I think I'm going to start reloading. Which Press?

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by actionshooter38

Most have said it already, time VS money. A single stage press like RCBS is very reliable but very slow. You decide how many rounds you wish to make and perform one step on all rounds then move to the next. Many people prefer this method for rifle cartridges because they are looking for optimum accuracy and relatively low round count.
A progressive press allows you to perform all steps in a rapid sequence. Once you have the shell plate full you are usually cranking out one complete round per pull of the handle. This method best suits those of us doing a lot of shooting with pistols and tactical rifles. High round count and not looking for sub MOA grouping. This doesn't mean you won't get good accuracy from a progressive press, it's just the accuracy buffs weigh out each powder charge and sort brass and projectiles by weight, etc.
I.

There are several 1000yd guys loading their stuff on Dillon 550s, plenty of accuracy in the press & weighing powder charges is over rated as to accuracy. Concentricity & good bullets trumps a 1/10gr variation powder charge any day IMO. If you want a good 5 stn press that won't break the bank, bypass anything Lee & go Hornady LNL. A very good CS but the press is not perfect.

[marshallartist]

I've had an RCBS Rock Chucker for several years now and I've been very happy with it. A friend of mine bought a Lee at about the same time and he has been pleased with his as well. He's a little more serious about it than I am so he is thinking about upgrading to a Dillon multi-stage. I have to say that the RCBS seems a little more "solid" than the Lee but either one should easily be around longer than I will.

[Frontier Owner]

I would start with, what reloading books have you read?

I think a single stage is a must have for anyone.
Once you learn what each step involves and decide if reloading is something you want to fool with, then go with a progressive.
Once you go to a progressive, you will find you use the single stage for small 10 or 20 batches to experiment with new powders or bullets.

[scotty8]

+1 on the Rock Chucker. It's a great way to learn, and maintains it usefulness for loading odd calibers once you move to a progressive. IMO, everyone should start reloading on a single stage press and only move to a progressive once they are thoroughly comfortable with the process.

[Triton225]

Originally Posted by scotty8

+1 on the Rock Chucker. It's a great way to learn, and maintains it usefulness for loading odd calibers once you move to a progressive. IMO, everyone should start reloading on a single stage press and only move to a progressive once they are thoroughly comfortable with the process.

Exactly...

[markolindale]

Well, I was going to suggest a single stage press for a beginner. It is just easier to learn on, and you will be less likely to mess something up. But if you are not wanting to go with a single stage press I would recommend you look into any of the Dillon reloading presses.

[Sunday]

I have had a Dillon 550 since 1991 or 1992 it had worked perfect [I lube the press as directed] untill I started having trouble with the primer feed in Dec. 2010 so called Dillon up to see how their no BS warranty worked . Well the rep asked me more questions than I imagined could be asked and what happened is I received a complete new primer setup and several upgrade parts and a new operators manual. The press is well used and loads 38, 9mm , 40 S@W 45 acp, 223, 30/06 , 300 Weatherby mag, my friend also has a 550 and loads 338 lapua . Though pricey and is a must to have are the caliber conversion kits to fully appreciate the press. There is a learning curve that is IMO somewhat simple if you take your time studying the manual and studying a couple of reloading manuals. Take baby steps. The 650 seems faster if you have the $$$ . Reloading to me is part of the shooting hobby . I load about 3,000 rounds per year.

[Sport45]

I like the Lee Classic Turret for beginners. It will do anything a Rockchucker or any other popular single stage press will do. I've never used the auto-index feature, but it's there if desired.

Later progress to the L-N-L or 550b for bulk loading. I like my 550b for that.

[141Driver]

Originally Posted by Sunday

I have had a Dillon 550 since 1991 or 1992 it had worked perfect [I lube the press as directed] untill I started having trouble with the primer feed in Dec. 2010 so called Dillon up to see how their no BS warranty worked . Well the rep asked me more questions than I imagined could be asked and what happened is I received a complete new primer setup and several upgrade parts and a new operators manual.

Interesting. I've started having some primer feed issues as well. In my case, the sliding part hangs back near the primer tube and doesn't make it forward. That area where the primer slide should, well, slide gets grimy from the used primers being punched out nearby. I've been disassembling the primer feed pieces, cleaning, and reassembling, but the problem returns. Did Dillon mention any solutions short of replacing some parts?

I probably should mention this is happening with the small pistol primer unit, and I've done about 2,500 9MM in the last 2 months. It's been a while since I reloaded some .45s.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by 141Driver

Interesting. I've started having some primer feed issues as well. In my case, the sliding part hangs back near the primer tube and doesn't make it forward. That area where the primer slide should, well, slide gets grimy from the used primers being punched out nearby. I've been disassembling the primer feed pieces, cleaning, and reassembling, but the problem returns. Did Dillon mention any solutions short of replacing some parts?

I probably should mention this is happening with the small pistol primer unit, and I've done about 2,500 9MM in the last 2 months. It's been a while since I reloaded some .45s.

Get the replacement parts. They have been redesigning the slide for ever. It is the weak point of the 550. Mine had about 25K rds thru it when it started to stick badly. I buffed it w/ 600gr & it was better, but eventualy Dillon sent me a new housing & slide, works fine now. I suspect the alum is soft & there is an issue w/ disimilalr metals rubbing against each other. Keep the slide clean, I use compressed air or brush every 100rds.