Reloading press

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Morrey

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I'm completing my reloading workshop and want to consider a new press for handgun loading. I use an RCBS Rock Chucker and an RCBS RS3 single stage for my rifle calibers since I really take my time with those rounds.

For handgun, I have loaded 9mm Luger, 45 ACP and 38 special/357 mag. I had an older Dillon 450 press, but that was some years ago, so I am looking for a press to use specifically for handgun loading.

I want to consider all my options, but I am a bit shy of auto indexing presses. One slip and the whole shooting match is upset as in my MEC 12 Gauge auto index loader. I like the control of a manual index.

A press with a swappable tool head is nice for quick caliber conversions. I am not looking for a loading press on the cheap, but reasonable of course with well made being the focus. Any suggestions may help me discover a press I'm not aware of and enlighten me. Of course my old Dillon 450 was awesome so the newer 550 is on my radar screen. Anything else?
 
The RCBS Pro2000 comes in a manual index version.

It has 5 stations instead of 4 as on the Dillon 550.

There are some advantages to the APS strip priming system on the Pro2000 over the tube type used on most other progressive presses.

I have both (auto index Pro2000 and a BL550) and each has it advantages and disadvantages.

With the Pro2000, one loads cases on bullets from the same side of the press, the left side. I kind of prefer that.

With the 550, cases go in with the right hand and bullets on the left. Since I mounted a case bin on the right side for feeding cases, it flows better.

Hope this helps.
 
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cfullgraf said:
The RCBS Pro2000 comes in a manual index version.

It has 5 stations instead of 4 as on the Dillon 550.

There are some advantages to the APS strip priming system on the Pro2000 over the tube type used on most other progressive presses.

I have both (auto index Pro2000 and a BL550) and each has it advantages and disadvantages.

With the Pro2000, one loads cases on bullets from the same side of the press, the left side. I kind of prefer that.

With the 550, cases go in with the right hand and bullets on the left. Since I mounted a case bin on the left side for feeding cases, it flows better.

Hope this helps.
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I am familiar of course with the Dillon and I follow your thoughts on the right hand and left hand actions. The RCBS Pro 2000 (I just watched a you tube video) keeps the components in your left hand. I think both of these presses are contenders.
 
I've had an auto pro2k for a few years now with no issues. I've got probably 35,000 rounds loaded from it & other than a broken powder return spring it's been great.
And yes, rcbs sent one free.

On sale at midsouth shooters right now for $399 for the auto version.

Forgot about a $50 rebate thru rcbs as well when you buy over $300 of gear. Gotta be bought by the end of Dec though.
 
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Thanks for asking our advice.

Morrey said:
I'm completing my reloading workshop and want to consider a new press for handgun loading. I use an RCBS Rock Chucker and an RCBS RS3 single stage for my rifle calibers since I really take my time with those rounds.

For handgun, I have loaded 9mm Luger, 45 ACP and 38 special/357 mag. I had an older Dillon 450 press, but that was some years ago, so I am looking for a press to use specifically for handgun loading.

I want to consider all my options, but I am a bit shy of auto indexing presses. One slip and the whole shooting match is upset as in my MEC 12 Gauge auto index loader. I like the control of a manual index.

A press with a swappable tool head is nice for quick caliber conversions. I am not looking for a loading press on the cheap, but reasonable of course with well made being the focus. Any suggestions may help me discover a press I'm not aware of and enlighten me. Of course my old Dillon 450 was awesome so the newer 550 is on my radar screen. Anything else?
Click to expand...
I did not like my progressive presses (too much to monitor happening all at once, and I did not need the quantities they could provide anyway. Plus, I load several calibers and the quick and easy swappability of the turret was practical for me) so found myself in a situation similar to yours.

Here is the story of my solution when I decided to repopulate my loading bench with the best money could buy that fit my needs:

http://rugerforum.net/reloading/293...you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html

I went with the Lee Classic Turret. It is the best 4-station autoadvancing turret in current production in the world, bar none. And a turret head is only about $10 to $15 each. (Don't be put off by the autoadvancing feature. Since it is a turret, not a progressive, a slip is not as troublesome as on a progressive.)

But, my solution might not fill your needs. What are they? Here are my usual questions:

Of the calibers you listed what quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month)

How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities?

How large of production runs before swapping calibers?

What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment)

Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit?

Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?

How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?

Do you want it to be portable?

What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?

Lost Sheep
 
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I bought the Lee Classic Turret to load pistol on. I liked it so well I sold my Rockchucker and bought a Classic Cast too.
 
For smaller volume it's hard to beat the classic turret for the price. This press may not be what your looking for, since your looking at the Dillon 550.
 
The Dillon 550 can only be beat by the 650. If you want to get a lot of ammo quickly either will do the job for you. I've been loading on Dillons for 40 years and love their quality and reliability. Every once in a while I'll loose some part that I haven't needed do to caliber changes. I call Dillon and then send me the parts no questions asked and free of charge.

Can't beat their customer service.
 
AzShooter1 said:
The Dillon 550 can only be beat by the 650. If you want to get a lot of ammo quickly either will do the job for you. I've been loading on Dillons for 40 years and love their quality and reliability. Every once in a while I'll loose some part that I haven't needed do to caliber changes. I call Dillon and then send me the parts no questions asked and free of charge.

Can't beat their customer service.
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What he said.

I have used them all and the Dillon reigns supreme on my bench.
 
Morrey

I am the owner of a RockChucker, Lee Classic turret and Dillon 550b.

Each has it's purpose.

For pistol, it sounds like the 550b would be right for you. For others, they prefer the equivalent in a different color.

Next will come the blue vs red vs green.......
 
I don't have an LNL any longer but there would be circumstances where I would pick an LNL over a 550. I am a fan of having a powder check die if I can.
 
All I'll add to the conversation as mentioned above, I need right hand operation with left hand feed. I just can't get a rhythm feeding from the right. 40+ years with RCBS makes it hard to change patterns.
 
While I'm definitely not into "speed reloading", I do like simple. I bought a Lee turret several years ago and after one or two sessions I disabled the auto-index feature, removing the spiral rod and plastic thingy. I like hand indexing much better as I feel I have more control and I batch reload most of the time (99.9% of the time). I can't tell you how fast/many rounds per hour as I batch load but it ain't odd for me to sit down to my press and knock out 40 or fifty rounds in less than an hour (slow for most, but just right for me. I enjoy reloading and don't need fast and I can reload several times a week :p). But it takes no time to process 100 cases (size/deprime, trim/chamfer rifle brass, prime) and have them ready for a "charge and seat" session...
 
Seems like the RL550B is exactly what you want. In my 7 years so far on one, my only complaints are the primer slide and spent primer catch system. If you're handy ideas for a better primer slide bearing have been posted online...or you can buy one via ebay. I haven't found a fix for the "pin" in the primer catch chute occasionally getting mangled. I've used the original, safety pins, wire, bits of the handle from Chinese take-out boxes, etc.
 
First and foremost, thank you all for the valuable input to help me with a reloader decision. I looked at reloader websites, called the companies I narrowed down based on input from this forum, and watched multiple videos.
I am more of a hobby reloader vs a speed demon, so getting in the "reloading zone" is an event for me more than a race. I use 2 MEC 9000 progressive shot shell machines and fully know about the timing and tuning of an auto indexing machine. Some swear at them while others swear by them.
I called Dillon on Sat (they were open) and the rep was very thorough and helpful. I get the feeling from Dillon that their customers are important. For a wide variety of reasons, I ordered an RL 550 b. I am anxious to get started! Thanks for the opinions and valued reviews!
 
Dillon is always a good option. I've have many different presses - RCBS Rock chucker, Lyman T-Mag Turret, Lee Turret, Hornady LnL progressive, Dillon 650, MEC 9000, and Dillon SL900.

For me, Dillon is the most trouble free, no compromise.

On an unrelated note - I dumped my MEC 9000 with Automate for a Dillon SL900 that I bought used on eBay. Once I got the SL900 running right (it sat for a few years, so it needed a good cleaning and lube and adjustments) no more shot and powder all over the floor. No more dealing with those bottles, or charge bars, or bar locks, or having to bend parts of the press with pliers to make adjustments, just smooth operation (most of the time...it's better, but nothing is perfect).
 
OP,

Based on your description of what your looking for, you should go to a Dillon SDB.

Yes I own one, specifically for Pistol reloading only, that is what it is designed for. I also have single stage presses for Rifle reloading. I reload .45LC and 9mm with mine.

Now the only draw back is that it uses proprietary dies that only work in the SDB. Dillon has excellent customer service and warranty, so no issues if something breaks.

LeftyTSGC:D
 
Congrats on your choice of the 550b. You won't regret it. I also have an RCBS Rock Chucker for smaller runs, but my 550b is my work horse. Gotta finish up some 9mm today, then covert it over to .223.
 
hAkron said:
Dillon is always a good option. I've have many different presses - RCBS Rock chucker, Lyman T-Mag Turret, Lee Turret, Hornady LnL progressive, Dillon 650, MEC 9000, and Dillon SL900.

For me, Dillon is the most trouble free, no compromise.

On an unrelated note - I dumped my MEC 9000 with Automate for a Dillon SL900 that I bought used on eBay. Once I got the SL900 running right (it sat for a few years, so it needed a good cleaning and lube and adjustments) no more shot and powder all over the floor. No more dealing with those bottles, or charge bars, or bar locks, or having to bend parts of the press with pliers to make adjustments, just smooth operation (most of the time...it's better, but nothing is perfect).
Click to expand...
I wish I could tell you have many times I have dumped powder and shot from my MEC 9000's. My 20 ga is handle operated, but the 12 ga is hydraulic. When that bad boy catches a hull wrong and crushes it, you talk about a royal mess!!! Sure it can crank out 100 rounds in a skinny, but I am long passed the let's get 'er done in a hurry stage.
 
Hi all new user first post. :)

Got started in reloading this summer when I purchased a used Lyman Spartan and a Harrells Precision. Added another Lyman Spartan later this summer when I saw one on a table at a gun show. Have been successfully reloading 9mm with that setup. Probably would have added yet another as I began to implement .223 into the mix and I liked the idea of leaving the Harrells set up with my seating die for 9mm. Couldn't locate another Spartan, even traded email with the seller of the last one I got but after weeks of back and forth we never connected.

Meanwhile I had cottoned on to the Lee Classic Turret. That really seemed the ticket. It looked like a solid press and all I'll have to do is change die plates. It came today and I must say I think I'm going to be very pleased with it.
 
Well, I set up the Lee last night. Mounted it to a 2x6 that I clamp to the bench. Gave it some oil, worked the ram up and down. Started moving dies to it. Got to the third one and oh oh. :confused:

The knurled part of the locking rings on my dies touch enough so tightening them I will be shaving knurled bits off the adjoining die in the plate. :mad:

I was going to do separate plates for different calibers so .223 isn't an issue but my 9mm set has 3.

I suppose I could do a plate for decapping dies?

Would locking rings be interchangeable and maybe I have to get some Lee lock rings?
 
Yes, lee lock rings will work fine on the Lee turret. I'm not a big fan of them, particularly if you need to remove dies and have their settings retained with assurance (e.g. a true locking mechanism that holds the setting securely whether the die is in or out of the press/turret plate/tool head).

What brand of dies/lock-rings are you using? I know Hornady lock rings are too big for the turret (too bad, since they are my favorites).

Andy
 
Yep, I'm using Hornady with the nice locking ring. That ring is just a smidgen too big to get all three 9mm on the plate.

If Lee rings will work that will be ok. Plates are so cheap I don't see myself taking the dies out once they are set up. They might go up or down a bit as I play with loads but that's prob all.

Stinks a little that added cost of getting Lee rings. I guess I'll take a hard look at the set for .380 from Lee and avoid having to do it again.

Oh, hah. I just looked. a set of 3 rings from Lee looks to be $3.98 :p
 
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