First reloader

[Anthony]

Chunger,
Thanks for the pics. It finally gave me an idea how much space and bench table I need. Is the vice on the table to counter-act the weight of the reloader? I guess you sit on the floor while reloading

eckerph,
Thanks for the links. I think I've read those threads so many times.

LCAZES,
I'm going to TASC this weekend too and finally can meet you. I may have to bug you there once in a while.

I am not in a hurry as I only shoot on weekends. I'll probably wait for a good used deal on Dillon.

[chunger]

Hi Anthony,

I don't know of very many other people who prefer loading on the floor like me, but I do most things on the floor starting with legos when I was 3 Your back should be the decider. The lever does sit about 3" above my shoulder height when I'm in the "loading position" though, so everything from the waist up is ergonomically correct for cranking out loads. I find that I'm more prone to load if I can put my rig somewhere in the house instead of out in the garage or in the basement.

I'm remodelling my house so things are in flux and rooms get shifted around a lot. I had to keep my rig "portable". The vise was already mounted to the sturdy little table I found at a garage sale. I used the vise for midnight gun tinkering and had it set up in my room. . . and yup, the weight stabilizes the table. It's not as stable as it really really should be (bolted to floor and wall), but I make it work.

[Blue]

I've got my Dillon bolted to a piece of wood as wide as my dinner table. When I want to reload, I use C-clamps and clamp that SOB to the table. Works good, and when I'm done I throw it all into the "gun closet".

[Bing]

There's a posting on Craigslist SF Bay Area for a used Dillon Square Deal for $200.00 setup for .40 SW.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/spo/260830073.html

It's not mine but is not a bad deal if you want a Dillon.

[zyl8tr]

There's a posting on Craigslist SF Bay Area for a used Dillon Square Deal for $200.00 setup for .40 SW.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/spo/260830073.html

It's not mine but is not a bad deal if you want a Dillon.

Seems like a deal to me. Offer $175.

[chunger]

Sounds like a feasible option. . . the caliber conversions sell on Ebay lots of times for near retail. I don't think it'll be that big of an issue to sell off the .40 SW dies/shellplate and buy the calibers you need.

[LCAZES]

Chunger,

LCAZES,
I'm going to TASC this weekend too and finally can meet you. I may have to bug you there once in a while.

I am not in a hurry as I only shoot on weekends. I'll probably wait for a good used deal on Dillon.

Looking forward to meeting you. My wife and I will be there unless there is snow on the ground when we get up Ask Mark, who teaches the class, to point us out to you. Its a very friendly club and none of us mind helping new shooters out at all. Anything I can do to help dont hesitate to ask.

Larry

[Anthony]

After much thinking and after buying 2 boxes of .45 WWB for $26.00/box at Walmart for this Saturday's match, I guess buying a reloader is worth it. Just as recommended by most, I'm going with a Dillon 550B. I'm building my reloading package and so far here's what I've got.

RL550B & .45 ACP Conversion Kit
RL550B Strong Mount
RL550B Bullet Tray Kit

What else is needed to get me started. I know I needed a scale, what kind? Reloading Dies for .45, which kind? I've already some got digital calipers and ammo boxes.

Also, where's the best place to buy this with fast shipping ? Dillon themselves?

Thanks a bunch

[GW]

If you're just going to load pistol, then get the Square Deal B Its cheaper, it auto indexes and the big plus is that it will come with the dies set up and ready to go. Get the powder scale at the same time and save yourself a few steps. Order the primer flip tray and some extra primer tubes while you're at it (Do this regardless of which Dillon you get)
Get the balance beam IMHO they are more reliable
Then get the Lyman pistol reloading manual I think this one is the best as they aren't selling a particular powder or bullet brand plus they have lots of loads for cast bullets
Unique & Bullseye from Alliant and Hogdon Clays are the powders I like for 45 and pistols in general

Really consider the Square Deal. I think its the best choice for what you want to do
Plus you will always find a buyer for it if you do decide to upgrade
AND when you upgrade save up the extra $$$ and go straight to the 650

God luck with whatever you decide to go with
One thing for sure--You won't regret going with Dillon

[Blue]

I'd buy straight from Dillon. And their shipping is normally super fast. I've got an RCBS 5-0-5 scale that works great. I've also used Dillon's digital scale and REALLY liked that. I like my RCBS dies too. Although you're going to need an extra crimp die if you buy the RCBS set.

[fairfaxjim]

+1 on the Square Deal B if you are just doing pistol calibers. I picked up a 9mm SDB NIB (I'm the third owner, and it was never assembled, much less used) from Chunger for $250 a few months ago. I built a riser stand to mount it on a 5 drawer rollaway tool cabinet. Storage, work table, press, everything in one easy to move package.
BTW, thanks Chunger. That was a great deal.

[Blue]

RL550B & .45 ACP Conversion Kit

You don't need to buy a conversion kit, they come with one caliber of your choice, you just need to buy the dies.

[50ae]

Whatever Dillon you buy remember to buy a spare parts kit. Yea, Dillon has their no BS warranty but you still have to wait a couple days to get the parts from them.

[Anthony]

Yohooo, my 550B is on its way here. Now I know what my weekend looks like. The wife is happy though that I get to stay home for the weekend. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Anyway, I cheaped out on the Dillon tumbler and decided not to buy it and get somethiing else. I figured I could go with liquid solution, I tried it but it didn't turned out good. Any recommendations?

[50ae]

Harbor freight sells tumblers that will work just fine but you'll want to buy the small Dillon brass/media separator and a decent scale.