Author Topic: Where did you buy your Dillon? (Read 753 times)

teddy12b · « **on:** March 05, 2007, 08:19:00 AM »

I'm just trying to compare some prices and the only place I can find a Dillon for sale is their website and and a 550B starts at $380 + $40 for any option that you'd probably need leavign you just shy of $600. Is there a distributer somewhere that sells these presses at reasonable costs?

It's either this or a Hornady L-N-L and unless I find a better deal on the Dillon the L-N-L seems like the better deal.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2007, 08:33:09 AM »

The L-N-L has the deal going with the 1000 free bullets
http://www.hornady.com/get_loaded.php

teddy12b · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2007, 08:37:20 AM »

I've read those deals and it truely would be an excellent incentive to go with the hornady press. Natchez.com has them for only $330 as opposed to cabelas and midway at $370. It's a tough choice.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2007, 08:41:55 AM »

If you take the cost of 1000 bullets off the press price it makes an easy decesion.

Wingman26 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2007, 05:47:42 PM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on March 05, 2007, 08:41:55 AM

If you take the cost of 1000 bullets off the press price it makes an easy decesion.

So how much more is it going to cost them to buy the LNL, and then a couple of years later upgrade to the Dillon? I've seen a number of people upgrade from the LNL to the Dillon, I've never heard of anyone downgrading to the LNL from the Dillon.

People don't upgrade from a Dillon.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2007, 06:45:06 PM »

Not everyone upgrades to a Dillon either. Some people find other presses quite capable to do what they need.

GregP42 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2007, 07:05:26 PM »

While I haven't used the Hornady press, I did find it a bit cheaper over at Midsouth http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005095100

Now as for what else you need with the Dillon and where to buy them. You have two choices when buying them, new from Dillon, or used. When you buy the 550B it comes setup for one caliber, the only thing I would suggest to go with it is the mount to bolt it to that raises it up off the bench, I redid mine with that mount and I love it. To change calibers I suggest getting extra tool heads, to keep the dies mounted in, and you will need the powder die to go with it unless you want to unmount yours and change it over.

Now there is one thing that bugs me with the Dillon, and there are several ways to deal with it. The powder measure as it comes has just a little bolt head to adjust the powder charge. No markings to let you know if your going in or our. There are two solutions that both work, first one is to go get those little plastic caps that fit over bolt heads and put arrows on it, or there is a company out there that I can't remember their name right now that makes a replacement bolt that has a micrometer type scale on it.

The start up price is just a little bit higher for the Dillon, but not that much more, in the end it all comes down to which one you like the best, if you can, find someone at your local club that has these machines so you can see them first hand.

Greg

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #7 on:** March 06, 2007, 12:29:01 AM »

The Hornady comes with a good powder measure.

John R. · « **Reply #8 on:** March 06, 2007, 02:48:49 AM »

Go to Dillon's website, or call them on the phone. They are a great bunch of people to deal with, and all of them are shooters. A thousand bullets will be gone in no time. That DILLON press will still be kicking way on down the road. I have had zero problems with the DILLON powder measure, and I've had mine for 12 years.

myronman3 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 06, 2007, 03:22:00 AM »

you WILL kick yourself if you go with the lock and load over the dillon. you dont need all the bolt on stuff dillon sells. my setup is just a plain 550. get the press and decide what caliber you will gain the most from loading. start with one to begin with. learn the press. worry about the other stuff later.
as far as where to buy, if you have a scheel's store anywhere near you they carry dillon press and accessories, for the same price as dillon advertises and you dont pay shipping. also cruise ebay, and it wouldnt hurt to post a wtb ad here at gbo. hth

teddy12b · « **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2007, 04:05:50 AM »

I think I'm just going to be buying one off of Dillons website. I'll be getting the 550B with 45 ACP conversion kit. After I get used to it I'll get the other conversion kits with toolheads. I just need to get out to the range so I can make some empty brass. That's been my biggest problem so far.

GregP42 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2007, 04:09:32 AM »

Quote from: John R. on March 06, 2007, 02:48:49 AM

Go to Dillon's website, or call them on the phone. They are a great bunch of people to deal with, and all of them are shooters. A thousand bullets will be gone in no time. That DILLON press will still be kicking way on down the road. I have had zero problems with the DILLON powder measure, and I've had mine for 12 years.

John,

I don't have any problems out of mine in all the long years I have had it, it is just one nit pick I have about it, but I put a different knob on mine. I just want him to have all the facts to make up his mind.

Greg

John R. · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2007, 04:10:23 AM »

That's the way I ordered mine (with 45 acp). Since then I've added 8 more calibers. The Sportsmans Warehouse also carries Dillon presses. Hope you have as much fun with yours as I've had with mine.

BigJakeJ1s · « **Reply #13 on:** March 07, 2007, 05:44:59 PM »

Quote from: Wingman26 on March 05, 2007, 05:47:42 PM

Quote from: Hairtrigger on March 05, 2007, 08:41:55 AM
If you take the cost of 1000 bullets off the press price it makes an easy decesion.

So how much more is it going to cost them to buy the LNL, and then a couple of years later upgrade to the Dillon? I've seen a number of people upgrade from the LNL to the Dillon, I've never heard of anyone downgrading to the LNL from the Dillon.

People don't upgrade from a Dillon.

Some people do upgrade from Dillon to LNL!

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=260545

I guess some folks can drink the blue koolaid and not get hooked on it.

Andy

Waldog · « **Reply #14 on:** March 07, 2007, 05:58:48 PM »

People DO change from Dillon to LNL! I know three that switched from the 550 to the LNL.

The Dillon is a great press and have a dedicated following, as you can tell be reading their comments. However, that does not mean that the LNL is any less a "Great Press". I found that 99% of Dillon owners that bash the LNL have never even touched one. A buddy of mine has THREE Dillon's, and loves em'. But, when he used my LNL, he reeeeallly liked it. Is he going to switch? Probably not, he's got too much invested in Dillon. Do yourself a favor and at least take an honest look at the LNL. With the 1000 free bullets they are offering it's like getting a new progressive press for about $100!!! BTW, in my experience, Hornady customer is outstanding.

LAH · « **Reply #15 on:** March 08, 2007, 05:49:43 AM »

Teddy have you condsidered buying a used Dillon? I have 5 Dillon's and only on was purchased new..........Creeker

gypsyman · « **Reply #16 on:** March 08, 2007, 06:51:59 AM »

I ordered mine straight from Dillion, as I couldn't find a used one, without paying shipping from somewhere. Excellent press. This is probably the only complaint, and it's going to sound strange. It's to quick. I really enjoy my time at the reloading bench, not much on TV I care to watch, and it gets me away from everday problems. For years, shooting IHMSA match's, I was reloading a miniumum of 3000rds, and some years, more like 4000rds, all on a RCBS rock chucker single stage. I honestly believe, alot of the shooters that get a Dillion,or a L-N-L Hornady,really don't need that much press. If that's what you want, go for it, I've never had any problems with mine, it'll stay mounted right next to my Redding turret. We keep trying peace, it usually doesn't work!!Remember(12/7/41)-(9/11/01) gypsyman

Awf Hand · « **Reply #17 on:** March 08, 2007, 07:01:36 AM »

I'm not getting into the Ford vs Chevy debate.

The initial question was "Where did you buy your DILLON?"

I bought mine at my local large box sports store. My feeling was that I would have support for my press in two ways:

I bought it from somebody whose neck I easily can go wring.

I bought a product produced by somebody who stands behind it.

The store also has any parts that I may need, as I might break something and not want to wait. My advice is buy a product in a way that makes you comfortable on a variety of levels.

teddy12b · « **Reply #18 on:** March 08, 2007, 07:33:19 AM »

I ended up getting mine off of Dillons website.

I don't load and shoot enough probably to merit getting a progressive press. I did buy one because the little bit of free time I do have I want to spend with my wife and puppy. I just want to crank out rounds in 1/4 the time it usually takes me. I really enjoy handloading ammo, but I also have other things I really enjoy too!

My Dillon is on the way and I can hardly wait. How long did it take you all to set up your Dillons?

Zcarp2 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 08, 2007, 09:49:16 AM »

With help, a couple of hours. Biggest chore was modifying the workbench and strengthening it. Still a little on the flimsy side, wound up bolting it to the wall with several drywall screws into the studs. Much nicer now.

The video was interesting, but friends help more valuable. Cranked out some 45 ACP right after we were done!