Dillon 550B vs. Lee Turret Press

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 02:05 PM

I had my heart set on a Dillon 550B. My wife said we have the money for a Lee Turret Press. I know I am thinking ahead way into the future but after the Lee Turret Press, should I get the Dillon 550B or the Dillon 650? Or... will some here say that I can just keep the Lee Turret Press and it will be just fine for making about 1000 rounds a week?

freonr22 · August 17, 2009, 02:19 PM

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillon...Comparison.pdf

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillon...Comparison.pdf

That first paragraph is SO funny!

BigJimP · August 17, 2009, 02:31 PM

Get the 650 - there is no powder check option that can be put on the 550 ....

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Get the 650 - there is no powder check option that can be put on the 550

Is that powder check option really something good or just another gimmick?

Farmland · August 17, 2009, 02:37 PM

You have me confused, I thought you got the Lee Turret press? I mean were you not ready to start putting in some holes?

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

You have me confused, I thought you got the Lee Turret press?

I did get the Lee Turret Press. I am just talking down the road in the distant future. Or will this Lee Turret Press that I settled for because of personal finances (I wanted the Dillon 550B) be good enough to crank out several hundred .40 S&W rounds a week for the rest of my life?

Farmland · August 17, 2009, 02:50 PM

Ok I understand then. It will never be as fast as a progressive. The best way to answer the question though is after you start using it. If you like the work flow and the amount you produce then you will do just fine. If it is too slow then you might want to go to a progressive press. Only you will know if it works for you.

Personally I think it would be harder going from a machine that indexes (your Lee) to one like the 550 that doesn't.

Farmland · August 17, 2009, 02:52 PM

Powder check gimmick or not? It is no gimmick and the Dillon one has an alarm that will wake the dead. It works and if you are a sloppy reloader it could save your life. However the best powder check is the operator.

BigJimP · August 17, 2009, 02:53 PM

You've asked the same question about 4 different ways in a couple of threads.. but no, the powder check is not a gimmick, it works ..... and it works well.

I think its important - and personally I would not buy a press without it. It gives you an extra safety check / and if you use it correctly will prevent a "no drop" and identify any drop of + - about 0.2 of a grain ( depending on what caliber you use it on ..).

But its your money / your guns / your hands and eyes ..... and you should do what you want ......

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Personally I think it would be harder going from a machine that indexes (your Lee) to one like the 550 that doesn't.

well if I ever upgrade I guess it will be the Dillon 650B then. Especially with the quote below.

Quote:

It gives you an extra safety check / and if you use it correctly will prevent a "no drop" and identify any drop of + - about 0.2 of a grain ( depending on what caliber you use it on

Russ5924 · August 17, 2009, 03:04 PM

I have both started with the Lee Turret press then after awhile went to the Dillon 550. I use the Dillon for the ammo I shoot the most .38, 9mm and .45acp. The Lee I use for .44 Mag and .45 Colt. Get the 550 or the 650 I guess it would depend on how much you shoot and how much time you have to spend reloading

I used to shoot about 2500 rounds a month and had no problems keeping up with the 550. Now am down to about 1000 a month couldn't find enough components to shoot much more

c.j.sikes · August 17, 2009, 04:23 PM

start with single holer, learn the ropes and the 650 is the way to go . i have all , single, 550, 650 etc. beenat this fo over 60 years. check your powder or loose your head. i still check ever tenth load unless i am on 650 with powder check, great invention, lots of luck. great hobby. cjs

oneounceload · August 17, 2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

will some here say that I can just keep the Lee Turret Press and it will be just fine for making about 1000 rounds a week?

You have the bucks to buy and make 1,000 per week but not enough to get the press you want? HUH!?!?!?

You must be shooting semi-autos....plan on replacing your springs every month too????

Farmland · August 17, 2009, 04:38 PM

No if pressed to say which is the best I would have to say this one, it is mine.

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

You have the bucks to buy and make 1,000 per week but not enough to get the press you want?

Dude, I am obviously new to all this.

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Now if pressed to say which is the best I would have to say this one, it is mine.

FarmLand, what an AWESOME looking setup!

BigJimP · August 17, 2009, 05:25 PM

To expand on OneOunces point... do the math ...

In round numbers ......
startup equip ( case cleaner, scale, etc ) = $ 600
Dillon 650 press, dies, powder check, accessories = $ 725
Elec Case Feeder ( if you want it ) = $ 300

so fully set up it'll coast you about $ 1,625 ...
and you might do it for less / or maybe not ....

You said a couple weeks ago you were shooting .40 S&W I think - and at current component costs, my reloads in .40 S&W are $ 8.51 for a box of 50. If you're buying ammo / it'll cost you $ 15 a box easily ( so you're saving a minimum of $ 6.49 for a box of 50 rounds ) ...

$ 1625 / $ 6.49 savings = a payback of 250 boxes ....... if you're shooting 4 boxes a week ( you're payback is 63 weeks ) or about 16 months .....now if you're really shooting 1,000 rounds a week / or 20 boxes a week - your payback is in about 3 months ........

Why not just buy the press and be done with it ......

I have a small woodworking shop / reloading area in my basement - it doesn't take up much room ..... here's my 650 with the case feeder / the red presses are all for shotshells ( 12, 20,28ga and .410 ) .....

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...0&d=1236033587

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...1&d=1236033614

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...2&d=1236033646

It isn't just about the speed - its about the accuracy and quality of your reloads - but loading up 50 - 60 boxes of handgun ammo ( say 3,000 rounds ) only takes me 5 or 6 hours at the most. There is still plenty of time for all kinds of family events, etc ..... and I easily paid for my Dillon press in a couple of years / and all of my shotshell presses as well ....... but I like reloading, even if it was a wash - I'd still reload ( and I've done it for over 40 years / my grandfather taught me how when I was a kid ...).

OneOunce is right - it does require some capital outlay ....... but you're buying ammo retail now ....

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Why not just buy the press and be done with it .....

I'm with ya brother. I wish it could have went that way but it didn't. Oh well. OH and I should have said 100 rounds a week and not 1000

Quote:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...0&d=1236033587

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...1&d=1236033614

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...2&d=1236033646

Very nice pics! GREAT looking shop! Man, the more I see that 650 with the case feeder, the more I like it. Perhaps some day.

BigJimP · August 17, 2009, 05:52 PM

Thanks - but hey, we all have budgets ... your day will come when its not that big a deal ...and I hope its soon. In the meantime, use what you have.

Honestly, most of us that reload, don't save a lot of money - we shoot more ... and the kids and grandkids shoot for free ....

Just be safe / maintain a high quality of reload ...and maybe look for a good used press that someone has maintained well. Some of us are getting old / and every now and then I hear someone is getting out of reloading / moving to a smaller house or something ...

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Honestly, most of us that reload, don't save a lot of money - we shoot more ..

Ha. I used to think that was funny. Now I think that is going to be true.

freonr22 · August 17, 2009, 06:09 PM

btw my lnl ap w/ case feeder adn everything was $900ish or so $389, $370 for feeder, $35/plate for feeder, shell plates $30ea dies.... homemade tumbler

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=169056

Russ5924 · August 17, 2009, 06:13 PM

Was just going to say you better go with the 650 if reloading 1000 a week. You may do it on the Lee but you would be reloading for a loooooong time. If you have the 4 holer that would be 4000 pulls of the handle

The Lee can do a hundred an hour easy once you get used to it

gdeal · August 17, 2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

The Lee can do a hundred an hour easy once you get used to it

Yeah, ten hours of reloading a week... Ha

Kyo · August 17, 2009, 07:26 PM

I am slow I do about 100 rounds an hour on my lee turret. I don't think its that bad. Who cares if you spend the time. that is part of the hobby. I enjoy it anyway.

August 17, 2009, 02:05 PM	#1
gdeal Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 748	Dillon 550B vs. Lee Turret Press I had my heart set on a Dillon 550B. My wife said we have the money for a Lee Turret Press. I know I am thinking ahead way into the future but after the Lee Turret Press, should I get the Dillon 550B or the Dillon 650? Or... will some here say that I can just keep the Lee Turret Press and it will be just fine for making about 1000 rounds a week?

August 17, 2009, 02:19 PM	#2
freonr22 Member Join Date: December 17, 2008 Posts: 54	interesting reading http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillon...Comparison.pdf

August 17, 2009, 03:04 PM	#12
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	I have both started with the Lee Turret press then after awhile went to the Dillon 550. I use the Dillon for the ammo I shoot the most .38, 9mm and .45acp. The Lee I use for .44 Mag and .45 Colt. Get the 550 or the 650 I guess it would depend on how much you shoot and how much time you have to spend reloading I used to shoot about 2500 rounds a month and had no problems keeping up with the 550. Now am down to about 1000 a month couldn't find enough components to shoot much more __________________ Russ5924

August 17, 2009, 04:23 PM	#13
c.j.sikes Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2006 Location: marlow okla Posts: 227	reloading presses start with single holer, learn the ropes and the 650 is the way to go . i have all , single, 550, 650 etc. beenat this fo over 60 years. check your powder or loose your head. i still check ever tenth load unless i am on 650 with powder check, great invention, lots of luck. great hobby. cjs

August 17, 2009, 05:25 PM	#18
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	To expand on OneOunces point... do the math ... In round numbers ...... startup equip ( case cleaner, scale, etc ) = $ 600 Dillon 650 press, dies, powder check, accessories = $ 725 Elec Case Feeder ( if you want it ) = $ 300 so fully set up it'll coast you about $ 1,625 ... and you might do it for less / or maybe not .... You said a couple weeks ago you were shooting .40 S&W I think - and at current component costs, my reloads in .40 S&W are $ 8.51 for a box of 50. If you're buying ammo / it'll cost you $ 15 a box easily ( so you're saving a minimum of $ 6.49 for a box of 50 rounds ) ... $ 1625 / $ 6.49 savings = a payback of 250 boxes ....... if you're shooting 4 boxes a week ( you're payback is 63 weeks ) or about 16 months .....now if you're really shooting 1,000 rounds a week / or 20 boxes a week - your payback is in about 3 months ........ Why not just buy the press and be done with it ...... I have a small woodworking shop / reloading area in my basement - it doesn't take up much room ..... here's my 650 with the case feeder / the red presses are all for shotshells ( 12, 20,28ga and .410 ) ..... http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...0&d=1236033587 http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...1&d=1236033614 http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...2&d=1236033646 It isn't just about the speed - its about the accuracy and quality of your reloads - but loading up 50 - 60 boxes of handgun ammo ( say 3,000 rounds ) only takes me 5 or 6 hours at the most. There is still plenty of time for all kinds of family events, etc ..... and I easily paid for my Dillon press in a couple of years / and all of my shotshell presses as well ....... but I like reloading, even if it was a wash - I'd still reload ( and I've done it for over 40 years / my grandfather taught me how when I was a kid ...). OneOunce is right - it does require some capital outlay ....... but you're buying ammo retail now .... Last edited by BigJimP; August 17, 2009 at 05:35 PM.

August 17, 2009, 02:31 PM	#4
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Get the 650 - there is no powder check option that can be put on the 550 ....

August 17, 2009, 02:37 PM	#6
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	You have me confused, I thought you got the Lee Turret press? I mean were you not ready to start putting in some holes?

August 17, 2009, 02:50 PM	#8
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	Ok I understand then. It will never be as fast as a progressive. The best way to answer the question though is after you start using it. If you like the work flow and the amount you produce then you will do just fine. If it is too slow then you might want to go to a progressive press. Only you will know if it works for you. Personally I think it would be harder going from a machine that indexes (your Lee) to one like the 550 that doesn't.

August 17, 2009, 02:52 PM	#9
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	Powder check gimmick or not? It is no gimmick and the Dillon one has an alarm that will wake the dead. It works and if you are a sloppy reloader it could save your life. However the best powder check is the operator.

August 17, 2009, 02:53 PM	#10
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	You've asked the same question about 4 different ways in a couple of threads.. but no, the powder check is not a gimmick, it works ..... and it works well. I think its important - and personally I would not buy a press without it. It gives you an extra safety check / and if you use it correctly will prevent a "no drop" and identify any drop of + - about 0.2 of a grain ( depending on what caliber you use it on ..). But its your money / your guns / your hands and eyes ..... and you should do what you want ......

August 17, 2009, 04:38 PM	#15
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	No if pressed to say which is the best I would have to say this one, it is mine.

August 17, 2009, 05:52 PM	#20
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Thanks - but hey, we all have budgets ... your day will come when its not that big a deal ...and I hope its soon. In the meantime, use what you have. Honestly, most of us that reload, don't save a lot of money - we shoot more ... and the kids and grandkids shoot for free .... Just be safe / maintain a high quality of reload ...and maybe look for a good used press that someone has maintained well. Some of us are getting old / and every now and then I hear someone is getting out of reloading / moving to a smaller house or something ...

August 17, 2009, 06:09 PM	#22
freonr22 Member Join Date: December 17, 2008 Posts: 54	btw my lnl ap w/ case feeder adn everything was $900ish or so $389, $370 for feeder, $35/plate for feeder, shell plates $30ea dies.... homemade tumbler http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=169056

August 17, 2009, 06:13 PM	#23
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	Was just going to say you better go with the 650 if reloading 1000 a week. You may do it on the Lee but you would be reloading for a loooooong time. If you have the 4 holer that would be 4000 pulls of the handle The Lee can do a hundred an hour easy once you get used to it __________________ Russ5924

August 17, 2009, 07:26 PM	#25
Kyo Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Posts: 897	I am slow I do about 100 rounds an hour on my lee turret. I don't think its that bad. Who cares if you spend the time. that is part of the hobby. I enjoy it anyway.