turret loading at the same pace.
Personally I would find a 550 more versatile in the long run.
But I bough the new breech lock pro cause I did not like fighting the primer problems on the other progressives I have had I tend to not use it for months at a time so with my poor memory I had to figure it all out again every time , for me the simpler the better.

[Three44s]

I am a LNL guy as well as a Lee Classic turret guy but I think you ought to just dive all the way in and go for the 650 Dillon and be done with it.

Three44s

[dverna]

I have had two SD presses. They both worked well. If you only want to load one caliber in quantity on a limited budget, you will be good.

As you already have a turret press, getting a 550 may not be your best option unless you have another caliber you want to load in quantity. The 550 will be a tad slower, more versatile, and more expensive.

BTW, I sold the SD presses only because I moved to a 650 and then to a 1050.

I suggest getting extra primer tubes. Loading primer tubes is the biggest interruption for me. I have 20 and load them up before I start a long session.

[rbuck351]

Save up for a 550. 400 rounds per hr is an easy pace and that is without boolit or case feeder. 500+ per hr can be done but you need extra primer tubes already filled. Until you get a good method figured out and well practiced, it would be wise to keep the slower pace.

[asmith80]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I had thought about the Loadmaster, but it seems like you have to fiddle with it to get it running well. Also it looks huge, and I've got a limited amount of bench space.

The 550 was a really close contender, for the reasons some of you stated above. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that aside from 9mm, I don't really shoot huge volumes of any other caliber I load for, so if I got a 550, it'd only be used for one caliber anyway. I like that the SD comes pre-set and ready to go, and has the auto-index

I've got 3 small kids, so if I can get an hour a week to load, I'm lucky. Getting 100 rounds in that hour for any of the other calibers I load for is fine, because they may sit for a few months before I shoot them. If I'm going to be practicing more with 9mm, I'm going to need something that helps me maximize my hour and let's me build up a little surplus of ammo.

[onelight]

Any progressive running right will give you a loaded each pull of the lever with your turret you feed bullets and cases one at a time so a progressive even. With no case or bullet feeder should give you at least 21/2 times the production rate , for me a angziety climbs = with my production rate.:p ... but it is worth it.

[Petrol & Powder]

asmith80 - I read your posts, in particular #11.

It sounds like you want to be able to crank out rounds when the opportunity to reload presents itself. I get it, time is valuable.

While the SDB is a little less money up front than a 550 and the SDB has auto indexing- the SDB has some limitations.

The auto index feature doesn't contribute as much speed as people think. I've been using a 550 for 20+ years and I would dare say that I can run a 550 as fast as a SDB. Manual indexing is not an impediment.

The SDB uses proprietary dies and that is a huge factor. I know you're only thinking about loading one handgun caliber at this time but it never remains just one caliber ! The 550 uses standard dies and is a bit larger which makes it easier to run if you have big fingers & hands.

A 550 and a supply of about 4 primer pick-up tubes will allow you to load 300-400 rounds per hour. YES, the primer tubes must be pre-loaded to accomplish that rate but that task can been done ahead of time (like when watching TV and kids). Even with only 2 pre-loaded tubes and the machine loaded with primers; 300 rounds in an hour is easy.

If the initial cost and the lack of auto-index are the issues that are pushing you away from a 550; I would suggest you save up just a little more money and go with the 550. The money is a one time expense (and not a huge difference) and the lack auto-index isn't that big of a deal.

[georgerkahn]

I used to get a chuckle watching television cooking shows where a dozen or more different ingredients had already been cut, measured and be all ready to be added as the recipe was being shown put together. Similarly, to me -- the time (assuming these will all contribute to making the resultant target pattern smaller) to trim all brass to exact length; clean primer pockets; deburr the flash holes; sort cases by lot.... this with brass with time to s.s. pin tumble... What *I've* noted is the press time is not really -- for me -- that significant. Advertisers may claim a press will crank out, say, 500 rounds in an hour -- BUT, I do not think the time to fill the auto primer tubes five times; sort/do all the brass prep mentioned; putting lub on cases (assuming no carbide die on pistol brass) -- ALL MOST significant has been included!
For *me*, again, the time AT the press is but ONE of many operations... just something to think about..
(I've "threatened myself" several times, through the years, to simply decap a lot, put in a new primer, drop in some measured powder, and seat the bullet; VERSUS doing another lot with pin tumbled measured brass, etc., etc., etc. etc. -- to see IF there'll be a measurable difference at the target ;) However, in the competitive shooting game, I'd not take the chance omitting steps which indeed, will greatly speed up the loading process. )
geo

[asmith80]

Petrol, you make a pretty good case for the 550.

I'm reading that the Dillon powder through expander may not expand enough for cast. Anybody run into this? And is there a solution?

Also, does Dillon have a powder through expander for rifle calibers?
Maybe the 550 would be the way to go

[kmw1954]

asmith80 At first I was getting the impression that maybe you already had a line on a used Dillon SDB and now I'm thinking otherwise.

You have a good press already in the Lee Turret, it is very versatile and well built. Though you are correct in thinking it is limited in speed when compared to a progressive.

My thought comparison is that the Dillon SDB and the Lee Pro1000 are on equal footing as far as speed and the over-all use. The Dillon 550 is in a class all by its self same as the new Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro. Right now you state you are primarily interested in loading just 9mm in large quantities and with that any one of these presses can be set up and run as a dedicated press with an option to expand if/when you need to.

From watching the used market pretty closely I can tell you a used Complete Dillon SBD is going to be in the $350.00 range for a decent one. A complete Lee Pro1000 can be found on ebay generally in the $100.00 - $200.00 range depending on how much extras they are throwing in. Now when I say complete I mean in the same complete condition as new with nothing missing. The Dillon 550 is going to be in the $400.00 - 500.00 range and again depending on what comes with it.

Which brings me to the new Lee Breech Lock Pro. This press new runs about $115.00 with another $20.00 for a shell plate, then another $30.00 for the Safety Prime if you don't already have one on your turret press. Then everything from your Lee Turret press can be migrated to the Breech Lock Pro. I have one of these presses and I can tell you that it can easily produce 250 rounds per hour w/o busting your butt.

[JBinMN]

I'm starting to get more into competition shooting. Only doing once a month competitions but I'd like to get some more practice in between. I'm taking a look at my reloading situation to see if it can keep up with my ammo needs.

Right now I've got a Lee Classic Turret press with some Inline Fabrication upgrades. Specifically the auto shell ejector finger and indexing rod. I can load probably around 150 rounds an hour with this setup if I'm taking my time.

I'm looking at getting the Square Deal just to load 9mm for practice. Budget is a little tight, so the Square Deal is about at the edge of what I can afford. Am I going to get a significant (at least 200/hour) increase over what I've already got?

A little sidetrack to the topic, but I'm pretty impressed with the bolded above.

I average 60+-75 per hour usually, but when I get to rocking & rollin and things going smoothly with no interuptions, I can run almost to 100 a hour on the basic 4 hole LCT. ( I have had it over a year now, so it is not that it is new to me.)That is with everything setup & ready to go in front of me, Press to my right as I am right handed, primers in the primer dispenser, scale & trickler in front of me at bent arms distance, powder measure to my left & loaded & calibrated to throw what I want, boolits & cases directly in front of me as well as a calipers & case gauge. I must add that I check powder weight & case gauge "every load & round" before it goes into the box as completed, as well as check OAL about every 5-10 rounds, so that can eat up a little time.

I am not sure of what the auto shell ejector finger & indexing rod could do to the press to make it run faster, or whatever other improvements related to speed you have done, but if sometime, If you can take the time to tell me, please, or send maybe me some pics of what you are doing & your press setup, that basically could double my current output 60-75/100 RPM to your 150 RPM "taking your time", I would appreciate it. Thanks!
:)

G'Luck! on what ya decide to do for a new press!
:)



I used to get a chuckle watching television cooking shows where a dozen or more different ingredients had already been cut, measured and be all ready to be added as the recipe was being shown put together. Similarly, to me -- the time (assuming these will all contribute to making the resultant target pattern smaller) to trim all brass to exact length; clean primer pockets; deburr the flash holes; sort cases by lot.... this with brass with time to s.s. pin tumble... What *I've* noted is the press time is not really -- for me -- that significant. Advertisers may claim a press will crank out, say, 500 rounds in an hour -- BUT, I do not think the time to fill the auto primer tubes five times; sort/do all the brass prep mentioned; putting lub on cases (assuming no carbide die on pistol brass) -- ALL MOST significant has been included!
For *me*, again, the time AT the press is but ONE of many operations... just something to think about..
(I've "threatened myself" several times, through the years, to simply decap a lot, put in a new primer, drop in some measured powder, and seat the bullet; VERSUS doing another lot with pin tumbled measured brass, etc., etc., etc. etc. -- to see IF there'll be a measurable difference at the target ;) However, in the competitive shooting game, I'd not take the chance omitting steps which indeed, will greatly speed up the loading process. )
geo

Good points,IMO. Just sayin', in case no one else does.
;)

[asmith80]

The inline ejector finger allows the turret to kick out a finished case on the up stroke into a bin like on a progressive. It's a little metal and rubber piece that fits over the indexing rod and moves around with it. If it's timed right, as the ram lowers on the last station it pushes the finished case out of the shell holder and down a ramp into a bin. It's pretty slick and does speed things up a bit.

You seem to check things a lot more than I do. I do an initial check to make sure of powder charge and OAL, and then I check maybe every 30 rounds or so.

[NyFirefighter357]

A little sidetrack to the topic, but I'm pretty impressed with the bolded above.

I average 60+-75 per hour usually, but when I get to rocking & rollin and things going smoothly with no interuptions, I can run almost to 100 a hour on the basic 4 hole LCT. ( I have had it over a year now, so it is not that it is new to me.)That is with everything setup & ready to go in front of me, Press to my right as I am right handed, primers in the primer dispenser, scale & trickler in front of me at bent arms distance, powder measure to my left & loaded & calibrated to throw what I want, boolits & cases directly in front of me as well as a calipers & case gauge. I must add that I check powder weight & case gauge "every load & round" before it goes into the box as completed, as well as check OAL about every 5-10 rounds, so that can eat up a little time.

I am not sure of what the auto shell ejector finger & indexing rod could do to the press to make it run faster, or whatever other improvements related to speed you have done, but if sometime, If you can take the time to tell me, please, or send maybe me some pics of what you are doing & your press setup, that basically could double my current output 60-75/100 RPM to your 150 RPM "taking your time", I would appreciate it. Thanks!
:)

G'Luck! on what ya decide to do for a new press!
:)




Good points,IMO. Just sayin', in case no one else does.
;)

It's a simple mod you can do yourself or buy the parts, reverse indexing rod (I made one) & an arm mounted to the indexing rod that sweeps the loaded round off the shell holder into a bin.

https://youtu.be/Dw34yzynAa0

https://vimeo.com/99950314

https://youtu.be/xKifVNWLKN4

You can also buy them as a set: This one works for 4 stge operation (4 pulls sweeps the case off)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic-Turret-Press-Reverse-Indexing-Rod-PLUS-Case-Kicker/112688048316?hash=item1a3cbb28bc:m:miEdJsH2DBy0okO lToswyXQ&frcectupt=true

This one is used if your using it for single stage final stge operation (each pull sweeps the case off)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic-Turret-Press-Reverse-SINGLE-STAGE-Indexing-Rod-PLUS-Case-Kicker/112691515400?hash=item1a3cf01008:m:mYerFZhLEKoLN3E GqIr1ryg&frcectupt=true

[fast ronnie]

I got a SQDB about a year ago. I can easily do more than 300 an hour. As I load for several different pistols. I had to buiy several sets of dies. It takes about 10 minutes or so to change over, and that includes time to reset the powder measure. This press has really impressed me.

I got mine in a trade, or I would never have stepped up to this press. Knowing what I know now, I would have done this years ago.

I only have one regret, and that is that I would like to have a 650 to load rifle with. The Square Deal is only for pistol.

[JBinMN]

The inline ejector finger allows the turret to kick out a finished case on the up stroke into a bin like on a progressive. It's a little metal and rubber piece that fits over the indexing rod and moves around with it. If it's timed right, as the ram lowers on the last station it pushes the finished case out of the shell holder and down a ramp into a bin. It's pretty slick and does speed things up a bit.

You seem to check things a lot more than I do. I do an initial check to make sure of powder charge and OAL, and then I check maybe every 30 rounds or so.

Thanks for replying so quickly!
:)

Yes, I figured that if I did not check things so often, I would be faster. I just thought perhaps there was other things you had, like powder thru die, etc., & such things as that, that were adding to the speed that I could look into getting myself.
Yes, I am just pretty picky about my loads, I guess. It is just the way I started out reloading as self taught years ago, & I have just stuck with it. I started out reloading metallic cases while watching my two young sons at the same time, & I purposely made myself do such checks to make sure I did not mess up if I was interrupted by something that was going on with the two lads that pulled me away from the process. That way I would be doing what I could to prevent any mishap later on.
I guess I kind of figured I would rather give up some speed/time doing more than most do in being careful, than have something happen that would prevent me from shooting again, by my missing something if I was called away & regret the result of it, but I am still willing to modify my rigs now to add speed, if there was a way I could do so & still keep the same procedures I use.
So, that is why I asked.
:)

Thanks again for the prompt reply, and once again, G'Luck! in figuring out what press you get & hope it works out for you the way you like!
:)

[JBinMN]

It's a simple mod you can do yourself or buy the parts, reverse indexing rod (I made one) & an arm mounted to the indexing rod that sweeps the loaded round off the shell holder into a bin.

https://youtu.be/Dw34yzynAa0

https://vimeo.com/99950314

https://youtu.be/xKifVNWLKN4

You can also buy them as a set: This one works for 4 stge operation (4 pulls sweeps the case off)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic-Turret-Press-Reverse-Indexing-Rod-PLUS-Case-Kicker/112688048316?hash=item1a3cbb28bc:m:miEdJsH2DBy0okO lToswyXQ&frcectupt=true

This one is used if your using it for single stage final stge operation (each pull sweeps the case off)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic-Turret-Press-Reverse-SINGLE-STAGE-Indexing-Rod-PLUS-Case-Kicker/112691515400?hash=item1a3cf01008:m:mYerFZhLEKoLN3E GqIr1ryg&frcectupt=true

Thanks! I will go check them out now!
:)

[dragon813gt]

Similarly, to me -- the time (assuming these will all contribute to making the resultant target pattern smaller) to trim all brass to exact length; clean primer pockets; deburr the flash holes; sort cases by lot....

All that time absolutely counts. But the OP is talking about just 9mm. I can load a vibratory tumbler in less than five minutes. Let it run overnight and spend five minutes separating the brass from the media in the morning. The brass is then ready to load and all steps can be performed on press. The only other time that would have to be added is filling primer tubes.

The OP is in the same situation as I am w/ kids at home. Finding ten minutes to fill primer tubes is easy. So is the time to clean the brass. Time at the press is the hard part. Anything that speeds up loading means more time w/ the family.

[rbuck351]

I don't trim pistol brass,clean primer pockets ,deburr flash holes, sort cases by lot or even brand and I don't even polish brass if it's not tarnished. I check a few powder charges to make sure it's throwing correctly (I use ball powders for consistency) and start loading. This doesn't seem to affect accuracy much as my 45acp and my 38spl both shoot around 2" at 50yds. It only takes a couple of minutes to load a primer tube. The 550 will load 400 per hr fairly easy including filling primer tubes. More if you want to push things. The 550 will also load rifle rounds if you want. You can load for a few minutes to what ever time you have and have loaded ammo rather than batch loading for a few minutes and only have some cases sized and primed.
I have three of the Lee Pro 1000s and would not recommend one to anyone that isn't a good tinkerer.

[Petrol & Powder]

Petrol, you make a pretty good case for the 550.

I'm reading that the Dillon powder through expander may not expand enough for cast. Anybody run into this? And is there a solution?

Also, does Dillon have a powder through expander for rifle calibers?
Maybe the 550 would be the way to go

The Dillon powder funnel will work with cast BUT Lathesmith (a member of this forum) makes an excellent replacement powder through funnel (expander) that works far better. I requested that he incorporate a "M" die "step" on mine and it's a game changer. The Dillon expander puts a "bell" on the case and the Lyman "M" die style puts a step in the case.

And yes, there are rifle dies available for the 550 although I prefer to use a single stage press for rifle cartridges.

[asmith80]

The Dillon powder funnel will work with cast BUT Lathesmith (a member of this forum) makes an excellent replacement powder through funnel (expander) that works far better. I requested that he incorporate a "M" die "step" on mine and it's a game changer. The Dillon expander puts a "bell" on the case and the Lyman "M" die style puts a step in the case.

And yes, there are rifle dies available for the 550 although I prefer to use a single stage press for rifle cartridges.

Awesome! When I read about the PTX on the Dillon not being great for cast I thought that might be the killer for me, but if I can get high quality replacements that changes everything. The 550 sounds extremely versatile, and I hadn't thought about it in terms of being a single stage when I want one or a progressive when I want that. Doing a little more research and the tool heads aren't as expensive as I thought they were compared to the turret plates for the LCT.

That's the thing I like about this forum, I came in with an idea already in mind, and you guys got me thinking about things I hadn't considered and totally changed my mind. I think I'm going to go with the 550. The LCT may soon be relegated to load development and case prep

[Camper64]

JBinMN, I use the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure with out the in-line fabrication modification and can do on average 150 per hour using my Lee Classic Turret Press. It is extremely accurate for me. If you would like to give it a try, I'll be passing through Goodhue mid-morning of May 11th and coming back through on mid-morning May 19th. Just let me know if your interested.

[Chainsaw.]

On the issue of having time to load. What I always tell people is dont try to set aside one block of time to do all your reloading. Once the kids are in bed etc go load for 15-20 mins, do this a few nights a week and you’ll be ahead of the curve in no time. That the beauty of a progressive, leave it alone for a bit with no detriment.

[dverna]

asmith80,

I have loaded 10's of thousands of cast bullets in Dillon's in 9mm. .38, .44 and .45. Never had a problem with their powder through die's.

I have never loaded rifle rounds on a progressive as I do not shoot enough rifle ammunition to justify it. If I was shooting three gun, I would load .223's on the 550. Changing out the primers is a pain and you should not mix rifle and pistol primers. And going from small to large primers requires another changeover. Just easier for me to load rifle on the single stage presses. I use either the RCBS bench primer or a hand primer for rifle rounds and prime off the press. I suppose I could remove the sizing/decappng die and use sized and primed case on the 550, but then I may as well use a Lee...LOL YMMV.

[onelight]

For me loading high volume as quickly as I felt was as safe , required many changes and compromises from when every caridge was as perfect as I could make it , (crude attempts at perfection compared to what many here produce.) but a box of cases stayed together for life all trimmed the same anealed the same primmer pockets always cleaned , my cast boollits were perfect Keith style Lyman’s in 38,44,45. or they went back in the pot , powder was all thrown and trickled exactly . My rifle loads got the same process.
Most of my shootng was at 80 to 100 yards , a range trip was 20 rounds rifle 50 centerfire revolvers , 100 rimfire.
Now I shoot at an indoor range max 25 yards mostly at 7 yards shooting at 1” dots iron sights off hand I don’t need all of the detail above to put 5 shots in an inch at 7 yards.
My loads now are made up of as close to the same no of cases I came with picked up off the floor at the range for my autos . For autos I use the Lee factory crimp die because after determining OAL the loads will work in my gun assortment . Revolvers get bullets with a good crimp grove so I can determine OAL to the center of the grove so I have some leeway for case length they get a roll crimp.I prefer the Lee pro auto disc to any other measure I have used for ease of use (it’s like a case activated little dandy ) I record the orfice in my log and can duplicate any time in seconds.
I pick powders that will perform well at a wide range of pressures and will cycle all my guns well with a charge well below max that will fall in the limitations of the disc measure. On the LCT red dot is my favorite I think it the rotation makes it settle consistently it has high volume for its weight so works in the standard disc for small charges (32 & 380) where more dense powders like BE don’t ,the bulk also is easy to see for last check befor bullet.
The pro auto disc on the LCT needs to be cycled around a few times to settle after filling and the first charge returned to the hopper after setting a while , or any changes to routine cycling.
All 3 of mine will feed red dot + or - 1/20 of a grain if the LCT is operated consistently.
This is a long winded way of saying precision in loading except for saftey can be matched to your use.

[Shepherd2]

I have an SDB that I use exclusively for 9mm. It works really good but the working area is too small for my hands. I get a decent rate of production even with a lot of fumbling. I have a 550B also and being a bit frustrated with the SBD I set up the 550 to load 9mm.

I made a test run with the 550 last month and I loaded 400 9mm in about 50 minutes with out putting much effort into it. I shoot up a lot of 9mms every month in competition and practice. I'll be using the 550 from now on.

My $.02 is for you to save up a bit longer and get a 550. It's not that much more money and it is a more versatile and easy to use press.

[kevin c]

I have loaded about 200K of various pistol calibers on my SDB. I size the 9 mm to .357 and they load fine using the factory die.

With preloaded primer tubes I can push and load up to 600 rounds an hour of practice ammo, and at an easy pace get 400 rounds an hour of major match ammo. I do have to admit, though, that I have very small hands.

I started with this press a quarter century ago and am happy with it as it works well and suits my needs. But if I were to load rifle, or want even higher volume, I'd pick another Dillon progressive: a 550 to manage broader needs, or one of the models that are commonly upgraded with automation for the greater production.

[JBinMN]

JBinMN, I use the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure with out the in-line fabrication modification and can do on average 150 per hour using my Lee Classic Turret Press. It is extremely accurate for me. If you would like to give it a try, I'll be passing through Goodhue mid-morning of May 11th and coming back through on mid-morning May 19th. Just let me know if your interested.

You have a PM.
:)

[David2011]

SDB: Base price is $436.95
550C: Base price is $489.95 without dies that you already have

SDB Caliber conversion with a toolhead is about $129 with dies and powder die, without a powder measure
550C Caliber Conversion is about $90 without dies or powder measure but with a powder die (affects adjustment, with the $13.45)
If you're buying everything new the caliber conversion costs are not very different but if you already have the dies the 550 is less expensive.

Most of my Dillon toolheads have their own powder measure but for cartridges I don't load often I move a powder measure from one toolhead to another. Everything I load frequently has a dedicated toolhead. I used to have a trifecta of Dillons on the bench; a Square Deal B with 2 9mm and .45 ACP toolheads, a 550B with a ton of caliber conversions and a 650 with toolheads for 4 cartridges. I just never liked the tiny size of the SDB and the feel of its operation. It's clicky, notchy and takes a lot more force on the lever than the 550. It got replaced with a Ponsness Warren 12/20 gauge press.

Even if you think you won't want to expand to other calibers right now, it is less costly in the long run to plan for that expansion. The SDB won't load any rifle cartridges. As mentioned, auto advance has little if any impact on the overall speed of a press. It's very easy to change calibers on the 550 even if you have to change primer sizes. The entire family of cartridges that uses the .45ACP/.308 case head can be loaded without changing anything but the powder funnel. I've loaded pistol cartridges from .380 to .45 Colt and rifle cartridges from .223 to .30-'06 to .45-70 on my 550. It will load almost all rifle and pistol cartridges.


The 550 is capable of producing very high quality rifle rounds. If you can put off the purchase for a little while and get a 550 you will never regret it. If you decide to stick with the SDB you'll still have a very good Dillon press.

[David2011]

On the issue of having time to load. What I always tell people is dont try to set aside one block of time to do all your reloading. Once the kids are in bed etc go load for 15-20 mins, do this a few nights a week and you’ll be ahead of the curve in no time. That the beauty of a progressive, leave it alone for a bit with no detriment.

A friend showed me a great tip for walking off and leaving a Dillon in mid session. It's very simple, just leave it with the stage up and the lever down. That eliminates all doubt about what has been done and what hasn't. With the handle up and stage down has the shellplate been rotated (550 only)? Has a boolit been set on the case? Powder in the case? Primer seated? All of those questions are eliminated if the stage is up.

[David2011]

asmith80,

I have loaded 10's of thousands of cast bullets in Dillon's in 9mm. .38, .44 and .45. Never had a problem with their powder through die's.

I have never loaded rifle rounds on a progressive as I do not shoot enough rifle ammunition to justify it. If I was shooting three gun, I would load .223's on the 550. Changing out the primers is a pain and you should not mix rifle and pistol primers. And going from small to large primers requires another changeover. Just easier for me to load rifle on the single stage presses. I use either the RCBS bench primer or a hand primer for rifle rounds and prime off the press. I suppose I could remove the sizing/decappng die and use sized and primed case on the 550, but then I may as well use a Lee...LOL YMMV.

Don,

Have you seen this video on changing the primer size on the 550? It doesn't help if you have a magazine full of the wrong type but if the magazine is empty it's really fast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1CvjA7UmA


Loading small batches on a progressive is more trouble that it's worth to me as well. If it's fewer than 100 rounds I go to the single stage presses. I tend to usually load 40 rounds on a single stage press whether rifle or pistol; sometimes 50 or 60 rounds (1 50 rd pistol box or 3 20 rd rifle boxes). If I'm going to load over 60 I load 100 and usually go to a progressive.

[Petrol & Powder]

A friend showed me a great tip for walking off and leaving a Dillon in mid session. It's very simple, just leave it with the stage up and the lever down. That eliminates all doubt about what has been done and what hasn't. With the handle up and stage down has the shellplate been rotated (550 only)? Has a boolit been set on the case? Powder in the case? Primer seated? All of those questions are eliminated if the stage is up.

Great minds think alike :wink: I've been using that technique for 20+ years. I just sort of came up with the idea but I don't believe I can claim that I invented it.

The 550 is one of the simplest progressive presses available and that simplicity is part of its great strength.

[dverna]

Don,

Have you seen this video on changing the primer size on the 550? It doesn't help if you have a magazine full of the wrong type but if the magazine is empty it's really fast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1CvjA7UmA


Loading small batches on a progressive is more trouble that it's worth to me as well. If it's fewer than 100 rounds I go to the single stage presses. I tend to usually load 40 rounds on a single stage press whether rifle or pistol; sometimes 50 or 60 rounds (1 50 rd pistol box or 3 20 rd rifle boxes). If I'm going to load over 60 I load 100 and usually go to a progressive.

That is a great way to change primer setups.

Agree with your advice to the OP

Agree with PP....the 550 is simple and bullet proof. It is a lifetime investment in easy reloading for the majority of reloaders who shoot a lot

[onelight]

The 550 looks like such a great press and I know I would love it the main problem is I am CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP so I decide to get one and think I prolly need some better guns to load for on a press that nice , so I buy guns and keep cranking out ammo on my Lees and old Lyman’s but someday I gonna get me a Dillon 550 :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

[asmith80]

Well, I took the plunge. I got a new mounting bracket for my Inline ultramount, and the 550 and 9mm kit. Everything should be here by friday

[JBinMN]

Well, I took the plunge. I got a new mounting bracket for my Inline ultramount, and the 550 and 9mm kit. Everything should be here by friday

Great! I hope it does just what ya want it to do for ya!
:)

[Lloyd Smale]

square deals are fast once you get some time behind them. I once was at my buddys and he and I were loading. he was loading 38s on his 650 and I was loading 45acps on one of his SD's We loaded for an hour. Between the shorter stroke of the square deal and not having to fill a hopper when we were done he had 32 more rounds loaded them me. Now to rookies one of a square deal and one on a 650 aren't going to have the same outcome but ive loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds on square deals and you can make those little thing sing. I also owned a loadmaster and a couple pro 1000s back in my learning stages and I can tell you flat out you aren't going to keep up to any Dillon. Between farting with primers and all the other idiosycracys they have a guy with a 550 will leave them in there dust. Load up 10 primer tubes ahead of times and it isn't even worth discussing. I lost 5 square deals and two 550s in a fire. Dillion was kind enough to send me a free 550. I thought id be smart and go fully progressive and Hornady was giving away a 1000 bullets with a lnl so I bought two. Still light years ahead of a lee progressive but to be honest id rather have one 650 or a couple square deals instead of those lnls. Heck if someone local wanted to trade Id gladly swap a lnl case feeder and all for a square deal in 9mm. Cant afford one and all you can afford is a lee then buy a single stage or a turrent lee and save yourself a whole bunch of headaches. All that said I chuckle at even Dillon. the 550 is more expensive then a square deal so they feel they have to advertise it as slower. tell me how a shorter stroked full progressive could even possibly be slower then a manual advance longer stroked press. If lee was smart they make a red cheaper copy of a 550. Heck id even consider buying one of them if they could sell it even at the same price as a loadmaster.

[Petrol & Powder]

Well, I took the plunge. I got a new mounting bracket for my Inline ultramount, and the 550 and 9mm kit. Everything should be here by friday
AWESOME !

Take your time when assembling that and bolting it down. They are very straight forward machines and when you are putting it together you will learn a lot about the details.

I use straight 30 weight oil to lubricate the ram, wheel bearing grease for the pins and pivots and a tiny bit of light oil on some of the small moving parts. (keep it away from the primer cup/pin). I've loaded 10's of thousands of rounds and the press is as tight today as the day I unpacked it.

They are great machines !

[onelight]

Congratulations that should be a great press

[1bluehorse]

I know I'm in the minority here but I'd have picked the SDB if loading for just the 9mm. Fully progressive, small footprint, and FASTER. I owned a 550B, well made, solid as a handshake but it just ain't for me. The ergonomics are all wrong (without a case feeder) for me. I do not care for the "two handed" operation. I prefer to keep my hand on the handle and do the other operations with the left, just my preference. Without a case feeder there is no way a 550 will keep up with an SDB.

[kmw1954]

I know I'm in the minority here but I'd have picked the SDB if loading for just the 9mm. Fully progressive, small footprint, and FASTER. .

I have related this before so if boring I apologize. When I decided to get back into reloading I already knew then that it would only be for pistols because that is where my interest lays. So at that time I started researching turret presses and progressive presses. I was leaning towards a Lee Auto Advance turret but also found great interest in the Lee Pro1000 and the Dillon SDB. I ended up coming across a complete Pro1000 for less than $100.00 so I bought it. That price was less than I could find a turret press or SBD with dies, measure and priming. If the SBD used normal 7/8X14 dies it would have been at the top of my list.

[Finster101]

After browsing the Dillon site today I would have to spend the extra $160 or so bucks and go for the 650.

[mdatlanta]

Well, I took the plunge. I got a new mounting bracket for my Inline ultramount, and the 550 and 9mm kit. Everything should be here by friday

Congrats! I suspect you won't be disappointed with your decision and will come to appreciate that press as you gain experience with it.

[Burnt Fingers]

After browsing the Dillon site today I would have to spend the extra $160 or so bucks and go for the 650.

The 650 is handicapped without the case collator. I ran a 650 without one for a couple of years, you can cut PVC pipe and preload it with cases and use those to fill the case feed tube. Once I got the case collator I never looked back.

I also pieced my first 650 together. When I purchased my second one I bought everything at once. It comes out to around $1500 to get everything along with the aftermarket upgrades I feel are necessary.

UniqueTek has a much better pistol powder funnel available for the 550/650 presses. http://www.uniquetek.com/product/T1582

There's also been a company advertising in Handloader magazine with a better powder funnel.

My problem is my Canik shoots best and leads the least with a .358 bullet. I'm having the devil's own time trying to load that fat bullet into a 9mm case without scraping the Hi-Tek off the bullet.

[EddieZoom]

If the initial cost and the lack of auto-index are the issues that are pushing you away from a 550; I would suggest you save up just a little more money and go with the 550. The money is a one time expense (and not a huge difference) and the lack auto-index isn't that big of a deal.

Right On.

[cat-mechanic]

Well, I took the plunge. I got a new mounting bracket for my Inline ultramount, and the 550 and 9mm kit. Everything should be here by friday
Woo hoo. Read through the manual and make sure you understand the adjustments. Here is a link to the manual so you can start reading to be ready when it gets there.

http://http://dillonhelp.com/Dillon%20Manual%20PDFs/RL550C2017.pdf (http://dillonhelp.com/Dillon%20Manual%20PDFs/RL550C2017.pdf)

[red67]

While I am a big fan of auto index/advance whether it's a Lee Classic Turret or the SDB from Dillon, a 550 is a solid press.

Congratulations!

[Big Wes]

Congratulations on a very wise purchase.

[Lloyd Smale]

yes sir. A 650 is fantastic press but it was designed right out of the gate to run with a case feeder and is kind of awkward to use without one.
The 650 is handicapped without the case collator. I ran a 650 without one for a couple of years, you can cut PVC pipe and preload it with cases and use those to fill the case feed tube. Once I got the case collator I never looked back.

I also pieced my first 650 together. When I purchased my second one I bought everything at once. It comes out to around $1500 to get everything along with the aftermarket upgrades I feel are necessary.

UniqueTek has a much better pistol powder funnel available for the 550/650 presses. http://www.uniquetek.com/product/T1582

There's also been a company advertising in Handloader magazine with a better powder funnel.

My problem is my Canik shoots best and leads the least with a .358 bullet. I'm having the devil's own time trying to load that fat bullet into a 9mm case without scraping the Hi-Tek off the bullet.

[asmith80]

Got the press on Wednesday (two days early! That never happens) and as it happens my Inline mounting plate was there at the same time. Got everything mounted, and I'm just waiting for my powder die insert from Lathesmith and my engraved toolhead to get here so I can get all the dies set up and ready to go.

Here it is with my backup Lee turret. I'll hang on to it for the calibers I don't load that much of, and for case and bullet prep, but I'm already saving up for caliber conversions for 45 and 38/357

https://i.ibb.co/Trk8Bft/IMG-20190328-152212305.jpg (https://ibb.co/nRbcsGj)

[kmw1954]

Congrats, it's looking real good, now enjoy it. You will also find the turret press comes in handy for load development were you are constantly removing the case and checking something or other.

[onelight]

Got the press on Wednesday (two days early! That never happens) and as it happens my Inline mounting plate was there at the same time. Got everything mounted, and I'm just waiting for my powder die insert from Lathesmith and my engraved toolhead to get here so I can get all the dies set up and ready to go.

Here it is with my backup Lee turret. I'll hang on to it for the calibers I don't load that much of, and for case and bullet prep, but I'm already saving up for caliber conversions for 45 and 38/357

https://i.ibb.co/Trk8Bft/IMG-20190328-152212305.jpg (https://ibb.co/nRbcsGj)
Man you are gonna love it :mrgreen: I see the “only for 9 “is slipping away .
Any of the presses talked about would be good but the 550 is so versital and a loaded round every pull of the lever.

[Lloyd Smale]

long time since I saw a 550 so clean and purdy!!

[asmith80]

It won't be clean for long. I'm waiting on a powder funnel replacement from Lathesmith and I got a little extra cash this pay so I splurged on some Dillon 9mm dies. Should have all that by the end of this week, and will be turning out bullets with abandon. Couldn't have happened at a better time, either. I just got a Canik TP9SFX with the red dot and I've been itching to give this thing a good run

[David2011]

After browsing the Dillon site today I would have to spend the extra $160 or so bucks and go for the 650.

Even after getting the case feeder there are still big differences between the costs of ownership between the 550 and 650. Toolheads and caliber conversions are more expensive. I thought about selling my 550 and getting another 650. Even after selling all of the 550 specific items the outlay for replacements for the 650 would have been substantial. At this point I would give up the 650 if I had to pick only one.

[jmorris]

I’m not sure what progressive I would pick if I could only have one. Good thing I will never be forced to make that decision. :)

[Lefty Red]

I have had both the LCT and SQD in the past. I have had a 550 as well. When I wanted to crank out rounds quickly and safely, I preferred the SQD.

I’m not mechanical inclined. Growing up, my Mom would tell me to stay away from the water hose cause I might break it! But I just set the SQD up for one load and one caliber and off it went. It was the most enjoyable press for me to use. It is small, and I’m big, but I found I could get around the press easy. I found the adjustments as easy as any other progressive press. I couldn’t feed it enough components fast enough!

Yeah it takes a special set of dies, but they stil make them and sell them! I think it’s a big deal for some folks, but some folks will only buy a certain brand or model of an item. I see it being the same way.

If I had the space, I would have a SQD press set up for 38s and one for 9mm and life would be good.

So I’m definitely in the “get the SQD” camp!

Be safe,
Lefty

[hermans]

asmith80, this is what makes this forum so fantastic! You came with a suggestion to get a SDB, and you gave some pretty good reasons why. Then the guys with years and years of experience on progressive presses came on and really gave you the right advice.....and you took it and got a 550!
I have both, and I can assure you that you will never look back, the 550 is just an awesome piece of equipment, backed by the Dillon no ** guarantee!
Well done old chap, and enjoy your new machine!