Buying New Press. Suggestions please

[Eric B.]

I have an old C press and want to get a new "turret" style progressive press. I reload 9 mm., 223/5.56, .308 and .300 WM.

I'd like something that:

1. takes standard threaded dies
2. KEEPS its tolerances once set up (won't "spring" die plates under pressure)
3. Does not require re-installing dies every time I change calibers. (i.e. must have removable die plates to set up for each caliber)

What's the best to meet these requirements? OR, am I asking too much from a progressive press to get very accurate handloads?

I am handloading for maximum accuracy most times. (as in case and neck polishing, case trimming, primer pocket/flash hole cleaning/squaring, etc., etc.)
RCBS, Dillon and Hornady are brands I've looked at so far.

 

[Captramrod01]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I have the Redding T7 and I personally think its the best single stage press you can buy.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Forster Co-Ax

 

[DT1]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I've used a Dillon 550 for the calibers you mention and it's worked fine. I've heard some people complain that the Dillon powder measure is not reliable with an extruded powder but I've had good luck with RL-15, H4350 and Retumbo in mine. Throws charges within .2-.3. If I want to get more picky than that, I use my Harrell and trickle to the exact charge.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I prefer the Dillon 550 for rifle. It's very accurate for me and easier to semi-progressively reload on for accuracy than the 650.

I still weigh powder for all my long-range ammo and it seems to be easier for me with the 550 and not having to worry with the auto-index feature of the 650.

Well, my $.02 anyways.

 

[red hawk]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I use the LEE classic press,built like a tank, for the money,you can't beat it.

 

[oud272]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I use a Dillon 650 for 223/45/9mm but prefer to use a Forster Co-Ax for long range ammo. The powder metering is not very accurate on the Dillon for Varget +/- 0.15gn.

The Forster is quick to change dies as they just slide into the slot and will will handle 300WM with ease.

 

[Beef Curtain]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1lnbrdg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer the Dillon 550 for rifle. It's very accurate for me and easier to semi-progressively reload on for accuracy than the 650.

I still weigh powder for all my long-range ammo and it seems to be easier for me with the 550 and not having to worry with the auto-index feature of the 650.

Well, my $.02 anyways. </div></div>

I m in total agreement with this. The 650 auto index is a pain when you want to load for accuracy.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunderstorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1lnbrdg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer the Dillon 550 for rifle. It's very accurate for me and easier to semi-progressively reload on for accuracy than the 650.

I still weigh powder for all my long-range ammo and it seems to be easier for me with the 550 and not having to worry with the auto-index feature of the 650.

Well, my $.02 anyways. </div></div>

I m in total agreement with this. The 650 auto index is a pain when you want to load for accuracy. </div></div>

I also like the position of the powdering station on the 550 better in the semi-progressive mode over the 650. Weigh a load, funnel in the powder die, drop it, run ram back down, index, load bullet, ram back up to seat bullet and drop another weighed load of powder.

It just works better for me over the 650.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunderstorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1lnbrdg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I prefer the Dillon 550 for rifle. It's very accurate for me and easier to semi-progressively reload on for accuracy than the 650.

I still weigh powder for all my long-range ammo and it seems to be easier for me with the 550 and not having to worry with the auto-index feature of the 650.

Well, my $.02 anyways. </div></div>

I m in total agreement with this. The 650 auto index is a pain when you want to load for accuracy. </div></div>

Respectfully disagree.

If you don't want Auto index, remove the cam. When you want it, install it.

The Hornady LnL AP is a great machine.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Dillon 550.

 

[2Shots]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I have the dillon 550 and 650, for what you want to do, 550.

 

[Eric B.]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Thanks guys. I'll take a much closer look at the Dillon 550. As stated, I want accuracy in reloading so "semi-progressive" is fine.

Really, for me it's just as much about setting up dies ONCE as accuracy in powder measurement, bullet seating, etc.

I'm using Neil Jones dies for my .300 WM. Best I've found and Neil is a benchrest guy as well as an excellent machineist. His shop has the latest CNC stuff and he does work for the Treasury Dep't.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

To achieve the "set it and forget it" die repeatability you desire, any Dillon will require modifications and extras, such as those sold by uniquetek.

The bushings the LnL takes, however, are rock solid.

Strongly recommend you consider the LnL.

 

[lachoneus]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

My vote goes for the 550 as well, particularly for the calibers you are reloading. You can slow down the process as much as you want if you are trying for utmost consistency. On the other hand, you can go full progressive and still get very consistent, accurate cartridges, especially using ball powders.

My full-progressive loads for .223, .308 and .30'06 do as well or better than FGMM in my rifles, and the only "uniquetek" additions I have are the micrometer adjustable powder bar and the thrust bearing on the shell plate.

I have been using my 550 for nearly two decades, and only recently made the new additions. The micrometer addition is really nice, and cuts down the time spent arriving at a charge or returning to it later. I have found the shell plate bearing helpful only when loading small capacity cases (such as 9mm) to keep from knocking powder out when indexing cartridges to the next station. I found the stock shell plate unit to be perfectly serviceable, however.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please



I also like the position of the powdering station on the 550 better in the semi-progressive mode over the 650. Weigh a load, funnel in the powder die, drop it, run ram back down, index, load bullet, ram back up to seat bullet and drop another weighed load of powder.

It just works better for me over the 650.

[/quote]
1inbrdg: you take out the powder measure on station 2 and stick a funnel on there to dispense measured loads?

 

[scotharr]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Get the 550 with extra toolheads: one for each cartridge. Then it is real easy to swap different cartridges without readjusting anything. I use and recommend the Uniquetek floating die toolheads (modified Whdden toolheads.

 

[Cacciatore]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captramrod01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Redding T7 and I personally think its the best single stage press you can buy. </div></div>

This if you want a little more consistency.

If you really want a progressive the LNL AP and the Dillon 550 are both great units.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I also like the position of the powdering station on the 550 better in the semi-progressive mode over the 650. Weigh a load, funnel in the powder die, drop it, run ram back down, index, load bullet, ram back up to seat bullet and drop another weighed load of powder.

It just works better for me over the 650.

</div></div>
1inbrdg: you take out the powder measure on station 2 and stick a funnel on there to dispense measured loads? [/quote]

I use the standard Dillon powder die with the Dillon-whatever powder funnel in the die. On top of that, I have an all aluminum funnel bought several years ago for .308 calaber shells that fits almost perfectly into the top of the dillon powder die.

Sounds a bit convuleted but it works great and is really a bit simpler than it sounds. The dillon powder funnel inside of the die just makes sure that the powder goes into the case. All of the Dillon powder funnels work better if they are polished more, I used a long piece of rubber chucked up in a drill with valve grinding compound. One of these days I'm going to remember to buy a tapered reamer to open the hole up just a tad more.

 

[rusty815]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Lee classic turret here, I have no problem getting consistency with it and I love using it, plus its inexpensive compared to other turret presses and turrets for it are inexpensive as well.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1lnbrdg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I also like the position of the powdering station on the 550 better in the semi-progressive mode over the 650. Weigh a load, funnel in the powder die, drop it, run ram back down, index, load bullet, ram back up to seat bullet and drop another weighed load of powder.

It just works better for me over the 650.

</div></div>
1inbrdg: you take out the powder measure on station 2 and stick a funnel on there to dispense measured loads? </div></div>

I use the standard Dillon powder die with the Dillon-whatever powder funnel in the die. On top of that, I have an all aluminum funnel bought several years ago for .308 calaber shells that fits almost perfectly into the top of the dillon powder die.

Sounds a bit convuleted but it works great and is really a bit simpler than it sounds. The dillon powder funnel inside of the die just makes sure that the powder goes into the case. All of the Dillon powder funnels work better if they are polished more, I used a long piece of rubber chucked up in a drill with valve grinding compound. One of these days I'm going to remember to buy a tapered reamer to open the hole up just a tad more. [/quote]
I like the idea of prepping the brass and priming and then inserting the primed brass into the 550 station 1, dump powder in station 2 and seat bullets in station 3. I have the Satern funnel and will see if it works. Thanks.

 

[nauta]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To achieve the "set it and forget it" die repeatability you desire, any Dillon will require modifications and extras, such as those sold by uniquetek.

The bushings the LnL takes, however, are rock solid.

Strongly recommend you consider the LnL. </div></div>
Agreed. The bushings make changing calibers just as easy and you can usually still store the dies in their cases. With no separate toolhead piece the measurements I get don't seem to vary and it's cheaper.

 

[Scimitar]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I have both a 550 and a Hornady LNL. I like the Hornady a lot
more than I thought I would. I modified my Dillon with the kit from UniqueTek for the toolheads but that's not required on the LNL AP. I also like the powder measure better. Not going to sell
my Dillon. But after having both. If I bought another. It would most likely be another Hornady. I have one thing to say though,
nobody beats Dillon customer service. I have 2 square deals and the 550 and Dillon has always, always come through on brpken parts.

 

[Nodogs]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Take a look for videos on youtube and you can see all of the above progressive presses in service. I just watched several the other night to compare to my Dillon 550 and think that it's the best press for me. I can load 500 rounds of pistol or 5.56 in an hour without much effort but also use it for the 308 precision rifle as well. The 550 is quite a bit cheaper to add calibers than the 650 too. IMNSHO

 

[tactserv]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

I did not think the 550 had enough stroke length the the 300WM. Am I wrong?

Mike

 

[pmclaine]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Just a thought.

Dillon BL550.

Its really just a turret press in reverse.

Cost is reasonable and you can turn it into a 550 by buying the required parts.

 

[1lnbrdg]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

300WM will load on a 550

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

if you do not get the Dillon 550 now, you will eventually get one anyway. Buy once, cry once and get on with your reloading.

I bought a Lee Loadmaster first in a mis-guided effort to save some money--fail. Spent 3 days tinkering with trying to make it work right, got pissed and sent it back for a refund (minus shipping) and bought the Dillon. Had it set up and was reloading in 1.5 hrs. Dillon will not disappoint you.

 

[Boxerglocker]

Re: Buying New Press. Suggestions please

Your short answer is... get a Dillon. The reality is either press whether the 550 or 650 will work for you provided you have your press set up correctly for your given load.

I have a XL650 set up for .223 and 9mm. I FL size and trim with a RT1200B and load in full auto-index mode. I have several .5 MOA or better loads that I produce in this manner.

The key is finding a good metering ball powder that works for your load.

That said, I'm currently loading 69g and 75g loads with Varget on my LNL SS, powder charging manually. I have a LNL auto-charge I'll be looking for either a used 550 or buying a new BL550