Dillon 1050 bullet feeder?

[JackRydden224]

Guys I want to get a 1050 to reload 9mm and 45 ACP because of its build in swagging function. For you guys with 1050s how long does it take YOU to change the caliber and primer size? I know there's info on the internet but reloaders in this section seem a lot more credible than other places *cough*arf*cough*

[MA5177]

Just get 2 ; )

[JackRydden224]

Just get 2 ; )

I don't think I can swing $3,000

I've thought about using a 650 to load 9mm and 1050 to load 45.

[ar15barrels]

I have changed a 1050 over a couple times.
I own two of them now so I don't have to do that anymore.

Seriously.
Most guys that load with 1050's dedicate them to a single cartridge.
If you REALLY shoot enough of different cartridges, pick up a 2nd machine.
I paid $750 for my last 1050 from a guy selling it out of the back of his truck at a match.
Just have money in your pocket and those deals pop up a few times a year...

[jericho89]

There are a few things that can make is faster and that is getting a primer set up for small and for large.

[CamW]

To answer OP's question, it takes me about 25 minutes to change calibers, including switching primer sizes and adjusting the swaging rod.
When I'm changing calibers I also wipe down the machine and lube it.

[JackRydden224]

To answer OP's question, it takes me about 25 minutes to change calibers, including switching primer sizes and adjusting the swaging rod.
When I'm changing calibers I also wipe down the machine and lube it.

OK 25 minutes isn't bad considering the time I spend on swagging 45 acp brass.

Thanks for answering the question!

[CGT80]

To answer OP's question, it takes me about 25 minutes to change calibers, including switching primer sizes and adjusting the swaging rod.
When I'm changing calibers I also wipe down the machine and lube it.

x2
If I work quickly, and that is with a second toolhead ready to go. 40 minutes is a nice slow pace to look everything over and be ready for the next ammo.

9mm crimped primers really suck. That is why I bought my 1050. I loaded some test loads of 40 S&W on mine today.

A second 1050 would be great, but people are either not mechanically inclined and hate changing a press over, or they just make a big deal out of it. A buddy saw me at the range today and asked how long it takes to change out the 1050. He likes the speed of changing his 650 much better, but then when he felt how sturdy and smooth the 1050 is, he didn't say much else.

[JackRydden224]

Alright guys I'm going to go with 2 x 1050s. It's just easier that way.

Now the question is what do you guys think of the bullet feeders? I'm going to have enough money to buy one for each caliber I reload but I want to get some feed back from you guys on it first.

[CGT80]

Mr. Bulletfeeder

End of thread!















Rick at RAK systems invented and built the Mr. Bulletfeeder system. Double Alpha makes the new version for him, but mine is the older one made by Rick. I did just install a conversion kit for 40 cal which included the new style dropper tube. The new dropper tube works great. It does require a rubber band to hold the feed spring to the powder thrower so that the spring doesn't pull the dropper up (releases the bullets if that happens).

I have read that you can buy directly from Rick, and that would likely make more money for him. He has great customer service and he is located in Arizona, so shipping was very fast for my parts.

[JackRydden224]

CGT80 thanks for the feedback.

Do you give up anything on the 1050 by installing the bullet feeder?

Also can you do me a huge favor by measuring just how much space the 1050 with bullet feeder takes up? A length, width and height will be very helpful so I can plan out my new bench. Thanks!

[ar15barrels]

Alright guys I'm going to go with 2 x 1050s. It's just easier that way.

[CGT80]

CGT80 thanks for the feedback.

Do you give up anything on the 1050 by installing the bullet feeder?

Also can you do me a huge favor by measuring just how much space the 1050 with bullet feeder takes up? A length, width and height will be very helpful so I can plan out my new bench. Thanks!

Yes, the bullet feeder takes up one position on the tool head. On my press, the position after the powder thrower is for the bullet feeder, then seat, and last is crimp. All stations are used. If you want a powder check die, you would have to crimp and seat with a single die.

The GSI bullet feeder seems to eliminate this problem, but you have to use their dedicated tool head, which means more money and then you will have two extra tool heads not being used, which sell for $200 each by themselves.

Others have said that the GSI has to be setup from the factory for the profile and weight bullet you will use. The Mr. Bullet Feeder just has to be adjusted by the user and will run most bullets.

40 cal 140 grain bear creek bullets gave me some issue. They look almost square and they would get stuck sideways in the little tube that connects the spring to the collator. I have not contacted Rick about this, but I would imagine he has a fix for it (maybe a tube with a different shape). I plan to use mostly 160 grain or heavier, which will make the bullets longer and will probably eliminate the problem. I had a few drop upside down as well but I used up that box of bullets without bothering to figure out how to eliminate that.

I did a bit of research when I was looking for a bullet feeder. Mr. Bullet Feeder had the best reviews. Other brands had far more problems. If you do have an issue, just contact Rick and I am sure he will be able to guide you in solving it.

The Brian Enos forum has a lot of info on bullet feeders and 1050 reloading presses, if you have not been there. Most people there are competition shooters who are looking to run large quantities of ammo. Calguns barely scratches the surface for reloading compared to that forum. You will run across people over there like Jmorris who builds and automates his own equipment. His posts are fun to read.

Bench top to top edge of case feeder is 38"
Left side of case bin to right tip of handle 22" (I made the handle and installed the original roller onto this one, so the handle sits higher at the bottom of the stroke).
Front edge of case bin to back of press/powder thrower 13"
From the wall at the left to the left of the case bin is 17.5" (this is quite comfortable and allows me to do any work on the press or to adjust dies and feed brass in and out of those stations when working up a load)
The case bin sticks out about 5" past the front edge of the press base. The base is set about an inch behind the front edge of my bench.

My bench is made from oak plywood. The press has a slight movement and I thought about mounting a 10x10 inch steel plate between the press and bench, but the movement doesn't cause any issues. The far end of the bench has a 550 bolted to it and that end of the bench is screwed to the floor. This helped with movement on that end, and the 2x4's screwed under the top, on that end, also help. The 650 is mounted in the middle. The top is sturdy in the middle, but the bench can shake a little when it is used. I think I can feel movement in the 650 mechanism (only a few thousand rounds through it since it was bought). I feel more play in it than the 550 (recently rebuilt by Dillon) and the 1050 feels like a tank compared to the 550 and 650.

My bench is just under 36" tall and I am 5'7". The drawers are great. I have little trays and akro bins in some of them to keep my parts organized. The person I bought the 550 from, had the bench custom built for his loading room. It has 12 drawers.

[CGT80]

Alright guys I'm going to go with 2 x 1050s. It's just easier that way.

Lazy Much???

YOU SUCK!!!























Just Kidding................I am jelly.

[JackRydden224]

CGT80 thanks for all the info. I'm the same height as you so I will probably set up my bench to be the same way. I'm excited for 2 x 1050s but I'll probably pass on the bullet feeder for now until I get comfortable with the machine.