Progressive Press

[UpNorthAndy]

Hey guys, been looking into progressive presses for a while now and am trying to make up my mind on which to get. I don't shoot a ton, yet. I do plan to start shooting a lot more this spring/summer and have begun stocking up on brass. I load a lot of .223 and 22-250 right now as those are my go to coyote guns, but I do also load for 7mm mag, 6.5cm and soon 6.5Grendel, 9mm, 45acp. I currently have a single stage RCBS that I do all my loading on. I do have a lee classic turret press, but I've never set it up.

I've had my eye on the Lee LoadMaster and the Hornady LNL AP. One of the reasons I like the idea of the LM is because I can buy a rig all setup to load .223 minus a powder cop die and a bullet feed setup for $240 online right now. Granted it's not going to have a continuous case feed, but it does come with the 4 tube setup which I feel would be more than sufficient for me for now. A tube style bullet feeder from DAA or RCBS would be a decently priced way to speed things up as well. I know it's not as high quality as the LNL AP, but I think it might hold me over for a bit.

The main reason I'm considering the Hornady LNL AP is because I found a guy that has a pretty decent price on one that he wants to sell. It's a brand new still in the box press as it comes from any dealer with all the normally included accessories. He's also willing to throw in 4 or 5 shell plates, which would work for all of the calibers I currently shoot, 10 of the QC bushings and a powder cop die. He's wanting to sell me all of this setup for $400. To me it seems like a GREAT deal but I guess I'm not sure. My only concern is that if I want to have any sort of "Case Feeder" set up other than individually setting cases 1 by 1, I'd either have to pony up the $350 for the Hornady unit, as it includes the necessary lower parts that mount to the press, or I'd have to design my own setup, and to be honest, I'd rather reload than build parts from scratch for a press. I do like the way that the LNL AP indexes. It just seems much smoother and less likely to throw powder everywhere.

So I guess my questions are these:
1. With these two presses for choices, which would you choose and why? (Don't say buy a dillon, it's out of the question for now.)
2. Is there a decently priced readily available aftermarket case feeder setup for the LNL AP? Bolt on and go is what I'm looking for.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Strykervet]

I've looked at those and I gotta tell 'ya, I'm not impressed by 'em. Not so much with quality but the whole design. The powder dispenser used is the worst type to use on a progressive press, they're not accurate enough to trust. Lack of specific upgrades that make a progressive press, well, progressive. If you do find a case feeder, it's gonna take up a slot in your plate and probably render a die slot useless. And hope it works right.

You don't wanna hear it, but a Dillon 650 is about the best all around you can get and it's affordable for what you get. It also comes standard with a lot of what you want in a progressive press including the casefeeder. I'd get the roller handle, mounting base and the cast bullet tray, but you can get that later if you like. Or not at all (though I would get the base now). Sure it costs more, but save up for it. It's only $200+ (depending on what all you get now) over the press you mention plus a case feeder. Dillon also has amazing CS and that press is tougher than it looks and it's really well built and easy to operate and work on. The powder dispenser it uses is about the only one worth using on a progressive, it's about within +/- .1gr., which is really good. But it has to be used with fine powder, not a flake or stick (those only work with tricklers anyway). I love it and everyone you ask on here with one will tell you the same thing. Nobody ever says "Dillon sucks and that 650 is a POS".

The 650 can be used like it is and you can get just the bare minimum parts to change calibers and it's not too expensive, or you can get the quick change kits (I do this, it's worth saving for) and leave all the dies set and just change out die blocks. It saves a lot of time and it's all ready to go.

You want to get the 1500 auto trimmer ASAP no matter what, and the trim dies you need (Whidden makes custom trim dies that'll fit Dillon trimmers so if yours isn't on the list, call them). That's the upgrade that really makes this thing shine. The trim die also sizes so if you run an expander mandrel after you're GTG. That trimmer alone is worth it. So fast, accurate and if cases don't need it they just pass through. If you don't want it to size the brass, just adjust it out a bit. Once using it, you can't go back.

Well, that's it, but there's a lot more reasons to go with the Dillon 650 than just it being a progressive, more than I laid out. They make a more costly one, more high speed, the 1050, but it is expensive. The 650 is without a doubt the all around best progressive press you can get and the price really isn't that bad for what you get. If you're military or a vet, they also offer a discount. Just ask 'em about it and they'll give you a customer number. You'll have to call in your orders to get the discounts. Can't recall if you have to send DD214 or anything, some ask for it, some don't.

Good luck whichever way you go.

 

[1500varmint]

I have a Hornady Lock n Load that I use for pistol ammo and I'm very happy with it. I don't have a case feeder or bullet feeder, so my speed is limited somewhat by the need for manually putting in each case and bullet, but I've loaded several thousands of rounds with it over the last year and a half without issue.

The only rifle ammo I load right now is .308 and I do that on a very old Lyman single stage. It's possible to do it on the Lock n Load, but with all the prep involved with bottleneck cases and the need for precise powder measurement (not really possible for extruded powder on the Lock n load powder measure) I think there would be a negative impact to accuracy.

If .223 is the only high-volume round you load then the Lee LoadMaster sounds like a good option.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Given your choices I'd recommend buying the Hornady. The best Bull's Eye pistol shooter I know loads on a Hornady Lock N Load. I had a LoadMaster. The new owner manually indexes it. I traded it for a broken shotgun after I got my 650. I fixed the shotgun, never could get the bugs out of the Lee.

 

[Darqusoull13]

I agree with Strykervet above. If you want a reliable press with a case feeder to load rifle rounds you need to go to the Dillon 650. I use my 650 resize, deprime and trim both 223 and 6.5 Creedmoor. For 223 those cases get wiped off and loaded on a 1050. I shoot gas guns so the 223 is practice ammo. 6.5 Creedmoor cases get deburred and chamfered off the press but there's not really a great option for this on press. Then 6.5
The powder is thrower is going to be your weak link on the 650 for real precision. If you are loading 223 and you use something like H335 or Benchmark you're fine. Good luck getting something like Varget consistent though.

For 9mm and 45 the 650 will shine since you pull the handle once and another round pops out. My suggestion would be to order the 650 in the pistol caliber you shoot the most and then purchase the caliber conversions, tool heads and other size primer systems as you can later.

 

[UpNorthAndy]

Thanks guys, as much as I'd love to grab a Dillon, I just can't right now. I do use benchmark powder and most of my 223 loading is for a gas gun so I don't think that powder throw issues will be too prevalent. Eventually I will be loading a fair amount of 45acp and 9mm. We are in the process of buying a few acres out in the country to build on. Once we are out of city limits I expect our round count will go way up. I think I will be going with the LNL AP as I was able to find a place that 3d prints and sells an entire case feed setup for a really reasonable price. THanks for your input guys

 

[waveslayer]

Go Dillon 650. You can simply load the powder by hand, I used to do it with my 550.

Others have gone in great detail, make the Dillon a priority and use the best

 

[pmclaine]

Thanks guys, as much as I'd love to grab a Dillon, I just can't right now. I do use benchmark powder and most of my 223 loading is for a gas gun so I don't think that powder throw issues will be too prevalent. Eventually I will be loading a fair amount of 45acp and 9mm. We are in the process of buying a few acres out in the country to build on. Once we are out of city limits I expect our round count will go way up. I think I will be going with the LNL AP as I was able to find a place that 3d prints and sells an entire case feed setup for a really reasonable price. THanks for your input guys

If Dillon is what you lust for save up the extra time it takes to get there.

You will find happiness in the end.

If you go a different route than you will only spend twice.

Now if you have used the others and they work for you fine buy them and use them but if your heart wants one thing and you settle for another you will not be happy.

 

[Threadcutter308]

If Dillon is what you lust for save up the extra time it takes to get there.

You will find happiness in the end.

If you go a different route than you will only spend twice.

Now if you have used the others and they work for you fine buy them and use them but if your heart wants one thing and you settle for another you will not be happy.

+1,

Yeah, and to buy what you really want, the second time around, will cost you double. BTDT......you remember that shit for a long time.

 

[pmclaine]

I saved for about 4 years, read shit the entire time. Had an ache of yearning in my heart and balls the entire time.....

Now.....

Total inner peace except Ive started buying accessories......

 

[Threadcutter308]

I saved for about 4 years, read shit the entire time. Had an ache of yearning in my heart and balls the entire time.....

Now.....

View attachment 6996861

View attachment 6996862

Total inner peace except Ive started buying accessories......

View attachment 6996864

Probably a dik thing for me to do, but have you looked into a Mr. Bulletfeeder ? I have one, it's the shizzle.....

 

[pmclaine]

Probably a dik thing for me to do, but have you looked into a Mr. Bulletfeeder ? I have one, it's the shizzle.....

I change calibers too often and load in reasonable batches.

Despite people saying the S1050 sucks for caliber changes it really doesnt. Probably takes about 30 minutes if you want to be quick about it but I make it take an hour or two as I PM the machine between calibers.

I might load up 2-3,000 rounds of ammo at a whack for each caliber.

If its pistol ammo thats a few hour long loading sessions depending on what time I have to do it.

Big Rifle is slower as I weigh and drop each individual load and there is also a case prep step prior to loading.

Little rifle is like pistol 2-3000 rounds in little time once the case prep is complete.

If I stuck with one caliber a bullet feeder would be great.

 

[tsu45]

I've looked at those and I gotta tell 'ya, I'm not impressed by 'em. Not so much with quality but the whole design. The powder dispenser used is the worst type to use on a progressive press, they're not accurate enough to trust. Lack of specific upgrades that make a progressive press, well, progressive. If you do find a case feeder, it's gonna take up a slot in your plate and probably render a die slot useless. And hope it works right.

You don't wanna hear it, but a Dillon 650 is about the best all around you can get and it's affordable for what you get. It also comes standard with a lot of what you want in a progressive press including the casefeeder. I'd get the roller handle, mounting base and the cast bullet tray, but you can get that later if you like. Or not at all (though I would get the base now). Sure it costs more, but save up for it. It's only $200+ (depending on what all you get now) over the press you mention plus a case feeder. Dillon also has amazing CS and that press is tougher than it looks and it's really well built and easy to operate and work on. The powder dispenser it uses is about the only one worth using on a progressive, it's about within +/- .1gr., which is really good. But it has to be used with fine powder, not a flake or stick (those only work with tricklers anyway). I love it and everyone you ask on here with one will tell you the same thing. Nobody ever says "Dillon sucks and that 650 is a POS".

The 650 can be used like it is and you can get just the bare minimum parts to change calibers and it's not too expensive, or you can get the quick change kits (I do this, it's worth saving for) and leave all the dies set and just change out die blocks. It saves a lot of time and it's all ready to go.

You want to get the 1500 auto trimmer ASAP no matter what, and the trim dies you need (Whidden makes custom trim dies that'll fit Dillon trimmers so if yours isn't on the list, call them). That's the upgrade that really makes this thing shine. The trim die also sizes so if you run an expander mandrel after you're GTG. That trimmer alone is worth it. So fast, accurate and if cases don't need it they just pass through. If you don't want it to size the brass, just adjust it out a bit. Once using it, you can't go back.

Well, that's it, but there's a lot more reasons to go with the Dillon 650 than just it being a progressive, more than I laid out. They make a more costly one, more high speed, the 1050, but it is expensive. The 650 is without a doubt the all around best progressive press you can get and the price really isn't that bad for what you get. If you're military or a vet, they also offer a discount. Just ask 'em about it and they'll give you a customer number. You'll have to call in your orders to get the discounts. Can't recall if you have to send DD214 or anything, some ask for it, some don't.

Good luck whichever way you go.

Does the 1500 trimmer chamfer and debur?

 

[pmclaine]

Does the 1500 trimmer chamfer and debur?

Nope.

Total ass ache doing that by hand in a second op.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

I saved for about 4 years, read shit the entire time. Had an ache of yearning in my heart and balls the entire time.....

Now.....

View attachment 6996861

View attachment 6996862

Total inner peace except Ive started buying accessories......

View attachment 6996864

The cabinet....where did you get it?

 

[Mike Casselton]

The cabinet....where did you get it?

Looks like a Hon office supply cabinet.
I bought two of them of Craigslist for less than $100 each. Look at used furniture stores, second hand stores and office supply places. Great cabinets that hold a ton of weight.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I saved for about 4 years, read shit the entire time. Had an ache of yearning in my heart and balls the entire time.....

Now.....

View attachment 6996861

View attachment 6996862

Total inner peace except Ive started buying accessories......

View attachment 6996864

I see that your label maker does not have a label on it. How do you know what that thing is without the label?

 

[footsteps]

I saved for about 4 years, read shit the entire time. Had an ache of yearning in my heart and balls the entire time.....

Now.....

View attachment 6996861

View attachment 6996862

Total inner peace except Ive started buying accessories......

View attachment 6996864

That is one sweet room. I have a mint Dillion 450 my father inlaw gave me sits in a box...

 

[pmclaine]

That is one sweet room. I have a mint Dillion 450 my father inlaw gave me sits in a box...

Not 100 percent but I think the 450 is just a bare bones 550.

Great press you should fire it up.

 

[pmclaine]

I see that your label maker does not have a label on it. How do you know what that thing is without the label?

 

[pmclaine]

The cabinet....where did you get it?

The wood one was custom built at a price I never thought would be so reasonable. A funny story on that as my wife made the suggestion and as usual showed me to be a fool.

The metal one comes from ULine. You will need to buy the lable maker at Staples to go with it.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I can't speak to the quality, durability, and customer support for Hornady or other presses mentioned above, but I can talk about Dillon. My RL550 is 23 years old. Who knows how many thousands - probably tens of thousands - of 9mm, .45ACP, and a smattering of other come&go calibers have gone 'round that turret. A few years ago, I was having trouble with the powder measure hanging. Dillon support - where a person, not a machine, answered the phone - told me to just send it in and they'd send me a new one.

I actually prefer the 550 over the 650 (due dilligence: I have never spent time with a 650) because I'm rather OCD about the process. The 550 allows or forces me to put fingers on each piece of brass and I have an excellent feel for what the primer feed, powder drop, bullet seat, and taper crimp are doing. From what I've read, I would lose at least some of that on a 650.

With that said, I can echo what others have said about Dillon: it's a purchase you won't regret. If I recall, you actually get a significant "if you don't like it, send it back for refund" period.

Regarding bottleneck rifle handloading as opposed to bulk pistol reloading: I have a buddy whose .223s produce sub-MOA accuracy being loaded with non-match dies and dropped (ball) powder - he says he loads them just like pistol, and just as fast with exception of the lube step (he has a source for trimmed/prepped brass).

I am just now getting started loading 6.5CM on my Dillon. In these early stages, I will use it more like a single-stage until I get all my individual steps sorted. I handloaded bottleneck rounds on a single-stage press years ago; didn't care for it and have resisted doing it again... it was inevitable. Down the rabbit hole I go.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Downhill, I had a Master Shooter I shot with who loaded 200 and 300 yard ammo with dropped charges on a 650. He did weigh his 600 yard loads but loaded them on his 650 also. He had the opinion his thrown ammo was probably just as accurate at 600 yards but he never shot a 20 round string with it.

I am setting up mine for the same but I have been shooting less and haven't loaded my own ammo for a couple of years.

 

[footsteps]

Not 100 percent but I think the 450 is just a bare bones 550.

Great press you should fire it up.

I'm thinking of getting the upgrades to make it a 550 I have been getting my reloading room set up, buying necessary equipment in order to start reloading within the next 2 months..lots to do and learn.

 

[LawnMM]

You can buy a case feeder for the Hornady any time, same with a bullet feeder though I went with a Mr. Bulletfeeder rather than the Hornady option because it seems like a better item

 

[DownhillFromHere]

Downhill, I had a Master Shooter I shot with who loaded 200 and 300 yard ammo with dropped charges on a 650. He did weigh his 600 yard loads but loaded them on his 650 also. He had the opinion his thrown ammo was probably just as accurate at 600 yards but he never shot a 20 round string with it.

I am setting up mine for the same but I have been shooting less and haven't loaded my own ammo for a couple of years.

I'm not as concerned about speed/volume on rifle ammo as pistol. With the latter, I have a process that evolved over years - all I want is "good enough" ammo for USPSA-type competition, and I want to get it done as fast as I can while giving due diligence to the fact I'm using range brass that may be used up/split.

With rifle, now that I have invested in a decent set of dies and associated bits, I want to load the best ammo I can given my decent pile of once-fired, cheap Hornady brass.

I took my first small batch out yesterday (time constraints). Three 5-round groups, 40.0, 40.3, 40.6 grains of H4350 behind Hornady 147-gr ELD bullets, Federal 210 match primers. All three were under 1/2" - but the 40.6-grain group gave me a 0.28" 100-yard group (one "flyer," otherwise a single hole) at 2744fps with and extreme spread of 3 (yes, 3) fps. Blind hog finds an acorn! The worst of the groups still had ES of about 1/3 of what I see in factory 147s.

Who says ya gotta have an arbor press to load good rounds... oh, and my scale is a 1979-vintage RCBS beam scale that can indeed discern the addition/removal of three kernels of H4350 when the bean is centered. It's "good enough."

 

[pmclaine]

I'm thinking of getting the upgrades to make it a 550 I have been getting my reloading room set up, buying necessary equipment in order to start reloading within the next 2 months..lots to do and learn.

Dave Tubb loads his precision ammo on a 550 is the current story.

Its a great press and easy to swap calibers on.

I think you will enjoy getting it running. Everything on the 550 is 100% replaceable by Dillon.

If your press looks weathered you may consider sending it in to them for refurb (Like $75) and ask if they can mod it to a 550.

From the looks of presses people get back when getting a refurb I suspect Dillon just takes a new press off the shelf and send it out while the old cast goes back into production to be made new again.

 

[Rlandry]

If you want to get completely turned off with reloading, the Lee Loadmaster is the most efficient way to do it. It will take approximately 30 days and you will be cleansed of the reloading bug forever.
But, if you are the type that is mechanically savvy, just can't resist a good challenge, and enoy waiting at the mailbox for parts to arrive, then the Loadmaster is the press for you.
If you are serious about reloading and are going to do it for years, Dillon is the best. They are not cheap, but quality never is, and Dillon's lifetime no BS warranty is impossible to beat. it's worth it to wait until you have saved enough for it.
You will not go wrong with either a 550 or a 650. The 1050 is also a great press but Dillon considers it a commercial press and the lifetime warranty does not apply to it. A lot of people do not realize it until they buy it.

 

[Spdy]

Andy, I hear you cost is always a factor. But sometimes its worth waiting to start a little higher. I started with a Hornady progressive press before the LnL press came out. Didn't like it, the powder measure would sometimes stick and throw low or no charge. I have no idea how the newer LnL works.

I sold that Hornady and picked up one of the first Dillon 650 presses. I have loaded thousands (more?) of 45 ACP; 10mm; and 223 on this press. No, its not perfect. The powder drop can be finicky with some powders. The primer feed can get out of sync. BUT - it loads fast and easy and with the check systems you know your powder drop is right each time. There is a whole cottage industry of other companies making Dillon accessories. And Dillon's service is the best in the field, or any field. My 20 year old case feed motor died this year. I emailed Dillon and 2 days later I get a reply that a new motor is on its way for free, including a paid mailer to send the old motor back. They didn't ask to see any proof that I was the original owner. If you can find a used Dillon at a good price go for it - Dillon will back you up.

PMClaine, damn I'm jealous., that is a nice setup.

 

[Ozarkcop]

Don’t listen to these guys about dillons. They are worse than crack try it one time and you will hooked to the point of selling everything you own just to buy more new shiny blue things. Find a used 550, don’t worry about condition. If anything is wore or damged call Dillon and they will send the parts, for free, to fix it up or send them the whole rig and for $50 or so they send it back to you and it will be like new.

 

[Rillhurst]

Another one of the ‘early’ Dillon 650 and going strong. Gotten my share of replacement parts too, but after decades of use. Nothing but praise here.

 

[footsteps]

Dave Tubb loads his precision ammo on a 550 is the current story.

Its a great press and easy to swap calibers on.

I think you will enjoy getting it running. Everything on the 550 is 100% replaceable by Dillon.

If your press looks weathered you may consider sending it in to them for refurb (Like $75) and ask if they can mod it to a 550.

From the looks of presses people get back when getting a refurb I suspect Dillon just takes a new press off the shelf and send it out while the old cast goes back into production to be made new again.

it's in like new condition still have all the original packaging. I was looking last night at what I will need from Dillon looks pretty straightforward... Thanks for the input..

 

[pmclaine]

it's in like new condition still have all the original packaging. I was looking last night at what I will need from Dillon looks pretty straightforward... Thanks for the input..

Sign up for their Blue Press catalog/monthly news letter.

Usually a good gun article or two in there every month and a chick on the cover.

 

[DellaDog]

Just moved up to a 550 from a Rockchucker. I run it as a single stage, but it lets me measure every round before it comes off and back up and reseat if long.
Expand, pour, seat and measure.
I like it.

 

[footsteps]

Just moved up to a 550 from a Rockchucker. I run it as a single stage, but it lets me measure every round before it comes off and back up and reseat if long.
Expand, pour, seat and measure.
I like it.

View attachment 7047795

That is one good-looking press..

 

[gunsnjeeps]

I started with a Loadmaster. I made one big batch of .45 ACP. It didn't work well, the adjustable disk for the powder measure may have been the problem. I have a few rounds in the batch that have no powder. Batch is in isolation and press is gone.

Got the 650 I should have bought in the first place but travel for work has kept me busy.

 

[padronanniversary]

Dillon is my vote. I loaded countless rounds on a 550. A few years ago got a 1050, love that thing.

Then I added this... I just sit back and add primers and cases and bullets to feeder.

Processing 223 brass is so amazing, swaging on press as well as having swage sensors so you don’t get ringers.

I do have my giraurd for trimming, I’m not sold on the dillon trimmer to add to my press.



The 1050 heads are pricey though you could almost buy a 650 buy the time u buy a caliber conversion and head and a few other items

 

[padronanniversary]

oh and get the dillon primer vibrator thing!!!!!

before I got that I would flip primers and load tubes.... now just hit a button and a minute later a primer tube is ready to be loading into press

 

[gunsnjeeps]

I couldn't justify a 1050. I thought the same thing when I figured changing calibers, a swap costs almost as much as a 650. I have heard folks have one in large primer and one in small primer.

 

[Strykervet]

I couldn't justify a 1050. I thought the same thing when I figured changing calibers, a swap costs almost as much as a 650. I have heard folks have one in large primer and one in small primer.

I couldn't either but it was a hard decision because I have a shit ton of LC brass and the built in swager is the titties. The 650 just costs less to swap calibers, particularly if you take advantage of the quick change.

That automated setup is pretty slick, I'd LOVE that. I saw another setup where a guy had seven of those going simultaneously and had alarms and lights... When one went off, he'd go add primers or brass or whatever, but he could basically watch a movie while loading 10,000 rounds or so. The motor setup to operate the handles was pretty damn slick.

Just moved up to a 550 from a Rockchucker. I run it as a single stage, but it lets me measure every round before it comes off and back up and reseat if long.
Expand, pour, seat and measure.
I like it.

View attachment 7047795

How are you measuring OAL? I see that mic on there... If it's from tip to end you'll get varying results anyway. You wanna measure from the ogive to the end (the Hornady setup is nice for this, I had a cheap set of Frankford Arsenal calipers I permanently setup that way). If you've got something on there so it measures from a consistent spot, disregard.

Unless the seating die moves, the OAL should be consistent. I usually check the die by hand every so often and measure every 50th or 100th round... With BMG I don't have a comparator so I'm stuck measuring it from tip to end and it can be off by almost a 1/10".

 

[Huskydriver]

Dillon, Dillon Dillon... Why because it spits hot fire mon...

 

[pmclaine]

I couldn't justify a 1050. I thought the same thing when I figured changing calibers, a swap costs almost as much as a 650. I have heard folks have one in large primer and one in small primer.

Yep, those cast iron tool heads cost a pretty buck, than when you consider you want two for each rifle caliber it adds up.

As mentioned its the swager thats the shizzle.

I would probably suck someones cock at Dillon if they could come up with a cutter for the rapid trim that chamfers inside/outside while trimming.

 

[DellaDog]

How are you measuring OAL? I see that mic on there... If it's from tip to end you'll get varying results anyway. You wanna measure from the ogive to the end (the Hornady setup is nice for this,

It’s the Redding instant indicator, it measures off the ogive. Setup like it is, I keep my seating tolerance within .001.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

I've bought a used Dillon trimmer to see if I can figure out a way to set it up with a RCBS three way trimmer. I'm surprised that Giraud or someone hasn't made one.

 

[pmclaine]

I've bought a used Dillon trimmer to see if I can figure out a way to set it up with a RCBS three way trimmer. I'm surprised that Giraud or someone hasn't made one.

Keep us informed.

Its really tight trimming in the neck of a size die.

 

[LANCER]

I saved for about 4 years, read shit the entire time. Had an ache of yearning in my heart and balls the entire time.....

Now.....

View attachment 6996861

View attachment 6996862

Total inner peace except Ive started buying accessories......

View attachment 6996864

I am in the same boat. I went full retard on my loading setup with dual S1050's and 8 quick-change toolheads; half of those for brass processing with RT1500's and half with loading heads. Caliber changes are a breeze once you stop overthinking it. I can do a caliber change in 5 minutes if I need to, but I like to go through the whole thing top to bottom when I changeover. Of course it requires buying a bunch of toolheads and conversions, which is not cheap.

For the OP, even though I run Dillon, you should consider that LNL AP if you're getting a good deal. It seems to have a lot of accessories which you would end up buying later anyway. I heard it requires a lot of tweaking to get right, but once running smoothly, it seems to be a good press. Of course, I would still recommend going with a Dillon 650, since there are a ton of users with experience and will let you know how to improve any of the hickups. All presses need some tweaking at the beginning. They all have a great warranty, so if you break parts, MFG's usually just send you parts no questions asked. Whatever brand you go to, you'll probably stay with it for life, unless you get frustrated with one.

I started reloading straight to a Dillon S1050, even knowing that the machine is more for commercial loaders and doesn't carry the same lifetime warranty as the other Dillons. I don't regret it. Haven't broken any part on them yet and have close to 20k rounds of various calibers. Also don't let people tell you not to start reloading with a progressive. It is possible. Should also have a single stage on hand for various one-offs as needed.

 

[jetsurgeon]

Had a Hornady LNl AP for many years, then switch to a Dillon 650. Should have just purchased the Dillon in the first place, much better press than the LNL.

 

[tunaman]

I am just now getting started loading 6.5CM on my Dillon. In these early stages, I will use it more like a single-stage until I get all my individual steps sorted. I handloaded bottleneck rounds on a single-stage press years ago; didn't care for it and have resisted doing it again... it was inevitable. Down the rabbit hole I go.

I’ve had my 550 for about 10 years and have also loaded countless rounds with it. Fortunately I had great counsel when I first got serious about reloading, and took his advice.

Most of the time I’m using mine in single-stage mode, which is one of the best reasons for the 550 over the 650 IMHO. I am loading a lot of precision rounds for my .260, 6.5x47 and 7.5x55, so single stage works best for that application. I am also able to reload for my FN FiveseveN.

I load for about 15 different calibers on it. Most of the other calibers I run in progressive mode, which moves along pretty well and can put out plenty of ammo in a relatively short period of time.

I have around 25 toolheads, each permanently set up with dies configured for each application. Caliber changes take about a minute without a primer setup change, or less than 5 minutes if I have to switch from large to small or small to large primer assemblies.

I find that the Dillon powder funnels are adequate for most of the plinking applications I use them for - 30-06, 44 Spl/Mag, 38 Spl/357 Mag, 9mm.

Buy once, cry once... you won’t be sorry.

 

[Strykervet]

SO I'm still digging my Dillon shit!

AND CS has been stellar, even sending me a bunch of extra parts for free without asking.

And it works. I only wish I could get out there and use it more right now! Biggest problem with these presses is actually being able to buy enough bullets to keep 'em going!

SO, which one did you go with? I still stand by the 650 as being the best choice all around and nobody has ever bought a 650 and bitched about it, not that I know of. Plus there's a shit ton of add ons and extras for these and the caliber specific loading blocks, if you do it that way, are cheaper and/or more complete than other presses.

Just wanna see you happy and get the best, that's all. There's a lot of good options regarding presses, but when it comes to progressive setups Dillon does kinda rise higher than the competition. Progressive and high volume loading is what they do.

And if it hasn't been said already, there is NO BETTER powder measure than the Dillon. None better. With the right powder and correct powder bar, it'll drop quite accurate loads consistently. Loading M855 clones is fast as shit and they're better than LC factory. Never seen a standard powder measure that was accurate or one where a powder baffle fixed it --I still have to weigh every damn M2 BMG load because of this, and Dillon doesn't make a powder measure that big. Yet anyway.

 

[Wormydog1724]

I'm going to give my Dillon 550 a whirl with 6.5CM, 41.9gr H4350 and 140gr ELDM.
I'll probably do 20 or so rounds first and see how they shoot, if it's on par with my RCSupreme and Chargemaster, I'll be all set.

The way I normally load 6.8 SPC and .223 on my 550 is in two stages with two toolheads (Prep and Load).

Toolhead 1 (Prep head):
Station 1: FL resize/decap
Station 2: Empty
Station 3: Dillon Trim Die/RT1200 trimmer (will be empty for 6.5CM)
Station 4: Empty

Tumble to remove lube

Toolhead 2 (Load head):
Station 1: Universal decap die (clear flash hole)
Station 2: Powder drop (UniqueTek micrometer)
Station 3: Bullet seat
Station 4: Empty (or Crimp for 6.8SPC)

Once my brass is prepped I can blow through a lot of rounds in one sitting. I'm only loading 100 to 150 at a time for 6.5CM so it's not a ton to do with a RCSup and Chargemaster, but I know the Dillon 550 will be faster, but hopefully the results will be as good.

I would probably suck someones cock at Dillon if they could come up with a cutter for the rapid trim that chamfers inside/outside while trimming.

LoL!