I managed to find a used 550b on the EE for $500. I was happy to find it. I started with a square deal in 9mm and still have it. Now having both on the bench, the 550 is my preferred press. Its limitless in what it can reload and has more working space. The square deal will stay with me forever but if you can find a 550, jump on it!
Am I blind or do presses never come on sale ?
- Thread starter konarocks*
- Start date
Hmmm, I'm in the market for a progressive for 9mm too - I haven't any experience with any of the options people have put forward but I do find it interesting that no one has mentioned the Hornady progressive
Is there a reason for that or is it that the Dillons are just so much better?
Is there a reason for that or is it that the Dillons are just so much better?
- Location
- Saskatchewan
If you want a cheap and quick set up, there are complete press set-ups for under $500.
I went that route first.
Just got myself a conplete Dillon 550 set-up. Enough invested, but saving my time is worth it.
There are sales on Dillon presses at a couple places right now, but if you are cost conscience, why not go for a cheap (and not on sale) one?
I went that route first.
Just got myself a conplete Dillon 550 set-up. Enough invested, but saving my time is worth it.
There are sales on Dillon presses at a couple places right now, but if you are cost conscience, why not go for a cheap (and not on sale) one?
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Being as I just furnished myself with a new press, and I have a sweet spot for Hornady, I can easily say from my cost coparision, a beauty Dillon set up is cheaper that the Hornady when all said and done.
Hornady you have to buy every piece for, Dillon offer's much more as a 'pack'.
I have a loadmaster and a 650 and it's two totally different presses.
The 650 is MUCH nicer to work with. It just stays adjusted and it just works, all the time. It feels sturdy and feeds cases perfectly.
The loadmaster does work, but it's really an economy machine and there is a reason why it's much less expensive. I was never able to reliably prime on mine. I now just use it for test batches of lead 9mm loads, and keep the 650 for production.
Eventually, if I have a cast load that works, and want production, I will setup another toolhead for cast 9mm and just dismount the loadmaster and sell it.
The 650 is MUCH nicer to work with. It just stays adjusted and it just works, all the time. It feels sturdy and feeds cases perfectly.
The loadmaster does work, but it's really an economy machine and there is a reason why it's much less expensive. I was never able to reliably prime on mine. I now just use it for test batches of lead 9mm loads, and keep the 650 for production.
Eventually, if I have a cast load that works, and want production, I will setup another toolhead for cast 9mm and just dismount the loadmaster and sell it.
I have never used the hornady but I am sure it is a fine press. I know they have timing issues especially when adding the case feeder. I opted for the square deal and 550 strictly based on the quantity I shoot. I can pound out 9mm pretty quick on the square deal to meet my shooting needs. I think at the end of the day it's always Ford vs Chevy. I am proud to have 2 Dillons on the bench, but they all get the job done
i think you don't see presses on sale because after the exchange & markup (nobody is in biz to break even) theres probably just no wiggle room for sales unfortunately, but i agree with an earlier post, buy once cry once, keep an eye on the EE you may get lucky, just don't do what i did, get a dillon SDB, then an AR a year later & have to upgrade to press that does both pistol & rifle lol
Canadianbosco
Member
- Location
- Abbotsford, BC
instead of getting one on sale convince a buddy or two to split the cost with you and just volunteer your place to keep it. That's my plan anyway.
Congrats on your luck. Doesnt sound like its always the case.
The press is only one aspect of reloading. Plan to spend 1K-2K when first getting started. Dies, scale, chronograph, table, tumbler, separator, media, calipers etc. It's death by a thousand cuts. The good news is that the press should pay for itself within the first 2 years.
P.S. I run a 650 but the 550 is also a fine choice. Without a bullet feeder there really isn't a speed advantage to the 650.
P.S. I run a 650 but the 550 is also a fine choice. Without a bullet feeder there really isn't a speed advantage to the 650.
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X2 case feeder makes a huge difference. Unless he is referring to a 550 with case feeder compared to to a 650 similarly equipped. Never ran a 550 so can't comment on that. In my opinion you can't scratch the surface of what a 650 is capable of without a case feeder. Addition of a bullet feeder ? You had better start a business to keep up with your output !
See below.
This. Little to no difference between the two when both are equipped with a casefeeder. The bullet feeder allows the 650 to produce ammo at a very good clip.
