New to reloading, serious question

[Ronin13]

So I've been looking in to reloading for a couple months now... the first step, as I've learned from you fine gentlemen here (just looking not posting in here), read, read, read! I've already been reading and absorbing as much info from the ABC's of Reloading, various online reloading guides, manuals, and YouTube videos on the subject. I've got a pretty basic grasp on the science and art behind it, and feel I am ready for the big show! The brother wants to get into this activity as well, and he is pretty much where I was back in Dec when I knew jack and/or shit about it (just the basics, primer goes in the bottom of the brass, powder goes in, bullet goes in, viola!). In discussing how to go about and what the initial investment cost, we came to the conclusion (donning flame suite now) that while yes, learning the fundamentals and basics is key and we should start with a single stage press and manually switch out dies at each stage of reloading. HOWEVER, we found that for just a couple hundred dollars more ($220 each total on just the press) we could just go big instead of going home and get either a Dillon 550b, RCBS Pro 2000 or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and streamline the entire process from the get go. The logic behind this is "if you're going to do something, do it right the first time." We're looking into getting dies for 9mm, .45ACP, and .223 to start with as we've already started saving brass. We're pretty firm ([Coffee]) on the fact that we would like to start with a progressive press to save time, money (won't have to buy two presses in the next few years) and ease of use. But of course I totally expect the wiser, more experienced members here to decry this as a terrible idea and state that we should start with a single stage and all that- not saying this is bad, or that I'll dismiss this advice and do my own thing, but it's not me that needs convincing, it's my brother/partner in reloading that is stubborn and using this logic.

So my question is anyone here familiar with or used both that could tell which of the two is better? Pricing wise the Dillon is $440 and the Hornady is $400, but RCBS is $589 (Brownells)... so they're pretty comparable in cost with the RCBS being quite a bit more, just curious if one is markedly "better" than the other?
Thanks.

[cstone]

For a difference of $40, go Blue. The customer service alone is worth more than $40. The 550 will outlast you and you will be able to get your money back out if you decide to sell at some future date.

[asmo]

For a difference of $40, go Blue. The customer service alone is worth more than $40. The 550 will outlast you and you will be able to get your money back out if you decide to sell at some future date.

This times 1000000

[dwalker460]

If you have never reloaded before just about the worse mistake you can make is to start with a progressive press. You will ALWAYS have a need for a single stage press for decapping or working up a load.

Dillon is good, but I have never drank the blue kool-aid (although I have read the Blue Press) but so are others. I am not a fan of Hornady presses or dies. That is all.

[sellersm]

Nothing new to add here.... Go blue. Don't look back.

[Ronin13]

For a difference of $40, go Blue. The customer service alone is worth more than $40. The 550 will outlast you and you will be able to get your money back out if you decide to sell at some future date.
That's what I've read... top notch stellar customer service.
Thanks!
And in looking, the Dillon dies are pricey by comparison (already checked out cross-compatibility) so we might go with Lee dies to save a little here and there.

[Tim K]

Go Dillon.

And go buy a cheap Lee single stage for $28. Your dies will work, no reason not to still learn on a SS press.

[sellersm]

If you can walk and chew gum, you can learn to reload on a progressive press! Anyways, yes, other brand of dies will work in the Dillon. And getting a Lee Cast (be sure it's cast, not the cheapo aluminum one) SS press is a good idea cuz you'll always need it for something!

I started on all Lee equipment and have since upgraded to a Dillon 550, but still use my LCT and Lee cast SS presses, got rid of the Pro 1000 and don't miss it at all, but you didn't ask about Lee products...

I know guys that have issues with the LNL: priming, and casefeeder issues with 9mm.

[XC700116]

That's what I've read... top notch stellar customer service.
Thanks!
And in looking, the Dillon dies are pricey by comparison (already checked out cross-compatibility) so we might go with Lee dies to save a little here and there.

Go dillon, and for the calibers you are looking at, go with Dillon Carbide dies so you aren't as dependent on lube. It's worth it, remember your do it right the first time logic, dies are not a place to skimp especially in a progressive. Also by separating the crimp from the seating, it's easier to set up in the progressive, not a huge deal but it is easier.

Now back to the other looming question, you will ALWAYS have a use for a single stage, so get one it's handy and if you have a caliber you'd like to reload but don't need to crank out a pile of them, it's a hell of a lot cheaper conversion. Say you want to reload for a hunting rifle but only shoot 50 rounds a year, you don't have to buy a full conversion kit for the progressive press, you can just buy the dies and shell holder and go to town on them. You'll pay for the investment in that first year over premium factory ammo. I personally like the Forster CO-AX single stage as it's got better leverage than most, and you don't have to buy shell holders, and swapping dies takes seconds not minutes and never need to be readjusted as long as your load stays the same.

[Danimal]

If you have never reloaded before just about the worse mistake you can make is to start with a progressive press. You will ALWAYS have a need for a single stage press for decapping or working up a load.

Dillon is good, but I have never drank the blue kool-aid (although I have read the Blue Press) but so are others. I am not a fan of Hornady presses or dies. That is all.

This is pretty much exactly the way that I feel (except the Dillon part, I love my Dillon). If you want the Dillon, by all means get it. Then at the same time buy a cheap single stage. Everybody looks at reloading like it is just slapping components together. But the truth is the brunt of the work and all the heartache is in brass preparation long before you do any real reloading. If you are doing any real volume of cases on a progressive, it is very hard on the press. There is a bunch of dirt, grime and crap that comes out no matter how well you clean the brass and it goes everywhere. Then wait and see how awesome you feel when you get a stuck case and have to crank on your $440 Dillon until you rip the rim off of the case or disassemble the whole thing just to get the ram back down so that you can get the die out and use a stuck case remover. It will happen that you get a case so jammed in there that you have to drill and tap the primer pocket so that you can put a stuck case remover on it just to get it out. Brass prep is so much easier on a single stage press that you don't have a heavy investment in. If I get a stuck case I pull harder. If the case comes out great, if not and the rim pops off you are still 30 minutes ahead of where you would be if you disassemble your Dillon so that you can pull the die tool head.

It is true that anyone can learn on a progressive. It is also true that sometimes you only get one fuck up. Take it slow and take it seriously.

[Inconel710]

Another Dillon fan here. I'm using a Lee cast SS for now and saving for the 550BL down the road.

[asmo]

Brass prep is so much easier on a single stage press that you don't have a heavy investment in. If I get a stuck case I pull harder. If the case comes out great, if not and the rim pops off you are still 30 minutes ahead of where you would be if you disassemble your Dillon so that you can pull the die tool head.

It is true that anyone can learn on a progressive. It is also true that sometimes you only get one fuck up. Take it slow and take it seriously.

I did 400+ rounds of 556 brass prep (decap and size) in a hour this weekend. Try that on your single stage.

[dwalker460]

Yea? I did too, on my LCT used as a single stage

Heres MY problem with a progressive press-
First is my process-
1st- tumble
2nd- decap and inspect. Yeah, I check each and every damned case.
3rd- decrimp- I use a cutter to remove the crimp, but swaging works fine too
4th- cut to length, ,inside and outside chamfer- all one operation on the rifle rounds I load. I also clean all the primer pockets
5th tumble again, then sort by headstamp, weight, or length depending on what I am doing. yeah yeah I know, probably not necessary, but its my process
6th- Prime, I again do this by hand, because i hate it when a primer pocket is loose and powder goes everywhere.
7th- charge- I SOMETIMES use a powder die and charge on the press, but not usually. Usually I hand charge each and every single case. Yeah, I know, probably not necessary but its my process.
8th- seat the bullet, finally I use an RCBS competition die for this and if your not your doing things the hard way.
9th- put in some form of carrying container for temporary custody until transferred to a standard capacity magazine


Now, when I was using progressives it was a PITA to do things for the rifle cartridges the results I am after. Pistol cartridges are fine on a progressive for the most part, but even then on my LCT I can still pump out respectable rounds per hour. ALL progressives hate any kind of contamination, such as powder, brass trimmings, etc. and you get to spend time cleaning and fixing those issues.

The bottom line is how much, seriously , do you actually shoot? If your burning up 1000rnds a week, and are concerned with production volume only, then MAYBE a progressive is for you. If your burning down 1000rnds (maybe) on that once a month trip to the range, then the progressive is a huge waste of time and money. In my spare time, which as a Dad and business owner is in incredibly short supply, I manage to pump out more than enough ammo to keep me going and I shoot almost every single weekend as well as the occasional weekday sneek-a-way range day.

Dillons customer service is top notch, but RCBS's is as good if not better, and Lee's is almost as good.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

I started with the RCBS rock chucker 13 years ago. Still have it, use it often and works great. A few years after that I up graded to the Dillon 550B. And thats where I kept it. The 550b can also be used as a single stage press unlike a true progressive re-loader. Because it has a "Thumb Index" vs a mechanical. I like it better because I have more control over each station. Some thing goes wrong, just pull the pin on that station, remove the case, fix the problem. Re-loading again. JMHO!!

[Great-Kazoo]

Had you been diligent you could have scored a NIB 550B with 223 dies i sold today.

I like the RCBS , Dillon or hornady dies for 223. use D & rCBS for everything else. I have a s/s RCBS and a few dillons.

The only down side to reloading is buying components, and more components and more ..................

[DSB OUTDOORS]

Had you been diligent you could have scored a NIB 550B with 223 dies i sold today.

I like the RCBS , Dillon or hornady dies for 223. use D & rCBS for everything else. I have a s/s RCBS and a few dillons.

The only down side to reloading is buying components, and more components and more ..................
If, and thats a BIG IF. You can even find what your looking for!! [Beer]

[Mazin]

Dude I did the same thing. I chose a LNL for my first press and while it was a good piece of equipment lets just say my next press is a Dillion.


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".

[Great-Kazoo]

If, and thats a BIG IF. You can even find what your looking for!! [Beer]

I'm disabled and have lots of free time. Granted the wife said, STOP BUYING GUNS and focus on ammo and MORE components. So since last year reloading supplies have become a household purchase.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

I'm disabled and have lots of free time. Granted the wife said, STOP BUYING GUNS and focus on ammo and MORE components. So since last year reloading supplies have become a household purchase.
Your a good man Jim!! After the Clinton FU I've been buying here and there. People don't realize that if they just buy one box of ammo when they go to Walmart. One box a trip. $20 or so, they don't blink an eye.

But Shit hits the fan and OMG. 1,000 rounds of 5.56 /223 is $1,000 Ooooooo big ouch. $20 here, $20 there. Loaded, brass, powder, primer, bullets, over a few years = Comfort Zone!! [Beer]

[clocker]

Start with a progressive if that's what you want to do. It will take a bit more time to learn, but you can't beat the speed. Either way you'll end up with both a single and progressive or two if you stay in this hobby. As to brand, I'm still partial to the Hornady presses. That's a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge debate though :) You'll have to decide for yourself.

[USAFGopherMike]

Had you been diligent you could have scored a NIB 550B with 223 dies i sold today.

I like the RCBS , Dillon or hornady dies for 223. use D & rCBS for everything else. I have a s/s RCBS and a few dillons.

The only down side to reloading is buying components, and more components and more ..................

I wondered how long it would take Jim to wade in. Having seen his operation I can say he's a guru. I haven't bought a press yet, still doing research and saving.

[Great-Kazoo]

I wondered how long it would take Jim to wade in. Having seen his operation I can say he's a guru. I haven't bought a press yet, still doing research and saving.

Thanks.
However Just because you have the tools , Doesn't mean you have the Knowledge.

I am always reading, reading and researching. Cannot learn enough, especially when it comes to a process, if not done correctly could damage a gun if not something serious to you.

[Ronin13]

Had you been diligent you could have scored a NIB 550B with 223 dies i sold today.

I like the RCBS , Dillon or hornady dies for 223. use D & rCBS for everything else. I have a s/s RCBS and a few dillons.

The only down side to reloading is buying components, and more components and more ..................
Dammit! I need to troll the trading post more! [Beer] Like DSB said... where can I find components? Everywhere is backorder hell! I checked out Brownells and Midway and it seems like everything is picked clean. I don't mind waiting on backorder, gives me more time to accumulate brass.

Okay, onto a separate, but similar subject (Jim you can answer the PM I sent)-
Tumble vs Sonic brass cleaning.... I found a Hornady sonic cleaner that's right about $100... I don't plan on having more than 100-200 cases at a time to clean so I don't need some huge industrial tumbler. Has anyone used both that could give some input? Thanks, this info you guys are giving is awesome! I'm soaking this stuff up like a sponge!

[asmo]

Tumble vs Sonic brass cleaning.... I found a Hornady sonic cleaner that's right about $100... I don't plan on having more than 100-200 cases at a time to clean so I don't need some huge industrial tumbler. Has anyone used both that could give some input? Thanks, this info you guys are giving is awesome! I'm soaking this stuff up like a sponge!

I am sold on the wet tumbling with stainless steel. My brass has never looked so good.

http://caliban.dreamscope.com/chance/picts/2013-03-05_21-02-16_545.jpg

[Ronin13]

I am sold on the wet tumbling with stainless steel. My brass has never looked so good.
WOW! You could eat dinner off that brass! And I'm scratching my head- that's the one part of reloading I haven't done enough reading on... What exactly is entailed in "wet tumbling with stainless steel"? I read and saw in a couple of places that guys tumble for 48 hours... Does it really take that long to get brass clean and shiny?

[asmo]

WOW! You could eat dinner off that brass! And I'm scratching my head- that's the one part of reloading I haven't done enough reading on... What exactly is entailed in "wet tumbling with stainless steel"? I read and saw in a couple of places that guys tumble for 48 hours... Does it really take that long to get brass clean and shiny?

Thumers Tumbler
5lbs of stainless steel rods
Dawn dish soap
Lemishine

2 hours and your brass will look like that - depending on how filthy it was and the size of the load. Stuff from long runs under a suppressor take a little longer for that level of clean, maybe 3 hours. I have seen no appreciable level of difference in cleanliness going from 4 hours to 16 hours (left it on over night and the next morning on accident).

[dwalker460]

I use a standard vibratory tumbler and either walnut or corncob media. I used to have an ultrasonic cleaner, very cool tool, but its dead now.

[XC700116]

I use Walnut in a vibratory tumbler, Most times unless the brass is really bad, it's clean and shiny with 4 hours. about every 5th or 6th run through the media I add some nu-finish car polish ot the media and it helps shine it up and keep dust down.

Been wanting to switch over to stainless and a thumbler, but can't quite justify the price for the difference. If I were starting out and didn't already have my setup, I'd go stainless and a Thumbler.

[rondog]

I finally got my new cement mixer from Horror Freight assembled, and I'm running my first batch of .30-06 brass as I write this. I bought 25 lbs. of the stainless steel pins, and I had about 19 lbs. of dirty '06 brass. Stuff's been running about 1.5 hours as of right now, looking great so far.

I'm hoping it'll handle 25# of media and 25# of brass, plus the water. So far, it's just churning right along.

It's this one, cute little thing, only about waist-high. 1.25 cu.ft. Caught it on sale, threw in a 20% off coupon, final cost $117.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/tools/mixer.jpg

But as far as the press goes, do whatever you guys want and can afford, you've gotten lots of good advice so far. Myself, I use a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press and all Lee dies. It works very well for me, and I can crank 'em out plenty fast for my needs. I can also remove the drive shaft and use it as a single-stage, do that all the time.

I'll typically deprime all the dirty brass I have of all calibers with a Universal Decapping Die, then tumble them, then prime them. I'll then store them in buckets all polished and primed, ready to load when I get in the mood. Rifle brass, I'll resize and trim, and then prime and store. Rifle brass requires neck sizing and uses special decapping pins to get the inside dimension right, pistol doesn't.

I don't know about other brands of dies, but with the Lee sizing dies, you can remove the decapping pin or just move it up out of the way, so resizing pistol brass with new primers in them is no issue. Just resize, dump the powder, seat the bullet, done.

[asmo]

I finally got my new cement mixer from Horror Freight assembled, and I'm running my first batch of .30-06 brass as I write this. I bought 25 lbs. of the stainless steel pins, and I had about 19 lbs. of dirty '06 brass. Stuff's been running about 1.5 hours as of right now, looking great so far.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/tools/mixer.jpg


If this works can I come to your place with some buckets of 5.56?

[Ronin13]

Sweet! I kinda figured stick with a tumbler instead of going sonic (if it ain't broke don't fix, amirite?)...
Ron, that is a sweet tumbler, I can't tell if you're reloading or re-doing your sidewalk [Coffee]
I'm headed over to sportsman's this weekend (Thornton and maybe Loveland if no success) to see if they have any... Figure with the 500 5.56 the brother and I just bought today we might want to start getting ready to begin reloading mid-next month. [Beer]

[rondog]

If this works can I come to your place with some buckets of 5.56?

My intention, once I get it all figured out, is to offer a polishing service locally. I'm thinking $25 for 25 lbs. Anybody think they might be interested? When I'm ready, I'll start a thread on it. I really only need to make enough to pay for the mixer and media, to keep me outta hot water with the boss lady.

Me being unemployed and all, she'll piss down both legs when she finds out I spent $300 on this. But the kit from stainlesstumblingmedia.com is $255, plus shipping. And I just ran about 10 times what the Thumlers will hold, in one load. If I can make it pay for itself, she'll shaddup.

For reference, a 2.5 gallon paint bucket from Home Depot is close to 25 lbs., depending on the caliber. I just finished the .30-06, got it drying now. That was a 2.5 gal. bucket full to overflowing, and was about 19-20 lbs. Next up will be a mixed batch of .45acp/.45 Colt/.44 Magnum. I figure several calibers can be mixed, as long as they won't "nest" together.

In other news - I figured out how to make it rain. Just set this up on my patio and start running, and the rain will come! [Rant2]

[Ronin13]

20lbs of brass? Holy cow! I need to shoot more, then I might have a need for your services, but if I did I would be up for it! Parker isn't too far for me. That's awesome!

[sellersm]

In other news - I figured out how to make it rain. Just set this up on my patio and start running, and the rain will come! [Rant2]

Now there's your money maker!!

[Zombie Steve]

Late to the party here...

I'm in the "start on a single stage" camp, but if you have to start on a progressive, get the Dillon 550B.

Wet tumbling gets brass shiny. Vibratory tumblers with walnut or corn cob also gets brass shiny. It doesn't matter.... your brass doesn't even need to be shiny to function and shoot well. Purely cosmetic.

[Danimal]

I built a wet tumbler, and have ran it a couple times, but to tell you the truth it is more work unless you get something like a cement mixer [Beer] and do a hellofalot all at once. You have to rinse and rinse and rinse and dry before you can use the brass, and even then you would be surprised how long it can take it to dry out before you can reload. If I were drying 25 lbs of it knowing that I would not have to do it again for a while that would be one thing, but mind only holds about 3 - 4 lbs so it is tedious. I would go with dry tumbling because it is easier, cheaper and still makes brass shiny. Maybe not immaculate, but good enough to look new and work just fine.

[fly boy]

so I have a very small budget for equipment......

Where is the best place to buy equipment in 1 place? I have been searching Craigslist like a boss and found that even used stuff is the same price as new. my Q to you all is, where is the best place to buy things online? Should I buy a piece from midway, a piece from mid-south, and a piece from amazon? Or is there a one stop shop place that will be the best overall deal?

Thanks!

[Great-Kazoo]

so I have a very small budget for equipment......

Where is the best place to buy equipment in 1 place? I have been searching Craigslist like a boss and found that even used stuff is the same price as new. my Q to you all is, where is the best place to buy things online? Should I buy a piece from midway, a piece from mid-south, and a piece from amazon? Or is there a one stop shop place that will be the best overall deal?

Thanks!


970-587-9611 Elk Bomb Shooting supply in milliken. get on the list for what you need. Right now i wager you are # 400 something.

OR Graf & son.
http://www.grafs.com/

Doesn't matter who you go with, you have a wait.
Also had you looked at the STICKY on top of the A&R threads (hint) you have a list of vendors to contact.
http://www.ar-15.co/threads/18232-Reloading-Links

[fly boy]

right now my basket is sitting at $448 with: (back order lastest date is 4-12-13)

Hornady Reloading auto-charge - $218
Hornady case prep - $89.24
RCBS Universal hand primer - $56.23
RCBS Case trimmer - $83.93

that is all from Mid-South

[Hoser]

right now my basket is sitting at $448 with: (back order lastest date is 4-12-13)

Hornady Reloading auto-charge - $218
Hornady case prep - $89.24
RCBS Universal hand primer - $56.23
RCBS Case trimmer - $83.93

that is all from Mid-South

All the above is nice to have, not a have to have...

[fly boy]

All the above is nice to have, not a have to have...


those are what my buddy use's. I was very comfortable on all, and he said I did not NEED them. I know I will eventually get into progressive loading, so I want those pieces now instead of wasting money other other components now.

Was just hoping for less expensive. just those 4 put me at my max max max I can spend.

[Zombie Steve]

Tooling up for reloading is painful, but less so than shooting crummy factory ammo or running around looking to find it at Wal Mart.

[fly boy]

those are the 4 main parts. I know I still need bullet cases, bullet puller, calipers, and a few od's and ends here and there.

[Great-Kazoo]

those are what my buddy use's. I was very comfortable on all, and he said I did not NEED them. I know I will eventually get into progressive loading, so I want those pieces now instead of wasting money other other components now.

Was just hoping for less expensive. just those 4 put me at my max max max I can spend.

DO NOT BUY ANY OF THOSE ITEMS. I know where some "equipment" is now for reloading. Buying used is your best way to save money, enjoy reloading and not be over your head price wise.

[XC700116]

Also, I have a Hornady auto charge, and the thing is a total POS. The lyman version I had a couple years ago was much better, more consistant, and WAY less headaches. Next time I get a chance to go to Cabela's it's going back, I won't even sell it to some other unsuspecting sap, it's that bad. The thing flakes out constantly.

The new Lyman looks pretty nice, and the RCBS seems pretty solid. That and honestly a good powder measure throws every bit as accurately and probably more so than the Auto Charge, at less than half the price. The only time I use it anyway is during load development and once I have a load figured out, I use a Redding BR powder measure.

Again, Nice (when it works) deffinately not needed. A basic scale and a good powder measure will do just fine.

[fly boy]

DO NOT BUY ANY OF THOSE ITEMS. I know where some "equipment" is now for reloading. Buying used is your best way to save money, enjoy reloading and not be over your head price wise.

After looking at those for over and over, and then looking at numberous kits I don't think I will buy anything until my Jeep sells.

Where are these used items you talk about?

[Great-Kazoo]

After looking at those for over and over, and then looking at numberous kits I don't think I will buy anything until my Jeep sells.

Where are these used items you talk about?

HONEST JIM'S







ALMOST FREE AMIGO financing through PACA

[TheBelly]

The biggest lesson learned when Hoser showed me the basics of reloading... And I quote, " mouse farts are better than elephant flatulence." Basically, work your loads up from the soft end into the spicy stuff, and if you find something that works, go with that.

[losttrail]

My whole family has been reloading for decades. I'm the youngest and dad started teaching me about 40 years ago on his old RCBS Rock Chucker. One of my brothers has it now and still works like a charm.

I've been using Lee equipment for 25+ years. But over the past few years my quanities of reloading have increased significantly.

The Lee Challenger Breechblock is a great single stage and the die changes are quick. Works great for .270, .30-06 and .40-65.

My old Lee 3-hole Turret press has been a work horse for nearly 30 years for 9mm, .38/.357, .44Mag, .45ACP, .243, .308.

I am looking at moving up to a Dillon 650 since I would like the more 'automated' aspects and capabilities now that my needs have increased. It seems my time for reloading is limited so having to spend less time messing with the setup, primer feed fill, powder measure fill, manually handling each case seems like the Dillon fits the bill.

I have only had a couple of minor issues with my Lee products over the years, but their customer service left much to be desired.

[RANGERRON72]

Two Dillon 550's and haven't looked back. 9 40 45, and .223 in competitive shooting. A Rock Chucker for miscellaneous tasks. The other brands could good, but copies of the original. FWIW

[fly boy]

well I am in the Market for a used Single stange that someone has in a shed, and I can learn on. I wan to get into it now at 29, and do it for another 50 years. I have loaded a few rounds with a buddy and just love it! almost more than shooting.

[Mazin]

It is completely a hobby all of its own.


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".

[DSB OUTDOORS]

It is completely a hobby all of its own. And Very Very addicting. It will pay for it self after a while. But the start up costs and finding components now are tough. But in the end it's worth it.
Fixed for ya . [Coffee]

[SA Friday]

I skipped a few pages, but the one thing everyone has overlooked about the RCBS Pro 2000 is you can change the head of the press from manual to auto-indexing. I have one of each and change them out based on the ammo I'm reloading. It's like having a 550 and a 650 in the same press for about $150.

Either the RCBS or the Dillon will get you there.

[Great-Kazoo]

It is completely a hobby all of its own.


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".



All you need is another machine and you're GTG.

[dblaelliott]

Go with a Dillon! you can't beat it. I have a 550, great starter machine, but now I want to get a 650. consider the differences before you purchase, cause it gets really costly when you outgrow your machine and want to upgrade.

[Marine24]

I actually went the other route. Started out with a Dillon 550, which I sold and went with a Redding T-7 turret. Nothing against the Dillon. It is a great progressive, but I don't shoot enough to need that high of a production capability. Once I fix that problem, I'll pick up another 550.

[dwalker460]

I just got rid of both of my progressives and pretty much just use my LCT now.