Best entry level Dillon press

[country gent]

I load rifle ammo 223, 22-250,243, 308,0-06 on a dillion 650. 223,243,308 were across the coarse high power ammo. I also load 380, 38spl, 357, 40 s&w, 10mm, 44 sol, 44 mag on a second 650. 357 herret, wild cats get loaded on a single stage. I load 45-70, 45-90, 40-65, 38-55 on the single stage as they are black powder ammo and loaded in lower quantities. But the 650 would do them fine.

I have all my dies in tool heads and the only thing to add is the measure. the lower end isnt bad to change over.

In Dillons publication The Blue Press is a section listing all the presses their capabilities and information. Be honest estimate the ammo needed quantities and uses then look in this section and see what meets your needs.

Case preps is easier to do outside the press before hand. uniforming pockets, deburring flash holes, trimming, I your loading military pick up the dillion crimp remover when you buy your press. Another to remember is these machines are lot faster so case cleaning may need to be upgraded also. These machines work best on a solid bench also.

[fourarmed]

Back when a Square Deal cost half as much as a 550, there was reason to go that way, especially if you just wanted to crank out a lot of one load. Nowadays, the difference in price won't buy you one caliber conversion. I retired my sdb's when a friend sold me his 550s, and I can't imagine going back.

[Big Wes]

I started out with a new Dillon 550B back in early 90's since then I've added two SDB and a 650 which I bought used.The last SDB bought a month ago, sent it in to Dillon for a service lube/ etc. and they sent me a new press. Can't beat the Dillon Warranty.

I'd go with the 550c for the fact you can load pistol and rifle with it. You may think you're only going to load pistol, but you'll end up loading rifle eventually! I even bought a new Mec Metallic single stage press a while back and I find it very useful for loading small batches of 223 & 308. When I need to load larger quantities of rifle I use the 650 w/ case feeder.

[Lefty Red]

I never warmed up to the 550s. I know, I’m weird. I like reloading pistol on the SDP, just right! I find the 750 to be too “busy” for me. I like reloading 45/70s or 30/30 or 350 Legend on a turret press.

The Blue Army will tell you have you can just throw ALOT of money at your DILLON and make it do anything you want. And it will, Dillon sells a lot of cool add ons. Just takes alot of money. I don’t have to color coordinate nor empress anyone, so I have a a mix brands in all price levels.

[CZbob9]

I never warmed up to the 550s.

What do you not like about them? I haven't thrown the line out there yet but was looking at scheels

[Lefty Red]

I just always liked the little SDPs. They come with the dies, only a little tweaking needed to start loading. The 550s just seemed to take more time to setup, and as big and bulky as my 750xl without the speed. Sure others will bashed me, but wasn’t my thing. The SDPs just ran. Would have one for each caliber I load, just set it and forget it.

[Lefty Red]

BTW, Scheels is a good place to get them at! I picked up my 550 from there with all the stuff to load four calibers. Got it 10% off during an after Christmas sale.

[Tazman1602]

What are you loading for? If one caliber handgun only then square deal B is only way to go. If you want to switch between handgun cals and rifles then one of the RL550’s. I have both. RL550 is a bit more complicated to setup/change calibers unless you can buy several tool heads and leave them setup then switch between.

I have two SDB’s, 357 & 44 mag. LOVE the auto indexing and those things will pump out some serious volume!

For what it’s worth, I still have my original Rock Chucker almost 40 years old and it still serves its purpose!

Art

[Gofaaast]

I had super deal on a 550 with 5 full conversions offered to me. I had always been patient waiting for something like this. I like you just used the ol rock chucker and a Summit I added a few years back. I added one conversion and I’ve enjoyed using it to speed up loading pistol ammo.

[oley55]

doesn’t the Square Deal require Dillon’s square deal dies? that would be a deal breaker for me if that is the case.

[dverna]

doesn’t the Square Deal require Dillon’s square deal dies? that would be a deal breaker for me if that is the case.

Yes. Selection is limited.

[JimB..]

Yes. Selection is limited.

Yes, a dozen or so pistol calibers, all listed on Dillon’s website.

I started with a SDB and liked it. Got a sweet deal on a Hornady LNL and liked the idea but had issues with the execution. Today I have 3 650xls for pistol and .223 and a forster co-ax for rifle.

[jmorris]

I would say 550. They don’t loose their value, like an RV, boat or motorcycle, just get the one you want to start with. From the bottom to the top, you can still load just one at a time until you are comfortable going “all in”.

[warren5421]

In 1969 or 70 I started loading shotgun. In the late 80’s early 90’s I found SASS and bought a Dillon 550B to load for me and 5 kids. Bought 2 SDB’s for the older kids to help. At that time I found long range SASS so started loading .45-70 on the 550B. Shooting at big steel targets with the .45-70 the ammo worked but when I started shooting for scores I had to improve my loading so went for single stage.

[wrench man]

I have two 550B's, 45-70 is one of the chamberings I load on them, so far the only rifle I haven't loaded for on them is my 416 Rigby, but I have all the conversion to do it, we shall see?

[CZbob9]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

[oldsman]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

this is more of your choice to find to figure out what working height feels the best , do you sit or stand while operating the press.
I stand so mine are mounted on the dillon strong mount . You can start off by clamping the press on the the bench and see how it feels , do not load ammo with the press clamped , just cycle the press empty to get a feel , if you feel press needs more height buy a strong mount or inline manufacturing makes press mounts also

[Lksdmachine]

Through the years I’ve bought 2 SD’s and 2 550’s, one set up for each primer size. The thought of reloading anything is not a chore anymore.

If things are difficult, you will find you just don’t care to do them. Get good tools, cry once and get busy living after that.

[45_Colt]

Well currently trying to set it up. Do you guys usually use any stands or just mount it directly to the bench? Their instructions do not leave anything to be jealous of

I stand while reloading, although a tall(er) stool could be used. The top of the bench is 3ft off the floor. Top is 2x8" wood laid the length of bench. A press needs to be rigidly mounted.

A piece of 3/4" plywood about 12" wide and running from the front edge to the rear edge. This is wood screwed onto the 2x8's with the heads flush with the top of the plywood. Be aware of the press mounting locations and avoid putting the wood screws there (don't ask how I know this...).

Then drilled through and used 1/4" bolts, washers and nuts to mount press. IIRC, a wood screw to hold the completed cartridge bin mount.

Result is a good solid mount for the press. Also, did this on the left corner of the bench. This keeps the press out of the way and places it directly over a bench leg.

45_Colt

[derek45]

I don't recommend the square deal, it takes proprietary dies, and is too small for rifle.

The 550C is probably what would be best for you.

The XL650/750 is what you need if your practicing USPSA/IPSC and shooting matches every weekend.