Hammerless-12
Member
DILLON, its the only way to go.
Recommendations for a Starter Progressive Press
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jimkim
Member
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I found yet another Dillon 450 on eBay that is within' your price range. It's $220.00 plus shipping. That gives you a total of $250.00 in the press and leaves the other $100.00 for the upgrade.
Dillon RL 450 Upgrade Frame Change Kit: Reloading Machine Upgrades & Updates
That keeps the press near the $350.00 limit you originally mentioned. It might go a little over, but not by much.
Dillon RL 450 Upgrade Frame Change Kit: Reloading Machine Upgrades & Updates
That keeps the press near the $350.00 limit you originally mentioned. It might go a little over, but not by much.
venomballistics
Member
exactly my thoughts.
your not really saving money on a lee progressive if you ultimately find yourself replacing it with something better later on. the tools are the foundation of any craft. Get em right the first time even if it means scrimping and saving for a while to do it
BearBio
Member
+1 on the 550.
Had a Hornady L-N-L. Worst ***. Worst Customer Service. Needed a replacement spring. Broke first day. Asked for 3, got 1, charged for 3. Sold it for 50% of what I paid, got a Dillon.
Twice I needed parts (my fault, totally)=both times parts were there (no charge) within 48 hours. Once the delivery was on a Sat. Needed a primer cup (lost mine during a move)--C/S convinced me that I needed the whole arm (so it was easier/quicker to change)=no charge.
Had a Hornady L-N-L. Worst ***. Worst Customer Service. Needed a replacement spring. Broke first day. Asked for 3, got 1, charged for 3. Sold it for 50% of what I paid, got a Dillon.
Twice I needed parts (my fault, totally)=both times parts were there (no charge) within 48 hours. Once the delivery was on a Sat. Needed a primer cup (lost mine during a move)--C/S convinced me that I needed the whole arm (so it was easier/quicker to change)=no charge.
71firebird400
Member
That's strange you had bad customer service. Hornady has sent me several free shellplates when I was having an issue, and has been 100% accommodating of any questions I had for them. Haven't had anything break on the LNL that wasn't my own fault.
I tend to agree that starting out on a true progressive press could be challenging in terms of learning how to hand load from scratch. However, I don't see any problem with starting on a turret press (or a Dillon 550B). You can use it as a single stage press with batch processing until you're comfortable with performing two or more steps on a case at a time.
My experiences with Hornady customer service have been consistently good. When I called last week to ask some questions about the progressive press, I mentioned that I have an older Hornady powder measure without a baffle in the hopper. The tech immediately said "Please let me send you one." Their support on the progressive press also has been excellent.
Posts like this contribute nothing to the conversation other than to aggravate some of us.
While the Dillon 550B is widely used and loved by many, it has some limitations. 4 die stations isn't enough if you want to crimp in a separate step, especially if you want a powder check/cop die.
The Dillon XL650 is an entirely different animal. Fantastic machine AFAICT. Unfortunately, it costs substantially more than a Hornady (especially when adding alternate calibers) and has much slower primer changeover. That said, I wouldn't want anything else if I needed 500+ rounds a month of a single caliber.
My experiences with Hornady customer service have been consistently good. When I called last week to ask some questions about the progressive press, I mentioned that I have an older Hornady powder measure without a baffle in the hopper. The tech immediately said "Please let me send you one." Their support on the progressive press also has been excellent.
Posts like this contribute nothing to the conversation other than to aggravate some of us.
While the Dillon 550B is widely used and loved by many, it has some limitations. 4 die stations isn't enough if you want to crimp in a separate step, especially if you want a powder check/cop die.
The Dillon XL650 is an entirely different animal. Fantastic machine AFAICT. Unfortunately, it costs substantially more than a Hornady (especially when adding alternate calibers) and has much slower primer changeover. That said, I wouldn't want anything else if I needed 500+ rounds a month of a single caliber.
Yes I'm on Reno 4x4.
I will be using/needing the press because I shoot iCORE and Steel Plate matches and thought of the savings in the future.
I am mechanically inclined but I don't want to have to fiddle w/the press all the time.
I will reload .38spl and .45acp for now.
Thank you all so much for the information-I will research it and go from there.
Sure love my S&W 586 (first S&W). I shot last Saturday against the bottom feeders and came in third using a revolver
Sample Video (jbsgroup01):
SWFA Steel Shooting Match. - YouTube
SWFA Steel Shooting Match - YouTube
One question that has been bugging me as well, in regards to the bullets.
I see everyone using lead bullets and I was going to use FMJ bullets.
Reason, I was always under the impression (old days I guess) the lead will build up, and harder to clean etc. and I just don't want to mess with it. I don't mind paying a few cents more for FMJ but if not needed then.......
Is this true?
I see everyone using lead bullets and I was going to use FMJ bullets.
Reason, I was always under the impression (old days I guess) the lead will build up, and harder to clean etc. and I just don't want to mess with it. I don't mind paying a few cents more for FMJ but if not needed then.......
Is this true?
Smith357
US Veteran
The finest Customer Service and the lifetime "No BS Warranty" .
Need a part? Call them up and they ship it out free of charge. If a non user serviceable part happens to break send in the rig and they refurbish the whole kit and kabootle and it comes back to you like new.
Rollbar, you might want to steer away from the Lee. The priming system works good for large pistol, but small pistol it can be a pain. When loading 9mm I frequently have to take the shell plate off to unjam something. Straight wall cases are easier but I still get occasional problems. Since you are loading for competition the Lee might cost you time you'd rather spend on something else. A little more money now for a Dillon or other brand might save you some hassle. I like my Lee, but messing with it is a hobby unto itself.
Bullet wise, I primarily shoot lead. Some of my guns lead a little, but I've learned how to clean it out and it's not a real problem. The big issue is does your bullet match the load you want. I had a lot of trouble with commercial "hard cast" bullets leading. A bullet that is too hard for the load will lead. A bullet that is too small for the bore will lead. With a revolver the size of the chamber opening is important. What kind of lube is on the bullet is important. If you can find someone shooting the same gun as you who uses lead maybe they can recommend a good brand of cast lead bullets. When the bullet matches what you are doing with it you should get good results with lead. Now I cast my own so I can control everything and I get good results.
Bullet wise, I primarily shoot lead. Some of my guns lead a little, but I've learned how to clean it out and it's not a real problem. The big issue is does your bullet match the load you want. I had a lot of trouble with commercial "hard cast" bullets leading. A bullet that is too hard for the load will lead. A bullet that is too small for the bore will lead. With a revolver the size of the chamber opening is important. What kind of lube is on the bullet is important. If you can find someone shooting the same gun as you who uses lead maybe they can recommend a good brand of cast lead bullets. When the bullet matches what you are doing with it you should get good results with lead. Now I cast my own so I can control everything and I get good results.
Watching this video is a little overwhelming since I am new to reloading.
I will NEED to reload two different calibers (.38spl/.45acp) so buying the different heads and priming the different calibers will cost some extra money according to the video (time around 16min).
I will be shooting more .38spl right away.
After watching the video maybe two turret presses will be best, one for each caliber I'm thinking so I can leave them set up (what do you think about that scenario).
I use about 350 rounds per match not exceeding 500 (in case we are battling it out etc.
Just in the past two weeks I have spent $200 bucks in ammo for these matches w/entry fee +-
Thanks again for the help,
Jim
Dillon 650 & 1050 Demo.
Choosing the Dillon 1050 or Dillon 650 Progressive Loader - YouTube
I will NEED to reload two different calibers (.38spl/.45acp) so buying the different heads and priming the different calibers will cost some extra money according to the video (time around 16min).
I will be shooting more .38spl right away.
After watching the video maybe two turret presses will be best, one for each caliber I'm thinking so I can leave them set up (what do you think about that scenario).
I use about 350 rounds per match not exceeding 500 (in case we are battling it out etc.
Just in the past two weeks I have spent $200 bucks in ammo for these matches w/entry fee +-
Thanks again for the help,
Jim
Dillon 650 & 1050 Demo.
Choosing the Dillon 1050 or Dillon 650 Progressive Loader - YouTube
Dillon makes excellent machines; however, the cost involved are pretty high. The Hornady L-n-L AP is the equivalent of the Dillon 650, but at a much lower price (for instance, Graf's has it on sale for just under $400, shipping is $5.95 from Graf's, sale ends today), and caliber changeover on the Hornady is fast, simple, and much less expensive than on the Dilon. I have an older Hornady progressive (predates the L-n-L, which was developed from it), and my experience with Hornady customer service has been excellent, never any problems, always at least equal to Dillon in that regard. They also have a lifetime warranty, and are quick to respond.
Do stay away from the Lee progressives, they are usually quite troublesome. While I have a lot of Lee dies and bullet moulds, I won't go near their progressive presses (unless I somehow come to desire a new never-ending project). Generally good ideas, but poor execution.
One other thing - since you are very inexperienced at reloading, I strongly recommend that, if you do go with a progressive, don't try for speed. Go slow, check every step, and be extremely careful. There is a lot of room for error using a progressive, and those kind of errors are the ones that end with a blown-up gun! Watching You-Tube videos is helpful (unless the video is showing incorrect techniques as the right way to do it, and there are quite a few out there). I also recommend you get several different reloading manuals, read all of them, and compare. Better to start slow and become proficient and safe than to run out of the tent at night not knowing there is a cliff next to you! That next step can be a long and dangerous one.
mikethebike67
Member
I have had a dillon xl650 since 1996. The case feeder would jam every now and then and I have noticed for a while that they changed the design of the case feed bowl and funnel. So i went on their website and ordered the updated bowl and funnel. Two days later I get a call from Dillon asking why I was ordering practically everything for a case feeder except the motor. I told him that I wanted to update the case feeder to the new design because it was jamming. He said since I was having a problem with the case feeder that if I sent it back to them they would update it, test it out and send it back to me for free! If that is not great customer service I don't know what is.
The press runs flawlessly now. I have to go shoot just so I can make more ammo! I know it is more money than you want to spend right now but it is well worth the investment. Mike
The press runs flawlessly now. I have to go shoot just so I can make more ammo! I know it is more money than you want to spend right now but it is well worth the investment. Mike
Yes, reloading is indeed rocket science and requires an IQ of 200 min.
C'mon.
I read one book, boought the lee loadmaster and had at it. No first person help, never reloaded a thing in my life. Still have both my eyes and all my fingers and the gun is fine too. A few thousand rounds later (2500+) and i'm still learning, but still in one piece too.
There has to be something between a single stage go in slow and go spend $1000 to get a dillon and all the bells and whistles! Both are more expensive choices than necessary.
I do know a guy at the range that got the 550 as his first foray into reloading and blew up his gun wtih a double load - something that's practically impossible with a loadmaster.
My recommendation would be a lee turret. It's got great reviews, can load anything, can be used like a 550 or single stage. You won't outgrow it as it can be used for other things/calibers/duties in the future. It can load more per hour than a single stage but need not be as confusing as a progressive. It can autoindex or not. And it's cost should come in under the OPs budget.
C'mon.
I read one book, boought the lee loadmaster and had at it. No first person help, never reloaded a thing in my life. Still have both my eyes and all my fingers and the gun is fine too. A few thousand rounds later (2500+) and i'm still learning, but still in one piece too.
There has to be something between a single stage go in slow and go spend $1000 to get a dillon and all the bells and whistles! Both are more expensive choices than necessary.
I do know a guy at the range that got the 550 as his first foray into reloading and blew up his gun wtih a double load - something that's practically impossible with a loadmaster.
My recommendation would be a lee turret. It's got great reviews, can load anything, can be used like a 550 or single stage. You won't outgrow it as it can be used for other things/calibers/duties in the future. It can load more per hour than a single stage but need not be as confusing as a progressive. It can autoindex or not. And it's cost should come in under the OPs budget.
HAd a Hornady L-N-L Ap. Got a case of Blue envy. Drank the Blue kool aid. Bought a 550. Missed my 5 station auto indexing L-N-L AP. Sold the 550 and bought another Hornady. Happy now. 5 stations let me use a powder cop die if I like. CS and warranty is equal to Dillon according to the times I have used either. Both were simply outstanding. My L-N-L allows for long, trouble free runs of loading. I have less problems with the primer feed for sure. Also have a lot more room around the dies than with the Dillon for my big hands. I love the quick release bushings and the powder measure is lightyears ahead of the 550 I had. Both are great machines. Try them before you buy if you can.
novalty
Member
Despite the fact the conversions are on the pricey side I would also recommend you take a look at CH4D's 444 X Pistol Champ press. Reason is it allows you to run single stage at several different steps, it has a shorter press stroke than the Redding T7 which is a terrific press, but I doubt you want almost 4" of ram travel to reload 38 special or 45acp. Just offering this as a suggestion for something else to consider. I know that it is priced over the $350 price you mentioned, but it does come set up with a set of dies.
Buy a Dillon 550 and Smile
A Dillon 550 can be run as a single stage press one case at a time. The Internet is filled with Lee progressive press horror stories. For every Lee owner that never has (or has very few) problems, there are 95 other owners that wish they had bought another brand of press.
Dillon customer service is #1, responsive, correct, life time warranty. Yes a Dillon press will wear out parts. Aluminum does not have a infinite fatigue life like carbon steel. Eventually a repeating load will crack an aluminum part because aluminum work hardens and becomes brittle. I am on my 4th ram pivot / handle bracket for my 1982 Dillon RL 450.
Dillons just work. Read the owner's manual and 98% of the problems are covered. Cleaning the primer arm and lubrication of moving parts are all that's needed -- no tinkering required.
I have a Dillon 450, 550, two RCBS RockChuckers, and a Lee entry level press that is used for seating bullets at the range. The Lee struggles to resize 38 special brass with a carbide sizer die. Lee is a 3-letter word for junk. I've worn out enough Lee equipment to have that opinion. New oats always cost more then old oats from the horse.
A Dillon 550 can be run as a single stage press one case at a time. The Internet is filled with Lee progressive press horror stories. For every Lee owner that never has (or has very few) problems, there are 95 other owners that wish they had bought another brand of press.
Dillon customer service is #1, responsive, correct, life time warranty. Yes a Dillon press will wear out parts. Aluminum does not have a infinite fatigue life like carbon steel. Eventually a repeating load will crack an aluminum part because aluminum work hardens and becomes brittle. I am on my 4th ram pivot / handle bracket for my 1982 Dillon RL 450.
Dillons just work. Read the owner's manual and 98% of the problems are covered. Cleaning the primer arm and lubrication of moving parts are all that's needed -- no tinkering required.
I have a Dillon 450, 550, two RCBS RockChuckers, and a Lee entry level press that is used for seating bullets at the range. The Lee struggles to resize 38 special brass with a carbide sizer die. Lee is a 3-letter word for junk. I've worn out enough Lee equipment to have that opinion. New oats always cost more then old oats from the horse.
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WoW-All great info.
Tomorrow after the Revolver Steel Match I am going over one of the members house to look at their Dillon press and some others he has.
I'll keep researching. Lot of things to think about.
I have read that Dillon's set up, comes set for the caliber you want to reload which is nice.
What about scales-$140.00 for an electronic scale
Thanks again for all the help,
Jim
Tomorrow after the Revolver Steel Match I am going over one of the members house to look at their Dillon press and some others he has.
I'll keep researching. Lot of things to think about.
I have read that Dillon's set up, comes set for the caliber you want to reload which is nice.
What about scales-$140.00 for an electronic scale
Thanks again for all the help,
Jim
Speaking of aggravating statements that add nothing to the conversation...
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