Beginner's info to start with Turret presses for plinking/target shooting

[Great-Kazoo]

Bang for the buck, overall ease of use.. 550B

[fly boy]

If quantity is his primary objective, the turret press is better than a single stage, but have to agree that the Dillon 550B is the way to go. Powder drops may not be as consistent compared to measuring them individually, but expect a tenth of a grain or two variance may not be a big deal for his application.

I use a Redding T-7 for my purposes, but it is a compromise. Really wanted a T-7 for my precision reloads and a 550B/650B for my handgun/AR ammo, but stuck with the T-7 because I didn't shoot enough to warrant the Dillon progressive.

If he is looking to produce 300+ rounds an hour starting out, the progressive is the right way to go.

THIS is why I suggested T-7 or Lee CTP. The progressive 550b is just a bit much for a beginners first press. - Even though a year or two later he will want to upgrade.

Any thoughts on the RCBS turret?

[KS63]

Just get the Dillon 550. He can still use it as a single stage while he's learning. When he's ready to start cranking rounds out, he won't need to but another press and components. Cheaper in the long run, plus Dillon's retain their value.

[fly boy]

Just get the Dillon 550. He can still use it as a single stage while he's learning. When he's ready to start cranking rounds out, he won't need to but another press and components. Cheaper in the long run, plus Dillon's retain their value.

And he can do precision reloading with it as a single stage?

[Great-Kazoo]

And he can do precision reloading with it as a single stage?

It is a single stage. Just happens to have a rotating shell plate and places for 3 dies & powder fulle / drop. AND yes, you can do precision loading with the 550. Look at 1 in person before dismissing it. For the price point it's a life time investment, that pays off after the first 100 or so rounds. YMMV.

Not to negate other presses. It's the one i found to be the most user friendly press out there. The only down side owning a Blue Press. IS getting the Blue Press sent to your mailbox every month. They're pacing the NRA for monthly reading material.

[Irving]

I see the 550 pushed on here a lot. Is it like the base model progressive? Maybe I should upgrade.

[cstone]

I will always keep a single stage on the bench, however, if you are putting out quantity plinking rounds there is nothing like a progressive. I used a Lee Pro 1000 and feeding it primed brass produced good ammunition. Stepping up to a Dillon 550 was a great move. The 550 is a quality press and makes ammo production an enjoyable hobby.

[Great-Kazoo]

I see the 550 pushed on here a lot. Is it like the base model progressive? Maybe I should upgrade.

Drop by, pull the handle for a few rounds. I'm set up to run 45 at the moment.

[Zombie Steve]

550 is a great press and long term, the best choice IMHO.

I don't usually get into hardware wars, and I certainly don't endorse Lee much, but the Lee Classic turret is one of the few Lee products I'd endorse, and an inexpensive way to get some rounds cranked out. Like everything else, it has its idiosyncrasies, but for a hundred bucks, it will work. I'm certain the T7 is a better turret, but three times the price.

[Irving]

Just looked up the Dillon 550. Under $500 seems like a no brainer for progressive AND a Dillon at the same time.