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  #1  
Old 07-13-2020, 05:50 PM
Glenn54 Glenn54 is offline
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Default I'm in deep now

I ordered the Dillon 750 XL Essential set up for .223 to start with. After I get the hang of things I will add .357 & 9mm. I know I have a lot to learn but I'll get there.
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Old 07-13-2020, 06:15 PM
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In deep is when you shoot 6 or more calibers, rifle and handgun and never buy factory loaded rounds.

I'm sure you'll get there tho..
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Old 07-13-2020, 07:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glenn54 View Post
I ordered the Dillon 750 XL Essential set up for .223 to start with. After I get the hang of things I will add .357 & 9mm. I know I have a lot to learn but I'll get there.
It will come with pretty detailed instructions. Maybe now they come with a DVD instruction. Welcome to the Dillon club where you want to buy everything they make. Swage tool for brass, Dillon carbide dies, Case feeder, Bullet feeder. electric primer tube feeder. ETC ETC. Its a disease
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Old 07-13-2020, 07:57 PM
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Congratulations, welcome to the "blue crew" !!!!!! Your going to love it. Have fun and be safe.
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Old 07-13-2020, 08:05 PM
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You will love it, I've been using a 650XL for years....great machine. Only
thing I don't use is the powder drop, I chose to use my Pact powder drop and scale, I use a Dillon balance scale to check the Pact scale. It may slow me up a bit but little. Enjoy a great press you bought. Oh, and the tech support you will receive is second to none.
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Old 07-13-2020, 09:20 PM
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Default Free knowledge from my experience

If you shoot an AR 15; buy an RCBS Small Base X-die sizer die OR if shooting a bolt action; buy an RCBS standard X-die sizer die, AND anneal your case necks before resizing.

Case life will be much more than 2 or 3 firings before the neck cracks. Also, the force needed to resize the cases will be 50% less. I have had a torn rotator cuff repaired on my right shoulder because of reloading for 45 years. 35 of those years was using a Dillon progressive press that is still working tonight.

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Old 07-13-2020, 09:25 PM
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They use to come with a vhs tape. I bet they have something better now or you can use youtube.
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Old 07-13-2020, 09:25 PM
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The problem now may be finding the components to use with that new Dillon. I hope you have a good stock of parts already. If not you will be ready to roll when supplies come back.
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Old 07-13-2020, 11:33 PM
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Thanks. I will check into it.
I sure don't need any more shoulder problems than what I already have.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Engineer1911 View Post
If you shoot an AR 15; buy an RCBS Small Base X-die sizer die OR if shooting a bolt action; buy an RCBS standard X-die sizer die, AND anneal your case necks before resizing.

Case life will be much more than 2 or 3 firings before the neck cracks. Also, the force needed to resize the cases will be 50% less. I have had a torn rotator cuff repaired on my right shoulder because of reloading for 45 years. 35 of those years was using a Dillon progressive press that is still working tonight.

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Old 07-13-2020, 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by bigggbbruce View Post
In deep is when you shoot 6 or more calibers, rifle and handgun and never buy factory loaded rounds.
I certainly resemble that remark; sometimes I wonder if "in deep" and "in over my head" are the same thing. I'm at ten different calibers that I shoot and load for. Only factory ammo I buy is shotgun, and I'm thinking of loading for the 12 gauge at least.
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Old 07-14-2020, 02:02 AM
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I'm shooting an AR 15, no bolt actions.
Will the RCBS Small Base X-die sizer be used on the Dillon 750 or will I need to get something else for this part of the process?
Thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Engineer1911 View Post
If you shoot an AR 15; buy an RCBS Small Base X-die sizer die OR if shooting a bolt action; buy an RCBS standard X-die sizer die, AND anneal your case necks before resizing.

Case life will be much more than 2 or 3 firings before the neck cracks. Also, the force needed to resize the cases will be 50% less. I have had a torn rotator cuff repaired on my right shoulder because of reloading for 45 years. 35 of those years was using a Dillon progressive press that is still working tonight.

My experience, your free knowledge.
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Old 07-14-2020, 09:59 AM
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Getting in deep? Just wait and you will learn what deep is. Started loading in the late 70’s. Wound up loading for around 15 calibers. Wound up selling all my loading stuff when kids came and no longer had time to hunt and shoot. Started back after 20 years with intention of only loading .38 wadcutters. Now load for 8 Handgun calibers and 2 rifle. You don’t save money by loading, you just shoot more but with better ammo
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:36 AM
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I guess I'm different. I started to load decades ago but stuck to just a few handgun calibers. .38/.357, .45ACP/AR, .41 Magnum, .380, 9mm. The last two I don't shoot or load a whole lot but I do have the ability to do so if need be. I shoot .22 handguns also. I don't even own a rifle.

I find I can only shoot so many guns. Any more than half a dozen or so and I can't seem to get regular trigger time. Plus I can't say I really love reloading. I just want the ammo.

My Dillon RL450 (due to a conversion it's now really a Franken 550) is still going strong.
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glenwolde View Post
I guess I'm different. I started to load decades ago but stuck to just a few handgun calibers. .38/.357, .45ACP/AR, .41 Magnum, .380, 9mm. The last two I don't shoot or load a whole lot but I do have the ability to do so if need be. I shoot .22 handguns also. I don't even own a rifle.

I find I can only shoot so many guns. Any more than half a dozen or so and I can't seem to get regular trigger time. Plus I can't say I really love reloading. I just want the ammo.

My Dillon RL450 (due to a conversion it's now really a Franken 550) is still going strong.
I've come to the same conclusion. I shoot 5 or 6 guns regularly but own many more.

I never set out to be but somehow have grown into being a collector.
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glenn54 View Post
After I get the hang of things I will add .357 & 9mm.
In terms of the loading learning curve and simplicity, 38/357 are the easiest as they are straight-wall. Then 9mm (slight taper) and lastly .223 as a necked cartridge. Good luck and be safe.
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glenn54 View Post
I'm shooting an AR 15, no bolt actions.
Will the RCBS Small Base X-die sizer be used on the Dillon 750 or will I need to get something else for this part of the process?
Thanks.
Honestly, I would not bother with the RCBS dies. Everyone has a favorite, it is just not my personal preference.

The Dillon die works fine and makes good ammo. The properly adjusted Dillon die sizes fine for the AR chamber no need for any other gizmos.

I do recommend getting a good case gauge to size the cases and adjust the die. You'll need to trim the cases to the correct length. A good case gauge will help with that too. I have a Dillon gauge other people make fine gauges too.

I also think that rifle is harder to start out with over the pistol cartridges. Be sure to read up on the process and start with small batches.
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:02 AM
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Glenn,

I purchased a Dillon SDB in the late 1980s, then moved into a 550B in the early 1990s. I quickly learned that I was unable to load an acceptable match round for my Garand and M1A using the Dillon, so rifle ammo is coming off the old RCBS single stage, and the Dillon is producing: 380, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 9mm, 40 S&W, 41 Magnum, 44 Special, and 45 ACP.

I would venture that once you get the feel of reloading with your Dillon, you'll most likely give casting a shot!
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:11 AM
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Good luck with it. I want to start too, especially since I now own somewhat of an exotic. But I also like to keep people like Buffalo Bore, Weatherby, Hornady and Norma in business. The struggle is real
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by old pipefitter View Post
It will come with pretty detailed instructions. Maybe now they come with a DVD instruction. Welcome to the Dillon club where you want to buy everything they make. Swage tool for brass, Dillon carbide dies, Case feeder, Bullet feeder. electric primer tube feeder. ETC ETC. Its a disease
There's also youtube videos from individual users that can be helpful. Some of them fill in with experience factor where Dillon instruction leaves off. At least I found this to be the case with the 650.
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Old 07-14-2020, 12:58 PM
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In deep is when you load for LOTS of calibers and guages. In deep is when you cast bullets for almost everything you shoot and pour your own shot for your shotguns. In deep is when you build your own rifle/pistol range and build your own skeet field........Guess I'm in so deep I'm drownt.
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Old 07-14-2020, 01:44 PM
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You will like drinkin that Blue Kool-aid.
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Old 07-14-2020, 01:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maurice H View Post
In terms of the loading learning curve and simplicity, 38/357 are the easiest as they are straight-wall. Then 9mm (slight taper) and lastly .223 as a necked cartridge. Good luck and be safe.
To add to this - I'd start with .357 until very familiar with your press operation; it's a straight wall, no neck, no shoulder case and doesn't have the critical shoulder length and OAL length concerns a magazine fed autoloader does.
Nice rig - be careful and have fun!
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Old 07-14-2020, 01:55 PM
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Go slow , take your time and Load Safe .
It's ok to get anal and OCD about getting one charge of powder in the case .
Two charges is just as bad as no charge ...check twice .

There are no awards given for speed reloading . My dear Mom would tell me " Haste makes waste" ... I will tell you , do it right the first time and you won't spend as much time with a bullet puller undoing mistakes ... Trust me on this one ... I know !

Load Safe,
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Old 07-14-2020, 03:29 PM
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Congrats on your new setup; as other above I'd suggest to start with a straight wall cartridge. 223 is a little more involved, I do it in 2 stage - 1st is size and trim (I have Dillon trimmer) so it's 1 cycle through the press, then clean the lube and go for 2nd cycle with actual priming, powder, bullet seat and crimp.
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Old 07-14-2020, 06:39 PM
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That is what I have got in mind, not really trying to save money. But I do want to buy all necessary supplies when available so I can get stocked up on the calibers I need.

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Originally Posted by Eddietruett View Post
Getting in deep? Just wait and you will learn what deep is. Started loading in the late 70’s. Wound up loading for around 15 calibers. Wound up selling all my loading stuff when kids came and no longer had time to hunt and shoot. Started back after 20 years with intention of only loading .38 wadcutters. Now load for 8 Handgun calibers and 2 rifle. You don’t save money by loading, you just shoot more but with better ammo
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Old 07-14-2020, 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by wheelgun28 View Post
Honestly, I would not bother with the RCBS dies. Everyone has a favorite, it is just not my personal preference.

The Dillon die works fine and makes good ammo. The "PROPERLY ADJUSTED" Dillon die sizes fine for the AR chamber no need for any other gizmos.
fixed it for you

I have a lightly used 650XL. It is in the neighborhood of 150k rounds loaded since I bought it new about 4 years ago. I do a little competition shooting so loading my own ammo is a VERY economical solution for me at the volume I shoot.

When it comes to loading 5.56 ammo, the only sizing die that has NEVER caused me an issue in my rifles is Dillon. I have tried many other brands of dies with varying degrees of failure.

Pro tip: Visually inspect EVERY case for powder charge BEFORE you seat the bullet. Static bridge in a powder hopper is rare, but it does happen. It is also easier than you would think to run your powder hopper empty ...
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:33 PM
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I have a bunch of lead that I have used for fishing weights and jigs. I also have a Lee melting pot so I guess I'd just need to get the right molds?

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Originally Posted by lrrifleman View Post
Glenn,

I purchased a Dillon SDB in the late 1980s, then moved into a 550B in the early 1990s. I quickly learned that I was unable to load an acceptable match round for my Garand and M1A using the Dillon, so rifle ammo is coming off the old RCBS single stage, and the Dillon is producing: 380, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 9mm, 40 S&W, 41 Magnum, 44 Special, and 45 ACP.

I would venture that once you get the feel of reloading with your Dillon, you'll most likely give casting a shot!
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:38 PM
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What all do I need to change calibers? The Dillon setup is for 223 and I ordered some 9mm dies after I ordered the press. If loading for .357 would be better to start learning on, do I just need the 3 Dillon dies? Thanks.
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Old 07-15-2020, 12:38 AM
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No, you are gonna need a conversion kit. It should include a shell plate, powder funnel and buttons (forget correct name). I’m speaking from 550 knowledge, pretty sure 750 will be the same. Some parts of the conversion kit will interchange with other calibers. If your cheap like me, you can piece some together.
I hope you like your Dillon, I love mine.
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Old 07-15-2020, 12:50 AM
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Thanks David. I will do a search on conversion kit or shell plate for the Dillon 750 and see what I can find.

You're right, the conversion kit comes with all the stuff you mentioned plus a few things. But it does not come with the dies. That seems odd to me. Is it because some guys use different brands of dies or may already have the dies?

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No, you are gonna need a conversion kit. It should include a shell plate, powder funnel and buttons (forget correct name). I’m speaking from 550 knowledge, pretty sure 750 will be the same. Some parts of the conversion kit will interchange with other calibers. If your cheap like me, you can piece some together.
I hope you like your Dillon, I love mine.
David

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Old 07-15-2020, 06:07 AM
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Quote:
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I ordered the Dillon 750 XL Essential set up for .223 to start with. After I get the hang of things I will add .357 & 9mm. I know I have a lot to learn but I'll get there.
Glad to hear you're "in the game"!

I'd just like to make what I feel is an important suggestion here.... I would NOT start off with .223, but instead learn your Press with a simple and easy cartridge like 9mm, .45 acp, .38 special, etc. There are so many things going on and to watch at the same time - you don't need to start off with a more complicated round to load.

Just trying to make this suggestion to save you from frustration, trimming cases, etc. when starting off on something that should be a fun/learning process.

In any event, good luck with your new Dillon - you certainly bought the right brand!
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Old 07-15-2020, 09:43 AM
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When I started reloading I've made a conscious decision to use bulkier powders, which ideally would overflow in case of double charge. I've made a mess few times but mess in reloading room is much safer and cheaper than on the range
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Old 07-15-2020, 09:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glenn54 View Post
I have a bunch of lead that I have used for fishing weights and jigs. I also have a Lee melting pot so I guess I'd just need to get the right molds?
You need to decide if you're going to shoot bare/lubed or coated bullets.

If you decide to shoot lubed bullets, you need some form of lubri-sizer: either a Lee tumble lube setup (affordable) or a Lyman/RCBS lubrisizer with sizing die and top punch for each bullet cast (potentially expensive). If you decide to shoot coated bullets, you need: a Lee sizer (one for each caliber cast), the coating powder (under $20), and an inexpensive toasted oven that will ONLY be used to bake the bullets.

Powder coating can be the least expensive approach to casting your own!
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Old 07-15-2020, 06:24 PM
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I think you've about dug down to China. You really are in deep.My own range would be great but I don't think the National Forest folks would like me doing that.

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Originally Posted by Mike, SC Hunter View Post
In deep is when you load for LOTS of calibers and guages. In deep is when you cast bullets for almost everything you shoot and pour your own shot for your shotguns. In deep is when you build your own rifle/pistol range and build your own skeet field........Guess I'm in so deep I'm drownt.

Last edited by Glenn54; 07-15-2020 at 10:15 PM.
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Old 07-17-2020, 10:49 AM
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Welcome to the world of blue! I also have spent a small fortune with Dillon! I have seen nothing but good advice above! The only thing I would like to add is this! Reloading is a solitary endeavor! My reloading room is in my shop with NO TV, NO RADIO, and other distractions. If I need to talk on the phone I stop, sit back, and talk! Don't drive and text and don't reload with outside distractions! 40 years of reloading and still learning!
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Old 07-17-2020, 03:37 PM
Glenn54 Glenn54 is offline
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I agree. I plan on doing the same, giving it my undivided attention.

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Welcome to the world of blue! I also have spent a small fortune with Dillon! I have seen nothing but good advice above! The only thing I would like to add is this! Reloading is a solitary endeavor! My reloading room is in my shop with NO TV, NO RADIO, and other distractions. If I need to talk on the phone I stop, sit back, and talk! Don't drive and text and don't reload with outside distractions! 40 years of reloading and still learning!
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Old 07-23-2020, 03:55 PM
Glenn54 Glenn54 is offline
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Dillon says 6 more weeks before getting the XL750 Essentials 223, backordered. I asked Dillon if they had "any" reloading machines, nothing in stock. One of the Dillon distributers says no one knows how much longer it will be before they have any stock. Disappointed but what can you do.
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Old 07-23-2020, 07:33 PM
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wheelgun28 wheelgun28 is offline
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That gives you more time to read up on things. Maybe watch some videos on rifle loading too. Possibly start looking at case trimmers, gauges, deburing tools, crimp removers and so on.

You can even start sourcing bullets, powder and primers.

Then figure out your load combination.

This is all good things!
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Old 07-24-2020, 12:50 AM
Glenn54 Glenn54 is offline
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I was thinking along the same lines. The Dillon Essentials kit comes with the Lyman 50th edition. Which manual/book would be a good compliment to the Lyman? Thanks.

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That gives you more time to read up on things. Maybe watch some videos on rifle loading too. Possibly start looking at case trimmers, gauges, deburing tools, crimp removers and so on.

You can even start sourcing bullets, powder and primers.

Then figure out your load combination.

This is all good things!

Last edited by Glenn54; 07-24-2020 at 12:54 AM.
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Old 07-25-2020, 12:03 AM
Glenn54 Glenn54 is offline
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My how fast things change. Got a notification from FedEx today that the Dillon XL 750 Essentials is on its way. No notification from Dillon but I know they are very busy.

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Originally Posted by wheelgun28 View Post
That gives you more time to read up on things. Maybe watch some videos on rifle loading too. Possibly start looking at case trimmers, gauges, deburing tools, crimp removers and so on.

You can even start sourcing bullets, powder and primers.

Then figure out your load combination.

This is all good things!
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Old 07-25-2020, 11:32 AM
MrG5122 MrG5122 is offline
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I see that the Essentials package does not include the case feeder. IMO the case feeder is what makes a 650/750 an efficiency machine.

I load 223 on my 650 in three stages:
1. Load up the case feeder and size/deprime. I have a separate tool head with only the sizing die installed.
2. Tumble cases and trim to length.
3. Install the tool head with the powder drop, bullet seater, and crimp die if you decide to use one. Fill the case feeder with polished and trimmed cases, and finish the reloading process.

The case feeder makes all this a breeze!

FWIW H335 meters like water in the 650.

Last edited by MrG5122; 07-25-2020 at 11:36 AM.
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Old 07-26-2020, 02:41 PM
Glenn54 Glenn54 is offline
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Thanks. Good suggestion. I went to their website and notice the case feeder are for different size shells.
Is there some type of conversion to go from .357 to 9mm, for example?

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Originally Posted by MrG5122 View Post
I see that the Essentials package does not include the case feeder. IMO the case feeder is what makes a 650/750 an efficiency machine.

I load 223 on my 650 in three stages:
1. Load up the case feeder and size/deprime. I have a separate tool head with only the sizing die installed.
2. Tumble cases and trim to length.
3. Install the tool head with the powder drop, bullet seater, and crimp die if you decide to use one. Fill the case feeder with polished and trimmed cases, and finish the reloading process.

The case feeder makes all this a breeze!

FWIW H335 meters like water in the 650.
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Old 07-28-2020, 10:38 AM
MrG5122 MrG5122 is offline
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Quote:
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Thanks. Good suggestion. I went to their website and notice the case feeder are for different size shells.
Is there some type of conversion to go from .357 to 9mm, for example?
The case feeder has a rotating plate to drop the cases in the tube. There are five different plates.

Small pistol
Large pistol
Small rifle
Large rifle
Magnum rifle

For your calibers (9mm, 357, 223) you would need the first three plates.

They all work in the same case feeder and are just a drop-in installation. No tools needed. If I recall they run about $40 each.
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Old 07-28-2020, 11:15 AM
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Erocksmash Erocksmash is offline
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Its a black hole of fun and learning excitement... just as I think I have the hang of pistol, I decide to go jump into rifle.
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This is the way....
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Old 07-28-2020, 12:56 PM
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I have a bunch of lead that I have used for fishing weights and jigs. I also have a Lee melting pot so I guess I'd just need to get the right molds?
It sounds like you're half way there. Lee has 2 cavity molds for $20 and they're great for testing out casting. You'll need to lube or powder coat the bullets to prevent leading and sizing is also recommended. Lee has sizing dies for $20, but I think you'll need something other than your Dillon press to for that operation.
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