[BHFG]

Before anyone beats me up too bad, I realize there is a HUGE difference between these presses and the upper end of their capability. But what I am trying to decide is whether or not the roughly $450 difference between the two types is justfiable for my situation. I am hoping folks here my have additional insight I maybe missed.

If I go with the turret, it will be the Lee Classic Turret. The progressive will be the Dillon RL550B. I looked at the Hornady LocknLoad AP. Nice press, and if I could find a new one available, I might go that way. But it ends up only being about $200 or so less than the Dillon setup after factoring in the real world cost of the 1000 free bullets. But the only people that have them right now is Natchez and they don't sell to Georgia. Hornady says it is a 3 month backlog. The auto-index is nice, but without a case feeder it really doesn't do anything for me.

Back to the turret vs progressive, I plan to load .38spl, 9mm, .45 and .223, with more .45 and .223 than the other two. Once I get some reloading experience, I will also start casting at least .45 and .223 bullets later on. Right now I only shoot around 1500-2000 rounds a year, but plan to up that once I get reloading.

For dies I plan to use Lee dies for the .223 for sure (like the factory crimp), and might use Hornady or RCBS for the handgun loads. I will prime on the press and prefer to seat/crimp in separate steps. I will have a separate toolhead/turret and swap powder dies when swapping calibers.

I realize the progressive will load many more rounds per hour than the turret, or put another way, will load however many rounds I am doing a lot faster. And I know the warranty and customer service is legendary for the Dillon. The turret looks like it takes a little bit more manual action than the progressive, but other than four pulls per round vs one, not that much.

So am I missing anything, or is this really just a personal decision on whether or not the $450 is worth it for the time savings? I can but a lot of accessories or casting stuff for that money, but i also want to make this a one-time purchase.

I know there are people that swear by their Lee's and those that will only consider Dillons, But am looking for considerations on their use that I amy not understand. I appreciate any inputs folks may have one the benefits or use of one over the other.

Tnx!

[ls0n3]

the first thought that hit me is you need to factor in the prices for the different caliber set-ups as well. I havent looked at pogressives, my needs are met by good old simple lee turret ;) But for the ease of swapping calibers, the lee turret just seems awesome!

with what you shoot now, I wouldnt suggest a progressive. if you plan to try and do tha a month, then yes id say get one.

Thats from an output point of view, from a hobbyists POV, get whichever floats your boat. Regardless if its one pull or 4 pulls, if you will enjoy reloading you will like it either way.

[SASS#23149]

If you are set on priming off of the press,the Dillon is not the way to go,imho.You'll be defeating the purpose of the press,which is to do ALL the steps in less time than a turret.
For your current needs,the Lee is a good way to go,plus you will be able to use the dies in whatever press you 'upgrade' to later,and you don't have to buy 'changover kits' that add quite a bit to each caliber changeover.Also,learning on a Turret is better than learning on a progressive in most folks' mind,including mine.

[rfwobbly]

So am I missing anything, or is this really just a personal decision on whether or not the $450 is worth it for the time savings? I can but a lot of accessories or casting stuff for that money, but i also want to make this a one-time purchase.

BHFG -
I'll try to be as un-biased as I can. I've owned both Lee and Dillon and like them both. Each has their place in the reloading world.

• The answer to your question lies in the volumes you intend to reload in one sitting AND your time limits. The volume output for pistol cartridges is the difference between the 2 presses.

With the Lee, the turret spins and a single cartridge moves through the different stages in order, one cartridge at a time. One at a time is not doing anything approaching "speedy". It's strictly a "one cartridge at a time" operation. This is why I say it depends on your volume needs and time limits.

The Dillon is going to do up to 4 operations on 4 separate shells each time you pull the lever. That's exactly 4 times faster than the Lee. And possibly closer to 4.5 times faster since the Lee is famous for requiring a lot of "tinkering".

The price difference reflects the difference in the speed of reloading. If you have more time than money, then Lee. If your time is worth money, then the Dillon.

• Neither system gives you every tool you'll need. You need to remember that you'll also need primer trays, a scale, a caliper, a manual and more. For the 223, a case trimmer.

• The Dillon comes with one of the industry's best powder dispensers. You'll never, ever want an upgrade.

• Both systems can use the 4-die Lee pistol dies. The die themselves are going to be ~$30 a set by themselves.

• If you intend to reload 300+ .223 in a single sitting, then IMHO you're not going to be thrilled with either press simply because rifle cases have to be trimmed. However, the Dillon will probably do it faster simply due to less handling.

• For each additional caliper with the Dillon you must purchase an additional Caliper Conversion Kit (~$30). With the Lee you simply use the single position shell holder that most reloading dies are supplied with.

• Lee has a 2 year warranty. Dillon has a lifetime warranty.


Hope this helps!

[pmeisel]

I started with a turret and thought that I might upgrade to a progressive later. As things work out I can easily reload more than I shoot. My best shooting year I might have gone through 4000 or 5000 rounds, but time and place change, and now I might be lucky to get through 2000.

I like the time I spend reloading and am not in a hurry to get done.

Now, if you go to the range twice a week and don't have much time to reload, then it might make a difference. But the turret works fine for me and I think it probably would for you too. Spend the other money on components or maybe another gun!

[RustyFN]

I have loaded on a friends Dillon 550 and it was a very nice press but for the volume you a talking about reloading I would recommend the Lee classic turret. I own a classic turret and load the same four calibers you mentioned.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8da27b3127ccec398914a0e3000000010O00DZOGblm4Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
It is very fast and easy to change calibers. It only cost the price of dies and a $9 turret to add a caliber. From different people I have talked to it sounds like it cost anywhere from $100 to $150 to add a caliber to the 550 depending on if you want the extra powder measure or not. I have been loading on this classic for over two years and it has been a rock solid problem free press. I like to take my time when I reload and can load close to 200 rounds if I sit down for one hour or 500 rounds in three hours. I wouldn't need or want to upgrade to a progressive for myself unless I went over 1,500 rounds per month. Even then I might not want to upgrade, I hope to get to that point someday to find out.:D Hope this helps.
Rusty

[floydster]

Like Rusty I use the Classic turret, I load for five pistol calibers and shoot
at least 1,000 rounds a month, I use my turret as a single stage, it is so great, I size,deprime and prime all the cases I am going to load first, then
charge powder, flare and seat bullet.
I can do this faster then with the index rod in place.
I have no need for a progressive at this point, altho I have been kicking the idea around but decided I don't need it with my round count.

[Uncle Chan]

I agree with Rusty, to an extent. I've both the 550B and the Lee Classic Cast Turret. Because of the overall cost and PITA factor, my 550B is setup for 45LC only. It works perfect for that caliber and that is the one I shoot most. For everything else, I use the Lee. It produces as good ammo for a heck of a lot cheaper than the Dillon.

Consider this third option: http://www.eguns.com/sPearCat/1-4.woa/1/wa/ItemPage?i=DL16549&l=en-ZZ&wosid=gqtJOefTgro6IwdFyKkYg0&g=AT500

Had I the $$$ to do it again, I would have the AT500 and not the Lee. Out of the box, the AT does all of the calibers I reload for. The Only thing I would need to buy additional is a toolhead for each.

It is an option. It is also fully upgradeable to the 550B (which I wouldn't do).

My .02.

[mallc]

Just do the Dillon and be done with it. Keep reading the posts and you'll notice how many loaders keep justifying why they didn't/don't buy a Dillon.

I took an NRA reloading course and bought a 650XL as my first press. I shoot a LOT more because I can reload it so quickly. I became a better shot because I shoot more dependable ammo. Now I load short runs on a T7 turret and use a Rock Chucker for sizing.

Buy a LEE and you'll get by for as long as you like...

Scott

[floydster]

Scott, get real!!! On the 550B you still have to manual index, what a joke!!!

[benzuncle]

I did my due diligence one year ago; my $500 (for everything including a tumbler, bench, fluorescent light fixture, press, upgrades to the Pro Auto Disk Powder dispenser and the Lee Safety primes for small and large primers, carbide dies w/factory crimp die, caliper, beam scale and kinetic bullet puller) went to the Lee Classic Turret Press. All of those extras can run the real cost way up there. $500 for everything but the bullets, primers, casing and powder. The money I saved bought me a handgun vault and another 45acp.

All of the brands are good; some just cost less than others. Stimulate the ecomony in whichever way you choose!

[mallc]

I don't get your flame? What part of my post raises your ire?

The 550 still gives you one complete round per stroke. The turret takes at least 4 and maybe 5 to make the same round.

Scott

[RustyFN]

Just do the Dillon and be done with it. Keep reading the posts and you'll notice how many loaders keep justifying why they didn't/don't buy a Dillon.
I didn't buy a Dillon because it was over kill for me. Since when is buying the press that fits your needs and saving hundreds of dollars to buy components a bad thing. Dillon makes a great press and I know a lot of people will have a hard time with this but Dillon isn't always the best way to go.
Rusty

[rfwobbly]

I'll try to be as un-biased as I can. I've owned both Lee and Dillon and like them both. Each has their place in the reloading world.

Aw, come on guys. There's no right or wrong to this. Only BFHG knows all the variables anyway... and ultimately it's his hard earned cash he's spending.

[MikeRz]

I usually just sit back and listen but I think I'll jump into this one. I researched the different presses and decided to buy the Lee LoadMaster. I have it setup with the brass feeder and bullet feeder. On a good day I can load 600 to 700 rounds per hour.

I can't really compare it to the other presses as I don't have them but I have had excellent service from my LM. I've damaged a few parts but Lee has graciously replaced them even when I told them it was my fault. Yes the Lee has a 2 year warranty but they never ask for your purchase date. They just say send back the damaged part and they will replace it!

It took me about a week to work out the bugs and 'tune' it. The http://loadmastervideos.com/ website was a big help. As long as I keep the press clean and don't over oil it, I have very little trouble from it. I primarily shoot 40 cal but all I have to do is change the turret and I'm set up for another caliber. It only takes 10 seconds!

As far as the powder system, I don't know how much more accurate one can get. I ask for 6.8 gr of powder and that is what I get; consistently. I never have a variance within the same bottle of powder.

I know that a lot of people bash the Lee but I look at it like Ford owners versus Chevy owners. Each swears that their auto is the best yet they both perform well and get you where you want to go. It's up to your personal preference and how much money you want to spend. My complete setup was less than $300 including scales and extra tools (pullet puller, etc.)

As long as you take the time to setup the press correctly and keep it clean, you will have years of satisfactory service. I shoot 300 to 400 rounds per week and my LM has never let me down...

Mike

[mallc]

I agree completely, A progressive is not always right for everyone...but neither is a single stage or turret. Buy what you want, use it a while and purchase again if you like.

I also agree that cost should not be the only issue and that quantity needed is not the only issue. Not everyone is price sensitive. We're only talking a few bucks a throw and I prefer to spend more time at the range and less at the bench.

Would you tell someone looking at a 10/22 to buy a Daisy and work their way up? They probably won't be happy as long as they remember your advise.

Scott

[ls0n3]

Hell, look at the thread posting pics of benches. MAYBE 1 in 5 have a single press. Most guys end up getting more than one type of press.

Most guys with progressives either have a single stage or turret for one reason or another.

Whichever you start out with you wont go wrong. If the bug hits you, you will purchase others :)

[lgbloader]

Dillon makes a great press and I know a lot of people will have a hard time with this but Dillon isn't always the best way to go.


But it's usually the best way to go.

Just Kidding, Rusty. By the way, i agree with you, Mate. I just won't get into the percentages because nobody can really know that for certain. It is specifically different for everybody, to each their own.

Cheers,

LGB

[RustyFN]

But it's usually the best way to go.

Just Kidding, Rusty. By the way, i agree with you, Mate. I just won't get into the percentages because nobody can really know that for certain. It is different for everyone.

Cheers,

LGB
LGB how you doing. I agree, just like the classic turret isn't for everybody. That's why the manufactures make so many different presses. I guess I was confused by Mallc's comment "Just do the Dillon and be done with it", I took that to mean Dillon is the only way. I know I will go progressive some day, I just can't justify the extra money for a press I don't need when I need to buy more components. I have loaded on a friends 550 and it was a very nice press so I know what to expect when I upgrade.
Rusty

[lgbloader]

I know what you mean, Mate.

just like the classic turret isn't for everybody.

And even with all my Blue, green and red presses, I still want a CLT so it may well be for just about everyone.

Cheers, Rusty and to everyone else, Sorry for the Hi Jack. I just had to say hello to one of my THR pals.

LGB

[CU74]

Before I got into reloading I did some research, bought and read The ABC's of Reloading, and did a cost/benefit analysis. I looked at RCBS, Dillon, Lee, Lyman and Redding. In my analysis I included such factors as cost, guarantees, customer service, my personal shooting requirements, and my age, (I'm interested in reloading for MY lifetime, not in setting up my grandchildren;)).

I have pretty much the same Lee set-up as RustyFN has (without the kewl billiard ball:what:). I use my Lee turret to load 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum (revolver and rifle), 45 ACP and .30 Carbine. I also have a Lee single-stage press that I use for reloading .30-06, .308, 6.5mm, 7.5mm and 8mm rifle loads.

If I was a lot younger or was into high-volume competition shooting, my analysis might have lead me to a progressive press and/or a manufacturer other than Lee. For my wants and needs, I am happy with the Lee turret. I loaded 400 rounds of .38Special HBWCs last week and 100 rounds of .30 Carbine FMJs today. Life is good.......:D

[Uncle Chan]

I loaded 400 rounds of .38Special HBWCs last week and 100 rounds of .30 Carbine FMJs today. Life is good.......

Is that all? I did 380 rounds of 223 this morning and just finished decapping and sizing 600 rounds of 223 on my LCT. That's one thing I really like about the LCT, remove the auto indexing and it is just a single stage press. 10 seconds later, it is an auto indexing turret again.

[Phil A]

For 4 calibers, get the LCT first. Easier to learn for a new reloader. If or when you get a progressive in the future, you will still like the very easy caliber/primer changes on the turret versus the progressive. - Phil

[rfwobbly]

1) Go do all your reloading at a pal's house until he kicks you out...

2) Then go buy a used system off Craig's List until you can't stand it any more...

3) Then you'll FULLY understand what it is you want to do, how it's done, what features you must have, and with an unlimited supply of ammo exactly how much you really intend to shoot.

:D

[gdcpony]

I load in the same quantities as you are looking to load in and have had one huge disadvantage. I need it to move. I had to be able to get it out of a barracks room (Marines) and into a car fast and discreetly. I also like to load as I shoot when load testing. Now, the fact that my reloading bench is also my archery work bench now (bow presses are huge) means it has to be packed away when I don't use it. After I get back from work I'll post up some pics for you, but I will say that .223 FL sizing is your big time consumer.

[Tom S.]

I know a lot of people who went from Lee to Dillon.

I don't know anyone who went from Dillon to Lee.


:D

[RustyFN]

I know a lot of people who went from Lee to Dillon.

I don't know anyone who went from Dillon to Lee.
I know one guy that sold his 550 to go with the classic turret. I know a few others that sold their Dillons to go Hornady. I'm not saying anything bad about Dillon, just that their are a lot of good presses on the market today.
Rusty

[WarHall]

My buddies have been talking me into reloading for over a year now. So, finally, I dove in. I bought the Hornady Ap, ordered the bullets (I still had to pay to ship them) they claim are worth 300.00(.308 fmjbt's). Well, it turns out I may have 'jumped the gun' getting the AP for my first press, but not because of what you might think. There's a LOT MORE to reloading than just having a press! I bought the dies, Hornady of course, in .308 and .223. Turns out I also needed 2 DIFFERENT shell plates to reload those calibers. The .308 shellplate, was, fortunately, on the shelf at Cabela's. The other 2 I bought, for .223 and .40, oops, don't fit the Lock-n-load AP, so back they go -Order them 'cause they aren't on the shelf. So, OK, I HAVE the press, I HAVE the die, I HAVE the shellplate, Now I need Brass, Bullets and Powder - (I should probably put up a chart somewhere of all this!) Am I ready to reload? NO! Even IF you have all that, you STILL need case lube, primers, trimmers, chamfer tools, boxes to store your ammo in, a tumbler, tumbler media, polish, on and on(oops! don't forget the scale! Nobody wants to reload an unknown amount of powder!) AND THEN, to top it all off, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A RECIPE...And that's REALLY when the fun begins - Now you have to have books, manuals, advice, videos, A certain amount 'guts' to decide WHAT kind of load you want to put in your rifle-What kind of powder, WHAT kind of bullet, WHAT kind of primer, WHAT kind of brass, WHAT kind of rifle you shoot it out of, you don't what 'deer' loads coming out of your precious 'assault rifle, and if it's not a 24" barrel your results may not be the same.

So,to sum it up so far, like my buddy told me AFTER buying my press, "you know, most people start with a single stage so they will already have all that stuff when they buy a progressive". What a smartass....:banghead:

[gdeal]

On a good day I can load 600 to 700 rounds per hour

Wow man. Now that's what I'm talking about!

[oneounceload]

I had a 550 - could not get it to reliably and consistently feed primers or get the powder dispenser to work well with 223 cases. I've been reloading for over 25 years and think folks who are new should really NOT try to use progressives until they gain enough experience making sure they have established a safe method of operation, especially with pistol rounds where slight oops can have devastating consequences.

BTW, I load ALL my metallic on a single stage press and feel no need to rush things - but then I also prefer single shots and bolt actions when I shoot - I have no need to blast through hundreds or thousands of rounds in one range trip.

YMMV

[rick300]

I'm a newb. I got the RCBS Rockchucker,and I'm not sorry. I taught myself (don't know anyone that reloads). I enjoy the time it takes. I shoot 4 to 5 hundred a month and for now I'm happy, I enjoy making them as much as I do shooting them. Rick

[hydraulicman]

The lee classic turret is great. The Dillon 550B is great. the rockchucker is great. buy what you want.

You know in your heart what you want. Go for it.:D

[lykoris]

buy a reloading manual and read it cover to cover.

Then once you understand the process involved for reloading pistol/rifle you will know the answer yourself as to what type of press you will require/be able to handle as a new reloader - single/turret/progressive. If you don't, buy a 2nd reloading manual and keep reading.

Some here have done the clever thing and done their homework/research before spending money. Once you know what it entails you will know the answers yourself.

Also, as you are working to a budget you need to factor in 'all the equipment' you need to safely reload. Warhall's post is evidence of that. (good post as it illustrates the pitfalls of not knowing what the process involves and equipment needed at each stage a-z)

my advice again, buy a reloading manual and read it.

[krs]

You want to know something?

If you end up spending the better part of a lifetime reloading your ammo all of this talk, all of these endless repetitive "what should I buy?" threads will seem just plain silly.

It doesn't matter what you buy because you're going to buy more and better, or more and different, or more for no reason. But always more.

And no matter what you buy the amounts involved will seem insignificant when measured against the amounts you'll spend on guns, on reloading supplies, on range fees, on club memberships, on travel to matches, and on and on. Trying to determine costs in advance is both impossible and is lost effort.

Load. Make safe reloads your priority. As long as you don't blow off half your face reloading will be much cheaper than buying boxed ammo whether you load with a single stage, a turret, or a progressive press. Just never forget that one little mistake actually COULD blow off your face.

Don't forget that technology in most every avenue changes continually. In reloading there will always be something bigger and better if you listen to advertizing. So whatever you buy now will eventually be out of date and you'll be bombarded to buy something else, something more.

And the add-on necessities........For Dillon, or is it Hornady there's the automatic case feeder, for one good example, a marvel that costs almost as much as the press. You might think that you don't need that now but the very fact of it's availability will work on your head from as soon as you get bored doing your loading. There's always something more to buy and ads or other people to make you believe that you need one.

Funny thing about that is that none of the changes change what we do - size cases, reprime, drop powder, and seat bullets - they just all claim to make it easier or better for us to do.

So if anyone thinks that they can figure out now how to limit their expenses to a one time purchase NOW that will stand them in good stead for their life in reloading they're foolishly ignoring the Rockchucker. :)

(I DO think that Lee is on to something good with their Classic Turret press.
I know that the Lee Loadmaster is the devil's revenge)

[hydraulicman]

I would say you should start with the lee classic turret.

if your reloading pistol rounds (100+) at a time it is nice to limit handling of the case.

especially if you want to reload a lot of different calibers.

lee classic turret
pro autodisk with riser
lee autoprime or safety prime i cant' remember what it is called.

then you should be ready to rock. and you will still be a lot faster than a single stage. (i own a single stage and like it a lot i'm just saying)

[nulfisin]

I shoot about the same volume you do, but with some more expensive rifle calibers in the mix. The Lyman does the trick nicely. The Lee probably works just as well.

What is your objective? To save money and have plenty of rounds -- use the turret. To have a gazillion rounds -- get the progressive.

[Deavis]

is justfiable for my situation.

You aren't shooting that much right now, 1500 in one caliber (per year) is nothing to be realistic. You can pump that out on a 650XL in less than 2 hours. However, presses are generally a long-term investment so consider your future shooting needs before deciding. Also, take into account the quality/ease of use on a tool. Sometimes spending a little more for a quality tool is worth it because it makes it so much more enjoyable. Would you shoot more if you had more ammo? Are you going to get into competition?

[GW Staar]

http://www.realguns.com/search/search.pl?Terms=Classic+Turret&Match=1&x=12&y=12

This is a list of several great reviews on Lee's Classic Turret Press.

http://www.realguns.com/archives/166.htm

Same site, but a review on RCBS's progressive Pro-2000

That's a press that ought to be included in your search, because it has the easiest and cheapest caliber change in the market, and the safest primer system also.

I started with an RCBS Rock Chucker and now I use it and the Pro-2000 together. There was no lee turret when I started. If I ever replace the Rock Chucker it would (so far) be the Lee Classic Turret. Just has more options.

Buy the Lee and add a progressive when you're ready for more.

[ezypikns]

Lee makes outstanding products. All my dies are Lee. I bought the Dillon 550B later, but learned on a single stage press (RockChucker).

I went with the Dillon because I only reload pistol ammo and I find it does a great job (for me).

One thing I will say, you're going to enjoy yourself. Take your time, practice safety at every step, ask experienced people (THR is a great resource), and have a ball.

You MIGHT even save some money.