XD Talk

fredj338 · 05-21-2012, 10:52 PM

IF you are shooting 2K rds a month, forget any Lee progressive. IF the object is to make a lot of quality ammo in the shortest time, you will have to spend some serious money IMO. Equip is really quite cheap when figuring cost of your time & amortizing the equip over say 20yrs. A Dillon 650 w/ case feeder, not an easy system to start with, will set you back right around $900 for one caliber. You get an easy 700rds/hr with that rig. Next down the line is a Hornady LNL w/ case feeder, about $750, maybe 600rds/hr, then the Dillon 550B or SDB, no case feeder, still 400-500rds/hr for under $600. I prefer the 550B as I can use any dies, the SDB uses only special Dillon dies.
If you have to go cheap, the Lee Classic turret is a decent press & can get you 150rds/hr easily. So those are the common choices. The RCBS isn't a bad press, but I have no real exp with it. I just don't like the strip priming system.
Consider the savings of reloading 2K rds a month, the $900 price tag is cheap. Amortized over 20yrs & a lifetime warranty, that is $3.75/month! WHo can not afford skipping a cup of coffee a month or drive a gal less on fuel for a 650 w/ case feeder? Save $250 up front & buy it w/o case feeder. It is still the best progressive made for the money, your rate goes down to the 500/hr+ range of the 550 though.

NYcarry · 05-21-2012, 10:57 PM

I'll give a huge thumbs up to the XL650, any problems and Dillon will replace the parts.
I have not had any issues yet over the last year. Prior to that I had the 550 again no issues.

It is pricey but the speed and ease, and one time purchase is worth it. You'll never have to buy another press ever.

Check out youtube, all the major presses have videos by users.

birda40 · 05-21-2012, 11:13 PM

I have the pro 1000 , if you like tinkering and a few headaches be prepared. It is set up for 9mm. I also have a Dillon 650 set for 40 S&W, set the dies and go. I found the presses are totally differnt, the dillon is a dream.

Viper_XDm · 05-23-2012, 12:21 AM

Once not all that long ago, I was a newbie to reloading too. I found a good deal on slightly used Dillon 550 on an auction site. I just jumped straight to a progressive, I dont even own a single stage press. I take it from your posts you probably have enough mechanical ability to change your own sparkplugs and set the gap correctly, if so then you can set up any press also. Pay attention and learn what each station does and progressive is no harder to run than a single stage, or a turret press.

Its essentially a time investment vs a $$ investment decision initially on your part... how many hours will it take you to reload the amount ammo you are now buying, based on the equipment you purchase? The hidden cost though is the time must invested every month.... where as the $$ will be a one-time investment.

Rugby3 · 05-23-2012, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychOfMSE

I don't necessarily mind a single stage press but my horizontal work space is fairly limited as the only place I have a stable mounting platform is in my storage shed out back so all my reloading will be done standing up in a relatively small storage shed. I figured a turret/progressive press would maximize my horizontal workspace. I am a tinkerer and do not mind a little bit of upkeep if it will still pump out quality rounds at an expedited pace.

Spend some time searching Youtube for the reloading videos of each press. That will truly give you an understanding of rounds per hour. There are tons of videos for all the presses. There really isn't that much of a space difference between a turret and a progressive. There are also plenty of plans for "closet style" reloading benches. Everything from using a workmate bench to wall mounted shelves.

PsychOfMSE · 05-23-2012, 07:04 PM

I figure I'm just going to go ahead and get the Pro 1000 in 9mm for now. The investment is relatively small. By the time I get ready, drive to wal mart, wait for someone to find the ammo key, check out, and battle traffic back home it ends up taking an hour or so to get ammo as it is. I usually buy 200 rounds at a time anyways.

I don't mind tinkering with it a bit and have looked up a couple tips and tricks on this particular press. I'll end up upgrading at some point and can always pass this press along to a buddy.

One more question though, if I get the Pro 1000 kit, what else do I need to buy other than consumables & manuals? Do I need to buy mounting hardware separately? If so, what would you guys recommend?

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.

prof_fate · 05-23-2012, 07:53 PM

YOu'll need a STRONG desk / workbench to mount it on. The less the bench moves the better off you'll be. You'll need 3 bolts to mount it.
You'll want carbide resizing die.
you'll want case cleaner (frankford arsenal brand off amazon, the small one is fine, $50ish)
I got hartz mountain corn cob 'media' (aka bedding) at walmart for $3 in the pet dept
A bullet puller (hammer style, $15-20) I'd say any brand is fine. You WILL need to dissasemble ammo.
Lube - the tube of lee stuff and a small spray bottle. put a dab of lube, water and a splash of rubbing alcohol in the sprayer, shake, spray the cleaned cases (on a towel) and let dry, then reload. Reduces the effort tremendously. tube is $2ish and will last prolly forever. I've done 1500 cases and my first spray bottle ( a 6 oz one) is still 90% full.

birda40 · 05-23-2012, 10:12 PM

The one nice thing about the pro 1000 is, it comes set in 9mm, but you can also load 40 S&W and 380 just change out the dies.

mongovb · 05-23-2012, 10:48 PM

I hated my pro 1000 and ended up going back to my Lee turret before I scored a good deal on a Dillon XL650. You really need to pay attention on all aspects of that press. Primer feed system stops working when the primers get low. At least mine did. You can get the Hornady LNL progressive for a little over 400 without the case feeder and have a MUCH better press and you get a rebate for 500 free bullets. I think you are just wasting time with the Pro 1000. Do yourself a favor and spend the money now. On the other hand, maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones. I kept hoping I would be but no dice. Good luck

prof_fate · 05-24-2012, 08:33 AM

THe only primer issue's ive had are ones I created...when installing the tray on the press you must be careful to not let any primers creep out or they'll jam/flip. I read that you can use a pencil or similar held over the end of the tray as you install it to hold the primers back and that has been working fine for me.
Also, check the primer feed assy (that's on the press)for any casting flash and that it moves easily then rub it down inside with a pencil (or graphite) for lubing the slide the primers go down.
I'm using winchester small pistol primers, not one of lee's recommended brands but it's all I can find around here. Don't know if brand makes a difference.

Also, I got the universal decapping die for station 1 and station 2 is just resizing/priming as I was told this works better. I got the Loadmaster and have 5 stations which is nice - decap, prime/size, bell/fill w powder, seat bullet, factory crimp die.
After 400-500 rounds I learned all the 'intricacies' and now have no problems pumping out bullets. I figure being new to reloading I'd have some 'intricacies' to learn no matter what press I used even a single stage.