New Progressive press or pistol

scott_r

scott_r

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What would you buy a new press or a new pistol? I think a press is more practical but not as fun as a new pistol? I like the idea of a press but powder is near non existant, I can get a couple pounds of Power Pistol with the press but after that??? Plenty of factory here, Id like a new 9mm.......hmmmm. Suggestions???

Cheers!!
 
Plenty of powder options with .40 S&W. Titegroup, W321, N320... I'm sure there are many more, but I don't shoot .40.

Either way, a press is a necessity for any serious shooter who has the time to load.
 
While buying a press isn't the same type of fun as buying a new handgun, actually having ammo to shoot your existing handguns is way more fun than have two guns to look at. Progressive press all the way. It will pretty much pay for itself in a few months anyway if you shoot with any real volume.
 
A press will be good if you are already shooting pistols and/or rifles. Lee Classic Cast Turret Kit is a good starter press moving to a Lee Load Master. Don't get me wrong, Dillon, Hornady, RCBS, Lyman offers similar and/or better presses. For powder, Bass-pro, Lebaron and other retailers carries most powder brands. Better to check with your local stores to avoid shipping charges. Bullseye, Titegroup, W231 are my choices for pistol loads. Winchester, Federal and CCI for primers.

Reloading gives you flexibility in your ammo. Soft recoil, power factor and better accuracy. But beware, reloading is not for everybody. You have to be focused while doing it. Follow the suggested loads, all safety measures, no shortcuts, no maybes. If you are not sure of what you are doing, STOP. Ask someone who has been reloading for a while if you have doubts on what you are doing. Also, not everything you read over the internet is reputable. If you feel unsafe, do not proceed.

GOODLUCK!


scott_r said:
What would you buy a new press or a new pistol? I think a press is more practical but not as fun as a new pistol? I like the idea of a press but powder is near non existant, I can get a couple pounds of Power Pistol with the press but after that??? Plenty of factory here, Id like a new 9mm.......hmmmm. Suggestions???

Cheers!!
Click to expand...
 
Diilon square deal b, the best kept secret in the reloading community.
One little part broke yesterday in mine, called Dillon and they sent me the part for free.
they have a lifetime no bs warranty. Buy it, you won't regret it
 
Dillon 550, Titegroup, Berry 85gr projectiles, OAL depends on gun you're loading for.

But, the press first and the money you save on ammo, you can get that second handgun in no time
 
SoBored said:
Sooner you buy a press and start saving on ammo the sooner you can get another pistol with the money you're saving. And another, and another...
Click to expand...

SoBored speaks/types wise words.

So do the others that are suggesting you go with Dillon. Going blue isn't as cheap as going with Lee. But it's well worth the extra if my experience is any indication.
 
I recommend starting with a hand operated press first. There are many steps/issues with hand loading and you can learn better with a hand operated press I think. There are a lot of possible mistakes one can make hand loading and care must be taken. I have a Lee turrett press and it is good.
 
JimmieA. said:
I recommend starting with a hand operated press first. There are many steps/issues with hand loading and you can learn better with a hand operated press I think. There are a lot of possible mistakes one can make hand loading and care must be taken. I have a Lee turrett press and it is good.
Click to expand...

I have a single stage press. Been reloading rifle for about 12 years now.


Well I went today and bought a Hornady Lock and Load. My local gunshop who only deals in Hornady gave me a great deal. Now I just have to wait for my shell plates and Im good to go. :)
 
Here it is bolted down. Quite a big beast in comparison to my Lee Classic Cast. Can't wait to get some rounds loaded. Get 600 free XTP's from Hornady as well.

20130830_012930.jpg


Cheers!!
 
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JimmieA. said:
I recommend starting with a hand operated press first. There are many steps/issues with hand loading and you can learn better with a hand operated press I think. There are a lot of possible mistakes one can make hand loading and care must be taken. I have a Lee turrett press and it is good.
Click to expand...

Good advise.
However, my question is about Dillon 550. If we forget about "it's always useful to have simple stage press", can new reloader operate 550 in the single stage mode to get started ? (let's say based on space limitation
What do you think ?

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Thanks !
 
ekp said:
Good advise.
However, my question is about Dillon 550. If we forget about "it's always useful to have simple stage press", can new reloader operate 550 in the single stage mode to get started ? (let's say based on space limitation
What do you think ?

--
Thanks !
Click to expand...

Being that the 550 is a manually advanced press and the ease with which the case retention buttons can be removed the 550 can EASILY be used as a single stage press or a multiple stage "interrupted" press.

For example with an empty powder dispenser it would be a snap to size/decap and prime on station 1, index the plate to then flare on station 2 and then remove the casing to do precision powder charging and return the charged case to the seating and then crimping stations. These operations could be done one case at a time or in a separate pair of two operation "progressive" steps. Your choice. The only downside is that when you operate without the retention buttons in place you might find that you need to check the case to ensure it's still seated in the shell plate notch correctly after indexing to the next station. Or you might use a button on that second position and remove it after indexing to the third station before the lever is pulled.

All this sounds complex to read. But if you own a 550 it's pretty obvious... I hope... :D
 
i started reloading with a Dillon 550.

Just research and take your time.

Ive gotten pretty fast now but i still don't see how they advertise 500 per hour...i can do 300 in a hour only...
 
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