One more question before I pull the trigger

[Prc329]

Sorry for the lame pun.

I am going to buy this

http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.ez.550nrtop.html

is that a good deal? Seems to be everything I need. I am going to buy 308 and 223 will also eventually do 45 with the way the cost is going. Anything I should add or change to this list? I know I could save in a few areas but I kinda like the way it is with a couple of additions like buying both manuals. Also, carbide or steel dies or does it matter? I had a table in mind to use but I think I am going to take a trip to harbor freight and get something a little beefier and smaller.

[hybridatsun350]

All I have to say is Jebus Crimon, $1000?! Are you planning on getting a government contract or something? Just seems like a alot of money to throw done on a reloading setup at one time, haha.

Oh, I would suggest carbide dies. They don't require lube.

[tankerman]

Go for the 650

[Jicko]

I personally use 550, I think it is enough.... but a lot of people like 650 too...

hybridatsun350: if you buy Dillon's stuff, you can almost getting back 75%+ if you sell them later.... you can never get back that much for any other brand...

Prc329: I did a listing for another member, here it is http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...6&postcount=31

I kinda think that these are not totally necessary, cuz, I don't have it:
- stong mount
- bullet tray
- empty case bin & basket
- aluminum roller handle
- primer pickup tubes
- toolholder w/ wrences
- 550 spare parts kit

Digital caliper, I got mine else where... about $30 instead of $80 from dillon...

CV-500 & CM-500 are nice, but you can find cheaper alternatives from Midwayusa

[Prc329]

650 looks interesting but I think it will be way more then I need. The list from the EZ-buy package looks the same as your list. So, steel or carbide dies?

[Prc329]

All I have to say is Jebus Crimon, $1000?! Are you planning on getting a government contract or something? Just seems like a alot of money to throw done on a reloading setup at one time, haha.

Oh, I would suggest carbide dies. They don't require lube.

I was thinking the same thing but I will need to buy everything eventually.

[Jicko]

NO!!!!

Carbide Rifle Die STILL need lube! It is just more durable... it is NOT needed... unless you are doing 10k rounds per month...

You DO want carbide pistol die tho... those don't need lube...

[Jicko]

- stong mount
- bullet tray
- empty case bin & basket
- aluminum roller handle
- primer pickup tubes
- toolholder w/ wrences
- 550 spare parts kit

These bunch will save you quite some money...

I personally use the non-digital scale... but I think digital scale is a LOT better... so I m not gonna talk you out of it...

The tumbler, midwayusa DEFINITELY have some cheaper alternatives.... from Frank Arsenal or something...

Digital Caliper... there are cheaper alternative out there...

Primer flip plate... there are $10 alternatives...

Otherwise, your list is GOOD.... i don't see a powder funnel.... you would need one...

[Prc329]

Cool thanks for the info. I got a little more thinking to do. Got a check that should clear by Wednesday so I'll figure it out by then.

[hybridatsun350]

hybridatsun350: if you buy Dillon's stuff, you can almost getting back 75%+ if you sell them later.... you can never get back that much for any other brand...

That's good to know, but a return of 75% on $1000 is still a loss of $250. I know it's good stuff. It's just surprising to see how much it can add up to.

NO!!!!

Carbide Rifle Die STILL need lube! It is just more durable... it is NOT needed... unless you are doing 10k rounds per month...

You DO want carbide pistol die tho... those don't need lube...

Sorry about that. I thought carbide just meant no lube. You can tell I'm no experienced reloader.

[Rule .308]

I have to agree with Jicko with the exception on the flip tray. You can get cheaper but when Dillon bills it as the "Cadillac of primer flip trays", they are not kidding. I have a few different ones but I stick to the Dillon one. I also like having a simple RCBS rock chucker on the bench too for simple brass proccesing.

Mark

[Prc329]

Man, the more I think about this the more I can't decide. I have a 2 year old and a 2 month old so I am thinking as much as I want to buy this and will have the money will it be worth the time I loose from the little one.

Man, I think I may have to wait a little longer and really think about this.

[hybridatsun350]

No harm in thinking about it. The longer you think about it the less chance you will have of making a mistake!

[Paratus et Vigilans]

Go for the 650

+1 on the 650. I was considering the 550 too, and in the end went for the 650.

Defintiely get the "strong mount" option. You'll like the height at which the press sits, and the room it gives for the handle pull.

Whatever you decide to do, going with Dillon is the best choice you can make. I've never heard anyone say "I wish I'd gotten a XXXXX instead of a Dillon."

Also, give Brian Enos a call before you make your final decision. He'll steer you right, and won't sell you stuff you don't need or won't ever use. Tell him what you want it for now, and what you expect to do in the near future, and he'll put you on the right track.

I've had my 650 up and running for a couple of months now, and I'm loving it! I had zero experience with reloading. The great engineering and design of Dillon stuff and their explanatory video tape made it really easy to set up and get started. Now, I'm using it with total confidence, and having more fun shooting too. There's something very satisfying about shooting ammo you made yourself.

[tenpercentfirearms]

I bought my reloading set up back in 1999 and I easily spent $2-3K on it between MidwayUSA and Dillon. Here is what I recommend.

Get all of the press materials from Dillon. If money is a concern, go with the 550. Sure it doesn't have as many bells and whistles as the 650, but everything for the 550 is cheaper. You really don't need a brass feeder or a powder check station. I load with ease with my 550 and the tool heads cost less. I just don't think the extra cost is worth it.

Get your Tumbler, lube, scales, dies, and just about everything else you can from Midway USA. I think I bought two rifle die sets from Dillon, but everything else pretty much came from Midway USA. You really don't need an electronic scale or an electronic dial caliper.

You will love reloading and it will be worth your time and energy. You don't have to break the bank to do it if you are willing to shop around a tad bit and to not go with the Cadillac on accessories you don't need. Spend that money on the Dillon, it is so worth it. Save the money on the rest.

You have my e-mail if you have any other specific questions.