Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Anything better than a Dillon?

My buddy's wife is asking for advice in regard to a progressive for her Husband for Christmas.

She says Santa has no budget limitations. It needs to do 9mm to 30-06.

I suggested a Dillon 750. Is there anything out there better?

I have used a Dillon rl 450b now 40 years to load all my pistol and rifle rounds. 38 special to 458wm.
That 750 will make lots of ammo…. The 550 will make more than most folks can or will shoot.
F01

No there is nothing better

No budget worries, get nothing less than the 750, and don’t pay any attention to anyone saying that there is a press “as good as” for anywhere near the money of the Dillon…

Amen. #4 son has a 750 and loves it. Loads rifle and pistol. I'm the old dad with my 550.

for the reasonably priced, and warranty wise, no, but it doesn't do it all. Forster coax does more, and then there's the real expensive ones like Zero and Area 419.

Thanks for the responses. I told her, Call Dillon ask for the 750 and everything you need to load each cartridge in consideration.

Good that she is shopping early. Dillion has been having a hard time getting the supplies to make their stuff. Especially dies IIRC. Might need to shop used for an "everything" list.

Thanks. I am sure, if she falls short on pieces and components, I will get a call.

Had Dillon 550 for many years and I love it

Agreed..I started with a Square Deal in 90ish, upgraded to a 650 shortly after..
Many thousands of rds since..30 + years..

Next press is a 750!

If you are looking at low volume, accuracy oriented reloads, you can do a lot better than Dillon. Not my opinion, this is Mr Starrett's opinion.

Accuracy requirements? Minute of self defense!

I'm not sure that I agree, David Tubbs loads his ammo on a Dillion and he kicks a lot of azz in competition

i have an XL 750. I think it's a great press. I used to have a Hornady Lock n Load progressive but the Dillon is definitely better.

Dillon's customer service is outstanding. They've said not me new replacement.parts if one gets broken. They have rebuilt three presses for me with new parts as needed for less than $80. Also, if you call them about needing a part they will get it in the mail right quick.

There are aspects of different machine that are better. Some would argue the Mark 7 is the best. But Dillon is the standard.

I own both a 550 and 650.




I use my 650 for my IDPA and 3Gun pistol loads
I use my 550 for 13 other handgun calibers and .223 3Gun and .308 blasting ammo
I use a Redding Ultra Mag for the majority of my rifle loads.

For me, volume dictates between the 550 and 650/750, how much time, VS how much ammo you need. IF I was bouncing back and forth between 9mm and 30-06 I'd probably stick with the 550, it's just quicker for me to convert calibers. The 550 also has the capability to act like a single stage, due to the manual indexing.

I had a Dillon to load 9mm with. Never could get it to work! Sold it and never have another Dillon.
These days I do all my reloading on an RCBS Rock Chucker. Been using RCBS press's for over 50 years and no complaints! Then again I have no need to spit out 1000 rds of ammo in an evening. I am a firm believer in the idea that there is no best of anyrhing. What there is is people that have strong prejudice's for one brand over another. Thing to do is take your husband out looking at press's and get him the one he choose's! Example, my RCBS Rock Chucker is best because I can use it properly! Had a girlfriend years ago that bought me a new 243 for christmas years ago. Had a plastic stock and I can't stand the, should haave thrown her out right there. She had no idea what I liked but bought what she thought I should like. That rifle got a factory wood stock soon as I found one, 700 ADL Remington!