Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles What progressive press do you use?

Ok here is a loaded post if there ever was one. I realize this is the "Big Game Rifles" reloading forum, but we don't have one for handguns. I am thinking of getting a progressive press to do my handgun reloading with. Yes - I realize they can be used for rifle rounds too but I'd rather use my CoAx for that.

I am wanting something to load 9mm, .38/357 Mag, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .44 Magnum, and .45 ACP. Maybe .357 Sig at some point. The ability to load rifle rounds is not a selling point. With the exception of the Sig, I have the dies for the other calibers. I was looking at the Dillon Square Deal B, until I realized that it doesn't take standard dies - only THEIR dies and since I already have the dies for the 5 calibers that's a lot of money I would have to waste with Dillion's dies. I guess I would be better off with the 550B but one thing I don't like is that it doesn't auto index. I don't know a darn thing about any of the various progressives from other companies or really even where to start. The is no place around here that I can "take a look" at any of them, it's going to require a sight unseen purchase.

I am basically looking to get the most features at an attractive price. I don't mind spending $400 on a Dillon if it is worth the cash over the others. I certainly don't want to buy a piece of junk. I don't want this to be a "religious" discussion but I am interested in what products worked out for you and which ones you'd avoid like the plague (and why). I will mostly be loading large quantities of 9mm, .45 ACP, and .38 Special.

Dillon XL650. No hesitation on that. I load almost all those rounds on mine. You'll never regret it. I don't.

I use the Dillon 550B. The reason I chose the 550B is the price of the conversions is considerably cheaper. Also if some thing goes wrong in production it is easier to clear and move on. When something goes wrong it is usually in the priming process. Production is a little slower on a 550 then a 650, I can usually load 450 to 500 rds an hour on the 550B and my shooting buddy has a 650 and he will get 600-650 rds an hour. I will load 20K-25K a year in 40 S&W and 5K in 45acp and 3K in 38-357. Bang for the buck "I think" the 550B is the best choice. YMMV

Steve

Pick whichever Dillon that has the price/features that suit you best. Avoid other brand progressives like the plague.
I bought a progressive press from another major manufacturer that makes very good single stage stuff but it's progressive's were an expensive mistake that I will advise you to avoid.
Other brands than Dillon might make a press that works OK for a while but are they going to support that model 10 years from now like Dillon will? (I can't get parts to fix my expensive mistake).

Again buy DILLON in progressives and avoid the others even if the others make good single stage stuff.

In the Dillon's buy a 650 if you want a case feeder and/or an extra station for a powder check die, and don't mind it costing more to change calibers.
Buy a 550 if you want the best price/performance ratio...........................DJ

Dillon..........

I own a RCBS Pro-2000, it works for me.

+1 - mines a 550B

I have a XL650 with the automatic feeder---I just use it for pistols now but in the past used it for 308's.

Got two 550Bs, no regrets. Great machines.Rick.

get a dillion 650 with case feeder. i have the 550 and it is a great machine with the only draw back of mannual index. if you decide on a 550 get the case feeder to go along with it.

HERES THE BIGGEST SELLING POINT I CAN TELL ANY ONE ABOUT A DILLION( BESIDES THE NO B.S. WARRENTY) WHEN YOU SET THE POWDER ADJUSTMENT, IT IS RIGHT THEREEVEN A WEEK, MONTH OR SEVERAL MONTHS LATER. I CHECH THE FIRST 2-3 ROUNDS AND IM OFF AND RELOADING UNTILL I RUN OUT OF COMPONANTS.

+1 for Dillion

One thing to consider is that auto indexing progressive machines (including Dillion�s) can spill powder out of cases with a high powder volume. This happens mostly with revolver casings that are filled close to the top. With a manual indexing machine (such as the 550B) you can spin the turret as fast or as slow as you need to.

Not a show stopper, just a consideration to be aware of.

Dillon 550 and I only load rifle ammo on mine. 223, 22-250, 243, 270, 308.

I loaded 4000 223's this spring, averaged 13-14min/100 rounds.

Buzz,

I HAD an RCBS Piggyback unit, I HAD a Hornady "Projector". I didn't much care for either of them and they are both "auto index" I tried the Dillon RL-550-B and never looked back. They blew the competition away, hands down. I don't care that it doesn't "auto-index"! In fact, I like it better that it doesn't. In fact, I now have two of them. I also own a Star... (The original progressive) It just collects dust.

I've spent a lot of money on loading presses... But the bottom line is: You can't beat a Dillon! Except with a more expensive Dillon. There's a reason that everyone here says: "Dillon".

Take my word for it.

GH

Dillon 650

Spot

I'm still using the 450 Dillon I bought in 1980. I don't think I'll wear it out in my lifetime....