Rockchucker kit vs. Dillon RL 550B

[mpstan]

I know most recommend that rookies start out with single stage presses, but I keep reading about people that later move on to progressives and I'm torn on what to do... I don't really want to get into this with a Rockchucker then wish I'd spent a bit more on a progressive.

Rockchucker kit: About $300 with freight if I can find one

Dillon RL 550: $365; no freight from Grafs; need caliber conversion kit and scale (another $100)

Other than a reloading manual I'm getting with the RCBS kit am I comparing costs fairly here?

Less than a $200 spread between these? Where is my logic flawed?

My boys and I are just starting out; we are shooting 6.5 swede and 270 rifles right now... mostly bench shooting; 2-3X per month. Way less than 1000 rounds per month. Love the Swede but am commited to reloading with it.

I'm a veterinarian and have a LITTLE more money than time.

Thanks for your help.

 

[kappelmd]

I bought my Dillon 550B for reloading pistol ammo for IDPA competition. I later bought a RockChucker Supreme press for producing very accurate rifle rounds. The Dillon progressive press can produce some very accurate 223 and 308 rounds though.

If you are starting off reloading rifle cartridges you may want to start with a single stage press. 1000 rounds is a lot to produce with a single stage press.

 

[Otto]

A Dillon setup is going to run upwards of $1000 considering that you've never reloaded before. Some will disagree with that and others will try to sell you on a Lee setup but it is what it is.
I'd look at Brians Enos's site for better a understanding of what's entailed.
Brian now offers EZ-Buy packages.
http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.ez.550.html
I'd also choose a XL650 over the 550 since the 650 auto indexes.


Nothing wrong with the RCBS...it's just really slow for volume reloading.
It really depends on how much you value your time....

 

[alanjtc73n]

If accuracy is what you're looking for, I'd go with a single stage. I measure every load on a scale before it goes into a case. It's annoying to pull a case and weight the powder in a progressive. At that point, you might as well have a single stage since you'll have to pull the case anyway. Progressives work great when you have well metering powders. Most of the stuff I work with, Varget, Unique, etc. are extruded rod and flake. They don't throw well out of a measure.

The rockchucker comes with everything you need to load except for dies, shell holders, and consumables. The Dillong 550 still needs a scale, dies, shell plates, loading block (not necessary but the rockchucker kit comes with it), deburr tool (included w/ rockchucker), lube brushes (again, with rockchucker), calipers for COAL (again, with rockchucker). The rockchucker is a bargain. For less than 1000/mo, I'd get the rockchucker already have one), especially if you're starting out.

 

[ModificationVt]

I got the rockchucker for christmas and love it. I am just getting started in reloading and I was in the same boat trying to figure out if I wanted to start single or dive in with a progressive, and I am glad I started with a single. it gives you a much more intimate knowledge about what each step is doing.
now I am sure I will get myself a progressive at some point so I can crank out plinking rounds, I will be keeping the rock chucker because I can tell that it is going to be able to make accurate loads for bulls eye shooting.

 

[buck460XVR]

I went thru the same quandary when I was gonna start reloading. Even tho I reload mostly for pistol, I also load 30-06, 223 and 32 Special. A gunsmith/reloader friend advised me to start with a single stage to learn the process, plus he said if I wanted quality rifle rounds, I would end up buying the single stage anyway. I still only own a Rockchucker and load approximately 500 rounds a month and always run outta brass before I run outta time.

 

[Lucky Strike]

i went through the same dilemma a couple months ago and decided to go with the 550B because since it manually indexes you can use it like a single stage if you want to. I didn't feel safe as a new reloader going fully auto indexing progressive but didn't want to get a single stage and after a month or two get tired of the slow speed and have to buy a new press The 550 seemed like the perfect compromise.

Of course i bought it to reload .223 and 4 or 5 different handgun calibers.....if you're wanting super accurate rifle ammo then everyone seems to say single stage

 

[mpstan]

Thanks everyone,

I ordered the Rockchucker kit from Midsouth this morning.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[mtopham]

What about a turret press? I got started very recently with a Redding T-7. I seemed to be a good middle ground for me between single-stage and progressive presses.

 

[ls0n3]

lee classic kit from kempf gun shop.

You can turn off the auto index for single stage like performance. In addition once you want to step it up some you can use the turret with auto index and have faster reloading.

I went that route since I was new to reloading and would need everything new..
I ended up blowin close to 800 counting everything, consumables, and casting gear for my own bullets to make over 1000 rounds.

 

[lgbloader]

MP,

Congrats on the Rock chucker press kit. You will love it. I was given an older model Rock chucker press from my God Father (Uncle Joe has since passed on)and loaded 1K's upon 1K's of ammo with it. Used it for years.
I still have the rock chucker and would never sell it, ever. RCBS has never let me down on their warranty either. Just as good as Dillon in my book.

Cheers, Mate.

LGB

 

[rfwobbly]

The biggest drawback (if you can even call it that) to the Rock Chucker kit is that it comes with the Speer manual, which covers only Speer bullets. I'd highly suggest a Lyman manual as far more generalized, with better coverage of different bullets and powders. Other than that it's a superior press with great accessories.

You'll love the Rock Chucker. I started with one myself in 1981.

 

[earlthegoat2]

You can also compromise and get a turret press. Im not sure of any that come in kits but they can be somewhat fast and still easy to learn on.

 

[ls0n3]

its all good! Enjoy the press! Besides from what I can tell in the bench pic thread, most of these reloader nuts have multiple presses )

 

[rfwobbly]

What !

...most of these reloader nuts...

SIR! I resemble that remark !!!