Noob advice - dillon press?

Bananatole

Bananatole

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hi,

so Id like to start reloading. I am interested in 308 win and 9mm and maybe some custom 7.62x39

so i was wondering if a dillon press was the easiest (or any progressive.)

Im was reading tutorials and it seemed like a nightmare to buy all the little tools and gadgets for a traditional press. for the dillon would i be all set? Would i need more that just the press and supplies?

help a noob out please.
 
I'm just talking to brad at custom reload to get the 550b
to load the three calibers i want i need a
convertion kit and dies for each. but with all the reserch i've done
this is the one i need. easy caliber change if you got a quick change kit
 
Dillon 550

Bananatole,

If you are going to reload 9mm and 7.62x39 I would highly recommend the Dillon 550. They eat ammo.

I load virtually every caliber on mine. TON was right about the quick change conversions. It will take less than 10 minutes to change calibers with these and they stay set all the time. It is possible to just change the powder dispenser over to each set of dies, but it is a pain emptying it every time.

Not sure where in BC you are, but, The Shooting Edge in Calgary was selling Dillon 550's at US catalogue prices not too long ago. You can get completely set up for 2 calibers for about $600.

Reloading 9mm will pay for this press in no time.

Ace
 
thanks ace. so if i buy the press it would be better to get different powder hoopers for so i dont make a mistake? also does the dillon resize and whatnot?
 
You need a caliber conversion kit for each caliber you will reload. I believe the 550B comes with one (of your choice), but not the dies. So for three calibers you will need three die sets, two extra conversion kits and two extra toolheads. With the extra toolheads you can set each caliber up and change between then by just pulling two pins and sliding the toolhead out.

If you buy a Deluxe Quick Change Assembly for your 2nd and 3rd calibers (as well as the caliber conversion kits you'll still need), you'll have a powder measure for each one, so you don't have to share between calibers. Means even less to change over/reset.

Hope that makes sense.
 
heyrosco said:
You need a caliber conversion kit for each caliber you will reload. I believe the 550B comes with one (of your choice), but not the dies. So for three calibers you will need three die sets, two extra conversion kits and two extra toolheads. With the extra toolheads you can set each caliber up and change between then by just pulling two pins and sliding the toolhead out.

If you buy a Deluxe Quick Change Assembly for your 2nd and 3rd calibers (as well as the caliber conversion kits you'll still need), you'll have a powder measure for each one, so you don't have to share between calibers. Means even less to change over/reset.

Hope that makes sense.
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makes sense man, thanks. I think this will be worth the extra cash, seem like you need to buy so many little thigns for the non progressive ones
 
Lmao... Your still going to need a case trimmer for 7.62x39 and .308, powder scale, a bench mounted powder thrower is real handy for load development, digital caliper, bullet puller, tumbler or ultrasonic brass cleaner, case lube and large rifle primers, small pistol primers, powder for pistol and another for rifle, various bullets and so on....

This is why starting out with a single stage "kit" is actually nice because it comes with several things you will always need no matter what your reloading develops into, nothing wrong starting with the 550 but you still need all of the other tools of the trade.
 
I suggest you take a step back and read "ABC's of reloading" not sure of the author. But it is a great book, and will help you reload accuratly, properly, and most of all SAFELY.
 
The 550 is a good machine to start with. Brian Enos website has some great info about choosing the right dillon press. Many people recommended to me that I learn on a single stage. I bought a 550 and learned on that. If you read some books and take your time to learn what you are doing, you will be good!

The 550 will load all of the calibres you mentioned. Most progressive type machines are not as versatile.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll probably get into it this summer. I like to do things well and I'm reading 5 books on accounting and finance for school plus work and extra curricular so I don't think I have the time to dabble. Yet! I'll just keep accumulating cash.

Theres a spot on one of my work benches just screaming for a press but I'd rather take my time then rush.

Awesome advice thanks
 
Nobody mentioned this but, you are not going to save alot of money reloading 2 of the calibers you mentioned.

9mm can be had in bulk for just a little more than the cost of reloading. 7.62x39 surplus is actually cheaper than reloading it. The brass is difficult and expensive to source and military rifles are hard on it.

The only one on your list that you will see some real savings is the 308 winchester. Unless you are shooting a ton you could consider a single stage or turret press for rifle.
 
I disagree about saving little on 9mm. If I buy some bullets, shoot them and reload the brass it costs me about 8 bucks for 50 bullets loaded. Cheapest I have seen 9mm for sale is 12-ish/box plus tax. So for me that is saving a third of the cost, and if I shoot alot that is a big savings.

You also need to factor in that with reloading, you can make the best possible ammo tailored to your own guns and needs.
 
shredon said:
^^^So you save $4. What amount of time would it cost you?
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On my 650 I load around 500/hour (including setup and cleanup time), some people claim to go a fair amount faster than that. Up to each person to determine whether its worth their time and the initial expense of the reloading setup. Depends a lot on how many rounds/year you plan on shooting.
 
shredon said:
^^^So you save $4. What amount of time would it cost you?
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It's true, you can pay $4 more for the crappiest ammo you can find (that won't shoot tight groupings no matter what you do, cruds up your guns and/or spews corrosive residue all over your action), rather than spend an hour processing brass and making your own ammo. Yeah, that's true...

As for the original question. If you can't find a Dillon press, don't be scared of looking into a Hornady Lock 'n Load (LNL) press. They're equivalent in price, reliability and function, plus you get free bullets from Hornaday as well. Both Dillon and Hornady make great products.
 
at 149/1000 for reloading (9 major with reused brass) or even 199/1000 (9 major with bought reconditioned brass) vs 360/1000 for factory that still doesn't make major in my gun, its still worth it
 
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