Up until 10 days ago I had three Lee Pro 1000’s set up for .45 ACP, 9mm and .38 Special. I had a system that was time consuming but workable, and could load over 350 primed cases an hour in each caliber.
Several months ago I considered upgrading to a Dillon press, but with the prices and availability here I decided I really did it need to.
Then my shed was burgled, again. In fact it was hit two nights in a row. Both times they managed to open the deadbolt on the side door. Either picked it or “ bumped” the lock. Locksmith said the supposedly level 2 lock was a mislabelled Chinese brand that probably didn’t even make level 3, the lowest rating lock. A good unpickable deadbolt has now been installed.
First night they took the Ring camera I had installed after it let out a warning tone but before it recorded. I discovered that recommendations at my last security check notwithstanding, Ring doorbell cams are not practical as a security cam on a free standing building. .As the only other thing taken was one of my pistol carry cases I guess they stuffed it in there to stop the video recording until they got away from my wifi.
They returned next night and stripped my presses. They also had a go at prying my pistol safe off the wall, but I put on larger than required fasteners and doubled up on the required number. They bent a 6 foot 1” chroamed weight bar like a banana trying to get the safe out.
I found only one Lee Pro 1000 for sale here, in 9mm, fully set up but without some added accessories I wanted/needed for loading .4t. There are exactly 3 Dillon presses for sale in the country. One Square Deal B and two Dillon BL Basic 550 reloaders. I decided I needed the primer and powder system, plus I’m used to a7uto indexing, so I ordered the Square Deal in .45 ACP with large and small primer tubes, a primer flipper, and a quick change kit. There are no 9mm conversion kits for either press in the country right now so I ordered and paid for one, which should be here in another month or three (or six given the shipping situation to Kiwiland).
They left me my Lee turret press and all my spare tool heads. I had a spare set of .38/357 dies on the wall so I can still load for my 686, which I will need to do soon anyway. I will need to get another auto drum measure though.
In the meantime I have upgraded to a wifi alarm with an opening door sensor on the side door, movement sensors covering the side and rear windows, and tonight I installed a floodlight camera with real time recording and a battery operated backup spotlight camera (the base unit is in the house) and another floodlight camera to go outside in the next few days.
I know that I can’t stop them from getting in if they are determined too, but I can make it as difficult for them as possible.
As for the press, okay the Square Deal B is not as good as the 550, but it’ll do the job. And when I can save up I will probably add a bigger Dillon to the bench too.
Several months ago I considered upgrading to a Dillon press, but with the prices and availability here I decided I really did it need to.
Then my shed was burgled, again. In fact it was hit two nights in a row. Both times they managed to open the deadbolt on the side door. Either picked it or “ bumped” the lock. Locksmith said the supposedly level 2 lock was a mislabelled Chinese brand that probably didn’t even make level 3, the lowest rating lock. A good unpickable deadbolt has now been installed.
First night they took the Ring camera I had installed after it let out a warning tone but before it recorded. I discovered that recommendations at my last security check notwithstanding, Ring doorbell cams are not practical as a security cam on a free standing building. .As the only other thing taken was one of my pistol carry cases I guess they stuffed it in there to stop the video recording until they got away from my wifi.
They returned next night and stripped my presses. They also had a go at prying my pistol safe off the wall, but I put on larger than required fasteners and doubled up on the required number. They bent a 6 foot 1” chroamed weight bar like a banana trying to get the safe out.
I found only one Lee Pro 1000 for sale here, in 9mm, fully set up but without some added accessories I wanted/needed for loading .4t. There are exactly 3 Dillon presses for sale in the country. One Square Deal B and two Dillon BL Basic 550 reloaders. I decided I needed the primer and powder system, plus I’m used to a7uto indexing, so I ordered the Square Deal in .45 ACP with large and small primer tubes, a primer flipper, and a quick change kit. There are no 9mm conversion kits for either press in the country right now so I ordered and paid for one, which should be here in another month or three (or six given the shipping situation to Kiwiland).
They left me my Lee turret press and all my spare tool heads. I had a spare set of .38/357 dies on the wall so I can still load for my 686, which I will need to do soon anyway. I will need to get another auto drum measure though.
In the meantime I have upgraded to a wifi alarm with an opening door sensor on the side door, movement sensors covering the side and rear windows, and tonight I installed a floodlight camera with real time recording and a battery operated backup spotlight camera (the base unit is in the house) and another floodlight camera to go outside in the next few days.
I know that I can’t stop them from getting in if they are determined too, but I can make it as difficult for them as possible.
As for the press, okay the Square Deal B is not as good as the 550, but it’ll do the job. And when I can save up I will probably add a bigger Dillon to the bench too.
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