Dillon At500

[Smilin-buddha]

So I have this theory of course I have alot of those. I can Get the Dillon At500. Than when I feel more comfortable. Make it progressive. Any opinions I am sure there are a few. I appreciate all the answers to my dumb questions. I have what I ned to reload. All except the press that is. Todd

 

[TSQUARED]

I have used a Dillon 550 for almost 10 years and have never found the need for either the case feeder or fasterr operation. I examine each case before depriming and each powder drop and still crank out ca 300 per hour boxed. That's fast enough for me!

 

[Dale53]

Even Dillon suggests that their 550B is the most versatile loader they sell. I have had one 550B since they came out. A couple of years ago, I added the second (one with large primers and one with small primers). I have seen most of the progressive loaders on the market. The 550B is MY choice of all. It is fast enough and absolutely reliable.

Like ANY progressive press, you DO have to learn to operate them. It requires that you PAY ATTENTION, whatever the brand.

The 550B is the best combination of precision, speed, and conversion cost out there. Do NOT just check on the press price - look at the total price. I am currently set up for more than a dozen calibers (from .32 S&W Long to .375 H&H Magnum) and have REALLY used mine.

I am not interested in a case feeder but they are available if you need them.

I have no quarrel with anyone else's choice of equipment. We all are a bit different and tend to look at things a bit differently. However, I am a happy camper with my Dillons.

FWIW

Dale53

 

[pinkymingeo]

A lot of guys swear by the 550, but I personally wouldn't consider a manual indexing press. Too easy to make a serious mistake, and too much time consumed trying to avoid it. Spend a few extra dollars and get a 650 or (IMO) even better, a LnL AP.

 

[dennis40x]

The AT500 is more or less set up to be an interim step between a single stage press and a progressive. That said the RL550B as a start point in my opinion would be the better. Only place one case and cycle it thru all the stations until completed as a loaded round. That way one may observe each operation. At some point you'll obtain your comfort level and proceed on to using it as a progressive. Rate of production is up to you. Remember that in order to go fast one must go slow at the beginning of the learning curve.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Cornfused!

Todd,

I have just recently gotten into the "progressive press" crowd. I guess that is relative, within the last 3 years anyway. That being said, I think we are missing something. I'm not familiar with the "AT" version of Dillon presses. Are they the forerunner of the "RL" versions? What is a "500" too?

The presses I have seen on their website seem to suggest that you are looking at an older, maybe used press, that can be upgraded.

I know, "you have an idea" but, I'm afraid I have to put a wrench in your works. I would like to suggest getting an XL650 for my first progressive, that is if you load rifle cases. If not, may I suggest a Square Deal B?

I agree wholeheartedly with pinky on this one. No manual indexing progressive for me. I don't have any knowledge of the L-N-L but have heard that it is a great press too.

The danger comes in being able to double charge a case by accident. The presses I have suggested can only do that if you physically back the shell plate up. It can be done, and yes, I have done it, but is very difficult to do.

Is cost a factor? Try used from flee-bay. If you get a lemon, all you have to do is send it to Dillon and they will fix whatever is wrong for $40 or so.

I have 3 SDB's and an XL650, Lee Classic Turret Press (in cast iron) and several single stage presses along with a Lyman Spar -T.


This is just my 2¢!

p.s. Dennis has given good advice too.

 

[dg101win]

The AT500 was brought out maybe 10 years ago I think(I slept a few times in there).
IIRC it was a basic 550 with the primer feed and such---but not the powder measure. The idea was for a single stage user to upgrade to a "partial" progressive. The "partial" progressive is my description not Dillons.

The user would use a scale and hand dump the powder in the case. If and When the individual felt comfortable to go full progressive they could add the powder measure.

Depending on the price of it and the parts needed to upgrade it to a true progressive,it may be to your advantage to just purchase a 550 from the start. As already mentioned you could just run one round through it at a time until you get the feel for it.

 

[Smilin-buddha]

The AT500 "Advanced Turret Press" is a good press to start with if you are on a budget. It can be fully upgraded to an RL550B and can load a large assortment of calibers out of the box.

It also can take all RL550B accessories...

The original thought was this was $200. The press is still available according to Dillon. I had similar thoughts of it being an old press and did call them to check it out. I was mainly impressed that IO got through in only a few minutes. I had the idea that the lower price and chance to up grade later made it very attractive to me. But today I was looking at Kittery adn can buy a 550b for 300 dollars with the powder measure and also the primer system. So it seems I was a little off with my ideas.

 

[BE Mike]

I thought Dillon discontinued the AT500. It wasn't popular, as it costs more to upgrade it to a RL550B than if you purchased the RL550B outright. I would suggest that you get a single-stage or turret press kit from RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, or Redding instead of the AT500. If and when you decide to go progressive, you will still find uses for the single-stage or turret press when you just want to load a small amount of ammo or do one or two case prep. functions with rifle brass. With the kits, you get all the accessories you need, like a manual, scale, case trimmer, primer flipper, etc.

As a second option, I would just get the Dillon RL550B outright. It is not that difficult to figure out. Get the Dillon video, if you go this route. Good luck finding primers and powder!

 

[Skip Sackett]

Honesty is good for the soul!

The AT500 "Advanced Turret Press" is a good press to start with if you are on a budget. It can be fully upgraded to an RL550B and can load a large assortment of calibers out of the box.

It also can take all RL550B accessories...

The original thought was this was $200. The press is still available according to Dillon. I had similar thoughts of it being an old press and did call them to check it out. I was mainly impressed that IO got through in only a few minutes. I had the idea that the lower price and chance to up grade later made it very attractive to me. But today I was looking at Kittery adn can buy a 550b for 300 dollars with the powder measure and also the primer system. So it seems I was a little off with my ideas.

Todd,
I've had a few of my ideas the were more than just "a little off"!

That being said, I don't think your original thought process was all that flawed. More for less is always good, in my opinion!

Many here have expressed their fondness for the Dillon RL550. On thier word alone, especially Dale53, dennis40x , Sgt Preston, I would get one if I hadn't already gotten the other presses I have.

Just take the cautions mentioned and you should be OK.

 

[Smilin-buddha]

One of my main problems is that I am getting so many different opinions on things. I look at Lee and think the Turret press would be a great idea. But than someone suggest I should start with single stage. Than the next says progressive is the way to go. I also like most people have to worry about money. My wife is disabled. So I am the primary bread winner of the house. And need to make smart choices. On other things I ask my Father he is very wise for his years, but he has never reloaded. And Most of the other forums it get to be this heated drama filled event. I tried the Partner press and that was okay, but the Rock Chucker was not something I liked when we lubed the bullets, primers went everywhere but their intended destination. So that is my quandary and maybe to a certain extent I am over analyzing it. But I am trying to make the best choice all the way around something I can use safely now and will not bore me to tears if a few months. Todd

 

[Skip Sackett]

Some wise advice; even if I do say so myself!

Todd,
I am going to set this up so you can make your own decision about which press to buy. That way you can put any drama to rest. Some folks just aren't happy unless you do what they want.

1. Are you mechanically inclined? Do you have a hard time with "lefty loosey righty tighty"?
2. Why do you want to reload? To keep meat on the table or to shoot competitively?
3. What kind of volume are you talking about? Thousands of rounds a month or a hundred?
4. What kind of rounds will be the staple of the press? Pistol or rifle?
5. Will starting this project cause problem in the family? Make a hardship or a help?
6. Where is the money for this project going to come from? Savings or debt?

With the challenge you mentioned about your wife, and let me say my heart goes out to you, it may not be wise to start re-loading if it interferes with other duties you HAVE to fulfill.

Like I said above, I have a bunch of different types of presses. I started out with a single stage and loaded about 100 rounds a week. It got very time consuming to do that. I was in competition though and needed a bunch or rounds in a hurry because I already had another night taken up with shooting.

I went to a Lee Classic Turret Press in cast iron and thought I was in "seventh heaven". Then son #2 started to shoot with me in competiton. Guess what, I ran out of time! So I bought a Square Deal B press from someone that I shot against. He didn't have the "tools" to use the progressive and let me have it @ $150!

I'm not weathy now, unless you compare it to what I was 20 years ago, with one income and 5 kids + a wife! So as finances became available, I bought several more presses. 2 SDB's and an XL650. I am talking over a 20 year period though. Most of my SDB's I didn't spend more than $200 for any of them!

Now, because I had those first presses and a ton of 7/8" x 14 dies I am moving everything to the XL650.

When that happens I will probably make my sons and son in laws happy campers as I pass this stuff on.

I hope this helps. I think the family issues are much more important than you getting into re-loading. Make sure you take care of those issues first as it sounds like you are doing!

 

[Smilin-buddha]

Todd,
I am going to set this up so you can make your own decision about which press to buy. That way you can put any drama to rest. Some folks just aren't happy unless you do what they want.

1. Are you mechanically inclined? Do you have a hard time with "lefty loosey righty tighty"?
2. Why do you want to reload? To keep meat on the table or to shoot competitively?
3. What kind of volume are you talking about? Thousands of rounds a month or a hundred?
4. What kind of rounds will be the staple of the press? Pistol or rifle?1.
5. Will starting this project cause problem in the family? Make a hardship or a help?
6. Where is the money for this project going to come from? Savings or debt?
   
   
   QUOTE]
   
   1.I am semi mechanically enclined. Have used a few power tools and still possess all my digits. I would never try to fly an airplane, but I have worked on a few cars in my life.
   2. I want to reload to provide my father and i ammo to go shooting a few times per month. There is the possibility of hunting. My father has an old deer rifle he wants me to have,
   3.Probably hundreds of rounds a month.
   4.No I have worked extra jobs and sold a few things to get the 400 dollars togther. I have made a few purchases here and there. SO I already have some of the materials dies, Powder, Primers and lead.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Good answers!

1.I am semi mechanically enclined. Have used a few power tools and still possess all my digits. I would never try to fly an airplane, but I have worked on a few cars in my life.
2. I want to reload to provide my father and i ammo to go shooting a few times per month. There is the possibility of hunting. My father has an old deer rifle he wants me to have,
3.Probably hundreds of rounds a month.
4.No I have worked extra jobs and sold a few things to get the 400 dollars togther. I have made a few purchases here and there. SO I already have some of the materials dies, Powder, Primers and lead.

1. Having all of your digits is a plus!
2. Good reason to want to reload. Keeping family dependent on you! (Just kidding!) Really it is quite noble to want to supply your Dad with ammo. Seems like with me it has been the other way around. I supply the munchkins!
3. Hundreds of rounds a month puts you into the semi-progressive area, IN MY OPINION, so at least a turret press is in order.
4. If you have dies, I am guessing they are standard 7/8" x 14, you are locked into something other than the Square Deal B. It has a proprietary die system that only works in that machine.

So, here is what you know now. You have a certain amount of money, you have the need for at least a turret press and you have to find something that uses the equipment you already have.

OK, armed with this information you are right to look in the area you already have. One thing though, you will most likely find a RL550 used in your price range. Go to some of the auction sites and do a search. Look in our classifieds as well as ebay, Brian Enos, Gunbroker, handloads.com, and others.

The Hornady Lock N Load is a good press too and right in there for price. It functions like an XL650 but comes with some extra stuff that makes it very attractive in price. Check them out too.

 

[oldman2]

A lot of guys swear by the 550, but I personally wouldn't consider a manual indexing press. Too easy to make a serious mistake, and too much time consumed trying to avoid it. Spend a few extra dollars and get a 650 or (IMO) even better, a LnL AP.

I have 3 550s & wouldn,t trade them. I had a 650 & traded it off it was to fussy to change cal. on, let alone primer size. the main thing with any loader is disengage mouth
then engage brain.

 

[Hammerless-12]

Rl 550 & xl650

I have two RL 550 and one XL650. I love them. I have used many different makes of presses and will never look back. The "other brand" was a fine press when it was working. The problem was if I loaded allot, and I do, the press would break quite offten. The darn red thing was always breaking right before a match or shooting event I was planning on attending. The Dillon is VERY well built. I have yet to actually break one. It does however need an adjustment every now and again. I use the 550's for most everything including rifle loads. It works very well with the bottle neck rifle cases. I leave the 650 set up for 45ACP only. I have tried the bottle neck rifle cases in the 650 and found it somewhat un-sturdy and it would not handle the rifle cases as smoothly as the 550 does. I have also found with the proper case prep. the 550 loads as well as a single stage press any day. So accuracy is not an issue. I suppose some may argue about that, but it works for me and my rifles/loads do shoot better than I can. For what its worth I would not waste any money or time on the "other" presses if you plan on shooting much. I looked at it as a life time hobby and have learned much more from my mistakes than any other way. Good luck in your reloading venture. let us know how it goes for you.

 

[8Ring]

Dear Budda:

I started using the AT 500 as a turret press loading .38spl. I hand-primed the brass and used (and still use) an RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I upgraded to the Auto-Eject kit and bought the Dillon 550 priming kit from a gun store that was going out of business.

The Auto-Eject kit was well worth the money. The priming kit, however, was the biggest PITA I've experienced in my reloading adventures. After three unsuccessful attempts to use it (including an experienced 550 user setting it up) and a half-dozen calls to Dillon's customer support, I've gone back to my RCBS hand-priming tool and have not regretted it. I reload mostly .45acp now and my rig is more than adequate for my shooting needs.

In sum, the AT 500 is a good place to start and offers reasonable upgrade options for a fair price.

Chris

 

[Smilin-buddha]

Can you post pictures of the set up. Do you use the powder measure on the press or separate. Thanks Thanks Todd

 

[Revoman]

Buddha,

I'll share my experience I started with a Lee turret press, made good ammo and a year later I upgraded to a Lee Pro 100 progressive.

I also made good ammo with this press but it was very finicky and took a lot of time to figure out ways to make it run properly, really the priming system can be made to work but it is a pain in the rear.

Sold this stuff and bought a Dillon 550 about fifthteen years ago and haven't looked back. Much better quaility and nicer product. I just bought a second 550B new in the box because the price was too good to pass up.

Keep your eyes open and look for a clean used press many people buy this stuff who are not mechanically inclined and can't pay attention to detail and end up selling.

Like most things in life you get what you pay for so if you buy a quality product whether it is a Dillon or another brand you should be able to make good ammo with it.

Hope this helps.