Ready to go progressive

[popeye4]

I have a Dillon 650, it is a great machine. But I have found that it doesn't save me any time on the .223 and .308, as I load for gas guns and there is so much case prep work to do off the press that I would only use the Dillon to charge the case and seat the bullet. I can do that as fast with my Harrell's powder measure and Rock Chucker. I don't think progressives are very advantageous for bottleneck rifle cartridges (others might disagree). Knowing what I know now, I would probably have opted for a good turret press instead of the Dillon for the rifle rounds, but it still wouldn't save me much time.

Everyone here seems to have either the Dillon 550 or 650. If I were ONLY loading for ONE handgun cartridge, I might take a look at their Square Deal press. They are less expensive than the bigger presses, but of course have more limitations.

[gotsig]

I have a Dillon 650, it is a great machine. But I have found that it doesn't save me any time on the .223 and .308, as I load for gas guns and there is so much case prep work to do off the press that I would only use the Dillon to charge the case and seat the bullet. I can do that as fast with my Harrell's powder measure and Rock Chucker. I don't think progressives are very advantageous for bottleneck rifle cartridges (others might disagree). Knowing what I know now, I would probably have opted for a good turret press instead of the Dillon for the rifle rounds, but it still wouldn't save me much time.

Everyone here seems to have either the Dillon 550 or 650. If I were ONLY loading for ONE handgun cartridge, I might take a look at their Square Deal press. They are less expensive than the bigger presses, but of course have more limitations.

I would say (for me) my 550 does save some time. I size on my RCBS jr. then to the Dillon super swager (if needed). On to the Giraud. Then the 550:station 1-primer, station 2-powder charge, station 3-seat bullet. If I ever decide to crimp, I can put a FCD in station 4. So with one pull of the handle, you accomplish 3-4 tasks. Also the UniqueTec clamped toolhead will tighten up your tolerances.

[gunprofit]

I have a Dillon 1050, Dillon 550, and RCBS turret. I would have to say that the press I use the most is the 550. My favorite thing is that I can change calibers in less than 5 minutes. Since I load over 10 different handgun calibers it seems that the caliber I want to load never has a machine set up for it. So quick caliber change is important to me.

Yes, I do have many many muptible tool heads for quick change, but to me, it's worth it.

[freonr22]

You can use the hornady as a single stage if u choose also. With the case feeder, you put your brass in, resisze, deprime, then you can swage, trim, then charge. Once trimmedd and swaged, you wont have to do that again or trim for awhile.

[Antihero47]

Lee Universal Decapper, RCBS Lube Die, Dillon RT 1200 trimmer with die, Lyman M die

This setup for processing .223, .308, or 30-06 and then run military cases through the Dillon super swager.

Take processing dies out, slap loading dies in and go to town. Works better with a case feeder.