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Posted: 3/28/2010 9:58:53 PM EDT
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I've been into shooting since I was 6 when my father first introduced me to the sport with 22LR. I've been heavily into modern firearms for the last decade, but never reloading. After several hours a day, for several weeks of reading on just this subject, along with months of light research I've decided on:
Dillon XL 650, lee dies for my pistol calibers (9mm & 45) and Redding for my rifle calibers (.223, .308, 22-250). I shoot several other calibers in addition, but figured I'd start with these are they are my high volume calibers. I was thinking on going RCBS, but after the ATK brass shredding ridiculousness I figured they didn't need my support . I'll be mostly sticking with Dillon for miscl. items, and going with either a Lyman 2500 or Thumler UV-18 tumbler. There are many other misc items I'll be picking up along with way, but I thought this would form a good foundation. Any comments are welcome, as I want to do this once - and do it right. I know down the road I'll be getting a 1050 eventually, but that could be years as funds permit. I've been lucky enough to have a friend who reloads near me who will be guiding me through the process. Using my research here, and his wisdom I'll be ordering all of the parts necessary to load the 5 calibers mentioned. All that being said, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that contributes here. The wealth of knowledge on tap here is impressive. Between here and snipershide, I don't know that I will ever want for info. So - thank you everyone. |
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The dillon XL650 is what I have used for over 10 years. Are you planning on using Lee dies in it? I didn't quite get that part. Anyway I have the Lyman tumbler, and have abused that thing. Left running by mistake for days...more than once, actually quite often. It still works great.
Good luck! Have fun! |
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Sir, congratulations on an excellent choice of reloading press. I've used a Dillon 550 for many years and also a 650 for the last two. You didn't mention what volume of reloads you intend to do but based on your having selected a high volume progressive press I assume you intend to reload fairly large quantities of cartridges. Saying that I recommend the Dillon CV-2001 tumbler. It's large enough to tumble reasonably large quantitites of brass, all the rest are just to small for my purposes. I also recommend the Giraud trimmer if you can afford it but an excellent second choice is the Dillon trimmer. If you check out some of the posts from CoSteve you'll see how he has his 650 set up with the Dillon trimmer and IIRC a universal decapping die for case prep using the Dillon case feed assembly. It really makes case prep a breeze and something you should consider for all your bottleneck rifle cartridges.
I do have some RCBS dies but also Redding, Dillon, and Forester. IMHO Redding makes the best rifle dies and offers the widest range of options available. Forester is easily equivalent and I highly recommend their products, but for straight wall pistol cartridges I think the Dillon dies are some of the best for use in a progressive press. I know I may sound like the leading member of the Dillon cheerleading squad but I really do think they have some really nice equipment and a reputation for outstanding customer service. HTH, 7zero1. |
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Thanks guys, I'll continue looking around but from my understanding Lee dies will work fine for my application. "Lee Deluxe Carbide Pistol die sets"
My volume will be around a thousand of each caliber per month, most likely 9mm and .223 will be several thousand once I get chugging. |
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