Time for an upgrade? [Archive]

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johnsonian09

08-02-2021, 09:30 PM

I've been using an old single stage lee press i was gifted for awhile now. But I'd like to produce at a quicker rate.

How much will a progressive press increase the volume I can make in a session?

Will a progressive press remain as accurate as a single stage?

Do any of them use a different type of die?

Which automatic powder meters are most accurate/consistent with different powders?

I'm not ready for these automated dillions I've seen in videos recently tho. Even if I got the $$ clearance from the wife I'd have no room for an apparatus that large.

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BigAlofPa.

08-02-2021, 09:59 PM

I think the Lee classic cast turret would be a nice upgrade. I have thought about going progressive. But im not running a race reloading. When im in the grove i can crank the ammo out. I like the Lee auto drum powder drop.

nhyrum

08-02-2021, 10:01 PM

I upgraded from a Lee classic cast 4 hole that I had a few inline fabrication mods to. I could do about 300 rounds an hour of 9mm with it if i had the primer trays laid out. I upgraded to a Dillon 650. I don't even know how much I can do an hour, I haven't timed it yet, but what a world of difference(I still love the Lee) I believe the Dillon SBD (SDB?) is the only one that takes proprietary dies. The Hornady lnl AP I don't think it's a bad machine, but boy is the blue Kool aid good! There are a number of well renown competitive shooters that load on 650's (John whidden and David tubb) with a few little tweaks, such as lapping shell holders, using a powder drop die so they can drop weighed charges instead of using the standard drop (which I find to be pretty accurate) and a no slop tool head that isn't much more than the Dillon one.

So, yes, they can be just as precise. Even if you don't need the volume, the benefit of being able to spend less time loading and more time with family is nice

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nhyrum

08-02-2021, 10:10 PM

I have also had GREAT luck with the Lee auto drum measures. I avoided the auto disk. Should you go with the Lee machine

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derek45

08-02-2021, 10:55 PM

dverna

08-02-2021, 11:16 PM

You must be more specific or all you get is “this is what I use”

What calibers and how many rounds/hr of each do you want to produce.

rbuck351

08-03-2021, 01:03 AM

I can load somewhere between 450/500 per hour with my 550b without pushing things. I have single stage and turrets as well and don't find much difference in volume between the two. The 550 will load very accurate ammo and doesn't take much more space than a typical single stage and it's not all that automated. Mostly it just gives 1 loaded round per pull of the handle.

A turret press just allows you to not have to change out dies saving a minute or so per batch of rounds. The rest of the process is the same as a single stage.

rswink

08-03-2021, 11:11 AM

Read the top and was wondering how long until a Dillion fanboy would be along.

I had 1, sold it. Don't reload enough to justify that expensive toy that did exactly what my single stage Lee does. I only seem to make hunting loads. Now, if I were worried about cranking out mass rounds then I would look for automated reloading presses and take my arm out of the equation, tell it make 1000 and push go. But, since I am worried more about shooting a deer I am more concerned that everything is perfect and repeated on every round.

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sparky45

08-03-2021, 11:28 AM

I sold my 650 for the same reason, however, IMO Dillon is one of the best reloaders on the market.

PhilC

08-03-2021, 11:32 AM

A very good friend of mine has a Hornady LnL AP and I was genuinely considering that same press. When I told him, his response was "get a Dillon" and I did. Like everything in life, we all have different needs buy what fits your needs, your budget, and whatever frustration level you're willing to accept. I wanted "0" frustration when it came to cranking out several pistol calibers vs single stage loading on my Rockchucker - worth every penny to me. YMMV.

Baltimoreed

08-03-2021, 12:03 PM

287008
I was gifted a 550b relatively recently but had bought 2 Lyman T2 presses over the years. Been messing with this ‘hobby’ for 45 years. My Dillon is dedicated to .45acp/ar/cs while the Lymans are used to make .38-.45colt-.455 etc. My single stage is for .30 Krag-.303-‘06 and .45-60 rifle ammo. I have adapted Dillon 550 powder measures to my turrets to speed things up but I’ve never been a ‘per hour’ reloader. You are more apt to screw up when you go fast. I usually just reload what I shot at the match plus some practice ammo. With the mods that I’ve done to my T2s they run as fast as the Dillon. Priming seems to be the bugaboo on most presses but I prime pistol ammo on my machines. Had to tinker with both makers priming systems to get reliability. Don’t know anything about the other brands so I can’t help you there. I was very satisfied with my 2 Lymans so I probably would have never invested in a Dillon but for a good friend’s generosity. Good luck on your quest.

mdi

08-03-2021, 12:20 PM

If you say "progressive press" 8 out of 10 reloaders will say "Dillon". I am not a progressive reloader and I am now using a Co-Ax. I used a Lee turret for many years but disabled the auto index and hand indexed/batch loaded (I got plenty of ammo that way). If I need 200 rounds I can do that in an acceptable amount of time and normall enjoy my bench time with my Co-Ax. If I were to load 200 rounds on a progressive, what would I do with the "free" 2 hours? Watch "The Lone Ranger" on TV? I have nothing against progressive reloading machines, but at a young age I got over the "hurry, faster, faster, more, more" thinking when it applied to reloading. I don't reload for "gun fodder", to save money, or just to shoot more. I reload because I like to and anything that make my reloading faster just takes enjoyment time away.

IF I were to look into progressive reloading I would look at Dillon first, research which machine and accessories would be best for my needs. Dillon has an excellent reputation, products and customer service. Then I'd "drink the blue cool aid"...

Burnt Fingers

08-03-2021, 12:34 PM

My first progressive was a Hornady LnL AP. It almost soured me on progressive presses.

I lucked into a deal on a Dillon 650. I now have two of them. I've had three Hornady LNL AP presses go through my hands. I never could get one to run right.

A 650/750 with a case feeder, and yes you want the case feeder, will easily load 500-600 rounds an hour. The Dillon powder measure is VERY good. Go to the Dillon website and start with the May 2020 Blue Press, there's a series about loading precision ammo on a Dillon press.

I've got a double Distinguished Marksman who tells me my 9mm loads are the most accurate he's ever shot. He got his pistol badge in 1968.

My 45 ACP loads are right behind them in accuracy.

johnsonian09

08-03-2021, 12:42 PM

nhyrum

08-03-2021, 01:04 PM

C.F.Plinker

08-03-2021, 01:08 PM

I have the basic Dillon 550B and a Lee ABLP. I do not have the case feeder or bullet feeder on either so those operations are fully manual. With the Dillon I can load 100 rounds in about 15-20 minutes once everything is set up. So I will load the primer tubes, swap out the primer feeder if necessary, put the correct toolhead on, and adjust the dies using dummy cartridges the night before. Before starting loading I fill the powder measure and adjust it to the desired charge. Then put the primers in the feeder and start loading. One weak spot of the 550 is that you manually advance it. If you don't advance it you will get a double charge. This means that you need to look inside EVERY case to make sure it only has a single charge.

I did get the extra parts so I have two complete primer feeders. This means I only have to remove two bolts in order to change primer feeders. No need for any additional adjustments when changing sizes of primers. I put a 3x5 card in the hopper that catches used primers to corral and strays.

Using the 550 this way I can generally load 500 rounds of pistol in just over 2 hours.

The Lee ABLP takes about twice as long to load 100 rounds. I took the case shuttle off so I can put the cases directly into the shellholder. This means that the bullets and cases are fed at the bench level which, for me, is more ergonomic. With Lee the primer feeding is done manually and the case advance is automatic. Well it is automatic for rounds up to the length of a loaded .223 round. Any thing longer requires rotating the shellholder manually. Lee doesn't have the 4 legged spider that Dillon has so you need to take hold of a case in order to rotate the shellholder. My primer feeder needed to be tweaked in order to get it to feed without flipping a primer over. Changing primer sizes on the Lee is easy because you just put the correct primer hopper and primer arm on the press.

The ABLP can use the Lee Auto Drum powder measure. This works good although it leaks a little with the 231 powder I use. Extra drums are cheap. Get some so you can leave them set for the charges you use most often and swap drums when you change calibers. One problem with the Lee design is that it can be difficult to drop multiple charges into a container when you are adjusting the measure. For instance, I will drop 10 charges totaling 50 grains when loading pistol. I adjust the measure so that the total is about 50.5 grains. This will give me average drops that are about a half of a tenth over. Then I measure 10 charges again after each batch of 100 and adjust as necessary if the total goes below 49.5 grains. Yes, I have measured individual charges to see how consistent the measure is and found that both the Auto Drum and the Dillon measure are right on .

Both presses will produce good ammunition. Both presses use standard 7/8x14 threaded dies. Both presses use powder through expansion dies as the second die in the press. Both presse do a good job of capturing spent primers. Now my experience with Lee presses is that they are more finicky than Dillon presses. If you want to plug and play get the Dillon. If you don't mind (or even like to) fiddling and tweaking the press to get it to work the way you want it to go with the cheaper Lee and figure that the difference in price is paying you for the time spent getting it to work right.

FWIW the Lee ABLP is easier to run as a single stage press than the Dillon. This may come into play as you start learning how to adjust and operate a progressive press. There is an awful lot going on with a progressive since you are doing 4 operations every time you operate the handle.

Others will be along shortly to share their experiences with you.

dverna

08-03-2021, 02:23 PM

Right now I reload 9mm, 5.56, 300blk, 243win, 30-06, and 8mm mauser.

I plan to start reloading .357 or 44mag in future. Haven't decided on the revolver I want yet tho.

Honestly metering the powder by hand with the scale is the part I think that slows me down alot. I average maybe 30/hr rounds taking my time because I want everything perfect.

However I shoot probably 100rnds a day in the warmer months. [The range is 5minutes from my place of work & 10]minutes from my house.

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100 rounds a day spread across 6 calibers a start. I am going to assume about 100 days of shooting a year so you reload 10,000 rounds/year. With a SS press that will take about 300 hours.

My advice is to keep the .243, .30/09 and 8mm rifle rounds on the SS press and use a good powder measure to throw your charges. You can keep the 5.56 and .300 BO on the single stage as well unless you are blasting away with an AR.

A Dillon 550 will do 350/hr...so about 10 times your current production rate. Use it for your 9mm and the 5.56 and .300BO if you fire a lot of them.

For the shooting most people do, weighing every charge is not necessary. A powder measure that throws +/- .2 gr is good enough. Ball powders will meter more consistently if you want to stop weighing every rifle charge. It is also something to consider if you move to a progressive.

onelight

08-03-2021, 02:51 PM

The quantity and cartridges you plan to load might make a difference on what is recommended :)

Rfeustel

08-03-2021, 03:03 PM

Hi - I second what DVerna says. I’d add that an automated scale really helps with the single or turret press production rate. I love my RCBS and use it for all my hunting loads. While I’m finishing the round, the scale measures the next one for me. While not cheap, you might consider that option.

I have a hornady LNL AP and can reliably get 900-1k an hour of 9mm or 45 auto when I’m set up for the primers (and I have a bullet feeder) hand cranking. I’ve upgraded to another more automated press and only use the LNL AP for off calibers and smaller runs.

Doing it again I’d go blue simply because no one makes a motor for the LNL. I’d want that option.

VariableRecall

08-03-2021, 05:47 PM

I'd totally second getting a Lee Classic Cast Turret press. That has been an game changer for me. I can load up to about 100 rounds an hour while I'm being careful. Then again, this rate is achieved by adequate preparation, pre-priming brass, and other methods of streamlining. An hour to put together two boxes of ammunition makes things well worth it, plus, since there's only one shellholder and location where ammunition goes, there's less ways for things to go wrong, and much greater compatibility with my other dies/shellholders.

The Classic Cast is technically a Single stage with the option to index to another die at the full throw of the lever, so it's not too large of an upgrade from something like a Rock Chucker or other single stage presses. I've had great results with my Classic Cast and I don't think I'll be upgrading with the relatively small quantities that I load on a yearly basis.

onelight

08-03-2021, 06:15 PM

It sounds like you load a variety of cartridges if you have a lot of cases the bigger progressives might be the way to go if you can load enough of each cartridge that you don't spend more time in setup than you do loading.
If you load smaller batches of 200 to 500 I personally prefer (in addition to your single stage) the Lee classic turret probably the fastest press to change calibers on and still load 100 to 200 rounds an hour . And or a base model progressive cheap way in is the Lee auto breech lock pro , or the better built Dillon 550 .
A lot of this will depend on your budget for equipment . Before you buy look at cost to set up your machine for all the cartridges you want to load on it.
This is actually a good time to be a reloader or will be if we get past all the shortages , we have a wide range of equipment to fit many needs and budgets available.

nhyrum

08-03-2021, 06:31 PM

If you load smaller batches of 200 to 500 I personally prefer (in addition to your single stage) the Lee classic turret probably the fastest press to change calibers on and still load 100 to 200 rounds an hour.

A lot of this will depend on your budget for equipment . Before you buy look at cost to set up your machine for all the cartridges you want to load on it.
.

That really is one big pro for the Lee and a bit of a con for the Dillon. The Lee, you just need an extra toolhead, and maybe an extra powder measure, and they're cheap to come by. Changing out primer sizes takes like two seconds. The Dillon 650 requires a conversion kit that's about 80 bucks, those take about 5 minutes to swap over, and if you don't have the extra primer parts kit, changing primer sizes takes a few minutes as well. I'd say if i went from loading 9mm to 10mm on my 650, it would probably take a half hour to get everything switched over, primers switched, empty the case feeder, and get everything ready to pull the handle.

The Lee turrets are really quite good, and I could load at a good pace and still be watching everything.

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johnsonian09

08-03-2021, 07:14 PM

Rhyrum you mentioned the auto drum not liking h110. I actually use alot of h110.

Does the dillon not have an issue metering h110?

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nhyrum

08-03-2021, 07:22 PM

Rhyrum you mentioned the auto drum not liking h110. I actually use alot of h110.

Does the dillon not have an issue metering h110?

Sent from my SM-J337VPP using TapatalkI also use a lot of h110 as well, the Dillon measure does just fine with it. The auto drum can use it, it just leaks. I had a piece of paper set under the measure to catch all the stray powder. Having it tight enough that it won't leak it binds, loose enough to function correctly and it leaks. Otherwise it meters it just fine as the part that leaks isn't the actual metering part.

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johnsonian09

08-03-2021, 07:34 PM

dverna

08-03-2021, 08:02 PM

How difficult is it to change calibers on a progressive dillon? Do you have to fiddle around with a bunch of things or just swap dies and primer feeders?

Say going from 9mm to 300blkout.

I see dillon sells a package xl750 9mm& .223. I figure I can swap the .223 for 300blk easily enough.

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Watch some YouTube videos and check them all out. The Dillon 750 really needs the case Feeder to gain much over the 550...so consider that. I have owned them all and sold the 650 (some say better than the 750). I have a 550 and 1050. I would strongly suggest a 550.

Caliber changes are inexpensive and not very involved. The only downside is you cannot mount a powder check die on the 550 unless you crimp and seat on one station. It is doable but some people struggle with a combined seat/crimp die.

On the Dillon’s, you have tool heads. Once your dies are set up there are no die adjustments needed unless you change bullets.

Quite a few volume reloaders will have a machine set up for LP’s and another for SP’s. Both of my Dillon’s are set for SP....but if you will be reloading .44’s you will neeed to swap primer systems. Takes 10 minutes or so.

johnsonian09

08-03-2021, 08:20 PM

nhyrum

08-03-2021, 10:10 PM

I think even without the case feeder, the 650/750 is still much better than a 550, because of the auto index.

When switching calibers there's about 6 or 7 parts that need to be changed over. The biggest hassle for me is changing out primer sizes, from large to small. So going between 9 and 223 should not take more than a few minutes. Extra toolheads are a plus. The biggest hassle i think with them is you have to buy the conversation kit, which is about 80 bucks a caliber

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dverna

08-04-2021, 10:43 AM

The xl750 9mm/5.56 kit

https://www.dillonprecision.com/xl-750-reloader-package-9-mm-223-5-56-mm_8_134_26665.html

This looks like it pretty much has everything [I think?] That I would want to do my bread and butter shooting.

Would you still go with a 550 over a 750 in this configuration?

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Wow...$2300!!!

I would not buy it for that. I would get the 1050 and here is why.

First, it primes on the downstroke so no "feel" is needed to seat primers perfectly. Second, the 1050 has a built in swaging station for primer pocket swaging.

I have owned a 650 (same as 750) and three 1050's along with two 550's. As I mentioned, the 550 is much cheaper for conversion kits, caliber changes are faster, and it will produce about 350/hr. I get over double that (over 700) with the 1050. When I downsized, I kept one 1050 and one 550.

It boils down to what production rate you want, number of calibers you want to reload, and how much you can afford to spend. A tool head for the 1050 is north of $200, and one for a 550 $20 IIRC.

oldhenry

08-04-2021, 12:52 PM

I do not shoot rifles anymore due do fading eyesight & a stiff neck. However: I have enough cases, powder, primers & bullets to produce many .223/,5.56 loads should everything go to pot. I can prep the brass (resize, trim, clean primer pockets, & tumble off press) and load them on my 550b using the Dillon powder measure with H322 or H335. My Gracy Match Prep makes short work of trimming (takes longer to measure to see if they need trimming than it takes to trim)

I load rifle hunting loads for friends & I do that on my single stage.

I shoot my handguns often (7 calibers) & load them on my Dillons: I have one set up for SP & another set up for LP. I have a quick change set up for each caliber so caliber change is no issue. Both Dillons are 550: 550b & 550c & I am perfectly happy with them. I prefer the manual advance. The manual vs automatic advance is a personal choice. My choice is based on an extremely unpleasant experience with my 1st progressive machine (RCBS Green Machine) which was automatic advance. The auto advance complicated solving even the simplest boo boo: never again.

I have a turret press (Lyman AA) that I had to have for nostalgia. It is set up for .40 S&W (don't own one...grand son-in-law does) & haven't used it in over 2 years.

Short version: SS best for hunting loads (not many needed) & for me Dillon 550 for handgun loads (large volume).

I hope this helps.
Henry

Finster101

08-04-2021, 01:11 PM

Wow...$2300!!!

I would not buy it for that. I would get the 1050 and here is why.

First, it primes on the downstroke so no "feel" is needed to seat primers perfectly. Second, the 1050 has a built in swaging station for primer pocket swaging.

I have owned a 650 (same as 750) and three 1050's along with two 550's. As I mentioned, the 550 is much cheaper for conversion kits, caliber changes are faster, and it will produce about 350/hr. I get over double that (over 700) with the 1050. When I downsized, I kept one 1050 and one 550.

It boils down to what production rate you want, number of calibers you want to reload, and how much you can afford to spend. A tool head for the 1050 is north of $200, and one for a 550 $20 IIRC.

Don, there are a couple of things different between the 650 and the 750. The most notable is priming on the down stroke. I don't think I would like that but finding a 650 may be difficult at this point. I was lucky and recently found a new in box 650 with a lot of goodies to go with it. After using it I have to join the crowd that says "I should have gotten it years ago". I am quite happy with it.

Burnt Fingers

08-04-2021, 02:15 PM

How difficult is it to change calibers on a progressive dillon? Do you have to fiddle around with a bunch of things or just swap dies and primer feeders?

Say going from 9mm to 300blkout.

I see dillon sells a package xl750 9mm& .223. I figure I can swap the .223 for 300blk easily enough.

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If you have a tool head for each cartridge all you're going to have to do is swap the tool head, that's two pins, takes seconds, swap the shell plate and station one locator, this takes less than a minute, and swap the case feed parts, another minute. Ideally you have a powder measure for each tool head. It's nice not having to fiddle with changing powder bars.

Wow...$2300!!!

I would not buy it for that. I would get the 1050 and here is why.

First, it primes on the downstroke so no "feel" is needed to seat primers perfectly. Second, the 1050 has a built in swaging station for primer pocket swaging.

I have owned a 650 (same as 750) and three 1050's along with two 550's. As I mentioned, the 550 is much cheaper for conversion kits, caliber changes are faster, and it will produce about 350/hr. I get over double that (over 700) with the 1050. When I downsized, I kept one 1050 and one 550.

It boils down to what production rate you want, number of calibers you want to reload, and how much you can afford to spend. A tool head for the 1050 is north of $200, and one for a 550 $20 IIRC.

If he was loading one cartridge I'd agree. However, caliber changes on a 1050/1100 are MUCH more expensive and take a LOT longer to make the switch.

Goldstar225

08-04-2021, 02:40 PM

I went from a single stage Bonanza press that I used for over 35 years (still use it some) to a Dillon 550C. Doing batches I turned out 100 rounds an hour with the Bonanza. Using the Dillon at a leisurely pace I'm running 300 an in an hour. I wanted the 550C because I did not want auto indexing. I'm primarily a handgun shooter and it allows me to stock up enough ammo for a few range trips in short order.

Finster101

08-04-2021, 02:41 PM

The 650 I got was factory set up for .45 ACP. It is the only thing I would load on the Dillon with large primers. My plan is to load all the LP brass I have for now and the swap over to small primer for everything. I have a lot of SP .45 brass and it is easily available.

Walks

08-13-2021, 08:45 PM

My DILLON XL650 does about 600 rounds an hour

It's accurate enough to make dime sized 223 groups at 100 yards.

It uses standard dies, I have LEE, Hornady, Lyman, Redding and Dillon dies in my Dillon toolheads.

The little Dillon Square deal is the only one that uses proprietary dies that I know of.

Buy once, cry once, and get the Dillon....nobody buys a Dillon and later says "gee I should have bought a red colored press"

these videos were made from my XL650 handloads...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S31aVTPzR_0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY3XP8Ghe1E

https://i.imgur.com/EjMuKUM.jpg

XL650

https://i.imgur.com/yNbSlNM.jpg

550B

https://i.imgur.com/uyZ3UoW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ub5Ocuc.jpg

I did and do.
Bought a 450 when they were advertised in G&A for $185.00. About 37?yrs ago. Wouldn't work with RCBS Pistol dies I had. The ad didn't say their aluminum powder measure didn't work with Ball powder. And their answer to primer feed problems with WIN Small Pistol Primers was; "don't use them they're junk".
They're nothing but a money sink.

Hornady Red for Me all the way 🥳👍🥳😎

David2011

08-14-2021, 10:37 AM

How difficult is it to change calibers on a progressive dillon? Do you have to fiddle around with a bunch of things or just swap dies and primer feeders?

Say going from 9mm to 300blkout.

I see dillon sells a package xl750 9mm& .223. I figure I can swap the .223 for 300blk easily enough.

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Of all of the Dillons, the 550 is by far the fastest and least expensive for caliber changes. I have a 550B and a 650. Also had a Square Deal B but just didn’t use it with the 550 mounted beside it on the bench so I swapped it for a Ponsness Warren shot shell press. I considered getting a second 650 to have one each for large and small primers but the cost for all of the conversion sets would have been very expensive even after selling the 550 stuff. The 550 is versatile, easily loading all common handgun and rifle cartridges using standard dies.

A friend has a Hornady Ammo Plant and couldn’t get over how much better he liked my 550 over his AP.

I only bought the 650 because I was shooting 2000-3000 rounds of .40/month and the 550 required too many hours at the reloading bench to keep up. Most of my rifle cartridges are still loaded on a single stage press.

1hole

08-14-2021, 11:11 AM

... wondering how long until a Dillion fanboy would be along.

I had 1, sold it. Don't reload enough to justify that expensive toy that did exactly what my single stage Lee does. I only seem to make hunting loads.

Well said.

It's never right to tell others to "get what I like because it's great"; it's always right to tell them how to "Buy what you need to do what you really want to do NOW."

After some fifty + years of loading, I do not have, need or want a progressive but I won't steer anyone else to buy a single stage if that's not what they need.

Lee's auto-indexing Classic Turret is a significant step up in rounds per hour over a single stage but it's not a progressive. Used correctly, it's a very good press but if you want a progressive, get one because you'll never really be satisfied with anything else.

If that's what you want, "progressive press" is properly spelled D - I - L - L - I - O - N.

toallmy

08-14-2021, 12:37 PM

A 550 will easily produce what you are shooting in a couple hours on the weekend . To save yourself a lot of time switching calibers - bulk load in advance , example if you shoot a hundred rounds of .556 a week when you're set up to load them load a thousand at a time . When changing calibers stick to the same primer size . Have caliber conversion set up in tool heads with its own powder measure if at all possible . Then you just change the tool heed and shell plate + pins . Also do you brass prep in advance on your single stage in bulk .
This will save a lot of fiddling , but cost you quit a bit .
This comes from a guy that loads 380s ,9s, 38s, 357s ,45s, 30-30, 308, 7x57 ,3006, on a loadmaster happily while using a 550 strictly for a 223 . Hahaha
I load all my serous rifle ammunition on a single stage but the 550 is perfectly capable of loading it .
Take your time looking around before making a decision ....... you could start out by trying a powder dispenser first . You might find you can easily reach your needs with loading blocks and a powder dispenser like a little dandy for handgun ammo , + dropping the charge light and trickling it up for a precise rifle charge .

AnthonyB

08-15-2021, 01:09 PM

And thread drift strikes again! Since we have gone there, I am another advocate for the 550 for all the reasons previously mentioned. I have SDBs set up for SP and LP because they came to me at a great price. My 550 gets more use, and I have a Dillon 1100 on the way. The Rockchucker sees more use than any of the Dillons, and if I could have only one press it would be a Rockchucker and a 550. Math is hard….
Tony

Old Caster

08-20-2021, 11:04 PM

Derek. Clearly at Arnold Cowboy.

echo154

08-20-2021, 11:32 PM

I started reloading in my mid-teens. I used a single cavity Lee mold for my 44 mag DW. I also used the, primitive by todays standard, lee load kit ( punch in case to resize, decap with pin, re-cap with punch etc.). I then got a Lee turret press. It was great...my brother still uses it. Once I had a job that payed better I upgraded to a D550 kit.
It is capable of very accurate reloading at a good rate. I also have a Lyman C press for my 45-70 and 45-2 7/8. That being said there are thing to consider. The lee turret works great, as do a lot of lee products. How many calibers do you reload for and for what purpose....cowboy action versus bench match have different requirements. Ease of switching calibers...I had a separate powder measure and would size/prime and bell-then charge the cases in a block moving the powder measure from case to case then came seating and crimping......worked great for pistols. When I started benching with my 308 I used a c press and competition dies and weighed all components not to mention case length and run-out. Nowadays I use my 550 for everything except my 45-70 and 45-2 7/8. Research the forums and get an idea of what the ultimate purpose for the press is as well as budget. Hornady, Dillon,Lyman,Lee etc. are all good for reloading....depending on your needs and budget. Many put down Lee bullet molds but my Lee 429 405 casts up there with my customs. YMMV

Markcl

08-25-2021, 12:48 PM

I have a Dillon 550b but has been in storeage to long, need to relearn and enjoy again!

David2011

08-25-2021, 01:27 PM

. . . and if I could have only one press it would be a Rockchucker and a 550. Math is hard….
Tony

Agreed 100%. The few people I've known that only had a progressive were USPSA shooters that loaded one caliber for competition and nothing else. For them it was just to produce match ammo that just barely met the power factor requirement and to save a wad of money over shooting factory ammo.

pertnear

08-25-2021, 02:35 PM

There was an article in an old Handloader magazine title something like "Speed-Reloading". It talked about setting up to load ammo in quantity with your basic single stage press. The idea was to streamline your technique & reloading set-up. For instance, clear your work area & put your components in convenient bins/blocks near your press to minimize hand movements. Loose cases lubed & handy in a bin. Use loading blocks to hold your cases during various phases of reloading. Remember that old press mounted primer arm you took off your press? Put it back in service & size & prime with a single up & down stroke. Charge your cases by moving the measure hand-held from case to case in a block. Eyeball all powder levels. Seat bullets that were dumped in a bin setup for easy access. Loaded rounds go in another bin so you can wipe off lube later, if need be. I guess this all is just common sense, but you might be surprised at how your production picks up. I might add that a press with a long handle & good leverage definitely helps.

I got rid of my Lyman Turret & Dillion 550. I now use my Mec Marksman & RC-Jr. I try to stay as organized as possible & my process seems to go pretty smooth & fast although I can't give you my production rate!