Which Press should i buy??

[Table Rock Arms]

Definitely a valid point, but I bet if it wasn't for him and he decided he didn't want it and sold it, he could probably get nearly as much as he decides to put into. I personally don't see them for sale too often and when you do, they sell pretty quick.

Your probably right about that. If he actually has the cash probably not a big deal, but if he truly only has $500 then he is gonna come up short.

[Adub]

Your probably right about that. If he actually has the cash probably not a big deal, but if he truly only has $500 then he is gonna come up short.

Definitely, I was lucky enough to pick up a bunch of brass, bullets, presses, powder throwers and scales for $300 just recently to start my journey into this and buying just dies, powder, media, tumbler, trimmer and a few other things just kept me under $500 so i can't imagine starting from scratch with $500 and getting a progressive.

Anyways, good luck! And hope you enjoy

[Cowboy T]

Get the Dillon XL650.

Umm...you did read the part about "he has $500 to spend"...didn't you?

By the way, I am a Dillon user, so I can only vouch for the Dillon. But I have heard many good things about the Hornady LNL as well.

That may work if you have a Mercedes/Rolls-Royce reloading budget, but not everyone has that, including the OP. This guy needs a Honda Accord, not a Rolls-Royce.

[Malthusian]

I originally bought the RCBS single stage combo press starter kit. It came with most of the stuff to get started. I believe I still needed to get calipers and a case tumbler.

Looking in the Midway catalog, that would put him around $500

[RaymondMillbrae]

Skip the Mickey D's for a month, skip the weekly haircut, and the kids will probably benefit from the loss of junk food snacks, and a movie or two, for a few weeks! (But they will always remember "Daddy" behind his reloading bench, teaching them how to reload).

Save a few extra shekels, and go with the XL650.

Look forward, never look back, and take the plunge.

I know the OP stated that $500.00 was his limit. But if he has $500.00 smacker-roo's...then I'm sure he can come up with an extra $200.00 or $300.00 more for the "Big Boy".

Discipline, brother.

Go all the way.

Progressive or bust!!!

That's my story, and I'm running with it.

In Christ: Raymond

PS: I like the car analogy. (I like to read analogies. It kinda lets me see how folks mind's work). But the difference in vehicles can be a $20,000 or $30,000 difference. Whereas the progressive press difference will only be $300 to $500 difference...depending which direction you want to take. And you can always add a few extra luxury features down the road without breaking your wallet.

[Cowboy T]

You're a crackup, RaymondMillbrae! :-D

However, we're still not sure if that $500 budget is just for his press, or if it's for all the other gear that needs to go with it (tumbler, media, calipers, decent scale, at least two good load books, etc.). If that's his *total* budget, then all that other stuff can add up pretty quickly.

ArcLight, can you clarify on this point?

But regardless of his budget, I'd still suggest a cheapie Lee single-stage (the $30 one) to start with, to see if he actually likes the hobby. Up-front out-of-pocket expense does matter (it sure did to me, I ain't rich). Even if he goes for the Rolls--er, Dillon progressive, he'll still find a little single stage press like that handy to fix errant rounds and such.

[AirtechJr]

Check out calipers ($20) and tumbler @ harbor freight tools. Walnut media from a good pet store. Then get the rest used. I suggest a 550b. Worked for me. Denverduck was a great help.

[AirtechJr]

The 550b new if you can. Good luck.

[Malthusian]

Watch the videos of the 550B
Then watch the videos of the XL650

Not sure why the 550B is so popular. For a little more the XL650 makes my life easier
by far

[at_liberty]

Not sure why the 550B is so popular. For a little more the XL650 makes my life easier
by far

My gunsmith friend, who has both models, indicated that caliber changes are much faster on the 550B, IIRC. The 650 changeovers aren't bad but are involved enough for owners to tend to have more than one machine just to avoid the changes.

[Chief-7700]

My gunsmith friend, who has both models, indicated that caliber changes are much faster on the 550B, IIRC. The 650 changeovers aren't bad but are involved enough for owners to tend to have more than one machine just to avoid the changes.

The only real difference in caliber change outs between the RL-550B and The XL-650 is the priming system.

[at_liberty]

The only real difference in caliber change outs between the RL-550B and The XL-650 is the priming system.

The case feeder, which is likely included with the 650, would be a factor, right?

[Chief-7700]

The case feeder, which is likely included with the 650, would be a factor, right?

That is around one minute to switch out four parts. The RL-550b has an optional carefeeder for it also.

[Malthusian]

550B case feeder only does pistol calibers, another point to consider
Don't know why, but that is what is posted on their website

For the priming system for the XL650 it is easier to buy the whole assembly i.e. have a larger primer system, order another assembly for small primers. Rather then change out the parts. I believe the assembly is around $75-$80

Once you have both assemblies, caliber changes are pretty fast.

Definitely at least get a second tool head

The XL650 auto indexes, the 550B does not, the XL650 has a 5th station for a powder check

[Cowboy T]

None of that matters if his budget doesn't let him afford the press, everyone. We still don't know if that $500 is his total reloading budget or just for the press.