Dillon loading presses pros and cons
- Thread starter Eddietruett
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I started loading on a Herters single stage machine around 1966. Sorry I sold it for an RCBS Jr., but the Jr was a better looking press. I managed to buy a 450 sometime in the 1980s then sold it and bought the 550B in the late 80s. I have loaded thousands of .38, .357 and .44 Mag and Special over the last 25 plus years. Most of the time it runs like a well oiled machine, but it will sometimes stumble and have to be adjusted, cleaned etc to get running again. No big deal as this does not happen often. Its like getting your car serviced, just needs to be done regularly.
The 650 and other machines arrived after I owned mine, and it has provided great service for a good many years. It does all I need to do.
I have not used other machines, so will not comment, but I'm glad I have a Dillon and have been more than pleased with it.
The 650 and other machines arrived after I owned mine, and it has provided great service for a good many years. It does all I need to do.
I have not used other machines, so will not comment, but I'm glad I have a Dillon and have been more than pleased with it.
dickydalton
Member
I also started in 1966 with a Herters single stage. In the mid 80's I splurged $79 on a Dillon Square Deal. The first time I wore the nylon bearings out in it Dillon had me return it and it came back as new, for Free! Now they have the spare parts kit with those things. I still load all my 38Special/357 Mag,44 Mag and 45 Colts on it. 1998 or 99 I bought a 550 and load almost every other caliber on it and have zero problems.
fredj338
Member
With the amount of success Dillon has had over the years, I think the competition wishes they had a slice of Dillon pie but they don"t.
Others do, but outfits like Lee sell a bunch of theirs, then eventually the majority will buy a dillon. Pretty poor economics buying twice imo, but free country.
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DRAINSMITH
Member
OH GRASSHOPPER WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO LEARN? Could you not tell that "When is Dillon going to come out with a bullet feeder?" Was a setup question?
If you notice I will not attack you unless you attack me. If you attack my press I will attack back. If you attack my case feeder I will attack back.
Now I noticed no one had mentioned the MBF. So I opened the door. I had hoped that some one would have said "I have a BMF and I love it" But no you had to say that the BMF is "superior".
Well here are some facts for you: You noticed that I said that I loaded 100 rounds of 9mm in 4:30. There is a reason for this.
Two weeks ago I had my 60-year-old physical, and after the blood test was gone over I mentioned that I thought that I might have "tennis elbow" He came over to me and lifted my shirt and grabbed my belly and shook it, he then lifted my pant leg and looked at my chicken legs. He then said "I don't think you have played tennis in 40 years. I think you have "reloader elbow". Slow down." He never looked at my elbow.
But with my case feeder loading 100 cases in 1:55 and my bullet feeder loading 100 RN in 3:35 I might get that down to 3:15. ( Already 30 bullets in the tube.) And if I am running a bet you can believe that I will ignore the Docs advice.
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Once many years ago I decided to do all my shotshell reloading for the year in one month. March in fact. I did end up with tennis elbow from running reloading presses. Ponsness Warrens. I loaded a bit over 80 cases. Cases not flats. Only 5 cases of 12 ga(for doubles shooting). It took over a year to get rid of that tennis elbow. So I made that conscious decision to buy a hydraulic drive setup..or two. It was the neatest thing,,,when it worked correctly. Which was most of the time. But it was a bit too finicky on the 410.So I sold it..and just decided to take my time loading. Heck they could turn out 500 shells an hour anyway. The bullet feeders for the Hornady are nowhere as good as the MBF in my opinion..and I have a Big Green bulletfeeder for 223 I don't use. I decided I didn't need a bullet feeder for any of my presses as, again, they load plenty of rounds per hour without them...and most won't do cast bullets as well anyway. I never tried these newpaint coated bullets in one though. Guess I'll put the RCBS feeder and that ammo plant on ebay or something. I did set the LnL I have in 45 Colt. I don't load as many of them anyway....Yesterday..I had someone call me about a couple of presses and some stuff they have for sale. So after visiting the doctor went and looked at them..2 complete Dillons in exc condition. a 550 and a 650. Bunch of brass included for 500 bucks. Fellow just wanted all that stuff out of his garage. So I had to buy them..I'll keep the 650..sell the 550. Unfortunately he had given all the powder and primers, bullets etc away
fredj338
Member
You are now just rambling. So I can use the ok Hornady bullet feeder on my "better" 650, easily matching the LNL output & with less adjustment issues swapping calibers. Sorry you feel attacked, some sort of inferiority complex? I am only pointing out the fallacy of your argument that somehow LNL is cheaper or better because they make a bullet feeder, which will fit the 650 too? Or a better bullet feeder can be had for a little more $$.
Bkreutz
US Veteran
You guys need to take a shower 
, Talking/arguing about what presses are better is like politics and religion, it's a "no win" argument/discussion because in most cases the minds are made up before the discussion/argument and no amount of talking/arguing is going to change anyone's mind. The end result in usually bad feelings. Chill out guys and hand load with whatever equipment you want.
, Talking/arguing about what presses are better is like politics and religion, it's a "no win" argument/discussion because in most cases the minds are made up before the discussion/argument and no amount of talking/arguing is going to change anyone's mind. The end result in usually bad feelings. Chill out guys and hand load with whatever equipment you want.The advantage of multiple powder measures is you keep them preadjusted and ready for your favorite load. Makes changes much faster
hdwhit
Member
The old adage was, "Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM".
And in the reloading world is seems "Nobody ever repents buying a Dillon..."
With the possible caveat of "...After they get over the shock of looking at the invoice"
I've been an RCBS single stage reloader for 38+ years and will probably remain with an RCBS single stage presses for life, but if I were in the market for a progressive press, the first place I would look would be Dillon.
And in the reloading world is seems "Nobody ever repents buying a Dillon..."
With the possible caveat of "...After they get over the shock of looking at the invoice"
I've been an RCBS single stage reloader for 38+ years and will probably remain with an RCBS single stage presses for life, but if I were in the market for a progressive press, the first place I would look would be Dillon.
fredj338
Member
Or buy the Unitech microm for the Dillon. I have two powder measure for more than 12 calibers I load on the Dillon's. One for rifle & one for pistol. You have to check the measure anyway, every time you setup, so dialing it in for a caliber change isn't much time, couple minutes. That is Any measure BTW.
DRAINSMITH
Member
Well in post #25, #27, #74, and #79, Grasshopper stated that the price difference between the Hornady with case feeder and the Dillon with case feeder was only $75.00. Well, that just didn't sit right with me so I did a price comparison between the two. With only one case feeder plate (the Dillon is $11.00 more for each plate) was $96.00. So by buying the Hornady with my 4 Ammo plants, I saved $384.00.
Now I figured that if he was so far off on this I figured that he might be off on his estimate on his claim that the MBF was between $300.00 and $400.00. in post #79. Well, guess what, the cheapest BMF is $470.00. Now I went back and priced every thing for my 4 Ammo Plant bullet feeders and the total was $1,409.00. Now the total cost for the BMF for the same thing is $2,084.00. The difference is $675.00. Now the total savings is $1,059.00. Now for that amount of savings, I could buy a complete Ammo Plant.
But, wait...wait...wait, it get's better. If you buy 4 Ammo Plants you get 2,000 free bullets, So while the Dillon boy's are buying bullets I am buying a couple pounds of powder, a couple 1000 of primers a couple 100 new brass and a pair of new shoes for the wife.
Now I figured that if he was so far off on this I figured that he might be off on his estimate on his claim that the MBF was between $300.00 and $400.00. in post #79. Well, guess what, the cheapest BMF is $470.00. Now I went back and priced every thing for my 4 Ammo Plant bullet feeders and the total was $1,409.00. Now the total cost for the BMF for the same thing is $2,084.00. The difference is $675.00. Now the total savings is $1,059.00. Now for that amount of savings, I could buy a complete Ammo Plant.
But, wait...wait...wait, it get's better. If you buy 4 Ammo Plants you get 2,000 free bullets, So while the Dillon boy's are buying bullets I am buying a couple pounds of powder, a couple 1000 of primers a couple 100 new brass and a pair of new shoes for the wife.
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The dillons just plain work well. I have 2 650s set up for my high volume stuff like 40 s&w for uspsa shooting. I keep one with the large primer(45acp) and one with the small primer system(40 sw and 9 mm). I have 3 550s set up for lower volume stuff, 2 with large primer and 1 with small. Right now they are 44mag, 41mag and 357 mag. I purchased the 1st 550 new in 1985 or 1986 and the 650 new about 2000. The others I got in pawn shops or from individuals for great prices. Caliber changes when needed are a snap with my setup as the priming system change is what slows you down. One thing I would not recommend is the 550 case feeder. I picked one up a long time ago and have had problems with reliability . The 650 needs a case feeder and I would not be without one. The hornady would likely be fine once you learn it's system but I started with blue before hornady was even on the radar. Most of us high volume competitive shooters like blue especially 650s since they run so good and mostly trouble free. Dillons warranty is definitely no bs as well
Dogdoc
Dogdoc
old&slow
Member
Yep, you can buy a Cadillac or a Ford Fiesta. I haven't driven a Fiesta. But I figure it is well made,, will get you from point A to point B,, and is alot less money.
And if you are happy with your Fiesta, I think that's Great.. Probably a nice little car..
But at the end of the day ,,, it is still a Fiesta..
Oh I'm sorry ,, Wrong forum .. 
Never mind..
And if you are happy with your Fiesta, I think that's Great.. Probably a nice little car..
But at the end of the day ,,, it is still a Fiesta..
Oh I'm sorry ,, Wrong forum ..
Never mind..Attachments
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Just bought a 650 a few months ago with casefeeder...total cost if I bought a MBF with it would have been 1225 bucks. An ammo plant is approx. 1100 set up the same way. 125 bucks... lets say 150. Comparing the two shows something in real world facts. Quality on the MBF is truly much better than the Hornady feeder. I HAVE used both. As far as the case feeder. The shell plates interchange but the Dillon plates are smoother in operation as is the case feeder. The Hornady works but with a few hitches compared to the Dillon. I am certain the Hornady feeders... both case and bullet can be tweaked to be more reliable. I don't see even a couple hundred dollars as being a large difference in the long run... especially when one will be worth more than you paid if you decide to sell. Ease of use and reliability right out of the box IS a big factor too. BTW those free bullets aren't actually free either. Got to pay shipping. Hornady gives 'em to you as a kind of a bribe to get you to buy their product. Marketing is what they call it. Trying to attain a larger share of a limited market. Not saying Hornady's machine sucks but compare them side by side on the same bench equipped the same. You still end up with a somewhat inferior machine for a somewhat lower price. For under 150 bucks you get a better value with a better case feeder and a much better bullet feeder. What's the old saying? Emulation is the most sincere form of flattery. Hornady is trying
DRAINSMITH
Member
O.K. let me explain this one more time. My press will run faster than I can pull the handle. My case feeder will fill cases faster than I can pull the handle. My bullet feeder will fill bullets faster than I can pull the handle. So why would I want to pay 1/4 more for one of your "superior" presses? If I liked both Coke and Pepsi, and Pepsi cost $1.00 why would I pay $1.25 for Coke?
Now as far as "Marketing". Wouldn't you want to pay $11.00 for 500 bullets, or $13.00 for a calendar will a large chested gall on it?
Now as far as "Marketing". Wouldn't you want to pay $11.00 for 500 bullets, or $13.00 for a calendar will a large chested gall on it?
I don't know how the customer service is on the Hornady. Maybe you can fill us in. I don't hate the Hornady presses or the company. I will say that if one shops around, he can get a used Dillon for a good price. I had a 650 with a lot of extras just about fall into my lap, for a song. I was missing a couple of little parts and called Dillon. They sent me an updated primer system and a few other things for free. Yes, I'm bragging on my good deal (I don't usually have that kind of luck) but also on Dillon's customer service. I do think that if in fact the Dillon presses cost a little more, in the long run, you get more than your initial extra cost in outstanding customer service. Having started out with a Dillon, way back with my first 450, they earned my continued business. BTW, I'm thrilled that you are happy with your Hornady.
DRAINSMITH
Member
Thank you, sir, good write-up. I am going to give Dillon the credit for the GREAT customer service across the industry.
And like you I am a customer with loyalty. As far as I am concerned it shows your character.
fredj338
Member
Anyone buying a press for 500 free bullets, not of your choice btw, well I don't know what to say. Kind of like giving free gas to buy a Yugo?? Most get it, a few do not, is the nature of humanity. Have at it, free country.
fredj338
Member
Sorry, I laughed so hard I spit out my coffee. Brand loyalty is nothing to do with character. Loyalty to your friends & family, maybe the country but to a brand?? More like blind faith. I buy products because they work better than something else. This is cars, tools, guns, whatever. Nothing to do with character just common sense. Who would continue to buy something that was **** because of the brand?
I own reloading equip form every manuf. Some offer a better tool or I can compromise on QC for something I don't use often. I run a mix of Dillon & Hornady & RCBS on my 650. RCBS & Lee & Dillon on my 550. It's about what works best, not some ideological brand loyalty. Brand loyalty is just myopic.
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