press selection for a newb?

[RychenCop]

I really want to get into reloading for rifle and pistol. I am one of those people who like to buy once and cry once, so initial cost of equipment and supplies is not a huge factor. I also don't shoot thousands of rounds per month either, more like 500 or so. I'm looking at the Dillon RL550B as my press. Is this a good choice for what I'm wanting to do or would it be over kill? Also what else would I need besides the caliber conv. kit and dies? My main goal is cost savings with custom loads being a close second. The extent of my reloading experience is a Lee Loader I had years ago for my .308.

Thanks for any advice!
Derek

 

[11e40]

can't go wrong with dillon. hth.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I really want to get into reloading for rifle and pistol. I am one of those people who like to buy once and cry once, so initial cost of equipment and supplies is not a huge factor. I also don't shoot thousands of rounds per month either, more like 500 or so. I'm looking at the Dillon RL550B as my press. Is this a good choice for what I'm wanting to do or would it be over kill? Also what else would I need besides the caliber conv. kit and dies? My main goal is cost savings with custom loads being a close second. The extent of my reloading experience is a Lee Loader I had years ago for my .308.

Thanks for any advice!
Derek

Derek,
Welcome!

I don't have an RL550 but I know lots of folks that do. They speak very highly of them and I tend to believe them.

I do have Dillon equipment, several Square Deal B's and an XL650. It is some of the best stuff on the market, not the only, stuff on the market but some of the best.

One reason I never got close to the RL550 though, only 4 holes and no auto advance. The 5th hole in the XL650 is filled with a powder check die and adds a level of protection to the "mass producer of ammo."

If I had the other criteria that you have said applies to you, I would look real hard at the Hornady LNL. You can get a case feeder for it, the caliber changes aren't as expensive as a Dillon and from all reports coming in now, they are doing very well in the field.

5 holes, auto index. Just me!

Will you go wrong with an RL550? There are even commercial loaders that use them to produce their "custom" or "boutique" ammo. No, you will not go wrong getting one. In fact, if you do get one, we expect a report or you will have to hang your head every time you come to the Reloading section of this forum!

 

[Maximumbob54]

For 500 or so I would buy a Lee Classic Turret and all the bells and whistles for it. You can make that in one afternoon if you have everything setting out and handy.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Just caught the part of what else do you need.

A good manual. Any one of the "big" players will do. A good scale. Safety glasses. A primer flip tray, extra primer tubes, components. A kinetic bullet puller. A set of good calipers. Some folks get the strong mount, a Dillon is not all that easy to mount directly to the table top. It has to be strategically planned, at least on my XL650 it does. The handle goes back under the edge of the table top and the press. If the lip of the top is too thick, like more than a 2x4, the nut on the bottom of the handle will hit and you cannot get a full stroke. Modifications have to be made, truth! (Don't ask how I know! )

Can't think of anything else at the present time, 'course, I'm old and mighty forgetful these days....................................................What were we talking about again?

 

[RychenCop]

Derek,
Welcome!

I don't have an RL550 but I know lots of folks that do. They speak very highly of them and I tend to believe them.

I do have Dillon equipment, several Square Deal B's and an XL650. It is some of the best stuff on the market, not the only, stuff on the market but some of the best.

One reason I never got close to the RL550 though, only 4 holes and no auto advance. The 5th hole in the XL650 is filled with a powder check die and adds a level of protection to the "mass producer of ammo."

If I had the other criteria that you have said applies to you, I would look real hard at the Hornady LNL. You can get a case feeder for it, the caliber changes aren't as expensive as a Dillon and from all reports coming in now, they are doing very well in the field.

5 holes, auto index. Just me!

Will you go wrong with an RL550? There are even commercial loaders that use them to produce their "custom" or "boutique" ammo. No, you will not go wrong getting one. In fact, if you do get one, we expect a report or you will have to hang your head every time you come to the Reloading section of this forum!

thanks...i will look at the Hornady LNL...i just watch a video of it in action and i like the added powder check die. i will keep you guys posted on what i decide.

 

[novalty]

Depends on the quantity of ammo you need. If you don't shoot mass quantities, I would direct you to the Forster Co-ax. But I only shoot a thousand or so rounds a summer here in Maine. Before I happened upon an "offer I couldn't refuse" on a RCBS Rockchucker, the Forster Co-ax was calling my name pretty hard, close behind it a CH-4D 444.

 

[RH45]

For a first time reloader, I'd recommend a single stage, like a Rockchucker, or, Forester.

For a progressive, a 550B is fine. A casefeeder can be added, but, I don't think it's that much faster, and if you want to load for rifle, you have to take it off.

As far as a "powder check" that's what God gave me eyes for.

I don't like auto indexing. If everything is running perfect, it's great, but, I think they are a PITA if you are having any problems.

 

[Skip Sackett]

If everything is running perfect, it's great, but, I think they are a PITA if you are having any problems.

Well if they aren't running perfect, that's what God gave us BRAINS for!

Not to mention that troubleshooting isn't done with a full shell plate anyway, neither is setup. One shell through at a time is how do do the setup properly. The auto advance is nice in that once in production, such as one will never reach with a single stage, you cannot make a mistake under normal circumstances. Manual advance, anything can happen. In fact, I just heard of a KB that was caused by a squib. Guess what, it was made on a single stage press!

People are people and fallible, period. Put them in the mix and something bad CAN happen at anytime to anyone!

 

[GyMac]

You can't go wrong with a Dillon, and I'm sure the Hornady would be a great choice, too. But I use a Lee Classic Turret and I've been very happy with it. I shoot probably 800-1000 rounds a month and I have no trouble keeping ammo on hand. It's so simple that I actually look forward to loading. And I like being able to just up and load 50-60 rounds without any prior planning. It always seemed like I had to plan for reloading with other machines.

Chris

 

[pat g]

I purchased a dillon 550 and a forster. The 550 loads the most different cartridges. I put a small light to see in the shell after it had the powder dropped.

Now understand I am in no hurry when I load so the 650 was not needed.

I also looked at the LNL but after talking to both companies, I deceided on dillon.

They both worked as advertised and are very easy to use.

The presses were the easy part. All the other stuff was the costly part.

Pat

 

[Fletchman]

I am new to reloading. I got an RCBS master reloading kit for Christmas and have just started using it. So far its been alot of fun but I can really see the utility of a turret press. I bought a set of carbide 45acp dies and they are definitely worth the extra money however having to change and adjust the dies everytime for a different step can be a bit of a pain in the neck. The press and the basic equipment is all good quality but I found there were quite a few basics that weren't part of the kit. A good caliper, case trimmer etc.

 

[Skip Sackett]

EUREKA or is it "You reek a"? Fooling around, friend!


All kidding aside, I have a shortcut that will help you a bit. You have to have those calipers for it though. Now, I don't use it on standard dies, the picture is of a progressive press where you HAVE to change the settings every time you change calibers. This will give you a starting point anyway. Components will dictate final adjustments.

The numbers you get are not the important part. If they are all over 1" or under .5", who cares. The important part is to measure so you can make repeatable adjustments.

If I was adjusting Lee seating dies in this manner, you would need two measurements. One for the "body" of the die and one for the seating stem. Screw the body into the press and measure from the top outside edge to the head of the press. Write that down somewhere it will be easily retrievable. I write it down on my caliber change boxes. Inside, permanent marker, Sharpie. Once you have that written down, you need to take a second measurement for the seating stem. If you measure to the die body, write the method down too. Saves confusion later on! If everything goes to the press head, be consistent. Then, all you have to do next time is get the dies out, screw them in until you get your measurement, and you should be close. Not perfect but close.

Hope this helps!

 

[BobR1]

The 550B and Crazy Smiths list of added items will have you going the right direction.
For loading handguns I think I would recommend Dillon carbide dies. I have mostly RCBS, and a couple sets of Dillon. They have some good points, like they come apart easily for cleaning while still mounted.

The Strong Mount, and Bullet Tray that attaches to the strong mount are very handy. I also have the metal roller handle on mine. Not a have to have it item, but not bad.

For rifle reloading I would spend another $80 and get a Lee Cast Iron Classic Single Stage press. I have a Rockchucker, and my brother has the Lee. I like the Lee better, and it is cheaper.
Get a set of Lee Shell Holders to go with it.
I really like the RCBS Bench mounted priming tool myself. I have owned the Lee and RCBS hand held priming tools. I like the RCBS better than the Lee, and I like the Bench Mounted unit better than either of the hand held units.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Do a search and you've find volumes on the "which press" topic.
Personally, I think the Lee Classic Turret is the way to go . If your relitively new to reloading, it will give you better control and understanding of the process while still offering fast production rates. Additionally, it changes caliber much faster and cheaper. Lastly, at 1/2 the price of the 550, it will actually pay for itself before you get old. I'm far from new to reloading and still preffer the Classic Turret over full progresive options. Been there-done that.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I have a 550 and had a 650, sold the 650 because it was a pain to change from a 38 to a 45. The 550 takes less time to change, cheaper for the kits along with being easier to operate. The 550 is king as far as I vote.