Dillon press question

[pennys dad]

Hi

So I am considering the purchase of a Dillon press. I have Lee Pro 1000 presses and currently load 223, 357, and am considering 308 and 40/10mm. 223 is my primary load when I go shooting, I go with my wife and son and daughter so 1 outing will cost me 1000 223 rounds. This happens at least once a month, then I usually go to the range myself an additional time a month, I might use 200 rounds tops on my own.
I want to add some speed to my reloading, my time is quickly shrinking and spending more then 2hrs a weekend to produce 223 reloads is not likely.
So my questions are for those who have Dillon presses:
Which press do you have? and whats your casual amount of reloads per sitting.
I spoke with Dillon this morning and they suggested the 550, but the 550 doesnt have the auto load sensor (powder sensor), so for those that have the sensor, was it worth it?
Also, the 550 does not have the auto case feeder, so for those that have the auto case feeder, was it worth it?
Lastly the 1050 is not out of range does anyone out there have one? Was it worth it?
Lastly the 550 or 650, how much effort did you spend putting it together when it was delivered?

Any other parting comments related to this question would be appreciated. Thx

[Bug Splat]

Might want to check out the Hornaday Lock and Load. Awesome progressive for slightly less than a Dillon and you get 500 bullets for free with your order. Dillon makes an superb product but a LNL might fit you better.

[zrock]

I can load 200 223 in about an hour. If there are two of us doing it 3-350 an hour. To put a dillon together about 2 hrs.

Using the 550 is part of fun.

[joelogic]

XL650
~500
Auto load sensor? Do you mean the powder check? Sold mine.
Case feeder, yes
1050 only if you are going to process a ton of military brass.
The 650 ships ready to run.

[CSACANNONEER]

I'd try to get hold of ar15barrels and see if he's willing to demo the 650 and 1050 for you. He has taken the time to set his 650 up to a point that Dillion probably never imagined. Yet, if yu are dedicating the press to only one caliber and load, the 1050 might be better/quicker for you.

[Triple R Munitions]

the 1050 is the only way to fly. once you try it and load with one, you will never want to go back to another machine! then you can get it automated and then just sit back and watch the machine run!

R

[freonr22]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=265020 here is a recent thread, also either way add $300 for case feeder + maybe $150 for caliber conversion/plates for case feeder, (I assume Dillon is similar to the hornady, I heard the same people make both casefeeders?

[pennys dad]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=265020 here is a recent thread, also either way add $300 for case feeder + maybe $150 for caliber conversion/plates for case feeder, (I assume Dillon is similar to the hornady, I heard the same people make both casefeeders?

thx for the redirect, i am readin the thread now.

[Linkpimp]

[Offroader]

I have the XL650 with auto case feeder and also use the powder check on each quick change station for each caliber I reload. Once I get reloading there are enough things to keep track of and powder level/discharge is one I can eliminate.

XL650 vs 1050 (both auto index) Is it really worth the extra money to increase your round reload rate by a few hundred?

1) Machine cost higher for 1050
2) Cnoversion kit cost higher for 1050
3) Conversion change over time higher for the 1050
4) The 1050 does not come with the NO BS warrenty
5) Can swage automatically on the 1050

That is 4 neative to 1 positive reasons to not get a 1050

For me set up time was quick considering I started reloading with my Dillon XL650

I do agree with CSACANNONEER that if you can see both systems running would be great but I would also check out what it takes to convert to another caliber and clean the system.

By the way you can purchase a auto case feeder for the 550

I live in Lake forest (OC) and am getting close to running a batch of 45ACP. If you are close you can stop by and see my 650 in action.

[oddjob]

Dillon

I have a 550 and three 1050's. I shoot USPSA along with my son & daughter. My friends have the 650 & 1050. They like the 1050 better than the 650 (but thats not saying the 650 is a bad machine). From your original post I would go with the 550 & my reasons are as follows;

Small to large primer changes and back are a snap.
Changing the tool head (calibers) takes all of 30 seconds tops.
Changing the shell plate is easy.
You can buy the auto case feeder for it (I don't have one, but I don't need it).
Parts are available everywhere for it on the internet (E-Bay & etc), hence cheaper.

Once you get going you can evaluate yourself & determine if you want to a second 550 or upgrade to the 650/1050.

I got the 1050's because I hate to reload and time with my wife & kids (when they were smaller & less expensive) was worth it. Now I just like the 1050's due to speed. I do about 300rds in 20 minutes & thats taking my time. If your patient and take your time you can find smoking deals on 1050's. They can be like a woman at times....finicky and touchy, but once it (they) runs smoothly they are something else. The only problem is the 1050 has the same warranty as a woman.

[CSACANNONEER]

Your loading .50 what on your 550?

[Linkpimp]

Your loading .50 what on your 550?

.50 Beowulf

[CSACANNONEER]

.50 Beowulf

OK, a few years ago I figured out a possible way to load 50BMG on my 550. It would require custom made tool head and shell holder and, it would only be a single stage press. I never pursued it since, I have a couple 50 presses already. I was wondering if maybe you had done something similar to what I had envisioned.

[Linkpimp]

I wish I had a .50 BMG to try to load.. Nope sorry sir..