I'm in deep now

[chief38]

I ordered the Dillon 750 XL Essential set up for .223 to start with. After I get the hang of things I will add .357 & 9mm. I know I have a lot to learn but I'll get there.

Glad to hear you're "in the game"!

I'd just like to make what I feel is an important suggestion here.... I would NOT start off with .223, but instead learn your Press with a simple and easy cartridge like 9mm, .45 acp, .38 special, etc. There are so many things going on and to watch at the same time - you don't need to start off with a more complicated round to load.

Just trying to make this suggestion to save you from frustration, trimming cases, etc. when starting off on something that should be a fun/learning process.

In any event, good luck with your new Dillon - you certainly bought the right brand!

 

[iouri]

When I started reloading I've made a conscious decision to use bulkier powders, which ideally would overflow in case of double charge. I've made a mess few times but mess in reloading room is much safer and cheaper than on the range

 

[lrrifleman]

I have a bunch of lead that I have used for fishing weights and jigs. I also have a Lee melting pot so I guess I'd just need to get the right molds?

You need to decide if you're going to shoot bare/lubed or coated bullets.

If you decide to shoot lubed bullets, you need some form of lubri-sizer: either a Lee tumble lube setup (affordable) or a Lyman/RCBS lubrisizer with sizing die and top punch for each bullet cast (potentially expensive). If you decide to shoot coated bullets, you need: a Lee sizer (one for each caliber cast), the coating powder (under $20), and an inexpensive toasted oven that will ONLY be used to bake the bullets.

Powder coating can be the least expensive approach to casting your own!

 

[Glenn54]

I think you've about dug down to China. You really are in deep.My own range would be great but I don't think the National Forest folks would like me doing that.

In deep is when you load for LOTS of calibers and guages. In deep is when you cast bullets for almost everything you shoot and pour your own shot for your shotguns. In deep is when you build your own rifle/pistol range and build your own skeet field........Guess I'm in so deep I'm drownt.

 

[jcelect]

My 2 cents worth!

Welcome to the world of blue! I also have spent a small fortune with Dillon! I have seen nothing but good advice above! The only thing I would like to add is this! Reloading is a solitary endeavor! My reloading room is in my shop with NO TV, NO RADIO, and other distractions. If I need to talk on the phone I stop, sit back, and talk! Don't drive and text and don't reload with outside distractions! 40 years of reloading and still learning!
jcelect

 

[Glenn54]

I agree. I plan on doing the same, giving it my undivided attention.

Welcome to the world of blue! I also have spent a small fortune with Dillon! I have seen nothing but good advice above! The only thing I would like to add is this! Reloading is a solitary endeavor! My reloading room is in my shop with NO TV, NO RADIO, and other distractions. If I need to talk on the phone I stop, sit back, and talk! Don't drive and text and don't reload with outside distractions! 40 years of reloading and still learning!
jcelect

 

[Glenn54]

Dillon says 6 more weeks before getting the XL750 Essentials 223, backordered. I asked Dillon if they had "any" reloading machines, nothing in stock. One of the Dillon distributers says no one knows how much longer it will be before they have any stock. Disappointed but what can you do.

 

[wheelgun28]

That gives you more time to read up on things. Maybe watch some videos on rifle loading too. Possibly start looking at case trimmers, gauges, deburing tools, crimp removers and so on.

You can even start sourcing bullets, powder and primers.

Then figure out your load combination.

This is all good things!

 

[Glenn54]

I was thinking along the same lines. The Dillon Essentials kit comes with the Lyman 50th edition. Which manual/book would be a good compliment to the Lyman? Thanks.

That gives you more time to read up on things. Maybe watch some videos on rifle loading too. Possibly start looking at case trimmers, gauges, deburing tools, crimp removers and so on.

You can even start sourcing bullets, powder and primers.

Then figure out your load combination.

This is all good things!

 

[Glenn54]

My how fast things change. Got a notification from FedEx today that the Dillon XL 750 Essentials is on its way. No notification from Dillon but I know they are very busy.

That gives you more time to read up on things. Maybe watch some videos on rifle loading too. Possibly start looking at case trimmers, gauges, deburing tools, crimp removers and so on.

You can even start sourcing bullets, powder and primers.

Then figure out your load combination.

This is all good things!

 

[MrG5122]

I see that the Essentials package does not include the case feeder. IMO the case feeder is what makes a 650/750 an efficiency machine.

I load 223 on my 650 in three stages:
1. Load up the case feeder and size/deprime. I have a separate tool head with only the sizing die installed.
2. Tumble cases and trim to length.
3. Install the tool head with the powder drop, bullet seater, and crimp die if you decide to use one. Fill the case feeder with polished and trimmed cases, and finish the reloading process.

The case feeder makes all this a breeze!

FWIW H335 meters like water in the 650.

 

[Glenn54]

Thanks. Good suggestion. I went to their website and notice the case feeder are for different size shells.
Is there some type of conversion to go from .357 to 9mm, for example?

I see that the Essentials package does not include the case feeder. IMO the case feeder is what makes a 650/750 an efficiency machine.

I load 223 on my 650 in three stages:
1. Load up the case feeder and size/deprime. I have a separate tool head with only the sizing die installed.
2. Tumble cases and trim to length.
3. Install the tool head with the powder drop, bullet seater, and crimp die if you decide to use one. Fill the case feeder with polished and trimmed cases, and finish the reloading process.

The case feeder makes all this a breeze!

FWIW H335 meters like water in the 650.

 

[MrG5122]

Thanks. Good suggestion. I went to their website and notice the case feeder are for different size shells.
Is there some type of conversion to go from .357 to 9mm, for example?

The case feeder has a rotating plate to drop the cases in the tube. There are five different plates.

Small pistol
Large pistol
Small rifle
Large rifle
Magnum rifle

For your calibers (9mm, 357, 223) you would need the first three plates.

They all work in the same case feeder and are just a drop-in installation. No tools needed. If I recall they run about $40 each.

 

[Erocksmash]

Its a black hole of fun and learning excitement... just as I think I have the hang of pistol, I decide to go jump into rifle.

 

[reddog81]

I have a bunch of lead that I have used for fishing weights and jigs. I also have a Lee melting pot so I guess I'd just need to get the right molds?

It sounds like you're half way there. Lee has 2 cavity molds for $20 and they're great for testing out casting. You'll need to lube or powder coat the bullets to prevent leading and sizing is also recommended. Lee has sizing dies for $20, but I think you'll need something other than your Dillon press to for that operation.