which to buy

[AussieRogue]

Hi there guys I am about to buy some reloading equipment I have my eyes on a Lee Load-Master Progressive Press Kit or a Dillon XL 650 which do you recommend I get 

[Charlie Foxtrot]

AR;

Buddy of mine has a Dillon 650.  It's the absolute t!ts.  He can crank out 400 rounds an hour of 45 Colt without breaking a sweat. With the optional tool heads, he can swap calibers in about 5 minutes. The rounds are always of the highest quality. In addition, Dillon's Customer Service is legendary. He is VERY happy with his Dillon. 

I'm currently chugging along with a RockChucker III.  One day -- I'll get a Dillon 650!

Tactical Tommy has a Lee Progressive -- But remember, that's Tommy...   

Luck!

[Jim Fleming]

Go Blue... Bottom Line, I recommend Dillon, always...

For example, I just (18 May 2012) reloaded two hundred (200) rounds on my Dillon 550 RL in about 290 minutes. To be sure I have a case feeder on it... But you get the idea.

A 650 is going to be even faster. Just keep one thing in mind, to get these kind of numbers, you're going to need a case feeder. They both run without a case feeder, but much faster with one.

Aussie, good question, sir!

Jim

[Kimerazor]

Like Jim said, Dillon!  Love mine.


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[Devereaux]

There are any number of decent presses out there. But when it comes to progressives, they all want to be like a Dillon. I've had mine since '92, and I can say it is one outstanding machine. And I don't even like reloading that much - it's simply a way to get to shot more.

I have had the 650 and would say it is the BEST of the Dillon presses for what we shooters usually do. The somewhat bigger 1050 is a PITA to change calibres, whereas the 650 is a breeze. It auto-indexes, a major plus for a progressive. You should get the case feeder with it, and you should get the roller handle. Other accessories are more of a personal choice. I have the bullet holding pan for the left side. I have a powder check that I haven't found useful, but perhaps reloading something like .45-70, where there is an easier possibility to double charge might find it a good idea. BUT with the progressive feature, it really doesn't seem to be useful. 550's yes, 650's no. If you reload a lot of different calibres, you might consider getting a second primer assembly like I did (I'm lazy) - it makes changing from large to small and back a whole lot easier. Having a primer alarm is ESSENTIAL to rapid reloading - make sure you include one in your purchase. When you get to doing new calibres, but the whole toolhead kit, which includes a toolhead ans a stand. I bought a bunch of covers for mine, and I like that, but YMMV.

Good lluck!

[Jim Fleming]

+1 and another +1 on what Dev just wrote.

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[Kevin]

Ditto everything Jim and Dev said. Love my 550. And Dillon does have really fantastic customer service. One of the few companies left that truly stand behind their product.

[Charlie Foxtrot]

 
Brain Enos is a respected source for Dillon. I believe the shipping is free if you purchase from him. He also has FAQs and guides for the various presses. 

650 XL Recommended First Purchase

[AussieRogue]

 
Brain Enos is a respected source for Dillon. I believe the shipping is free if you purchase from him. He also has FAQs and guides for the various presses. 

650 XL Recommended First Purchase

Thanks for the link the website look sinteresting 

[Jim Fleming]

C.F. I recently ordered my case feeder from Brian Enos, personally. Meaning I spoke to Brian himself, and he took my order, himself.

My first order was in the neighborhood of $415.00. He said, "Well, Jim, your order is over $400.00 so you qualify for free shipping."

Aussie Rogue, please be advised, if you're shipping internationally? I can't say if you're going to get free shipping or not.

C.F. my subsequent orders through Brian Enos have been much smaller, and of course, I paid shipping charges accordingly.

 
Brain Enos is a respected source for Dillon. I believe the shipping is free if you purchase from him. He also has FAQs and guides for the various presses.  

650 XL Recommended First Purchase

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[AussieRogue]

C.F. I recently ordered my case feeder from Brian Enos, personally. Meaning I spoke to Brian himself, and he took my order, himself.

My first order was in the neighborhood of $415.00. He said, "Well, Jim, your order is over $400.00 so you qualify for free shipping."

Aussie Rogue, please be advised, if you're shipping internationally? I can't say if you're going to get free shipping or not.

C.F. my subsequent orders through Brian Enos have been much smaller, and of course, I paid shipping charges accordingly.


Jim Shipping is not a I live In New Mexico and it looks like if I do order from him it will be in the area of about 650 dollars 

 
Brain Enos is a respected source for Dillon. I believe the shipping is free if you purchase from him. He also has FAQs and guides for the various presses. 

650 XL Recommended First Purchase

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OPPS looks like i did not say anything LOL

What i meant to say is that I live in New Mexico so shipping will not be a problem

[Mudcat]

I agree with what has been said so far. I have a Dillon and it is great, I just did a rebuild on it after right about 40,000 rounds.  I spent less than $40 for the kit and it is as smooth as new now. I have a friend that recently bought a Hornady progressive and I have to say it is pretty nice too. I have a lot of Hornady equipment trimmer, single stage press, dies and powder thrower. It is very good equipment and they also have excellent customer service as do most reloading companies.

[AussieRogue]

Thanks everyone for your help I went with the Dillon XL 650 in 45 Cal Now to the next question what type of 223 dies should I buy

[Jim Fleming]

Dillon dies... simple. Yes, they're EXPEN$IVE, but for my money? They're the best.

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[too tall]

+1 on the Dillon.  I have both a 550 and 650...  machines are great, service from Dillon is fantastic (if needed)..  The dynamic dies are very good (the radius on the carbide sizing die is really required on a progressive IMHO).

Also, Hi to the forum..

Hey, another thing... I had a powder check buzzer (I use them, safer and on the 650, why not) that failed... I only needed one internal part and an email to Dillon and..... a replacement in the mail at NO cost to me...  Installed it and working perfect.

Dillon is really a class act with great equipment and service...

[Jim Fleming]

Sounds typical of the "Dillon Gang."



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[Charlie Foxtrot]

Hey Jim, my first solo reloaded round: 




That's a 6.8x43 Rem round with a Hornady 110gr HPBT Match bullet on top of xx.x grs of IMR 4198, with Federal large rifle primer. Light crimp into the cannelure. 

Thanks for your help and encouragement. 

[Jim Fleming]

Good on ya Charlie Foxtrot! Congratulations, sir!

Hey Jim, my first solo reloaded round: 




That's a 6.8x45 Rem round with a Hornady 110gr HPBT Match bullet on top of xx.x grs of IMR 4198, with Federal large rifle primer. Light crimp into the cannelure. 

Thanks for your help and encouragement. 

[Devereaux]

Nice, CF. Now you have to tell us how well it shoots in that new AR of yours.

[Kimerazor]

Hello CF.  would love to hear more about the performance of your 6.8.  I have a XCR-L in that & 5.56.  Need the 7.62 conversion kit next.

What's the twist on yours?  Mine is 1/10.

Thanks.


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