help picking a press

[Charlie98]

Coming up on 40 years and I still remember.

I remember when that thing was released... I seriously considered getting one. The 'no sale' part was the proprietary dies... I went with the ProJector instead.

 

[Howland937]

I understand your concern about squibs... but there is just as much chance of 'producing a squib' with a progressive

I've observed 3 squibs in my life. One was a .357 Mag load my dad made on a Rockchucker. First he'd ever had (or admitted to) but he's definitely starting to slip in various life functions when attention to detail is required.

Another at a match, when the guy was loading ammo at the last minute. 9mm loaded on a Dillon 650 with no powder cop or low charge indicator.

3rd was my own. 9mm, Entirely my fault, on my LNL AP. Had loose powder in the tray with finished rounds. Found the round missing the primer and primed it. No way of knowing how much powder fell out, but thought I'd try it and see if it worked. Yes, by that time it was a controlled experiment since I knew exactly which round was faulty. (Hint, pulling a bullet is definitely easier than unsticking one from a barrel).

Point being, paying attention is pretty important.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I'd consider the T-7 to be manually indexed/advanced. IMHO, the T-7 has more of a 'single-stage, visually open' vibe than a 550, even if both are manually indexed/advanced.

RCIV and LNL-AP here. Blue's comments in post 39 reflect my usage.

One common misconception I had pre-purchase was that you have to (or really should) use it in full-on, all stations filled, ~progressive~ mode.

Nope!

My LNL-AP has been used repeatedly to batch process with 'open' stages due simply to it's auto-advance feature which negates the need to manually remove each case from the press. That, and doing 2, 3, or more things at once is far faster than 'just 1' and easier to keep tabs on than doing 5,6,7,

For my usage, and with an RCIV on my bench already, the auto-advance feature of the LNL-AP tips the scales in it's favor over the T-7, but,,,,,,,,,, Everyone's needs/values are different. I would add that if you like to tinker, a Progressive can be a lot of fun. If you despise ever making an adjustment, perhaps the T-7 might be more to your liking.

Okay I hear you, sounds like you know what you're comfortable with, but I was actually asking OP.

 

[jmorris]

I remember when that thing was released... I seriously considered getting one. The 'no sale' part was the proprietary dies... I went with the ProJector instead.

How was it? My Brother and I went in 50/50 on our first one. I still have it and the other one we bought so we never had to convert priming systems.

It's nuts to think about how much more than $130 it has cost them to support those machines, as long as I've had them. One of them has been shipped to them twice for refurbishment and the only thing I have paid for was shipping to them. Now I just email Gary with what I need and it shows up in a few days.

I like it, just don't understand how it works, from business perspective.

 

[Charlie98]

I like it, just don't understand how it works, from business perspective.

Actually, it's a very smart business model. If you buy a SquareDeal, for example, and get good service out of it, you are likely to upgrade/expand with Dillon products in the future. Dillon has a brand loyalty other manufacturers would die for... I call them the Dillon Moonies, and I don't mean that in a disparaging way. Much like HK Moonies, Glock Moonies, or any other brand that has rabid support for it's product.

 

[Milt1]

I have a T-7 and have used for a long time which has left me thinking that I would like to have a loader that's faster. I like what I've read and seen regarding the Dillon 550c so that would be my recommendation.

 

[Wildbillz]

9mm, 44 mag , 223 , 308 ,

300 rounds a month total or 300 rounds a month of each caliber?

300 rounds total I would get a good single stage and not worry about it. 300 rounds of each caliber (1200 rounds total) a month I would be looking more toward the progressive press. This pistol stuff will load fast on a progressive. I find the rifle stuff to be a pain to reload on a progressive due to the case lube. So with the rifle calibers I end up using a single stage.

But that's just me. Your mileage may vary
WB

 

[Rule3]

How was it? My Brother and I went in 50/50 on our first one. I still have it and the other one we bought so we never had to convert priming systems.

It's nuts to think about how much more than $130 it has cost them to support those machines, as long as I've had them. One of them has been shipped to them twice for refurbishment and the only thing I have paid for was shipping to them. Now I just email Gary with what I need and it shows up in a few days.

I like it, just don't understand how it works, from business perspective.

Now you know why I don't get involved in "what press to buy" Just like brass cleaning


But here in order. Lee Challenger single stage, Lee Classic Breech lock, Lee Classic Turret, Rcbs 2000 (sold it), Hornady Lnl AP
I don not need a lot of ammo but I do load a lot of calibers, the LCT is the easiest and cheapest to switch over calibers for me.

Dillons business model is not about reloading presses. They make great machine and charge enough up front to cover any repairs.

Reloading is a side line for them. They make money with government contracts and weapons systems!

Dillon Aero