gonna buy my first press kit what should I get - Page 3

Flea21 · July 9, 2013, 07:29 AM

Dillon precision

osirus82 · July 9, 2013, 01:26 PM

I agree that it is probably better to begin reloading using single stage press (for rifle) i would assume most people still use it to resize their brass, i plan on getting a SSP for that and other reasons. I know 100% that I will continue to reload for as long as i can shoot--- im assuming that will be well into my retirement, i'll be 32 in august. So i decided to put the money down for a dillon 650xl--not all decked out, i still would like the electronic case feeder and the strong mount ( i think ill just make that) maybe the roller handle, and powder check. I dont think it cost that much i spent 850.00 which includes the .308win carbide die. I have learned--- you get what ya pay for. happy reloading

ozo · July 10, 2013, 02:26 PM

Every time this question comes up so do the same answers.

Any decent quality press is fine to start with no matter the mfg
and as with any tool there are variations in design which result
in the quality and cost. But.....in the design is also a difference
in the pressure the ram exhibits. All benches should be secured
in a solid fashion, sturdy, and not wobble or move. The amount
of pressure it takes you to pull the handle in a cycle on any given
brass will be directly related to the design of your press.
If you only load 9mm you may never be able to tell versus brass
for a 7mm RemMag. Most presses do a great job, but they are
not all created equal. Just be aware as you choose.

Of course the word 'Dillon' will always show up. They make fine
stuff and many presses should not even be compared to them.
I am a huge Dillon fan and wish I had purchased one long
before I did. I also believe almost anyone is surely capable of
starting out on one.
I have read the entire thread and I see a common thing not
mentioned as usual when the words Dillon and progressives
get used. The Dillon 550B must be manually advanced. That
means it can be used as a single stage press. You have the
luxury of four stages set to go and can use one alone or four
in progression. It will also load rifle brass with ease.
I don't sell Dillon and I have nothing bad to say against any
other mfg and have used many of them. I use more Lee dies
than any brand. I began on a Lyman press in the 60's. The
Rockchucker is one tough bugger. Dillon dies are the cat's
meow.....but pricey.
Many directions to go in and many choices....that's a good
thing. Thank God for America.
I only have a little advice for anyone beginning [reloading].
Get a couple of manuals and read the info prior to the data
section, then read it again and again. Old manuals are fine for
this and can be bought very cheaply and Hornady is one of the
best. The 'ABC's' is an excellent teacher and worth the $20-$25
Until you learn what everything in the front of the manual means
you may not be ready to safely put the first piece of brass
into your shellholder.
I also suggest that most people start on handgun calibers with
straight wall brass. I say 'most' because some people may only
wish to load for rifle, period. It's simpler and cheaper and you
don't need as many tools to begin.
Ask lots of questions BUT......do your own research.
Above all, have fun and be safe.
Sorry for the long wind.....

skizzums · July 11, 2013, 12:40 PM

i have no experience in this area, and should probably keep my mouth shut. but i have just loaded my first 1k 9mm rounds on my Lee Anniversary. i enjoyed it, learned alot, but already hungry for more efficiency. i do not regret my purchase at all though, i feel like this a great product for learning the hobby. until i get experience with different rounds i dont plan on using anything else. i would have to recommend to someone "just starting out"

July 9, 2013, 07:29 AM	#51
Flea21 Member Join Date: May 3, 2013 Posts: 72	Re: gonna buy my first press kit what should I get Dillon precision

July 9, 2013, 01:26 PM	#52
osirus82 Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2013 Posts: 102	I agree that it is probably better to begin reloading using single stage press (for rifle) i would assume most people still use it to resize their brass, i plan on getting a SSP for that and other reasons. I know 100% that I will continue to reload for as long as i can shoot--- im assuming that will be well into my retirement, i'll be 32 in august. So i decided to put the money down for a dillon 650xl--not all decked out, i still would like the electronic case feeder and the strong mount ( i think ill just make that) maybe the roller handle, and powder check. I dont think it cost that much i spent 850.00 which includes the .308win carbide die. I have learned--- you get what ya pay for. happy reloading

July 10, 2013, 02:26 PM	#53
ozo Member Join Date: July 9, 2013 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 48	Every time this question comes up so do the same answers. Any decent quality press is fine to start with no matter the mfg and as with any tool there are variations in design which result in the quality and cost. But.....in the design is also a difference in the pressure the ram exhibits. All benches should be secured in a solid fashion, sturdy, and not wobble or move. The amount of pressure it takes you to pull the handle in a cycle on any given brass will be directly related to the design of your press. If you only load 9mm you may never be able to tell versus brass for a 7mm RemMag. Most presses do a great job, but they are not all created equal. Just be aware as you choose. Of course the word 'Dillon' will always show up. They make fine stuff and many presses should not even be compared to them. I am a huge Dillon fan and wish I had purchased one long before I did. I also believe almost anyone is surely capable of starting out on one. I have read the entire thread and I see a common thing not mentioned as usual when the words Dillon and progressives get used. The Dillon 550B must be manually advanced. That means it can be used as a single stage press. You have the luxury of four stages set to go and can use one alone or four in progression. It will also load rifle brass with ease. I don't sell Dillon and I have nothing bad to say against any other mfg and have used many of them. I use more Lee dies than any brand. I began on a Lyman press in the 60's. The Rockchucker is one tough bugger. Dillon dies are the cat's meow.....but pricey. Many directions to go in and many choices....that's a good thing. Thank God for America. I only have a little advice for anyone beginning [reloading]. Get a couple of manuals and read the info prior to the data section, then read it again and again. Old manuals are fine for this and can be bought very cheaply and Hornady is one of the best. The 'ABC's' is an excellent teacher and worth the $20-$25 Until you learn what everything in the front of the manual means you may not be ready to safely put the first piece of brass into your shellholder. I also suggest that most people start on handgun calibers with straight wall brass. I say 'most' because some people may only wish to load for rifle, period. It's simpler and cheaper and you don't need as many tools to begin. Ask lots of questions BUT......do your own research. Above all, have fun and be safe. Sorry for the long wind.....

July 11, 2013, 12:40 PM	#54
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	i have no experience in this area, and should probably keep my mouth shut. but i have just loaded my first 1k 9mm rounds on my Lee Anniversary. i enjoyed it, learned alot, but already hungry for more efficiency. i do not regret my purchase at all though, i feel like this a great product for learning the hobby. until i get experience with different rounds i dont plan on using anything else. i would have to recommend to someone "just starting out"