Reloading 101

[code6charles]

Thanks for the input.

[Turbinator]

There are 4 kinds of Dillon users:
those that started with a lee,
those that started with an RCBS,
those that started with a Hornady
and those that started with a Dillon.

I like that quote.

Turby

[ar15barrels]

I like that quote.

I didn't add that you will rarely find someone that's used a dillon and then actually goes to another brand...
People tend to settle into dillon for the long haul.

[djbooya]

I didn't add that you will rarely find someone that's used a dillon and then actually goes to another brand...
People tend to settle into dillon for the long haul.

I was reading about the Dillon Square B and it seems like it only loads pistol calibers. What do people use with the Dillon line to load rifle rounds?

[ar15barrels]

I was reading about the Dillon Square B and it seems like it only loads pistol calibers. What do people use with the Dillon line to load rifle rounds?

The square deal is the orphan child.
It only loads pistol cartridges and it uses funky dies.
Most people that have them have one dedicated to each cartridge and leave them setup.

Start looking at the 550 and 650.
Both work with rifle length cartridges and take normal dies.
The 550 is manual advance and can take a casefeeder for pistol cartridges only.
The 650 is auto advance (can also be run manual advance too) and will accept a casefeeder that fits pistol or rifle cartridges.
The 650 is a significant upgrade from the 550 for several reasons: auto advance, rifle casefeeder and powder check station.
The combination of auto advance and a powder check station makes it almost impossible to load a squib or double charge a case.
It's much easier to do that on a 550 if you are not watching what you are doing.

I whole-heartedly recommend starting with the 650.
The initial cost is higher, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
I started with a 550 and now wish I had started with a 650.

I can tell you all about dillon presses as I own more than a couple.
One 450, three 550's, two 650's and two 1050's.

[djbooya]

The square deal is the orphan child.
It only loads pistol cartridges and it uses funky dies.
Most people that have them have one dedicated to each cartridge and leave them setup.

Start looking at the 550 and 650.
Both work with rifle length cartridges and take normal dies.
The 550 is manual advance and can take a casefeeder for pistol cartridges only.
The 650 is auto advance (can also be run manual advance too) and will accept a casefeeder that fits pistol or rifle cartridges.
The 650 is a significant upgrade from the 550 for several reasons: auto advance, rifle casefeeder and powder check station.
The combination of auto advance and a powder check station makes it almost impossible to load a squib or double charge a case.
It's much easier to do that on a 550 if you are not watching what you are doing.

I whole-heartedly recommend starting with the 650.
The initial cost is higher, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
I started with a 550 and now wish I had started with a 650.

I can tell you all about dillon presses as I own more than a couple.
One 450, three 550's, two 650's and two 1050's.

I've been reading up on Dillon's now. Where's the best place to buy? From a local shop or am I better off from a shop online? I'm planning to do lots of loading over time... is a 650 recommended for someone who hasn't done any reloading? I've been reading up about it with the Speer #14 book and of course will read the manual on the 650 and do like the fact that you mentioned it almost guarantees no squibs / double loads. I don't mind investing the money up front since I've already spend about $1000 on rounds in the past 2 months alone... I'll be recouping my investment in the next 12 months easy..not counting the money I'll make back by selling loads to my family / friends.

[ar15barrels]

I've been reading up on Dillon's now. Where's the best place to buy?
I'll be recouping my investment in the next 12 months easy..not counting the money I'll make back by selling loads to my family / friends.

First, you should not make ammo for anyone else.
Selling reloads is actually illegal if you don't have an ammo manufacturing license.

You can start on a 650, just disable the auto advance and run it as a turret press.
Load one case at a time, moving it through each station.
Once you get comfortable with what's going on, start running two and then three cases through the press at a time.
Before you know it, you will be running fully progressive and you can hook up the auto advance again.

Order your dillon press through eguns.com

[StraightShooter]

First, you should not make ammo for anyone else.
Selling reloads is actually illegal if you don't have an ammo manufacturing license.

He is right, you could however still allow your family/friends to use your press. You could still charge them a per round fee for the usage of your press. Just a thought.

[liketoshoot]

So from what I've read so far, no one is using the RCBS or you think it is not a good one.
I just bought one and feel that it is a good set-up or am I just miss informed?
If you are using this set-up ( I haven't got it up and working yet) how many rounds do you get an hour? and what problems do you have or not have?

[depmac983ret]

I use RCBS! I still use a RCBS Single Stage "Pardner Press" I prefer the hobbiest approach. I prep cases up to the last step (powder, bullet). I work one caliber @ a time when I prep. I've done this since 1989 I do 100-200 a night, (wife stays away), she won't come near to "Gun stuff",
I now have over 2000 rounds of ready to go ammo in six pistol calibers, .223. and 30 Carbine. That's over 2000 rnds of EACH caliber all done on my RCBS press with RCBS dies, never had a problem.

[Peter in CA]

RCBS press

All,
I still use my first RCBS press, bought new in 1974. I loaded some .30-40 Gov't. on it this morning. I am slow, but I get there. I now have a RCBS Rockchucker press for my large black powder cartridges. I bought that one used and it works perfectly. Just my 2 cents.

Peter in CA

[Beelzy]

Yeah!

Let's hear it for the RCBS "O" Press!

I still use mine to this day. Just like Barbeque, Low and Slow.

[cleanguy46]

Thanks to the OP for this resource. I have been shooting for years however I am new to metallic cartridge reloading. I am getting my equipment together little at a time and doing alot of reading and research so I come into this with a level of knowledge to safely reload and enjoy the benifits of custom loads for specific shooting needs. Thanks for the 411!

[USN CHIEF]

Great link for Case Prep that I found.

Part 1.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/rifle-case-preparation-for-reloading.html

Part 2.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/rifle-case-preparation-for-reloading_12.html

Part 3.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/rifle-case-preparation-for-reloading_14.html

Part 4.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/priming-pump-methods-of-case-priming.html

Part 5.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/time-to-get-charge-measuring-and.html

Part 6.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/bullet-seating-final-event.html

Part 7.

http://carteach0.blogspot.com/2008/07/previously-on-this-blog-find-six.html

[depmac983ret]

Nice addition Chief! Thanks for the input .
"MAC"