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  #1  
Old 07-26-2010, 11:11 PM
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The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo?  
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Default The best progressive loader for pistol ammo?

What is the best progressive loader for pistol ammo made? Critera is first, QUALITY & reliability. Second is ease of operation. Not an issue but, what might be the price for such an animal.

I have potentialy 5 calibers that might be reloaded. 9MM, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 44mag/sp., and 357mag/38sp.

Or is that seven? Brand new to the game of reloading and when I buy tools, I like to buy the best. Any advice for if I do decide to jump into it is appreciated.
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Old 07-26-2010, 11:17 PM
SOUTHERNGUNNER SOUTHERNGUNNER is offline
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Buy a Dillon and don't look back, the customer service is outstanding and once you get set up with the conversions for different calibers you are ready for a lifetime of service. I have the 550b and a "Square Deal" as well .
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Old 07-26-2010, 11:47 PM
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The 650 will help you spend more time at the range.
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Old 07-27-2010, 12:15 AM
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Thank guys. Went on their website and took a gander.

I have a question. More than one person on this site has said NOT to use your own handloads for personal defense purposes.

Why in the world not? It seems to me that you could trust your own loading at least as much as commercial/factory loaded rounds.

What gives?!
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Old 07-27-2010, 12:21 AM
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If you are loading only handgun ammo, then the Dillon Square Deal is a good option.

I have three and they all work very well for my needs. (You cannot load rifle on these machines.) I have two set up for small primers (38 & 9mm) and one for large (45).

The only drawback is that the 'window' for access is a little small if you have large hands and the dies are propietory, slightly more expensive and are not interchangable with any other brands.

I have found these press' to be extremely reliable and churn out very accurate ammo in a short amount of time. I thouroghly enjoy reloading and really like using the SDB's. Coming off of using a single stage was a real eye opener, even though I don't load for speed and quantity, I love to hear the clunk of another round dropping into the loaded bin.
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Old 07-27-2010, 12:46 AM
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If price isn't a real issue, buy a Dillon 650. Caliber conversions are a bit more than the manual index 550 like I use, but it has a 5th station which allows the use of a powder check system that will catch double charges or squibs. You can make a lot of ammo in a short time on a 550 or a 650. For 5 calibers the 650 will cost $2-300 more, but if you can swing it you will be glad you did. I really like my 550, but if I had it to do over I might spring for the 650 if I had the extra money.
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Old 07-27-2010, 02:08 AM
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Dillon. For as many calibers as you list, 550 or 650 better than the Square Deal.

Handloads for self defense? Why not? A lawyer can make any act seem like a premeditated holocaust.
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Old 07-27-2010, 02:16 AM
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[QUOTE=Dan Cash;135559931]Dillon. For as many calibers as you list, 550 or 650 better than the Square Deal.

Quote:
Handloads for self defense? Why not? A lawyer can make any act seem like a premeditated holocaust.[/QUOTE
Is THAT the reason then? Because if you shoot an intruder with your hand -load, some ambulance chaser can paint it to seem like you made "special" bullets tailor made to kill another human?

That's the reason some recommend not using your own?
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Old 07-27-2010, 02:17 AM
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I have a 650 set up for my .38 specials and reload about 2000 rounds a month on it.

For all my other large primer calibers I use my 550. I hate changing out the primer systems.

It's so easy to change the tool heads for caliber conversions. I have one for 303,45, 44, 7.62.56, 454-70, 38-55.

I also have extra powder measures set up for the most used rounds that I do. Saves a lot of time and it's not too expensive.
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Old 07-27-2010, 02:28 AM
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Thanks again people for all the good info/advice. I think that I'll probably get the 650 with all the different dies when I'm ready to pull the trigger.
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Old 07-27-2010, 03:46 AM
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Dillon 1050 & don't look back .
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  #12  
Old 07-27-2010, 06:07 AM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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It all depends on your needs, present and future. A SDB is a great machine and for a beginner with the need to make a bunch of ammo, they are the ticket. Just a couple of things about it make it something that isn't too willing to "grow" with. Dies are proprietary and expensive. The work area is small and can be troublesome if you have hands like a gorilla, which I do. That being said, I have three of the little babies and love them. Another down side to them is that they will ONLY do pistol cartridges. And the last thing is that they don't have a case feeder designed for them. Like I said, they are a great, well built, simple press to run and work on. Used ones can be had for $150 - $200, check ebay.

The XL650 can do all common pistol and rifle cartridges. The dies are not proprietary but the caliber changes can be a bit salty. The 5th hole, made for a powder check die is invaluable. I have one of them too. I am migrating all of my SDB needs to it. Has a case feeder option and you can really crank out the ammo. A great machine.

The 1050 is out of my price range and the no nonsense warranty doesn't apply to it. It will do military cases on the press. Something that would be a nice feature.

As for handloads for self defense; check your local laws, that's what will govern whether you can use them or not. As for the other issues concerning them, there has never been a case, at last check, where handloads was THE issue in a SELF DEFENSE shooting. The case that is often used to prove they are taboo is a case where they were trying to determine whether to charge someone with murder or to deem it a suicide. Called the Daniel Bias case.

Lots of experts though have pontificated that you will go directly to jail if you use your own homegrown ammo in a defensive shooting. I think that just adds fuel to the litigious issues surrounding the issue. "This firearms expert says........." Imagine being in court and having to fight your own side! What I want to do is tell them to chew on a pair of socks, friend!
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Old 07-27-2010, 08:01 AM
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Also consider the Hornady LNL-AP. It is similar to the Dillion 650. I really like the LNL bushing system. It allows individual dies (including the powder measure) to be easily inserted and removed. I think this helps set up the dies. Each die can individually be inserted, set up, and removed without changing the settings. Once they are all done, plug them all in start loading.
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Old 07-27-2010, 11:29 AM
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I sure like my Hornady LNL. It makes lots of ammo and is cheap and easy to change cals.
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Old 07-27-2010, 11:52 AM
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I've also been very happy with my Hornady LNL. Caliber changes are painless and it works real well.
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Old 07-27-2010, 11:56 AM
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I'm very partial to the Dillon SDB, because I own one That said, if I were looking for a "do everything" press today I would look very seriously at Hornady's Lock and Load - it appears to be equivalent to Dillon's XL650 at a much lower price point.

I usually sit down in front of my SDB, load up primer tubes, adjust powder throw, arrange materials and knock out 300-350 45acp rounds - all of that in an hour. It really is a fast little machine.
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  #17  
Old 07-27-2010, 01:15 PM
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Default Dillon 550B's are my choice

I have two Dillon 550B's with all the attachments.
One is used for the rimmed cartridges only.

I've been reloading for awhile and reload 11 types of rounds that are an assortment of similar calibers;
9 m.m., .356 TSW, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, 10 m.m., .38 Wad Cutters, .38 Special/Magnum, .44 Special/Magnum, .45 ACP
I have 5 change plates and pins to cover all these sizes, 5 powder drops.
11+1 individual die sets in the aluminum tool heads to facilitate 10 minute change-over's,
the +1 is a .40/10 m.m. sizing die in a block by itself to decap and size the larger portion of the .357 SIG and 10 m.m. as a sole operation.
Not necessary but that's just the way I do it.
Can't forget all the stands to hold the tool heads.
10 small and 10 large primer tubes that allows me to nock out a s**t-load at one time, when I'm in the mood.
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Old 07-27-2010, 01:29 PM
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I've only used two progressives in my life, a Lee pro 1000 and an RCBS Piggyback II conversion on a Reloader Special 5 press. The pro 1000 got thrown in the trash a long time ago as it was the biggest piece of garbage I ever saw. I like the PBII and use if for all my quantity loading, but it has been replaced with newer updated versions like the Piggyback III and IV. One is a progressive while the other is manually indexed, but I think they both use the APS priming system which is a big plus, at least to me. I wanted to order a Dillion when I first heard of them but the catalog they sent me told me everything about them except how to order one.

The 'handloads for self defense' issue has been beat to death several times here in the past. If you haven't received enough information about it send me a PM and I'll give you both sides of the debate, as unBIASed as I can. There are jurisdictions that do outlaw their use and others that may have laws pertaining to what can be used as self defense ammo so make sure you know them for your area and wherever you may travel to.
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Old 07-27-2010, 05:36 PM
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I've had good luck with Dillon and prefer them. Started with a 550 but sold it for a 650. I now have a 650 for small primer loads and a 1050 for large primer.

One word of advice which applies to any progressive press. And this was the reason I sold the 550. Make sure the press has a station for a powder check die. Sooner or later the press will throw erratic charges and it's better to find this out at the press and not in the gun.
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Old 07-27-2010, 05:43 PM
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Greetings
Dillon ! I have had a 550 since 1987. I load all the calibers you mentioned + and several magnums and two Supermags.
The Dillon works ! Just follow directions, learn the machine, and if anything breaks Dillon fixes it.
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Old 07-27-2010, 08:03 PM
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Dillon 650. Auto indexing, 5 station so you can use a powder check die and still seat and crimp separately.

Jeff
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Old 07-27-2010, 11:40 PM
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I have and like my LNL.
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Old 07-28-2010, 12:06 AM
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I find it hard to believe that there are any jurisdictions that specifically prohibit the use of handloads in self defense. Deadly force is deadly force, you're either justified or you're not. Anybody have a statute that they can cite?
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Old 07-28-2010, 01:50 AM
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Sadly, no longer made, but can be found used, I think the Star Machine and Tool Progressive loader is the best on the Planet.

I have been using one since @1967 or 1968. I have never broken a single part....

I loaded a couple hundred rounds on it just today...
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Old 07-28-2010, 12:36 PM
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Default Lee 1000

Howdy,
I would much rather have a Lee 1000 than a Square deal and have loaded on both.
I have three 1000's set up, one is older than I can remember but I think I got it in the 80's.
Properly set up, on a very sturdy bench, they load quality ammo and will smoke a SDB in rounds per hour.
The occasional rebuild has been on my dime and I cant say they have always been trouble free. I do seem to get along with them pretty well.
I recommended one to a buddy years ago. He bought one and set it up on a kitchen dining table in his shop and hated it. They need to be securely mounted to a stout bench to operate correctly.
The last one I picked up was one that the owner hated. I converted it to 9mm from 40 and it runs like it should.
I would love to have the nicer 650/1050 Dillons but they are not in my budget nor are they necessary for me . The Lee 1000 presses serve me well.
Good luck
Mike
Good luck
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Old 07-28-2010, 01:14 PM
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The Hornady LnL is the one to get. Relatively inexpensive (<$400 shipped on-line), five stations, auto-indexing in half strokes so very smooth operation, built hell stout, easy to set up and use, relatively inexpensive caliber conversions and a "no-BS warranty". I am thoroughly pleased with mine and they threw in a thousand bullets to boot. Midway's site has a lot of reviews on it. A pretty good read. My two bits.
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Old 07-28-2010, 04:39 PM
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Another Hornady L-N-L AP fan here, so much so that I have 2 of them, which aren't far off from the cost of one comparable Dillon with all the caliber changeover tool heads. I'm totally sold on their reliability and ease of operation. Dillons are good machines, but I feel the Hornady can do anything they can, just as well, and at better value.
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Old 07-28-2010, 04:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxhead View Post
The Hornady LnL is the one to get. Relatively inexpensive (<$400 shipped on-line), five stations, auto-indexing in half strokes so very smooth operation, built hell stout, easy to set up and use, relatively inexpensive caliber conversions and a "no-BS warranty". I am thoroughly pleased with mine and they threw in a thousand bullets to boot. Midway's site has a lot of reviews on it. A pretty good read. My two bits.
Boxhead has my take on this summed up... I went through the Dillon vs. Hornady debate a while back, and after a lot of research, I went with the Dillon LnL. I'm now loading 5 calibers on it, and have been very happy; great quality, good value.
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Old 07-28-2010, 11:48 PM
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Yes, the only reason for not using your own reloaded ammo for self-defense is a legal reason. Whatever ammo you reload will be made to look like the deadliest ammo ever manufactured. Any attempt to show you only prepared target loads would be presented as the defendant manufacturing his own evidence.
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Old 07-29-2010, 04:08 AM
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How much money do you want to spend? With deep pockets get a Dillon 650 with a case feeder and bullet feeder. While waiting for free money from Obammy, I use a Lee Loadmaster and crank out way more perfect ammo than I can shoot. BUT...that press is not for the ham-handed and needs constant attention. Lots of mod ideas are available and it has a very loyal following. One can hit the same or better production as a Dillon and it's a third of the investment. (I'd still rather have a Dillon though)
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Old 07-29-2010, 08:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mod27 View Post
What is the best progressive loader for pistol ammo made? Critera is first, QUALITY & reliability. Second is ease of operation. Not an issue but, what might be the price for such an animal.

I have potentialy 5 calibers that might be reloaded. 9MM, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 44mag/sp., and 357mag/38sp.

Or is that seven? Brand new to the game of reloading and when I buy tools, I like to buy the best. Any advice for if I do decide to jump into it is appreciated.
Hello, this makes 10 years that I use a RCBS PRO 2000 press for reloading cartridges handguns: 9x19, 38/357, 45 acp, 38 super auto, 44 mag.
I met only two breaks, the shoulder bolt (7,788,009), each time taken into account by the service warranty RCBS, the last bolt broken shoulder one month ago has been replaced by two free parts, received today I would like to acknowledge the seriousness and quality of after sales service (warranty) for RCBS to use the PRO 2000 = only happiness

Bonjour, cela fait 10 ans que j'utilise une presse RCBS PRO 2000, pour le rechargement de cartouches d'armes de poings: 9x19, 38/357, 45 acp, 38 super auto, 44 mag.
je n'ai rencontré que 2 casses, le shoulder bolt (7788009), à chaque fois pris en compte par le service garantie de RCBS, le dernier shoulder bolt cassé il y a 1 mois a été remplacé gratuitement par 2 pièces, reçu aujourd'hui, j'en profite pour saluer le sérieux et la qualité du service après vente (garantie) de RCBS, pour l'utilisation la PRO 2000 = que du bonheur, A+ Gaëtan.

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Old 07-29-2010, 09:00 PM
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I've been using a Dillon 450 for about 25 years. I've loaded about a million rounds on it. I've thought about upgrading but the machine doesn't wear out. The couple of times that I've broken something I call Dillon and they send me a new part. Never once did I have to pay for anything.

One consideration that never comes up in the hand load self defense debate is reliability. Good factory ammo has a greater reliability factor than reloads. I wouldn't want to depend on the load I made where I happened to touch the primer with a greasy finger. If my life depends on it, I'm using good factory loads every time. Bottom line, liability aside, there is no good reason to use a reload for self defense.
As for liability: if it's a bad shoot it won't matter if the bullet was blessed by the Pope and dipped in holy water, you're done. If the shoot is good, then at least you'll be alive to be sued.

Good luck with the reloading.
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Old 07-30-2010, 01:14 AM
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What Jeff423 said.

Bob
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Old 07-30-2010, 01:35 AM
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You will be well-served by either a Dillon 650 or a Hornady L-N-L AP, both are very good machines, and both firms have terrific customer service and "no questions asked" warranties. In my view, there are two major differences between the two - cost, with the Dillon being quite a bit more expensive, and speed/ease/expense of caliber changes. The Hornady uses their Lock-N-Load bushings, so, once you have the dies properly indexed in their bushings (which remain on the dies), changing calibers is a matter of twisting out one set of dies (quarter turn, not screwing them out), inserting the new set with quarter turn each, and, if necessary, changing the primer feed system from small to large primers, or vice-versa, also a very straightforward and easy change on the Hornady. The Dillon primer changeover is, IMHO, more difficult, and to change calibers involves mounting dies in dedicated toolheads, which are changed as an assembly.

I have known Mike Dillon for quite a few years (from our mutual love of flying and, particularly, warbirds), and he builds a great product; however, I have been using a Hornady Pro-Jector (the predecessor of the L-n-L AP) for many years, and I am considering turning it into a caliber-dedicated press, and buying a new L-n-L AP for use on a number of other calibers, due to the speed and ease of changeover it offers. All things considered, I believe the Hornady slightly edges out the Dillon 650, and has a major advantage when price is brought into the picture.

Whichever you choose, I know you'll be happy. Both are good presses, and will churn out a lot of quality ammo in a short period of time.

Another thought - I noticed you said you were new to reloading, or going to get started soon. Many will argue that you shouldn't start with a progressive press, as it is too easy to make mistakes on it (especially when you have little reloading experience). There is some merit to that position. It may be better for you to start out on a single stage press in order to reduce the potential for making mistakes. If you don't wish to do so, at least use the progressive as though it were a fancy single stage press for a while, loading only one round of ammunition at a time through all the cycles. BTW, you might want to start with a single stage, anyway, because you will probably find there will be many occasions that you want to do something that is better handled on the single stage press. I recently bought a new single stage, as it offers flexibility in many operations that a progressive really doesn't lend itself to. Just food for thought.

Last edited by 310Pilot; 07-30-2010 at 01:42 AM. Reason: Added comment.
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Old 07-30-2010, 02:42 PM
RufusG RufusG is offline
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I just recently went progressive, and after doing the research went with the Hornady L-N-L, primarily based on the cost, the cost of caliber changes, and the free bullets!

It has basically worked as advertised and I'm happy with it.

Two recommedations if you go that way:
1. Do the complete cleanup of the new press per the included DVD. Trust me, this will save trouble down the road.
2. Consider a Dillon sizing die. The big radiused entry adds a whole level of smoothness to the operation. The old RCBS die I started with was very unforgiving on cartridge entry.

Good luck whichever way you go. The Dillon is certainly a fine machine as well.
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Old 07-30-2010, 03:20 PM
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The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo? The best progressive loader for pistol ammo?  
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I started with the RCBS Rock Chucker 25 years ago and bought then 2 Dillon 550 and then a Dillon 650.
This D650 has loaded in the last 15 years over 150.000 rounds!!
There was one recall and that took like 5 weeks including shipping.
Other then this I had no problems. I lost some of the pins and Dillon did not even charge me the shipping.
They are a great company which other companies should study for excellent customer service!
The only thing what breaks form time to time are the primer push out pins.
However that is to bad brass or if there is something in the cartridge.
With the D650 I load about 500 9mm, .357 SIG or .45 an hour without a sweat.
Once I did 2.000 .45 in 90 minutes with a friend together!
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Old 07-30-2010, 04:52 PM
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I'm a big fan of the red presses made in Nebraska too. My Hornady has served me well and their customer service is second to none. One other good thing, is that they have more shellplates for the AP press than is listed on the website (at least the regular shellplates that aren't modified for the case feeder) for odd or strange caliber.

I just got in a plate for 7.5 Swiss revolver cartridges.
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Old 07-31-2010, 01:54 PM
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I'd never reloaded before I bought mine Dillon and I have loaded thousands of rounds on my Dillon 550B and I readily recommend it. I load 9mm, .40 S&W, and .30 carbine.

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Old 08-01-2010, 10:17 AM
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Me too...my first press...Dillon 650...five years later I bought a single-stage.

Bob
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45acp, 650, carbine, cartridge, colt, commercial, crimp, hornady, lock, military, primer, rcbs, sig arms

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