Progressive press advice wanted

[Just a hunter]

I've never owned or even seen one in person but I have started loading 223/5.56 and pistol ammo and I see that the single stage and higher volumes are not necessarily going to go hand in hand. It can probably be done but I'm lazy and looking at options and for opinions. Before anyone asks, I don't know exactly what my budget is. I'd like to have the top of the line, punch a few buttons and walk away set-up but that's definitely not in my budget. I'd like to get in as inexpensive as I can but I don't want to buy a 4 stage and wish I had gotten a 5 or a 5 and wish I had gotten a 7 or 10 or whatever.

Looking for advice from those who have been down this road before and can help someone wanting to learn and make life easier. I'm not an engineer but I am pretty well mechanically inclined.

Thanks folks!

 

[mudflap621]

Whatever you decide just make sure it's a Dillon. I'd recommend looking at the 550 and 750. I personally load everything on a 550 including most of my precision stuff.

Biggest difference between them is the 550 is manual indexed and not easily set up with bullet or brass feeder.

The 750 auto indexes and is built for use with both feeders.

 

[Outdrmn]

I've had a Dillon 650 for over 10 years, great product. Check em out on YouTube for your calibers and see how it works.

 

[Just a hunter]

Thank you! I'm seeing a lot of positive reviews online for Dillon products. My biggest pain seems to be swaging on a RCBS Rebel one piece at a time like Johnny Cash.

 

[jfloyd]

Another 550 fan. I load pistol and rifle on the same press at plenty of volume for my needs. If you only plan on a couple calibers, you may want to go with the 750 but as stated, you only gain the auto index. If you're going to load lots of calibers, the 550 conversions are a quite a bit cheaper.

 

[cellguy]

I run Dillon xl 750 for all my handgun stuff and a single press for my rifle stuff. Now I could totally run everything with my 750 but I enjoy my single press and my rifle stuff is my quiet time..

 

[jfloyd]

I run Dillon xl 750 for all my handgun stuff and a single press for my rifle stuff. Now I could totally run everything with my 750 but I enjoy my single press and my rifle stuff is my quiet time..

Valid point! I run both as well. Disappear into the man cave and find solitude.

 

[Rick Richard]

Another vote for Dillon…none better in a progressive press.

 

[Flintlock shooter]

A Dillon 750 with a case feeder is really your best bet. Get a couple toolheads and quick-change setups and you'll be a happy camper.

 

[22250imp]

I've never owned or even seen one in person but I have started loading 223/5.56 and pistol ammo and I see that the single stage and higher volumes are not necessarily going to go hand in hand. It can probably be done but I'm lazy and looking at options and for opinions. Before anyone asks, I don't know exactly what my budget is. I'd like to have the top of the line, punch a few buttons and walk away set-up but that's definitely not in my budget. I'd like to get in as inexpensive as I can but I don't want to buy a 4 stage and wish I had gotten a 5 or a 5 and wish I had gotten a 7 or 10 or whatever.

Looking for advice from those who have been down this road before and can help someone wanting to learn and make life easier. I'm not an engineer but I am pretty well mechanically inclined.

Thanks folks!

Dillon!!! Nuff Said!!!

 

[Citified]

I think your choice in a Dillon depends on how many an hour you need to load and your budget. I have two 550s and after I start with clean brass, it is easy to load 200 rounds per hour and I am slow. Have always taken my time so there are no mistakes.
Over time I purchased additional die tool heads and powder measures set up in the different calibers so changeover time is quick.
They come with lifetime warranties and their service is exceptional.

 

[TRG65]

I know my Dillon 650 is over 20 years old at this point. I have loaded everything from magnum hunting rounds and precision rifle match rounds to USPSA 9mm on it. I did get a second rl1050 for 9mm and 223. That has the built in swager for reusing range brass.

You can't go wrong with Dillon. The 650/750 is a good machine. Use good dies and look at the whidden floating heads if you want to build precision rounds. Consider doing your sizing on the Dillon and seating on a single stage. It can provide a bit more consistency but I'm not sure it makes an on target difference.

 

[just_jon]

 

[crashlanding]

Dillons are great, I started with the square deal when the price on them was $99.99. Eventually I switched over to a Hornady progressive pre lock and load, still use it to this day. So, for being that old with little issue, I'd say Hornady makes a fine product