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ClarkEMyers · January 3, 2006, 01:50 PM

At the bottom I'd say there are no real logical clear cut differences in the presses that matter more than getting the right dies and such.

For my money the Dillon 550 and the Hornady are the best of the lower end but the RCBS doesn't disgrace the RCBS name either. Picking the right dies - some find the Redding or other micrometer adjustable are easier to adjust in the press from the top - IF you are going to adjust the dies rather than set them up and pull the handle. The Dillon brand with easy entry are good choices for high production handgun cartridges and may be easier to keep clean with cast and lubed bullets but maybe not for guppy cases. In sum I think the accessories will matter more than the press at this level.

I'd put the Dillon 650 and up at the head of the pack but I don't think the 550 stands above the competition.

January 3, 2006, 01:50 PM	#4
ClarkEMyers Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2004 Location: PacWest Posts: 455	There aren't any bad ones - capitalism works At the bottom I'd say there are no real logical clear cut differences in the presses that matter more than getting the right dies and such. For my money the Dillon 550 and the Hornady are the best of the lower end but the RCBS doesn't disgrace the RCBS name either. Picking the right dies - some find the Redding or other micrometer adjustable are easier to adjust in the press from the top - IF you are going to adjust the dies rather than set them up and pull the handle. The Dillon brand with easy entry are good choices for high production handgun cartridges and may be easier to keep clean with cast and lubed bullets but maybe not for guppy cases. In sum I think the accessories will matter more than the press at this level. I'd put the Dillon 650 and up at the head of the pack but I don't think the 550 stands above the competition.