Dillon Questions . .update did the deed today

[dla]

I ordered a SDB set up for .38 special, a primer flip tray, a spare parts kit, and a 4-pack of small primer pickup tubes. It all came to a shade over $460, shipped.

I figure to load 7000-10,000 rounds of .38 special and a couple thousand rounds of .357 magnum before I think about needing another caliber setup.

Got a bunch of hoarded components to turn into loaded ammo in the next year or so.

I use an SDB for 45acp, 9mm and 44 mag. I find that I usually do 1000 round batches at one sitting nowadays. Funny, but when I used to shoot a lot, I would do 400 round batches once a week. I much prefer to shoot than reload, so I really like the SDB for getting the reloading done. The only time my SDB gives me grief is when I try to use it in 50*f temps - the little primer release plastic thingy (technical term) doesn't want to flex correctly when cold and will sometimes double a primer.

I reload my rifles on a Lee Classic Turret as I don't shoot enough to warrant a progressive (maybe 100 rounds a year at most).

 

[redlevel]

The Big Brown Truck of Happiness just dropped my reloader off at my back door!

 

[PALADIN85020]

Just a word to the wise. The 550 can load more calibers than any other Dillon press, from .32 ACP up to .338 Lapua and nearly anything in between. Both the SD and the 650 are limited in what they can handle. You also have full control over indexing; you control all aspects of the loading process and yet can get a really respectable number of reloads per hour. Setting it up is quicker and less complex than for the 650. Dillon dies are the greatest for its progressives (more flare on the base of the die and some other unique features), but any standard dies will work. That makes this press ideal for wildcat cartridges. You never know what cartridges you might want to reload in the future. As always, Dillon's excellent customer service folks can help you with any compatibility issues.

John

 

[dla]

You also have full control over indexing

That is true. And that is why people create double-charges on 550's.

Machines don't have "senior moments", so I prefer an auto-indexing progressive. And the 650 is a 5 station press, so you can use powder-check dies if really cautious.

 

[824tsv]

The Big Brown Truck of Happiness just dropped my reloader off at my back door!

Let the loading begin! You won't be disappointed with your SDB.