rookie questions

[hershey]

as a new dilon 550 owner, i have begun a long learning curve, my question starts w/ primers/ i see at least 4 distinct types, large/small pistol, large/small rifle, and then is there magnum ones too or are they just large rifle. then i only see two size tubes for the dillon, do pistol/rifle primers fit both tubes or are there 4 type of tubes. my first attempt will be 45acp, with 9mm, .223, then .308,to follow. each of these require a different primer ?.

i know i got lots of reading to do, just trying to sort out the particulars to the dillon.

i know there are lots of powders as well, but do i need to buy 4 different powders, or are there some universal ones that will work for several applications. 45acp is a low pressure round, so it is probably different, but what about the other 3?

 

[taliv]

yep, LP, SP, SR, LR. no, magnum are not the same. don't use magnum for now, until you have a good reason to do so. enjoy


no. for example, 223 and 308 could both be loaded with a powder like varget. you could probably get away with a single pistol powder too.


honestly, it sounds like you really need to read a few reloading manuals before you actually do anything with your new 550 or buy more components.

 

[lgbloader]

Hey Hershey,

You will get alot of different recommendation from different people but that is because not every recipe is ideal for every single pistol or rifle. what works good for one may not be the best for someone else.

Here are my recommendations:

45 acp: Large pistol primer

Bullseye
Titegroup
Clays

9mm: small pistol primer

VV320
Power Pistol

223 Rem:

I use Varget, that is my main load that works for me.
Also, you can try H335, IMR4895, BLC(2), W748 and even IMR4064 for heavier projos.

308 Win: if this is gas...

4895 (Both IMR & H )
BLC(2)
Varget


My 308 bolt action loves:

IMR 4064
Varget
IMR4895
W760
W748


That is what I use mostly at this stage of my life. I also use CCI primers.


I use alot of other powders that I could go on and on about but this would be a good place to start.

I also recommend reading alot more BEFORE you start assembly of any rounds.


Good luck

Cheers, Mate

 

[Chief-7700]

Hershey, I think that you know who I'm! (hint .223)Please follow the advice that you have been given so far before you get into to deep and someting bad happens......Do your reading before you even touch the press. Please feel free to PM or email me for help.
Chief-7700

 

[davecampperry]

And don't forget that a Dillon representative/technician is only a phone call away. Lg Rifle and Lg Pistol are .210" while Small rifle and small pistol are .175" Hope this helps.

 

[hershey]

thanx davecampperry, i originally thought we were near each other based on your name.

i got lots of reading to do, and even more gleaning from these sights, it'll probably be winter before the dillon comes out of the box, but by then i want to have everything sorted out, the primer tube question was bugging me.....

 

[ForneyRider]

I went straight off the recipe until I got comfortable.

That meant buying same brand. If the recipe said WLP, then I used WLP, not Fed 150, or Fed 155. Even the brass, I matched to the recipe. The internal capacity is different from brand to brand, even lot to lot.

I have seen recipes for 270 Win for both magnum large rifle and standard large rifle. I have seen recipes for 375H&H and 7mm Mag with magnum and non-magnum.

Some people recommend magnum primers in extreme cold weather. In Texas, I haven't had to worry about that situation.

There are also bench rest and "Match" primers.

For me, the Federal primers tend to go off more easily than the CCI. The CCI are always easier for me to obtain. Federal was hard to come by. I have some Remington 9.5 I need to use up as well. I like the Federal the best. They haven't failed to ignite. The CCI are hard, and don't always go off in my firearms. Some suggest to have the firing pin modified to work.