[Bacchus]

I'm thinking of purchasing a progressive press. I will almost definitely go with a Dillon.

Here are the requirements:

I would like to reload both pistol and rifle ammunition.
I already have some Lee dies, so the press must accept those dies.

It looks like neither the Square Deal, 500, or 550, will reload rifle cartridges. Is that correct?

Since I'm looking at a Dillon, am I limited to the 650 (or better)? I don't really need a rate of 800-1000 rounds per hour; in fact, I don't anticipate reloading more than 200-300 at one sitting.

[Jim Watson]

No.
The 550 works fine for rifle rounds, maybe better than 650, no casefeeder to configure for way different length brass.

[Bacchus]

Thanks for the clarification.

[Alan Smithiee]

it won't take Lee dies (at least according to the guy who keeps trying to sell me a Dillon)

[Gordon]

My 550 works BETTER than my reloading partners 650. Iv'e used Lee dies occasionally, I have them in a Dillon block and they seem OK?:confused:

[Nero Steptoe]

The guy trying to sell you the Dillon is f.o.s. I use a 650 and use Lee dies, almost exclusively. On some Lee dies, it's necessary to put the lockring on the bottom of the toolhead; however, the newer Lee dies have more threads and might work with the lockring on the top.

[Alan Smithiee]

I suspected as much, thats why I haven't bought one from him. I'll stick with my Lyman for now..