FoghornLeghorn
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What he said. Although I use RCBS for bottleneck cases, I have a Square Deal for handgun rounds.
Whats so special about Dillon?
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What he said. Although I use RCBS for bottleneck cases, I have a Square Deal for handgun rounds.
amlevin
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codefour-
If you want to save some time and money on Dillon caliber changes don't buy a powder measure for each caliber. Just buy a powder die and another powder measure slide. You can have a powder bar, fully adjusted for each powder and caliber. Takes seconds to change them and just use the same powder measure by moving it from tool head to tool head.
For some, just about anything is a "hassle". To others, we just find solutions that work for us and move on. I won't settle for "good enough" just because it might save me a minute or two.
If you want to save some time and money on Dillon caliber changes don't buy a powder measure for each caliber. Just buy a powder die and another powder measure slide. You can have a powder bar, fully adjusted for each powder and caliber. Takes seconds to change them and just use the same powder measure by moving it from tool head to tool head.
For some, just about anything is a "hassle". To others, we just find solutions that work for us and move on. I won't settle for "good enough" just because it might save me a minute or two.
rfwobbly
Member
Why I like Dillon equipment.....
I tend to use my reloading setup like most people use a toaster. My time is limited and valuable, so on the rare occasions when I can get a chance to sit down to reload, after a 3 minute adjustment period,.... the only thing I want to do is pull the handle, and the only thing I want to see is ammo pouring out the the other end.
After trying most of the brands on the market over the decades I've been doing this, I've found that the Dillon system is the only one reliable enough to make this happen for me. There are several equally accurate systems on the market now, but only the Dillon is accurate and reliable enough to make anywhere from 10 or 1000 perfect rounds with no primer jams, no power measure leaks, no linkage failures, no shell holders that decide to stop turning a full rotation in the middle of a run, etc.
There are certainly other good brands of reloading equipment. I still retain and use the best pieces off of every reloading kit I've ever owned. But in terms of the entire system (that is to say, the way the press, primer feed, powder measure and shell holder work in concert) the Dillons are the best I've ever used.
I tend to use my reloading setup like most people use a toaster. My time is limited and valuable, so on the rare occasions when I can get a chance to sit down to reload, after a 3 minute adjustment period,.... the only thing I want to do is pull the handle, and the only thing I want to see is ammo pouring out the the other end.
After trying most of the brands on the market over the decades I've been doing this, I've found that the Dillon system is the only one reliable enough to make this happen for me. There are several equally accurate systems on the market now, but only the Dillon is accurate and reliable enough to make anywhere from 10 or 1000 perfect rounds with no primer jams, no power measure leaks, no linkage failures, no shell holders that decide to stop turning a full rotation in the middle of a run, etc.
There are certainly other good brands of reloading equipment. I still retain and use the best pieces off of every reloading kit I've ever owned. But in terms of the entire system (that is to say, the way the press, primer feed, powder measure and shell holder work in concert) the Dillons are the best I've ever used.
GW Staar
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Why I like Dillon equipment.....
After trying most of the brands on the market over the decades I've been doing this, I've found that the Dillon system is the only one reliable enough to make this happen for me. There are several equally accurate systems on the market now, but only the Dillon is accurate and reliable enough to make anywhere from 10 or 1000 perfect rounds with no primer jams, no power measure leaks, no linkage failures, no shell holders that decide to stop turning a full rotation in the middle of a run, etc.
There are certainly other good brands of reloading equipment. I still retain and use the best pieces off of every reloading kit I've ever owned. But in terms of the entire system (that is to say, the way the press, primer feed, powder measure and shell holder work in concert) the Dillons are the best I've ever used.
Hmmm....that sounds more like a comparison of Dillon vs. Lee to me. I load like you do....and after using the Dillon 650 and RCBS 2000 for a week, I decided to buy the Pro 2000...and for nearly the same reasons you listed.
Please list all those unreliable systems you tried....
Red Cent
Member
"......I found it too easy to zero-charge or double-charge cases....."
The 650 has a case powder check assembly used in the 4th station. When I really get the rythm down and it beeps, I simply dump the powder, throw the case into the case feeder and keep on going.
I load too many rounds to check each case.
I am glad I have Dillons, but I really don't like to load that much.
I use a Frankford Arsenal vibrated primer tube feeder and I can load 100 primers in the Dillon in less than a minute. From the time I dump the primers into the Frankford.
Combine that with a Dillon ..........
The 650 has a case powder check assembly used in the 4th station. When I really get the rythm down and it beeps, I simply dump the powder, throw the case into the case feeder and keep on going.
I load too many rounds to check each case.
I am glad I have Dillons, but I really don't like to load that much.
I use a Frankford Arsenal vibrated primer tube feeder and I can load 100 primers in the Dillon in less than a minute. From the time I dump the primers into the Frankford.
Combine that with a Dillon ..........
Ten years ago I bought my first Dillon a 550 when I started shooting 300 rounds of pistol a week. Did a lot of research before settling on the Dillon and couldn't be happier.
I've since sold the 550 and replaced it with a 650 and 1050. That says a lot for Dillon as I'm not a loyalist. If there were something better I'd have it on the bench.
You'll find a lot of Hornady owners though I wouldn't I'd go out of my way to buy one of their presses. My opinion is they're lured in by the free bullets which make the offer look more attractive.
At this time if I wanted another progressive it would be Dillon again. After owning 3 I'm very satisfied.
I've since sold the 550 and replaced it with a 650 and 1050. That says a lot for Dillon as I'm not a loyalist. If there were something better I'd have it on the bench.
You'll find a lot of Hornady owners though I wouldn't I'd go out of my way to buy one of their presses. My opinion is they're lured in by the free bullets which make the offer look more attractive.
At this time if I wanted another progressive it would be Dillon again. After owning 3 I'm very satisfied.
oldfortyfiveauto
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One 550B and three Square Deals plus a variety of single stages. Dillon is hard to fault, especially their case tumblers.
codefour
Member
As Kevin Rohrer stated:
"Not meaning to start a flame war as RCBS makes excellent products, but their presses are aluminum and cast in China."
My Pro 2000 is made of steel (at least as the owner's manuel says but possibly iron) and it also has stamped on it "Made in USA" on the frame.
The frame and ram weigh fifty pounds alone.
"Not meaning to start a flame war as RCBS makes excellent products, but their presses are aluminum and cast in China."
My Pro 2000 is made of steel (at least as the owner's manuel says but possibly iron) and it also has stamped on it "Made in USA" on the frame.
The frame and ram weigh fifty pounds alone.
Kevin Rohrer
Member
I am not familiar w/ this press. Is it still made?
When I said their presses are now made from Chinese aluminum, I was quoting a company official who was interviewed in a recent Handloader magazine article.
highlander 5
Member
i had a 550b that I screwed up trying to take it apart to replace one of the linkage arms that froze up. Called Dillon told them what I had done and and would pay to have it repaired. The customer service rep said send it in we'll fix it no problem. Sent the press back and 2 weeks later got it back in first class shape no charge.
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drfroglegs
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As someone who doesn't own a Dillon/RCBS you may find it worthwhile to completely ignore my opinion, but It's hard to justify spending $1,400 on a reloading press that a Lee Press will do for $200. I guess if I had a whole lot more money my opinion would change, but that's where it stands now.
Just my $0.02...
Just my $0.02...
Hangingrock
Member
I like the calendars, really-really like the calendars. The equipment is ok but I like the calendars. You can’t reload with a calendar but you sure can dream. Back to reality I have a 550B and (2) SDB presses. No complaints but If I was starting out I’d take a look at the Hornady progressive press. Even with three progressive presses there is still a place on the bench for a Redding single stage. I’m wondering when the 2012 calendars are going to be available?
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GW Staar
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Kevin, you're not starting a flame war, you're just perpetuating a rumor that has grown and ebbed over and over. The next thread will be about how sorry RCBS is because their presses are made in China, and no red-blooded American should buy one....they don't deserve that after all they've done in the last 50 years for American reloaders.
Now I don't know about their cheap aluminum line which I wouldn't personally buy, but I did personally call an RCBS Engineer I know, the last time this rumor surfaced, and asked him point blank about the China Rumors concerning Rock Chuckers and Pro 2000's. Their heavy duty cast-iron bodies are cast and finished in their plant in California, machined by the most modern and accurate CNC equipment available...today, yesterday, since their creation.(only before the CNC equipment was invented, machining was done by hand in the same plant.) One more time...cast-iron presses, made in America. I don't know how to make that any more clear.....if you folks don't believe me call RCBS yourself and ask.
RCBS started making a cheap aluminum line a few years ago, to go after the Lee, Hornady market for those who couldn't afford more. Maybe that's the presses talked about in Handloader, I wouldn't know. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, It would be nice if a Handloader issue could be specified, if its going to be quoted....otherwise it's a rumor we can't easily verify. The aluminum presses are the RCBS Reloader Special-5, and the RCBS Partner press....I don't recommend them any higher than an Aluminum Lee press. And if I was going to buy Lee, I would get one of their two good cast-iron models.
Answering Kevin again, the Pro 2000 is RCBS's flagship progressive. A five station press with a removable tool head, best compared to Dillon's 650...except for Dillon's aluminum castings. (Why do you thing Dillon presses are so huge....they have to be.)
rfwobbly
Member
• Since the Dillon line starts with the BL550 at a list price of $259 I'd like to know where you got your price data.
• Since Dillon's only press in the quoted $1400 price range is the 8-station 1050, please explain which Lee press has similar capacity and in-press trimming capability.
EdJennings
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The blue press has no equal. That said, I use Lee dies in my 550B
Reading these posts is so much fun.
Seriously I am glad there are tools made in the good old US of A to a high standard of quality. More and more I'm looking at where things are made, and if made in China, I keep looking. Paying twice as much is often a bargain.
Carry on....
Seriously I am glad there are tools made in the good old US of A to a high standard of quality. More and more I'm looking at where things are made, and if made in China, I keep looking. Paying twice as much is often a bargain.
Carry on....
20 yrs ago I had no problem finding stuff made in the USA. Now it's nearly impossible. Fortunately, most of my major tool purchases occurred a while ago.X-Rap said:
But when the president of the country is taking bribes from China, it's no surprise he'll start pushing through rules that favor them. They didn't call him slick willy for nothing.
My local gun store sells Dillon, and has a XL650 set up to play with (no powder or primers). So I bought one. Keep in mind that after you buy one, you will then spend an equal amount of money on all the accessories. I opened the box, saw all the parts, and put it away for a year! This past spring I fnally man'd up and opened the box. After a lot of "learning", I've got it set up for .223 with all the bells and wistles. IT's AWESOME! I cannot imagine using a single press. I have to touch each case enough as it is now, 4 or 5 more touches would just make me want to give up the hobby. I don't have any friends that reload, but all of my friends love to look at that press. Draws them in like flys to a picnic.
I did do this however; I set up a small Lee single press just to decap my brass. I wanted the pockets clean before I reset the primer. And with military brass, I need to swage them anyway. It's just easier to do on a single, than to Decap first on the Dillion. The first stage sill sizes it, just doesn't punch out the primer.
I did do this however; I set up a small Lee single press just to decap my brass. I wanted the pockets clean before I reset the primer. And with military brass, I need to swage them anyway. It's just easier to do on a single, than to Decap first on the Dillion. The first stage sill sizes it, just doesn't punch out the primer.
One other point. I ordered the wrong dies on-line. I e-mailed Dillon about how to swap them. I put them in the mail with a note saying what I had done, and what I really needed. Left my phone number and said to call me and I would give them a credit card for the shipping charges. New dies showed up a week later, zero charge, zero hassel. That's the kind of thing that makes me come back. And they have a great Q&A blog, which they monitor all the time for troubleshooting questions.
drfroglegs
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The super 1050 is listed as $1,600 on their website.
Considering most people start out the hobby to "save money" it doesn't even really make that much sense to spend $500-600 on a press unless your a competition shooter! For the typical shooter, getting a cheap press is more than enough..
I get so tired of people knocking Lee presses... If you know how to set them up, they're just as good as any press on the market (and die's are better)!
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