• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

What progressive reloader for .223?

X50PLT

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 25, 2012
196
5
63
Hi, I am looking for a good volume reloader for .223 I would like at least 200 rds per hour. Dillan 650? It would be good if it will also load 338 Lapua. thanks Greg
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

I'm not sure if the 650 will do 338 Lapua, pretty sure the 550 will though. The 550 is easily capable of 400 rounds per hour of 223 if you're doing your part to keep the process moving.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

A Dillon 650 will barely break a sweat meeting your needs of 200/hr.

The best part is that it will do it without a lot of farting around and adjusting every couple hundred rounds. Only press better would be the dillon 1050.

If you go with the Dillon 650 also get another tool head and mount the Rapid Trim 1200 on it. Size and trim as fast as you can pull the handle. Switch the head and load to your hearts content.

If you also get lots of extra primer tubes your loading session doesn't need to be delayed while you fill the single tube that comes with the press.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

The 650 is great for .223 and pistol cartridges. I do some sizing for larger rifle brass when buying once fired stuff, but tend to load those on a single stage. It will easily give you double the production you're looking for. The largest cal conv I have is 300wm, so I know it goes at least that large. I don't have a 338, but if I did I couldn't afford the components needed to crank out 500 338's / hr... Plenty here would disagree with me, but if you’re just starting out w/ reloading (I’m just assuming), get something like a rockchucker.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

I have been satisfied with my LnL AP for the most part. I think it's cheaper to set up than the Dillon. That being said, I'm really wanting a 1050 with Mr Bulletfeeder to process and load .223.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

You might want to call Dillon and ask about the 338 Lapua on the 650 press. I do not see a conversion kit for it but, they might be able to help you out. Any Dillon press will get 400+ rounds per hour. If you only do 200 rounds per hour, you could have 30-40 minutes/hour to do something else! I reload 45 ACP, .223, and .308 on my Dillon 650. I do have the 550 which I use for 38 super & 9mm but, wish it were another 650 instead. Don't get me wrong, it's very good.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

jasonk said:
I'm not sure if the 650 will do 338 Lapua, pretty sure the 550 will though. The 550 is easily capable of 400 rounds per hour of 223 if you're doing your part to keep the process moving. [/qu

I will check in to the 550 dillan, thanks
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadshot2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A Dillon 650 will barely break a sweat meeting your needs of 200/hr.

The best part is that it will do it without a lot of farting around and adjusting every couple hundred rounds. Only press better would be the dillon 1050.

If you go with the Dillon 650 also get another tool head and mount the Rapid Trim 1200 on it. Size and trim as fast as you can pull the handle. Switch the head and load to your hearts content.

If you also get lots of extra primer tubes your loading session doesn't need to be delayed while you fill the single tube that comes with the press. </div></div>

thanks Deadshot2, I was also thinking about the 1050. I will call Dillan and see what they recommend.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtnCreek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 650 is great for .223 and pistol cartridges. I do some sizing for larger rifle brass when buying once fired stuff, but tend to load those on a single stage. It will easily give you double the production you're looking for. The largest cal conv I have is 300wm, so I know it goes at least that large. I don't have a 338, but if I did I couldn't afford the components needed to crank out 500 338's / hr... Plenty here would disagree with me, but if you’re just starting out w/ reloading (I’m just assuming), get something like a rockchucker. </div></div>

thanks for your input mtncreek, I am not new to re-loading I just have not done it in years and after buying a 338 Lapua and 4-6 dollars per rd. I decided to reload. I am also shooting a lot of 223 so I thought about reloading that too. I have an old rockchucker that only has a 3.5" stroke, no good for the 338.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been satisfied with my LnL AP for the most part. I think it's cheaper to set up than the Dillon. That being said, I'm really wanting a 1050 with Mr Bulletfeeder to process and load .223. </div></div>

thanks Gimpy I don't know about the 2k price range on the 1050. maybe a 650.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

thanks for the input on the reloaders everybody, it was helpful.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

I think the 650 is great if you're only sticking to a few calibers (9mm, 223, 45ACP) and wanting to use the casefeeders for added speed. However, with the volume you're looking at AND the desire to have some versatility, I think the 550 is better for what you're looking for. Plus, it's cheaper for caliber conversions, can fit more conversions, and it's still pretty fast. You can't go wrong with either the 550 or 650, but I just checked on brianenos.com and couldn't find a 338LM conversion for the 650 or the 550. Call Dillon or Brian Enos and they'll get you squared away.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X50PLT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi, I am looking for a good volume reloader for .223 I would like at least 200 rds per hour. Dillan 650? It would be good if it will also load 338 Lapua. thanks Greg </div></div>

17 years on a 550b and I reload both the 223 and the 338LM. 200 rds an hour is more a function of case prep being done first, but you can crank out more than 200 rds of 223 per hour, no problem.

Chris
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

, I think I understand your question being needing a press to do volume for the 223 first and formost. Then, as a sidenote you'll also want to load 338 also. Might want to consider two presses, one progressive for the high volume stuff and a single stage for the low volume. At $4-5 per round I'd be loading the 338 on a single stage for the accuracy aspect. Ever watch the shows on the history channel about snipers? They show Marines using a single stage press (adtually an arbor press) for sniper bullets. Tells me those looking for the best accuracy can take some lessons from that. Heck, for $200-$250 Lee makes a 50 cal press with insert for std. dies. That would reload anything most people will ever own. Then you could run 223 on any of the Dillons, Hornady, etc.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sudden Impact</div><div class="ubbcode-body">, I think I understand your question being needing a press to do volume for the 223 first and formost. Then, as a sidenote you'll also want to load 338 also. Might want to consider two presses, one progressive for the high volume stuff and a single stage for the low volume. At $4-5 per round I'd be loading the 338 on a single stage for the accuracy aspect. Ever watch the shows on the history channel about snipers? They show Marines using a single stage press (adtually an arbor press) for sniper bullets. Tells me those looking for the best accuracy can take some lessons from that. Heck, for $200-$250 Lee makes a 50 cal press with insert for std. dies. That would reload anything most people will ever own. Then you could run 223 on any of the Dillons, Hornady, etc. </div></div>

^^^^^This. Every good reloading bench needs a single stage press anyway.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

The 650's great at 223. I just started doing that with mine. And as someone said, get a separate toolhead and mount the rapid trimmer on it. Also, think that the auto casefeeder increased my production the most. Don't know what I'd do without it now.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

I use a 550 for my pistol loads for IPSC and love it but when i'm shooting a lot of matches in a month I wish I had a 650.I just hate to reload either one will full your needs you just need to decide what volume of reloading you're going to do and go from there.Dillons warranty is the best in the industry
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

I use a Hornady LnL AP for my pistol and .223/5.56 stuff. For everything else (6.5x47, .308, 30-06, 300WM and .338LM) I use either my Redding T7 or RCBS Rock Chucker.

Is anyone loading .338LM on progressives? I've not tried it though I know having spoken to Hornady's Custom Shop they can (and have) made custom shell plates for the LnL AP to handle the .338LM round but recommend against it.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

thanks for all of the input guys, A 550 is on the top of the list for the .308 and .338LM but I am also trying to decide if the 1050 is worth the extra $$$ over a 650 with a case feeder for the .223-5.56
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

If you're loading<span style="text-decoration: underline"> tons of fresh</span> mil-surp brass and are going to dedicate it solely to 5.56, maybe so. As someone posted above, get the casefeeder if you go 650. Without the casefeeder, it’s like drag racing red light to red light; you’re going fast, you’re just not getting anywhere.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use my 550 for all of my rifle reloading. Depending on what type of powder you use the powder measure is as accurate as my chargemaster. </div></div>

What dies are you using in the 550? I'm trying to find a die set for .223 and .308
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check out the Hornady LnL Ammo Plant if you want a full system.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005095160

The standard LnL is a good option as well.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00005095100 </div></div>

Wow, this Hornady ammo plant looks like a bargin, does anyone have one of these in .223 that they can comment on?
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtnCreek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're loading<span style="text-decoration: underline"> tons of fresh</span> mil-surp brass and are going to dedicate it solely to 5.56, maybe so. As someone posted above, get the casefeeder if you go 650. Without the casefeeder, it’s like drag racing red light to red light; you’re going fast, you’re just not getting anywhere.

</div></div>


I will get a case feeder for sure, and most likely a bullet feeder. thanks
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

I will be setting my Ammo Plant up for .223 but it's 9mm right now. I just need to get some .223 dies. I had gotten rid of my last set when I sold my old .223. I love the press for 9mm.

One thing though is that Hornady doesn't have a bullet feeder for rifle bullets yet. The case feeder will work with rifle and pistol but the bullet feeder only works with pistol bullets. They are working on the the adapter plate and parts for rifle though.
 
Re: What progressive reloader for .223?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be setting my Ammo Plant up for .223 but it's 9mm right now. I just need to get some .223 dies. I had gotten rid of my last set when I sold my old .223. I love the press for 9mm.

One thing though is that Hornady doesn't have a bullet feeder for rifle bullets yet. The case feeder will work with rifle and pistol but the bullet feeder only works with pistol bullets. They are working on the the adapter plate and parts for rifle though. </div></div>


Have you used a 1050? Dillon says the set up on these are a bitch, they send them out ready to use. Is the hornady easy to change calibers?