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Posted: 5/5/2008 8:45:19 PM EDT
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Howdy y'all. I'm sure you get this question a lot, and for that..I'm sorry. There's so much information out there that I get lost in it all. I just have a few questions. What do I want out of reloading? I want a cheaper way to shoot more often. I understand that reloading isn't "cheaper" per se, but you get more bang for your buck. I mainly shoot .45ACP, .223/5.56, .308/7.62, and .303 that I would like to reload for. With that in mind, what is the best way to go? I'm seriously contemplating stepping up into the big leagues right off the bat and going with a Dillon RL 550B. Is this a decent choice or should I start with something simple like a Lee Anniversary kit? I'm not terribly concerned as of yet with pushing every last ounce of accuracy out of my guns - I really need to master the fundamentals first. With that in mind, like I said earlier, I'm very interested in "cheaper" practice ammo. I've noticed some people getting 1k of .223 for ~$160ish - that's what I'm talking about! What all would I need with that RL 550B? From what I understand, it comes with one caliber conversion kit but no dies. How much are the extra conversion kits? I can't really seem to find out. What kind of dies am I looking at and what are my costs? I understand that the start-up cost can be staggering but I think the end result will be worthwhile. Thanks in advance guys 
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First......get a re-loading mentor and buy a good re-loading manual (or several). ______________________________________ IMHO.......buy a single station press to start on your re-loading path. Later, as you want more production, you might consider a progressive press like the Dillon, etc. Learn to crawl before you walk, learn to walk before you run, learn to run before you drive or fly. ______________________________________ Story Time……….. My first press was an RCBS Jr. I later traded it for an RCBS Rock Chucker (it was a straight across trade w/a friend who wanted “less bulk”). The next press I purchased was a Dillon. Back then, I was shooting a lot of different pistol calibers and thought it would be great for “production.” However, I quickly found out that it was a PIA to change primer parts, dies, make powder measure adjustments, etc. for a simple caliber change. So, I ended up buying three (3) LEE M1000s. One in each caliber: 9mm, .38 Special/.357 mag, and .45 ACP. Now, all I have to do is change the press on the bench and not mess with adjustments. The Rock Chucker is still used to load my .308 Match ammo and the Dillon is currently used to mostly load .223 ammo. ______________________________________ IF you still want a Dillon.........for prices or for checking what else is needed, check Dillon's site. IF you still have questions about the Dillon........call them, they love to help regular and potential customers, drink the BLUE KOOL AID. ______________________________________ Remember, like most everything......YOUR MILEAGE WILL VARY. There are many other products, loads, and ways to skin a cat......this was only my advice. Which you got for FREE. Aloha, Mark |
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Conventional wisdom says to concentrate on what it is you're doing before looking to automate. I received a single stage RCBS press from my college buddy. Even if I could start all over, I'd still go with it. For accuracy, there are so many steps involved that have nothing to do with what press you have. For volume reloading, you can't go wrong with the Dillons. I would avoid making large batches (>100 rounds) until you have mastered the art. Read up on reloading. Get a few reloading guides. Some are even available free. ABC's of Reloading is the place to start. TAKE METICULOUS NOTES to see what works well. |
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Like the guys said, read alot and find someone local to learn from. I jumped right into loading on a Dillon 650. As long as you pay attention, go slow to start, and have common sense I think you can start on a 550. Especially since you can use a 550 like a single stage at the beginning. |
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I started on a 550. It's a great machine, get the VHS instuctional tape,for set-up and because they are so reliable you can forget how to disassemble for cleaning, lube etc. That being said... I have only loaded pistol and even though I have loaded thousands of rounds, and as I am collecting equip to load bottle neck I am going to start with a single stage for case prep and initial reloading. Reloading is about confidence and a $50 press can be a cheap teacher. Crawl before you walk. |
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Since you are going to be a volume shooter, buy the 550B. You are going to end up with one anyway, so why not start out with one. You can load match grade ammo on a Dillon just as easily as a single stage, only at 300 rounds an hour instead of all day to do 300 rounds on a single stage. A 550B is easy to operate. You can use it as a single stge until you are comfortable with what you are doing. |
| Get a Lee Classic Turret. Remove the index rod and you'll have a single stage. Leave it like that for however long you need. Great value, very durable, and fast enough for me (175 pistol rds/hour). 300-500 rds per hour is great, but can you afford components to feed it? |
| Thanks for all the advice guys, it really helps out. I figured there's a lot of case prep involved, but I am prepared for all of that. Like I said, I'm really looking to be a bulk shooter right now to hone my skills so can you give me any more reasons to shy away from the Dillon as a first reloading press? |
I have this irrational fear of blowing myself up  Reading instructions is definitely high on my list when it is something that is potentially deadly if I mess up.
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+1 |
Then you should do well. A good book for a new reloader, It will explain the various reloading presses and accessories. Explains reloading components, Cases, primers, powder, bullets, and has a how to reload section. 
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I also chose to jump right in and bought a 550B, I purchased everything I needed to do 9mm and 308 Yes it is a big investment but the the return is much greater it gives you a sense of pride knowing that you have produced the ammo that you are betting your you know what on. I know most here will tell you to start on a S/S press and it has merit and you will learn alot but I along with others here chose to jump in on the Blue Koolaid, I have not loaded that much 9mm <500 but have read here along with my manuals on how to reload, the most important thing I can tell you is TAKE YOUR TIME AND DON"T EXCEED LOADS be patient and if it takes you a couple of hours to push out 50 rounds thats ok as long as you are doing it right and the Dillon Press makes it easy and the customer is unmatched |
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