PRESSES

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J. R. WEEMS

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I find myself considering a progressive press for 38spl ONLY. Tried a Lee many years ago and experience was less than stellar. I know improvements have been made over the last 35 years but was wondering about a Dillon?? Back in the day you had to buy THEIR dies, which was a turn off for me. Would such a press in todays world come complete self contained and ready to use??? Anyone have experience of late with their presses. I do not need a lot of drama with this thing, just want to use it for range fodder. THANKS for any input. :);)
 
As much as I do not like unitasker tools, the Dillon SDB just for 38sp makes a lot of sense. 30y ago I went to progressive & had to choose between 550 & SDB. The proprietary dies turned me off & I went 550. A solid choice for the low production or high end shooter. Go fast or slow, treat it as an inverted turret or full progressive at 450-500rds per hour.
 
rwsmith said:
Nobody seems to like RCBS prog presses, though their other presses are top notch.
Click to expand...

The RCBS progressives are good presses. What turned me off was the strip priming. The newer one did away with it & I would consider one today. Though if you want a case feeder, the 650 really is slightly better press, just for the priming & case feeder.
 
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Back in the late '80s, I had a Dillon SDB for 38 Special, which I loved. As I started loading more pistol and rifle cartridges, I upgraded to a 550B so I could use my dies AND load rifle ammo on a progressive. The only Dillon that I have encountered that required that you use their dies is the SDB. If you are loading just 1 or 2 cartridges, you can't go wrong with a Dillon Square Deal B.
 
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I started out with a Dillon Square Deal B. I like it for what it was, straight walled pistol cases. I then bought a .30-30 lever gun and then traded it for a 550 B. Now I have a .45 1911, they have small primers & large primers. Now I'm thinking about buying the SDB back so I can set it up for small primers and the 550 for large primers. As for me it's Dillon all the way. I have a friend that likes RCBS. Everyone's taste is different. If you know anyone that has one ask them if you could "take it for a spin". Good luck on your choice. Keep us posted.
 

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I LOVE my Hornady Progressive. for the money its a real step up over the Dillon in my mind. super fast caliber change over and auto indexing with and extra station. I love it!
 
The SDB is a 4 hole, autoindex press. The 550 is a 4 hole, manual index press. When it comes to output, most users on Brian Enos site reported higher volumes with the 550 than with the SDB despite the indexing difference. The reason is your left hand is already there so no time is lost manually indexing. But why higher outputs? Don't know, could be related to the fact that the SDB has a much smaller working area . . . could be something else.

The SDB requires proprietary Dillon dies. The caliber range available for pistol is not complete, and there is no support for rifle.

The 550 is a little more expensive, but IMO (as a Hornady user) I'd still recommend the 550. You have the flexibility to change your mind in the future (adding pistol calibers, doing some rifle) without being locked into choosing from Dillon's available pistol dies.

JMO, YMMV :)
 
I have an old Dillon 300(550's grand daddy)set up for all small primer calibers.My SDB is set up for all my large primer calibers.Considering the price of the dies for the SDB,if I'd redo it,I'd buy a 550 instead of the SDB.
To me,reloading is a nice moment of quietness that makes me relax.I do not reload for high output.I take my time.The old 300 will yield around 150 rds/hour while at the same rythm the SDB will add another 100 to this.
Whatever you buy,enjoy!
 
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I'm using the Dillon 550b I bought in 1986. The first stuff I set
it up for was 38spl, .223 and 45acp. Over the years I've added
a half dozen other calibers.

It runs like the day I bought it. Probably has 50k thru it. Just
keep it clean and your great great grand kids will use it.

FWIW, I use Dillon, RCBS, Lee and Hornady dies on it. They all
run fine.
 
I'm sure you can't go wrong with a Dillon, but I've been using my Lee Classic Turret for years with complete satisfaction. My most used cartridge is .38 special, and I usually shoot 150-200 rounds a week. I have no problem keeping stocked up on ammo with the Lee.
 
If I were buying a progressive press it would be the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press. The RCBS progressive press looks great but at twice the price, it doesn't look that great.

I think the Hornady press has some great features not included in the Dillon 550.

I use a Lee Classic Turret Press for loading handgun ammo and I can safely load between 180 to 200 rounds per hour.
 
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I have a SD (not the 'B') so it's been here a while.
Bought it new in the late 70's IIRC and in 38sp as I was shooting Bullseye.

That's all I ever loaded on it,,38sp.
I do have a 9mm conversion but it's never been on the machine.

Recently I had Dillon send me some of the misc Delrin parts to the machine and I'm going to rebuild it. But I still haven't gotten around to that.

It works for me.
I don't need buckets full of ammo for anything I shoot. I don't really need much 38sp anymore either!. But the SD is a pleasure to use.
Everything else, pistol and rifle is produced on a single stage a box or two at a time.
That's enough production for my needs at the range.

If I were in to more ammo production for any of the calibers I load for,,I'd be in the market for one of the other Dillon or other brand of progressives that'd handle rifle and pistol rounds.
 
kgpcr said:
I LOVE my Hornady Progressive. for the money its a real step up over the Dillon in my mind. super fast caliber change over and auto indexing with and extra station. I love it!
Click to expand...

I give my Hornady LnL a mixed review.

It's great for changing calibers, takes just a minute or two if you are loading the same primer size.

That said, it's jerky and tends to launch powder out of the cases if you aren't careful.

The supplied Hornady powder drop was not reliable for me at all, and has been replaced with a Lee Auto Drum that has been amazing. It also is pretty involved to set-up, while the Lee literally just screws onto a Lee expanding die and you are ready to set the powder drop amount.

The plastic bracket over the primer plate arm warped and had to be replaced; Hornady included an extra which is simultaneously thoughtful but also shows they know it's a problem but haven't fixed it.

Shell plate comes loose with out a locking washer.

The rubber o-rings on the die bushings shrink (especially if exposed to the Hornady Dry Lube) and no longer hold the dies in place. Hornady doesn't sell the rubber o-rings separately, so I end up wedging paper under them to keep them in place.

So, while I agree that swapping calibers in a minute is great and useful (I load 7 calibers currently), if I just planned to load one caliber I'd get a Lee progressive. I've bought several sets of Lee dies and a powder drop and despite their low cost they have all functioned at least as well as the RCBS and Hornady stuff I have bought.
 
dr. mordo said:
I give my Hornady LnL a mixed review.

It's great for changing calibers, takes just a minute or two if you are loading the same primer size.

That said, it's jerky and tends to launch powder out of the cases if you aren't careful.

The supplied Hornady powder drop was not reliable for me at all, and has been replaced with a Lee Auto Drum that has been amazing. It also is pretty involved to set-up, while the Lee literally just screws onto a Lee expanding die and you are ready to set the powder drop amount.

The plastic bracket over the primer plate arm warped and had to be replaced; Hornady included an extra which is simultaneously thoughtful but also shows they know it's a problem but haven't fixed it.

Shell plate comes loose with out a locking washer.

The rubber o-rings on the die bushings shrink (especially if exposed to the Hornady Dry Lube) and no longer hold the dies in place. Hornady doesn't sell the rubber o-rings separately, so I end up wedging paper under them to keep them in place.

So, while I agree that swapping calibers in a minute is great and useful (I load 7 calibers currently), if I just planned to load one caliber I'd get a Lee progressive. I've bought several sets of Lee dies and a powder drop and despite their low cost they have all functioned at least as well as the RCBS and Hornady stuff I have bought.
Click to expand...

Home Depot sell O rings for next to nothing, if you douse rubber with Dry lube, it really doesn't matter whos press you run...:D PM me with your LNL sale price..

thewelshm
 
I've had Dillons since I started reloading 40 years ago starting with the Dillon 300 etc. I settled on the 550 for many years but recently went with the 650 because of my monthly round count. I ordered a Mr. Bullet feeder as well and started cranking out 800 rounds per hour.


Dillon has a 100 % warrantee. Over the years I've had a few small parts wear out and Dillon has always sent me the new part at no charge.


I highly recommend their machines.
 
38 Special only? Star Progressive. Buy once, cry once about price, then forget it as you load forever. Now that Bruce Williams has bought the patents and all rights to the original Star company, any and all parts and accessories one could need to use it forever. Also it comes at a lower price than the Universal Progressive since it was built purely for loading 38 Special. I've got a Dillon 550 also set for 38 Special, but there's just something about the quality of a Star... :cool:

Froggie
 
Green Frog said:
38 Special only? Star Progressive. Buy once, cry once about price, then forget it as you load forever. Now that Bruce Williams has bought the patents and all rights to the original Star company, any and all parts and accessories one could need to use it forever. Also it comes at a lower price than the Universal Progressive since it was built purely for loading 38 Special. I've got a Dillon 550 also set for 38 Special, but there's just something about the quality of a Star... :cool:

Froggie
Click to expand...

Froggie, who sells their stuff these days? Not really looking for speed as much as the range fodder need not be single stage. :( THANKS!!! :)
 
dr. mordo said:
I give my Hornady LnL a mixed review.

It's great for changing calibers, takes just a minute or two if you are loading the same primer size.

That said, it's jerky and tends to launch powder out of the cases if you aren't careful.

The supplied Hornady powder drop was not reliable for me at all, and has been replaced with a Lee Auto Drum that has been amazing. It also is pretty involved to set-up, while the Lee literally just screws onto a Lee expanding die and you are ready to set the powder drop amount.

The plastic bracket over the primer plate arm warped and had to be replaced; Hornady included an extra which is simultaneously thoughtful but also shows they know it's a problem but haven't fixed it.

Shell plate comes loose with out a locking washer.

The rubber o-rings on the die bushings shrink (especially if exposed to the Hornady Dry Lube) and no longer hold the dies in place. Hornady doesn't sell the rubber o-rings separately, so I end up wedging paper under them to keep them in place.

So, while I agree that swapping calibers in a minute is great and useful (I load 7 calibers currently), if I just planned to load one caliber I'd get a Lee progressive. I've bought several sets of Lee dies and a powder drop and despite their low cost they have all functioned at least as well as the RCBS and Hornady stuff I have bought.
Click to expand...

My LNL is mounted on an Inline Fabrication press riser and that is secured on a very steady bench with NO issues. It would be a great press for 38s (mine is set up for that now and it is flawless)
 
GyMac said:
I'm sure you can't go wrong with a Dillon, but I've been using my Lee Classic Turret for years with complete satisfaction. My most used cartridge is .38 special, and I usually shoot 150-200 rounds a week. I have no problem keeping stocked up on ammo with the Lee.
Click to expand...

I’m a relative newby, starting out with a Lee Classic Turret about a year ago. It’s been a great press so far. I’ve loaded .357sig, .45ACP, and 10mm/.40 with it, all auto cartridges. I just bought dies and turret plates for .38/.357 and .41Mag, and will be trying my hand at rimmed cartridges soon.
 
Lee just launched a new Pro1000 this summer. I have the last model and it works great. The price was right - on sale. I have put close to 40,000 rounds through it now (mostly 9 mm) but a lot of 38spl also. Enjoy your reloading.
 
I started reloading on the Lee classic turret at about 200 rnds of 9mm an hour. Then moved to a used Loadmaster. I don't prime on press so that removes the point of frustration experienced by most users. With the standard case feeder and modd'ed bullet feeder, I can do around 400 - 450 rnds an hour when I'm in the groove.
 
5akman said:
I started reloading on the Lee classic turret at about 200 rnds of 9mm an hour. Then moved to a used Loadmaster. I don't prime on press so that removes the point of frustration experienced by most users. With the standard case feeder and modd'ed bullet feeder, I can do around 400 - 450 rnds an hour when I'm in the groove.
Click to expand...

But you are NOT doing 400/hour because you have to include priming off the press?????
 
If I knew I would only be loading 38 special with a press and I knew I wanted a reliable, dependable progressive unit with a lifetime warranty, I would look no further than the Dillion Square Deal. If I wanted the same attributes in a reloader and thought I would be reloading other calibers in the future, I would go with the Dillon XL650.
 
My Dillon 550 has worked great for many years.

My brother has had repeated problems w his LNL. I haven't tried his press so can't say why. He is a mechanical engineer and is mechanically inclined. I'm mechanically challenged. Did I mention my Dillon has worked fine for many years w/o any problems.

Never used a Lee progressive. While I use a lot of Lee products I see a lot of discussion about issues w Lee progressive presses. Dont see those type discussions about Dillon.

I'm not an expert on why x press is better than y press. I do know I like my Dillon. It works w/o issues or problems and will do both rifle and pistol ammo.
 
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