Depression but determination

[SanJoseScott]

I knew it would happen. There was no doubt. As soon as I got everything in place to start putting together my reloading capability the lead times/prices have combined to stall my progress. I'm bent but not broken

After the research I've done I figure a Dillon 550 would be my preferred press. Probaby could do just fine with a Hornady LocknLoad. 2 month lead time on either or pay a $200 premium to get it sooner (If anyone hears of a good used one, drop me a line).

Looks like this project is going to take a while longer than expected

 

[Sprefix]

Stay the course sir!!

 

[8DuckCaller]

Sent private message

 

[Rule3]

Spend the time trying to find all you components like primers, bullets and powder. That will keep you busy. It,s a tough time right now. I would forget online and beat the bushes like every gun shop in driving distance. Call first.

 

[358156hp]

Grafs has some 650s in stock. It might not be the caliber you really want, but it could get you started.

 

[Fishslayer]

1. If it's only a matter of weeks, don't settle. Get what you really want. According to owners the Dillon is worth waiting for.

2. Weigh the cost. $70/K of primers or burn $40 worth of gas to find 'em (maybe) at $40/K. Don't be buying 10K primers at that price though! Prices will come back down. When they do, THEN you can start your stockpiling and deal pouncing.

3. Be a pitbull. There is stuff out there at somewhat reasonable prices. You just need to be the first one on 'em. Saw a smokin' deal on powder in my area on the WTS board. Got there too late.

 

[rwsmith]

Don't let them

Don't let them grind you down.

 

[RussellD]

If you were my neighbor, I would come over and set up your new press and bring you a few primers to start loading with. My customary charge for this service is a cup of coffee.

Dont get discouraged. Get everything you can and use what you have. Get the brass, clean it and deprime it. Lead bullets are available from a number of good sources for less than ten days wait. The other items will come in time.

 

[Skip Sackett]

If you want to get a used press, go to ebay. There are several there and they still carry the same warranty as a new one. Broken parts get replaced free of charge, regardless. If you get the right tech on the line, even lost ones can be replaced free of charge. It all depends on the day.

I have bought an RL450B, Square Deal B and an XL650 this way. Had a few things missing but got everything for free and all running at this time. Just a thought!

 

[Squarebutt]

Craigslist can be your friend. I've bought a couple of presses and other items there. Don't be afraid to start with a single-stage, especially if you plan to load several calibers. I love my Dillon 550, but I still use a couple of old single-stage presses to do a variety of tasks, including loading for the old thumpers like .30-40 Krag and .35 Remington where it doesn't make sense to spend $100+ on a Dillon setup.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a Dillion that was a 450, that I've upgraded to a 550B and a Hornady L-N-L. Wait on the Dillion and forget the Hornady. Ivan

 

[Engineer1911]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Another like for what Ivan said. ^^^^^^^

 

[parabarbarian]

I had a similar thing happen to me.

I decided to upgrade to a Dillon a little before the 2008 election. Smart move but bad timing. I had a press, dies and plenty of brass but finding bullets was sketchy and primers were nearly impossible to get. The press sat in the boxes for almost a year before availability went back up and prices came back down to where they were before. After that I started buying a little extra whenever I found a good price.

All I can offer at this juncture is that this, too, shall pass.

 

[358156hp]

If you're interested, a local shop has a used Hornady ProJector, the predecessor to the LNL. PM me if you want their phone number, and I'll get it for you.

 

[SanJoseScott]

If you were my neighbor, I would come over and set up your new press and bring you a few primers to start loading with. My customary charge for this service is a cup of coffee.

You may live in Alabama and I in the DPRC but that offer makes us neighbors and I tip my hat to you.

This is why I like this board over the others!

 

[Nevada Ed]

Bad time right now with all the anti-gun and tree huggers jumping on the band wagon,while the fire is hot.

There are to many things in the fire and with the economy
for these little things to keep the presidents interrest from
the "BIG" things that need fixing. It will pass and get swept under the rug in due time,as in the past...........

Remember Waco ? Wounded knee ? It's history...........
and will happen again.

Hang in there.

 

[SanJoseScott]

Yawn....no joy on the press. Guess I'm going to have to order and start waiting. Personality disorder gets in the way because I do so hate waiting for something I bought....UGH

 

[fredj338]

Better late than never into the reloading field. Good luck.

 

[SanJoseScott]

Pulled the trigger (pun intended). Went with a Hornday Lock-n-load AP. The base press, shell plates for the 3 calibers I need, dies and Hornday manual will be here by the 26th. Went with the LNL primarily because I can get one before July (exagerated) and I didn't find any negative reviews. Only thing that caused me any thought was the comments from those who own both the Dillon and the Hornday was they preferred the Dillon.

Being here in the DPRC I want to get everything I need in my hands as fast as possible so I can schedule the boating accident where, regretfully, all the evil things I own were lost at sea...

 

[Rule3]

Hornady makes excellent "stuff" If I had the room I would buy the same thing. It only matters what you like and I am sure you will be very happy with it.

 

[andyo5]

I have owned Dillon 550 since 1995 and have had great results with it and with the company. I recommend it.

 

[310Pilot]

I expect you will love the Hornady press. I have its predecessor, the Pro-Jector, which has been turning out great ammo for over thirty years, now, without a hitch (other than losing the primer tubes during one or more moves, the only part Hornady doesn't make any more). On the few instances I have needed parts, Hornady has sent them right out (usually, improved parts), no questions asked. I do need to finish up the primer tube setup I am making for it, just haven't had time to finish it up on the lathe.

The L-n-L AP has a lot of improvements - I am considering buying one and making my old Pro-jector a dedicated (one caliber) loader. The quick change aspects and numerous other small improvements of the L-n-L make it quite attractive. It is the functional equivalent of a Dillon 650 at less than the price of a 550, not even considering the net effect on the price of Hornady's 500 free bullet offer! Oh yes, I have used 550s (don't like them, too much potential for a double charge with their manual indexing), 650s (nice machines, about equal, but not superior to the Hornady, IMHO) and 1050s (great machines, but more than a bit costly). IMHO, the Hornady is the best bang for the buck, and quality is superb.

OK, now you've got your press, start compiling components, dies, etc. Enjoy!

 

[rwsmith]

Hang on

Things will level out, maybe in a few months, the not so positive people say a year. It'll be worth the wait.