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Author Topic: First reloader??? Dillon 550?  (Read 608 times)

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Offline bayloralum1996

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« on: December 25, 2003, 05:53:18 AM »
I'm wanting to start reloading for 243, 7mm-08, 44 special, 45 long colt and 7mm br.  
Does anyone think its wise to begin with a progressive like the Dillon 550?
I'm not into benchrest shooting, I will be going through quite a bit of ammunition though.

thanks!
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Offline longwinters

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2003, 08:49:27 AM »
I never had a progressive, but I dont think it is the way to start.  There is a lot to think about, especially when you 1st get into reloading, and I think a progressive would possible mess up your train of thought. Especially with using different powders.  Some powders need every load checked.  I started late this spring with a RCBS turret press and I love it.  I reload for 243, 7m-08, 308, 30-06 and 7mm.  With getting another turret for it (Christmas present) I now have all my dies plus my Hornady bullet puller all set to go.  

long
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Offline Norwester

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2003, 10:37:33 AM »
If I could do it over again,I'd start with the 550B,which I bought 5 years into the obsession.I mean hobby.  :oops:  Its not auto indexing,you turn the shellplate by hand.You can run one case at a time thru it until you have the process down. You can use the AT500 powder funnel/die setup if you want to hand weigh each powder charge for your hunting/rifle rounds.  Buy the video!
http://www.eguns.com/Dillon_Precision/RL550B/rl550b.html
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Offline Old Syko

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2003, 12:15:32 PM »
Bad Idea.  There are just too many little things to watch for and learn to complicate the process by starting with too elaborate equipment.  You're not going to start out manufacturing thousands of rounds at a time any way.  A single stage like an RCBS Rockchucker is a more hands on aproach which allows you to learn the idiosyncrasies of each round.  This will help keep you safe.
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Offline jamie

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2003, 07:46:20 PM »
Very bad idea, start with a simple single stage press then when you have it down get a progressive.
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Offline JOE MACK

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Progressive?
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2003, 02:19:17 AM »
I'd agree with JSR on the Dillon RL550. Until actually indexed by hand, it's a single stage loader. Weigh and dump the powder by hand if you want. When ready to really crank out rounds, you'll have a good set-up for it. It's not exactly rocket science and anybody at room temperature should be able to handle it. RKBA! :-D
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Offline ButlerFord45

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2003, 07:15:11 AM »
If you have the funds available go ahead and get the dillon.  it is nothing more than a turret press untill you move the shell plate.  I started with a Rock Chucker, and we've been through a lot together, and I won't part with it, but if I had it to do again, and funds not being the deciding factor, the Dillon 550 would be one of my top choices.
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Offline HappyHunter

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You need both.
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2003, 07:34:48 AM »
I have the Rockchucker and the Dillon 550.  Both have there place.

The Dillon shines on making good ammo for pistol/revolvers in great quantities.  In my opinion, it does not make rifle ammo as well as the Rock chucker.  Furthermore, if you want to make tournement quality handgun ammo you will need single stage press and weigh each charge.

I started out on Rockchucker and "progressed" to Dillon this is a good plan, you will need both they do different work.  Do not expect the Dillon to meter powder good enough for target rifle.  But it works fine enough for my bullseye ability, however, some guys will only weigh each round for pistol tournements.

If you plan to shoot alot of handgun rounds, you will neeeeed the Dillon, if you want to reload for extreme accuracy you will neeeeed the Rockchucker.  If you want to be a great shooter and compete at a competitive level (not my level mind you) you will neeeeeed both.

Before you buy either you must pay your dues with at least two reloading manuals.  Research pays off.

Good luck, have fun, stay safe.

Fred
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Offline Hcliff

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2003, 03:35:23 AM »
I love my Dillion but I did start out with the Roackcrusher and I think that is the way to go.  A single stange press can be found cheap enough to start with.  I still do my rifle on this press.  The other alternative is that Dillion Turret press.  It can be converted to a 550 whe you buy other componets later.  You have to learn how to reload before you can use a turret press.  The rifle cartridges will load better on a single stage for better quality control, and you usually don't shoot as many of them.  I like the single stage for these because of the case lube involved.  I don't like it getting over eveything with the progressive.  Just my 2 cents

Hcliff
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Offline Fl_Native

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First reloader??? Dillon 550?
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2003, 06:21:45 AM »
I have a Rock Chucker I bought 25 years ago and a Dillon 550 I got a couple years back. I agree with one of the previous posts that said if money is not an issue buy the Dillon. I use mine with the auto powder feed to load my 40 S&W but use it as as single stage press and weigh every load and hand prime for my rifle and Contender loads.

The Rock Chucker is a great press but mine's not been out of the box since I mounted the Dillon to my bench.
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