single stage or progressive for niche caliber

[cd228]

I'd get dillion dies but start the first couple runs in the single stage. I've found the single stage more "forgiving" and easier to do QA/QC then a progressive. Also, if you are doing small batches for laddering or testing, the slower single stage works just fine.

I jut looked at the conversion kit for the dillion and it's another $120 and i specific to the 41 cartridge. If you decide to make the .41 a "daily driver" that could be a good investment. For a once in a while, I'd use the money for powder and primers.

Lobo's comment about batching on a single stage is a good one. I used to do that back when I first started out. His point about spacing it out over multiple days is worth noting.

 

[6string]

Back in the day, I was shooting IPSC for a couple of years. At the same time I was teaching a Combat Handgun Course for the Marine Corps. I was shooting 1000 rounds a week. I had a Dillon Square Deal B that I loaded .45 ACP on for my practice rounds. Still had and used a turret press for other ammo. All my time was taken up by casting bullets and loading ammo. Wife was glad when I stopped IPSC. Now my right hand is paying for all the pounding of the 1911. I actually broke the SDB's frame. Contacted Dillon and they replaced it.

Yeah, just about anything Dillon seems to be money well spent. Their reputation for customer service helps the retained value.

Another thing that's probably worth a separate thread...
You mention the pounding your right hand has suffered.
People forget sometimes that things like repetitive stress disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. can be a very real risk.
I know lots of guys that have suffered similarly while trying to achieve Distinguished Service Pistol, which, at least in the old days, meant lots of 230 gr hardball 45 acp.
For the same reason, I am glad that I have shifted away from 2700 style shooting to the International disciplines. A full 2700 in a single day is pretty brutal.

Somehow, I could tie that back discussion-wise to .41 Magnum, recoil, reduced loads...

I hope yours is not to severe of an ailment!!

 

[dghal]

Niche caliber?

Well I used the rock chucker for .44 magnum , 30-30, 50Beowulf, .50 AE
I was doing .308 on it but made the jump on to the dillon as The round count went up all the "regs" are handled on the dillon presses

 

[Skeet 028]

Buy the conversion..You won't lose money if you sell it. I load much pistol ammo on progressives(1050, 750 and 550) I load full Magnum rounds on the T-7s as they are in smaller amounts. I load 44 mag on the 550 with the powder measure removed and a powder die and funnel. Use one of the automated powder charger to throw my charges.. Still pretty quick. I buy Dillon Conversions as long as the price is right. I even have a 550 conversion for 45-70...which I no longer load for. BTW the 41 is a great cartridge.

 

[AJ]

My turret press and extra heads. One bolt to change the head, when changing. Have each head set up for two calibers. Gives me a total of ten calibers. Not as fast as a progressive, but gets the job done.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

If you get any real progressive press, you will notice the yearly increase in prices of conversion parts. When I bought mine in 1984 the 450 (now 550) shell plates with one set of buttons were $5. Now a 550 conversion plate, button and funnel are $75!

A money saver is to use the cross reference and not buy a kit for each cartridge. You can use the shell plate and buttons for both 45 ACP and 308 Win along with a host of others with just the correct funnels.

The first year I bought every shell plate they made back then except 8x52mm Lebel and 45 Auto Rim. Since then, They have added about 20 more plates, I have only needed 2 more in the last 40 years. On the other hand I needed about 10 additional powder funnels! (I am at 21 shell plates and about 31 or 32 funnels) I load 117 cartridges and can do most all of them (except tiny and huge) on the 550.

Some of the common plate usage combos are:

380/223/300 BO (some older 9mm plates do this too)
40S&W/10mm/7.62x39/6.5x54 Man.
45 ACP/308/30-06/all the Mausers/300 Savage
444 Marlin/303 Brit/30-40 US
41 Mag/30-30/303 Savage/38-55 Win, Marlin, & Ballard/7mm Waters/25-35 Win
45-70,90,100,110,120/ 40-65 /338 Lapua Mag.

Some shell plates fit one brand of ammo and not others; my 38 Special works on 38 S&W, but my best friends won't.

If you see a reasonably priced shell plate you don't own one of, buy it! (keep a list in your wallet or smart phone, same for die sets!)

Lastly, If it says Dillon, it is under warranty.

Ivan

 

[moosedog]

Been using a RCBS single stag Rock Chucker since 1973 and load over 25 calibers. Works for me.

 

[6string]

If you get any real progressive press, you will notice the yearly increase in prices of conversion parts. When I bought mine in 1984 the 450 (now 550) shell plates with one set of buttons were $5. Now a 550 conversion plate, button and funnel are $75!

A money saver is to use the cross reference and not buy a kit for each cartridge. You can use the shell plate and buttons for both 45 ACP and 308 Win along with a host of others with just the correct funnels.

The first year I bought every shell plate they made back then except 8x52mm Levell and 45 Auto Rim. Since then, They have added about 20 more plates, I have only needed 2 more in the last 40 years. On the other hand I needed about 10 additional powder funnels! (I am at 21 shell plates and about 31 or 32 funnels) I load 117 cartridges and can do most all of them (except tiny and huge) on the 550.

Some of the common plate usage combos are:

380/223/300 BO (some older 9mm plates do this too)
40S&W/10mm/7.62x39/6.5x54 Man.
45 ACP/308/30-06/all the Mausers/300 Savage
444 Marlin/303 Brit/30-40 US
41 Mag/30-30/303 Savage/38-55 Win, Marlin, & Ballard/7mm Waters/25-35 Win
45-70,90,100,110,120/ 40-65 /338 Lapua Mag.

Some shell plates fit one brand of ammo and not others; my 38 Special works on 38 S&W, but my best friends won't.

If you see a reasonably priced shell plate you don't own one of, buy it! (keep a list in your wallet or smart phone, same for die sets!)

Lastly, If it says Dillon, it is under warranty.

Ivan

This is really good information!
When I started loading 45 Auto Rim, I was already mostly equipped since I bought the 650 originally so I could load 45 ACP.
All I needed was a new shell plate. I think the pins were changed too.

On their website, Dillon lists a parts breakdown for each kit. I prefer to look at the list in the manual provided with the press.

Thanks!

 

[6string]

Hi Guys,
Just to give some closure, I got the 650 conversion. It is NOS, still sealed package. Paid about what a 550 conversion goes for. I didn't realize how much Dillon prices have taken off!
Anyhow, glad to have this kit!

Thanks for all the replies. Oh, I got everything I need to load on the RCBS, so I guess you could say I'm hedging my bets!

 

[Green Frog]

We’ve danced all around the OP’s question. It appears he has a RCBS Rockchucker and a Dillon Progressive in hand. Im assuming here that the Dillon is not a Square Deal, and will use standard dies. Buy a set of dies (brand of your choice) and develop your loads on the RC. If your volume of 41 Mag consumption rises once you’ve found your Goldilocks load for it, spend the bucks for a head and conversion kit for the Dillon and set up with the same dies. Nothing else to buy and nothing wasted. Problem solved!

Froggie