AT 500
The AT 500 is a good machine that can first be used as a turret press and can later be easily upgraded to a progressive. The following is from my post a few months ago on this topic.
"I bought the Dillon AT 500 starter kit last year as a complete newbie reloader. I started w/.38 spl with this arrangement. I decapped and resized on station 1. I then handprimed with a Lee Auto Prime.
With one case in the shell plate at a time, I belled and charged with a RCBS Uniflow on Station 2, seated the bullet on Station 3, and crimped on Station 4. I liked the one-step-at-a-time approach that would still give me a completed round at the end of four steps.
The removeable toolhead is a big plus if you load several calibers.
If you stand while reloading, get the Strong Mount.
I then bought another toolhead, 9mm dies, and an Auto-Eject System which speeds the process considerably.
I bought a Dillon Auto Prime System but have never used it for several reasons. One, it seems overly complicated, which may lead to some fiddling and cursing. Second, I want to handle, inspect, and sort each case after decapping and resizing. I like to know if the primer pocket is dirty and the Lee Autoprime lets me know if the pockets are tight. I measure for length if necessary. That option isn't available if you use the AT500 or RL550 B as a pure progressive. Third, I seat the bullets at Station 3 with my right hand. Not having a case in Station 1 or a primer gizmo in the way makes that a little easier.
At this point, I like to prepare 100 or more cases as described above and then use stations 2,3, and 4 as a progressive to load them.
Don't get the bullet tray if you want to seat the bullets using your right hand.
Almost any powder charging mechanism can be used with the AT500. My Uniflow seems easier to set up and use than the Dillon system and is very accurate with most powders.
Now I can easily load 4- 5 9mm preprimed cases every minute once I get five correct charges in a row from the Uniflow. The .357 loads at about four preprimed cases per minute."
I'm very happy with mine and Dillon has good service.
Chris