Question for you reloaders

[Myk9noseknows]

I'm going to spend some of my Magpul cash now and invest in a reloading press. I just can't take the ammo hike and know hoarding isn't going to last forever at the rate I shoot.
I'm going to need a progressive press that I can load both handgun AND rifle cartridges (mostly .223 and .45).
I think I've narrowed it down, but I'm a complete newbie at this and don't really know a thing about it.

My main question is: What is Auto Indexing?

I've searched online and even tried Wikepedia, but don't have a clue.
Thanks for the help.

[bowhuntr09]

It means with every pull of the handle the brass cycles the the next station for the next process to be performed on it. I have a Dillon 550 which is a manual indexing press. I like the manual process better because it allows me to better observe what is being done to help in avoiding mistakes. I'm sure you will get different opinions on which is better. I would say if you are new at this go with a manual indexing press. You can gets lots of info on the Dillon presses at brianenos.com and he is a great person to deal with.

[Old School]

If you can swing the cost, get a 550; it is a great press. I have both a 550 and a 650 and like them both; I love the 650.

The auto-index feature is one less movement you need to make. I can load 100 rounds in ~5 minutes. On the 550, it takes about 10 minutes. Both presses have case feeders (best money ever spent on my presses)

OS

[Myk9noseknows]

The 2 Dillon presses are what I've narrowed down to. I've read a LOT of info on both and a lot of opinions. Seems like the consensus it's about 50/50, the 650 is much better or the 550 is just as good. Just can't tell if it's worth the extra $100 or not.

How do you make a determination on which BRAND of smokeless powder to use? Does it really matter or is it just what it on sale?

[Old School]

Originally Posted by Myk9noseknows

How do you make a determination on which BRAND of smokeless powder to use? Does it really matter or is it just what it on sale?

The internet is full of load data. You cannot get much cheaper than TiteGroup for 9mm and 40SW. For 45ACP, I use Clays.

BTW, is the 650 worth the extra $100? Yes! However, if money is tight, I would put that $100 towards a case feeder on the 550.

[Cheesehead]

For a new reloader, I would suggest only a single stage reloader until you understand the basic techniques of reloading. After becoming comfortable with what you are doing, then go to a Dillon 550 or 650 depending on the expected volume that you plan to reload. Jumping into a 650 as your first machine can be intimidating. I have a 650 and like it, but I do not think I could have learned how to reload properly with it. Too much going on with each pull of the lever. Start simple, learn how, then ramp up. There is a lot of good info out there about reloading and loads. Become familiar with it before you start.

Remember when choosing Speed, Cost, and Quality, you can only have only two at any one time.

OK, off my soap box. I really enjoy reloading. I think I would reload even if there was no cost advantage. Nothing gives you (me) more satisfaction as a finding the "perfect" load combination. And then trying to find a better one !!

I too use TiteGroup for my 9mm and 45 ACP.

[ichy_trigger]

I dont agree, reloading pistol ammo on a single stage is too tedious, been there done that a long time ago.

If your going to load more than one caliber, go with the 550 and a case feeder. The 550 switches calibers faster and easier and even though its a progressive press, its manual indexing. Unless you shoot several thousands of rounds per month, you probably wont be unhappy with a 550. I can sit and load 500 rounds on my 550 in a very short period of time, like an hour or less.

[Tard]

I've used a Dillon Square Deal B for 20+ years to load .40 and .45ACP with great success. Switching between .40 and .45ACP involves a lot of steps (because they use different size primers) so I load 1000 of one caliber and then switch to the other.

I would not recommend a single stage press for pistol loading, it probably will turn you off due to the tedium; it's SLOW! Unless you can buy someones used setup w/ dies for a good price, in which case go for it and then resell it when you advance to a progressive press. Nothing wrong with that idea.

I do use a single stage press (Rock Chucker II) w/ Forster benchrest dies for my precision .308 Win loading, but that's to get real precision loads.

If my press blew up today, I'd get the 650 w/ shell feeder and blast that ammo out the door, babies, whooo!!!

[AH-1]

I have been using a "rcbs" single stage press now for close to 30 years.I not in a rush to load quality ammo.
so do you dillon guys still have to check oal lenth of the case and trim???tumble your brass,prep primer pockets ect.

the best bet before you jump into reloading try and get some bench time in with someone that reloads and get some hands on first.

[Reno82]

I bougth a used Dillon 550B.... and I'm new at it. Only loading 45acp, 9mm, 10mm.... it's great. Cost me about $650 total buying some extra parts... Dillon was a great help. I make 200 in about 30 minutes. Buy reloading books to read up on. That helped alot.. you can get them free from the library. It was the best move I've made by reloading my own ammo. I suggest strongly for a Dillon 550B. Aslo you can download powder loads from the internet. Good Luck....