$600, what to buy

Wwrhodes91 · May 6, 2014, 08:55 PM

Alright, so I'm getting into IDPA now. I have a Glock 34 configured how I like with Dawson sights. I'm going to have about $600 to spend on gear and I'm wondering what I should invest in first. I only have the cheap glock brand holster and mag pouches. I reload, but it is on a single stage press at the moment. I was also thinking about getting an aftermarket barrel for practice since I use lead reloads.

1stmar · May 6, 2014, 09:02 PM

Why not a progressive press and a barrel? Dillon 550-$439, glock barrel for $150

Wwrhodes91 · May 6, 2014, 09:08 PM

I was thinking maybe the SDB ($375) and a lone wolf barrel ($110). Holster if I still have the budget. Any reason I should get the 550 over the SDB? All rifle rounds will be done on the single stage.

1stmar · May 7, 2014, 03:41 AM

Yes, universal dies, rifle capable, personally feel it's a better machine. Easier to change calibers. Higher volume. Square deal is a good machine but has limitations. If you use a single stage for rifle and don't mind proprietary dies, don't change calibers very often it's a good way to go. 550 has more options and is more flexible. For idpa, I'd use what you carry, including the holster. The match grade barrel won't make a big difference at those distances unless your barrel has a poor crown. I've heard lead shouldn't be shot from a polygonal bore but I'm not sure if that's a real risk or not. I'd post in the semi handgun section or search the forum. I'm sure it's been asked already.

gk1 · May 7, 2014, 10:43 PM

I'd recommend the 550 as well due to the die issue. However, I'd wait on spending the rest of that $600 until I'd used the press, as you may find you need more bells and whistles or bigger containers, shelving, etc.

View Poll Results: Which option?
Buy a progressive press	4	44.44%
Buy an aftermarket barrel, holster, and reloading components	2	22.22%
Save for a new gun	2	22.22%
Other	1	11.11%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll

May 6, 2014, 08:55 PM	#1
Wwrhodes91 Member Join Date: January 8, 2014 Posts: 46	$600, what to buy Alright, so I'm getting into IDPA now. I have a Glock 34 configured how I like with Dawson sights. I'm going to have about $600 to spend on gear and I'm wondering what I should invest in first. I only have the cheap glock brand holster and mag pouches. I reload, but it is on a single stage press at the moment. I was also thinking about getting an aftermarket barrel for practice since I use lead reloads.

May 6, 2014, 09:02 PM	#2
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	Why not a progressive press and a barrel? Dillon 550-$439, glock barrel for $150

May 6, 2014, 09:08 PM	#3
Wwrhodes91 Member Join Date: January 8, 2014 Posts: 46	I was thinking maybe the SDB ($375) and a lone wolf barrel ($110). Holster if I still have the budget. Any reason I should get the 550 over the SDB? All rifle rounds will be done on the single stage.

May 7, 2014, 03:41 AM	#4
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	Yes, universal dies, rifle capable, personally feel it's a better machine. Easier to change calibers. Higher volume. Square deal is a good machine but has limitations. If you use a single stage for rifle and don't mind proprietary dies, don't change calibers very often it's a good way to go. 550 has more options and is more flexible. For idpa, I'd use what you carry, including the holster. The match grade barrel won't make a big difference at those distances unless your barrel has a poor crown. I've heard lead shouldn't be shot from a polygonal bore but I'm not sure if that's a real risk or not. I'd post in the semi handgun section or search the forum. I'm sure it's been asked already.

May 7, 2014, 10:43 PM	#5
gk1 Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2002 Posts: 108	I'd recommend the 550 as well due to the die issue. However, I'd wait on spending the rest of that $600 until I'd used the press, as you may find you need more bells and whistles or bigger containers, shelving, etc.