Where is the cheapest, best place to buy a new Dillon press?

[RPCVYemen]

All you need is the press and dies. The press is $375 - $400 and the dies are about $60.

I am puzzled that I can't find any reviews of that base package - everyone always seems to actually review the > $1K package. I can't find a list of what folks are adding that seems to always bring the price to over a grand.

Mike

 

[supham]

Can you point to an online review? Lets see where I'm was when I started:

Press $400
Dies $60
scale $40
calipers $25
flip tray $20?
tumbler $60
tumbler media $15
Gauge check $15

I'm sure there were other things I purchased to get started but was around $600 before I loaded my first .40 (that first one is kind of expensive.)

I could add the strong mount, powder check, primer check and handle .... I'm just too cheap.

 

[243winxb]

I can't quite figure out what accessories are adding $700 bucks to the base configuration

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23594/catid/1/RL_550B Go to there website, look under "Options" and 'Caliber Changers' and add up what you need. From Dillon Website>..

This will get you started.

RL550B machine in the caliber of your choice
Die set in your caliber of choice
Eliminator Powder scale #13480
Lyman Reloading Manual #10330
Dial calipers #13462
Primer flip tray #13606

 

[Shoney]

You can easily get to a grand with 5 or 6 quick chageover units. Dies not included.

550 - Quick Changeover (Toolhead, Powder Measure, Powder Die, Toolhead Stand. $91 ea) and Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate, powder funnel, and locator buttons; $45) TOTAL $136 each
3-550 QC Kits - $136 x 3 = $408
5-550 QC Kits - $136 x 5 = $680

550 Press + 5 Changeovers
$400 + $680 = $1080

add a case feeder $250 - $300 more

 

[RPCVYemen]

Thanks for the info - I looked at Brian Enos's site, and see that he has some CR packages (for "Current Reloaders") that seem to be functional packages - about $500 for the basic, and $675 for the "top notch".

This is mostly a thought experiment for me - I am trying to understand the difference in price between roughly equivalent Hornady Lock N Load AP and Dillion 500 B setups. It's a thought experiment because I can satisfy my current ammo needs with an old Lyman Turret press. Right now range time, not ammo limits my shooting. And with one about to start college in 3 years, my toy budget is severely limited. Sending the oldest to the 4th most expensive private college in the country set a precedent ...

Thanks to all for the info.

Mike

 

[lgbloader]

I am puzzled that I can't find any reviews of that base package - everyone always seems to actually review the > $1K package. I can't find a list of what folks are adding that seems to always bring the price to over a grand.

I, personally, think there is some BS being fed your way.

Hello there, RPCV,

I looked at this and it kinda bothered me so I decided to look at the RL550B in The Blue Press, Dillon's monthly or bi-monthly magazine.

Here is what I came up with.

You can buy a 550B set up from the factory for a caliber for 395.95 msrp.

Let's add this up.

550B press - $395.95 * Sportsmans warehouse has them for $350.00
Dillon Dies for pistol - $58.95 * Local shops sell them even cheaper.
* * you can use Lee dies, they work fine - $30.00

= $425.00 if you go with Lee dies.

You will still need calipers, scale, and a couple of loading manuals.
------------------------------------------

If you want to make caliber changes, you do not need to get Quick change assemblies as the above posted has claimed. I personally load 8 different calibers and only have 1 powder die, 1 Powder measure, and 1 tool head. I find it very east and fast to change out the calibers plus I don't like leaving my dies set up on tool heads. I like to put them away in their respective boxes.

You will need some caliber conversion kits which are listed at $50.95 which i buy at my local mom and pop store for about $43.00. But for a couple of calibers, I only bought the shell plate and maybe a powder funnel to complete the caliber conversion since they mix and match.

and I don't know where the above poster got $300.00 for a case feeder but this Blue Press magazine lists it at $229.95. For the 550B, I don't think it is worth it to use a case feeder since the shell plate indexes manually.

* I think i see where the above poster got $300.00 for the case feeder, The case feeder for the Hornady LNL AP goes for $422.59 MSRP according to their website - WOW!!! I wasn't aware of that

Low powder sensor - $40.95 * not needed. you can see the hopper.
Plastic roller handle - $33.95 * again, not needed
Strong mount - $41.95 * again, not needed. Does Hornady offer this?
Aluminum Bullet tray - 38.95 - again, not needed - work out of the bullet box.


I do not understand the pricing you got but I can tell you that for $504.95, you can purchase a XL650 press and for $199.95 more you can get the case feeder. Again these prices are MRSP so if you sharpen your pencil, I am sure you can get this for even less.

People say this and that about Dillon but I have never had any problems with the ammo that I have loaded. My precision loads are done on single stage anyways. If you want to make great ammo and alot of it, you can't go wrong with a Dillon.

On a high note, The Hornady LNL AP is also a cool press and so is the RCBS 2000, especially since the RCBS 2000 shell plate now features auto index. What can I say, I love tools and that's really all these things are. Just Tools. Different strokes for different folks and I really wish more people would respect that.

You can look into this further by calling Dillon Precision @ 800-223-4570 and asking for a copy of The Blue Press and also what you would need anytime you would need to complete a caliber conversion kit. Their service is first class and they are always happy to offer advice.

Good Luck

LGB

 

[RPCVYemen]

You can easily get to a grand with 5 or 6 quick chageover units. Dies not included.

Shoney was right. I dug through the old Gun Tests magazines, and the test included 4 or 5 quick changeover units - which included powder measures, etc.

That explains the high cost.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[RPCVYemen]

BTW, the Gun Tests review of progressive presses was in the March 2000 issue. They really liked the Dillon, even given the high cost.

Mike