Dillon and RCBS

[jharry]

I know that most guys think the Dillon is the ticket in progressive presses and everything I have heard about them backs that up.

RCBS has ALWAYS treated me very well with my rockchucker and other accessories I have and are located right here in Norcal (Oroville)

Is the RCBS 2000 progressive that much worse than the Dillon? (I guess we would have to compare to the 550, similar price point.) What are the major differences? Whenever I go into a store and look at them, nobody understands reloading enough to make me feel like I am getting the straight truth. The RCBS looks like a good press also.

I have zero experience with progressive presses, but know from all the reading I've done that progressive is the best way to go with pistol ammo since I like to shoot a lot and have 3 boys that go with me.

I know there are a lot of you with opinions out there and would love to hear them. First hand experience with one or another says a lot to me.

I hope it won't just be "Dillon" or "RCBS" or a simple +1 response - I would like to know why......... Thanks

[f4tweet]

I have used an RCBS Pro 2000 for 7 years. I have never regretted buying it. The Dillon is preferred by a lot of shooters because you can load faster on a 550 because it is auto-advance , especially by IPSC and IDPA shooters. I don't need to load 300-400 rounds an hour. I can load 1-200 @ hour and am quite comfortable about it. I like the primer strips because it makes you take a break once in a while. You can also see if any primers are in upside down. I have loaded 9mm, 10mm, 357 Sig, 38/357, 40, 41 Magnum, 44 Magnum, and of course 45 ACP with no problem. I would not switch. My .02.

[perpetual otter]

get the dillon. nothing else needs to be said

[jharry]

get the dillon. nothing else needs to be said

Why????

[jharry]

Thanks F4tweet

I have used an RCBS Pro 2000 for 7 years. I have never regretted buying it. The Dillon is preferred by a lot of shooters because you can load faster on a 550 because it is auto-advance , especially by IPSC and IDPA shooters. I don't need to load 300-400 rounds an hour. I can load 1-200 @ hour and am quite comfortable about it. I like the primer strips because it makes you take a break once in a while. You can also see if any primers are in upside down. I have loaded 9mm, 10mm, 357 Sig, 38/357, 40, 41 Magnum, 44 Magnum, and of course 45 ACP with no problem. I would not switch. My .02.

Makes sense - sounds like it is working out well for you - I'm not looking to start a factory - just some good accurate loads, faster than the Rockchucker

[Mac Attack]

If you already have a rockchucker that you are happy with, just buy a piggyback 3 or 4 and convert it into a progressive press. That's what I did many many years ago except mine was a piggyback 2. I have loaded thousands of rounds with my rockchucker- piggyback 2 loader.

What I like about the piggyback conversion is that it auto indexes. The dillion Square deal and 550 do not auto index and require you to turn the shell plate after inserting a case. If you want a dillion that auto indexes I think you have to start at the 650 and up. The thing I like about dillions is the opportunity to add a case feeder. RCBS has one coming out but it is twice the cost of a comparible dillion.

I know that the stockade in wwetminster and sister store in Orange always have dillions in stock.

[Sheldon]

The Square Deal B does auto index, but the 550 does not. The 650 does as does the 1050.

[Jonathan Doe]

I used the Dillon 550B because it was user friendly and simple to change the tool head to convert to different caliber.

[Rule .308]

It is going to be tough to get a good review because most guys own one or the other and not both. I started with a Rockchucker and added a 550 later and can tell you that the 550 is a great tool and Dillon is a great company to deal with. What I would not do is get a Piggyback set up unless you bought another dedicated press for it. You will always have need for a single stage press to compliment your progressive and even though you can remove the piggyback pretty quick, who wants to deal with that hassle? In the end I do not think it is really going to make much difference as they both appear to be good machines. If all things were equal I would probably get the RCBS if their headquarters was local to me, if they are not close enough to drive to conveniently then I would go with the Dillon.