UKWildcatFan
Member
I'd like another Dillon so I don't have to retool for primer size change, but that money could buy a good chunk of components. I have many thousands of each caliber, with many thousands of each to load. What would you do?
Buy another Dillon 550b or components?
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SwaneeSR
Member
Great question.
I have my 550b setup for small primers and I reload 9mm and 40SW with separate tool heads and powder measures.
I reload large rifle on my single stage Rock Chucker.
So, would you be better off getting a 650 for the high volume pistol? Or another 550b? Or just tolerate the changeover time?
I think the biggest considerations are what calibers and quantities do you reload. Example, if you are large volume 9mm and 45ACP, I think two presses might be justifiable.
I have my 550b setup for small primers and I reload 9mm and 40SW with separate tool heads and powder measures.
I reload large rifle on my single stage Rock Chucker.
So, would you be better off getting a 650 for the high volume pistol? Or another 550b? Or just tolerate the changeover time?
I think the biggest considerations are what calibers and quantities do you reload. Example, if you are large volume 9mm and 45ACP, I think two presses might be justifiable.
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Wyatt
Member
I would first spend it on parts to make change overs go faster and after that components. The basic machines really aren't that expensive, but costs add up with everything needed for quick change kits.
I also run larger batches between primer size change overs. If I have the components to run 2 or 3k of each caliber, I don't need to change back and forth as often.
I also run larger batches between primer size change overs. If I have the components to run 2 or 3k of each caliber, I don't need to change back and forth as often.
UKWildcatFan
Member
Well, I have 9, 45, and 223...all of which have the deluxe setup with their own powder measures. Ok, now go knowing that.
I have the following for my 550.
9mm, 10mm, 357, 44, 45, 45 colt, 223. Tool heads for all of them and about 10 primer pickup tubes for small and 10 for large. I sat down last night and rocked out 300 357 rounds spent 5-6 minutes changed over to 45acp. Not sure I would ever buy another progressive press to save 5-6 minutes. Especially since I value my components more than that few minutes. I do know people that own 6-7 Dillion's one for each caliber and load 10k rounds a month. I guess it might make sense but hard for me to see it? I'm not knocking it just think it isn't that much more efficient?
9mm, 10mm, 357, 44, 45, 45 colt, 223. Tool heads for all of them and about 10 primer pickup tubes for small and 10 for large. I sat down last night and rocked out 300 357 rounds spent 5-6 minutes changed over to 45acp. Not sure I would ever buy another progressive press to save 5-6 minutes. Especially since I value my components more than that few minutes. I do know people that own 6-7 Dillion's one for each caliber and load 10k rounds a month. I guess it might make sense but hard for me to see it? I'm not knocking it just think it isn't that much more efficient?
UKWildcatFan
Member
Great insight Ccc.
UKWildcatFan
Member
A lot. I'm planning for a long shooting life with my parents, as well as having a lot of ammo stacked and packed away. I normally load 500 at a sitting. I do case prep for 223 on my Rockchucker.
HighExpert
Member
If you decide you need another press, I would get another 550. All of your quick change kits will fit. I have gone another way. Two .44 setups, mag and special. Three .357 setups, .357, .38, and .38 WC flush. .380, 9mm, .40, .45acp, .223, .270, and .308. Complete quick change for all including powder measures. I thought about a small and large primer setup, but bought another 56lbs of powder instead.
WaywardSon
Member
To me it is just not that much trouble to change calibers. I think if you let the capabilities of the machine force you to plan your work, the process will go much smoother. You will find yourself loading different calibers that can use the same powder, primers etc. and only change the machine over when you have exhausted your components for a given caliber.
More importantly.....Go Cats!! How about that thundering beat down of W.Va.?
More importantly.....Go Cats!! How about that thundering beat down of W.Va.?
UKWildcatFan
Member
Correct, the 'Cats are more important. Truth.
MikeS.
Member
I load mostly handgun rounds. I use separate tool heads heads for 357 and 38 special. I also use separate for 10 mm and 40 Smith & Wesson. I work out my reloading sessions by primer size. I will load 45 ACP, 10 mm and 44 magnum since they all use large pistol primers. Then I'll switch to small primers and load my 38 special, 357 magnum, 40 Smith & Wesson 38 special. I run off 500 380 ACP every other year. I use so little of it.
I had considered buying another Dillon 550b but I have worked out a system that works pretty well for me. I've gone ahead and spent the money I would have spent on components.
I had considered buying another Dillon 550b but I have worked out a system that works pretty well for me. I've gone ahead and spent the money I would have spent on components.
MikeS.
Member
Since I've lived in West Virginia the last 17 years I'm gonna hate all the moaning and groaning tomorrow. Personally I could care less. Well, technically later today.
SwaneeSR
Member
Seems like the consensus is that the quick change setups are better choice and a duplicate press not necessary.
Also, schedule your ammo runs taking primer size/setup into account to reduce number of changes to primer system.
A minor complaint is the Dillon pricing for the quick change setup is a little high.
OK - I see the wisdom and will hold off that future 650 purchase for my second press.
Swanee
Also, schedule your ammo runs taking primer size/setup into account to reduce number of changes to primer system.
A minor complaint is the Dillon pricing for the quick change setup is a little high.
OK - I see the wisdom and will hold off that future 650 purchase for my second press.
Swanee
I don't get buying another press just to avoid primer size changes. It's two screws. Takes me 3-5 minutes to change over. Besides, you need to periodically disassemble the primer system to clean residue off the sliding parts.
I did get a 2nd powder measure to have both size powder bars that I can just swap from toolhead to toolhead.
I did get a 2nd powder measure to have both size powder bars that I can just swap from toolhead to toolhead.
Toprudder
Member
Since the OP seemed not to object to swapping calibers, but only objects to the time required to swap primer sizes, I say don't buy another press.
It only takes 60 seconds to swap primers size on the 550b. You don't have to take out any screws or replace the primer bar.
1) Swap the primer tube.
2) Loosen one setscrew, swap the primer cup, tighten setscrew.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1CvjA7UmA
It only takes 60 seconds to swap primers size on the 550b. You don't have to take out any screws or replace the primer bar.
1) Swap the primer tube.
2) Loosen one setscrew, swap the primer cup, tighten setscrew.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1CvjA7UmA
zb338
Member
What it comes down to is do you have the money to spare? I have both and it's
a pleasure to go from a set-up .45 to a set-up .38 special. Just my 2 cents.
Zeke
a pleasure to go from a set-up .45 to a set-up .38 special. Just my 2 cents.
Zeke
Toprudder
Member
But for the money, I'd rather buy another gun.I like that idea, the only problem is by the time I'm ready to swap primer size the primer assy is in need of cleaning so the bar needs to come out anyways.
Koz
Check out sickle's post http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=775715 for a quick change for the Dillon primer cup.
2bfree
Member
Just change over to SPP 45 brass, be a lot cheaper. I did it and no regrets using SPP 45's.
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