Hi all, I've been reloading for about 6 years on hand-me-down presses, a single stage Redding and a Lee pro 1000. I'd like to find one press to do it all, from my 25-20, 220 swift, .308 to .45acp. ( a little bit of everything). Is there a progressive press on the market for my needs/desires? Point me in the right direction oh trusted fellow nutters.
Which progressive press to buy.
- Thread starter thecabin
- Start date
mudgunner49
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have 2 Dillon 550B's and have been very happy with them, however my next press will be a 650 with primer and case feed...
Here is my Dillon support story:
I buy a used 650xl off the EE, with no powder thrower. I get all the bits I need for .223 setup but didn't realize that the fail-safe rod (the arm that resets the powder thrower) is not included with the powder thrower.
I write Dillon a support ticket, telling them flat out that I bought a used unit, it was missing the fail-safe rod. I leave for lunch before submitting the ticket and when I get back I see firefox had crashed and recovered the page. So i figure whatever I write it again later. Life gets in the way and I never do actually submit a ticket...
2 Weeks later a 100% free fail safe rod, direct from Dillon shows up at my house. Seems they really do stand behind their products!
I buy a used 650xl off the EE, with no powder thrower. I get all the bits I need for .223 setup but didn't realize that the fail-safe rod (the arm that resets the powder thrower) is not included with the powder thrower.
I write Dillon a support ticket, telling them flat out that I bought a used unit, it was missing the fail-safe rod. I leave for lunch before submitting the ticket and when I get back I see firefox had crashed and recovered the page. So i figure whatever I write it again later. Life gets in the way and I never do actually submit a ticket...
2 Weeks later a 100% free fail safe rod, direct from Dillon shows up at my house. Seems they really do stand behind their products!
444shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I have been using a Square Deal for quite a few years and Dillon is top notch. I decided to buy a Hornady AP recently for rifle loading, but would not hesitate to buy either a 550 or 650.
I just got into reloading this year. Go for it! it will change the way you think about shooting.
Do your homework, there are lots of good choices. If your at all mechanically inclined, or intend to load in volume (for the 45 perhaps?), get a progressive.
The progressive machines are not bad to set up, and production rates are untouchable by other methods once you are set.
After all my homework, I chose the Hornady AP. It's working out great, and has been easy to set up and change calibers on (so far I've loaded .38 spl and .40 s&w). I liked the way the press was set up better than the Dillon way. That isn't a knock, just my opinion. My father-in-law is a hardcore Dillon guy, and their reputation is well earned.
My current set up uses RCBS carbide dies, the Hornady Bullet feeder die (with tubes not the collator) and the Hornady PTX -- works great for me, even with cast bullets - no modification required, and the PTX came free in the box with the bullet feed die.
No case feeder yet... gotta save my pennies still.
Good luck with your research.
Do your homework, there are lots of good choices. If your at all mechanically inclined, or intend to load in volume (for the 45 perhaps?), get a progressive.
The progressive machines are not bad to set up, and production rates are untouchable by other methods once you are set.
After all my homework, I chose the Hornady AP. It's working out great, and has been easy to set up and change calibers on (so far I've loaded .38 spl and .40 s&w). I liked the way the press was set up better than the Dillon way. That isn't a knock, just my opinion. My father-in-law is a hardcore Dillon guy, and their reputation is well earned.
My current set up uses RCBS carbide dies, the Hornady Bullet feeder die (with tubes not the collator) and the Hornady PTX -- works great for me, even with cast bullets - no modification required, and the PTX came free in the box with the bullet feed die.
No case feeder yet... gotta save my pennies still.
Good luck with your research.
love my hornady AP! I cant see how the dillon could be any better but Ive never seen one. Sure its sweet. Best deal ever right now is the hornady AP. You get a mail in rebate for 500 free bullets. Just got my free 500 in the mail. I paid $460 for the press and received $150 worth of free bullets. makes the press only $300... Cant go wrong!
