Ok its looking like I'm going to have some play money once summer hits and I've been looking into upgrading and getting a dillon setup. I'm sure I would be happy with it but I'm thinking about using the money to buy more suplies such as brass,powder and what so on. Just wondering what the thoughs are on this.
- Thread starter snowdin5000
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Re: To go dillon or not
DILLON........???..I`ve owned a 550 for about 30 years......had problems with the primer feed about 5 years ago..... called them... they said.." If you`ve owned that press for that long..send it in....we`ll send you a new one..."...
they did as they said.....quickly too......
needless to say.....I`m a Dillon man.....
bill larson
DILLON........???..I`ve owned a 550 for about 30 years......had problems with the primer feed about 5 years ago..... called them... they said.." If you`ve owned that press for that long..send it in....we`ll send you a new one..."...
they did as they said.....quickly too......
needless to say.....I`m a Dillon man.....
bill larson
Re: To go dillon or not
Dillon is the only way to go in my book... but I also have a single stage too.. do it kind oh depends on what you are goin to load..
Dillon is the only way to go in my book... but I also have a single stage too.. do it kind oh depends on what you are goin to load..
Re: To go dillon or not
I have used 550's and 650's and think both are quality machines. I have a 650 that does all small primer needs (9mm, 40SW, 223, ect), and the 550 does large primer - 308, 44 mag, and 45 ACP. I still reload 280, 270, 260, 6.5x55, 6mm Rem, 30-30 and 30-06 on single stage.
I have used a bunch of reloading gear, and Dillon certainly seems to have figured it out .
I have used 550's and 650's and think both are quality machines. I have a 650 that does all small primer needs (9mm, 40SW, 223, ect), and the 550 does large primer - 308, 44 mag, and 45 ACP. I still reload 280, 270, 260, 6.5x55, 6mm Rem, 30-30 and 30-06 on single stage.
I have used a bunch of reloading gear, and Dillon certainly seems to have figured it out .
Re: To go dillon or not
I like my 550 and customer service is top notch. Depends on how much you reload and if you have an extra $500 or more.
I like my 550 and customer service is top notch. Depends on how much you reload and if you have an extra $500 or more.
Re: To go dillon or not
Dillon, The best period.
Dillon, The best period.
Re: To go dillon or not
Everyone should have a Dillon. I love my 550b and will add a second one (maybe a 650) as soon as my welding buddy gets my loading stand finished. I basically do the same as many folks--accuracy work on the single stage and bulk on the 550. The powder system is pretty darn accurate though. If really high volume of a few calibers, give consideration to the 650. Used to load 45 acp and 38 super on a friends 650 and really automated. Lots of boolits quick--I really love the 550B for my typical needs and I switch calibers A LOT.
Everyone should have a Dillon. I love my 550b and will add a second one (maybe a 650) as soon as my welding buddy gets my loading stand finished. I basically do the same as many folks--accuracy work on the single stage and bulk on the 550. The powder system is pretty darn accurate though. If really high volume of a few calibers, give consideration to the 650. Used to load 45 acp and 38 super on a friends 650 and really automated. Lots of boolits quick--I really love the 550B for my typical needs and I switch calibers A LOT.
Re: To go dillon or not
I curently loading 223,30-30,308,30.06,and 338lm and probably be adding 357. I have a Lyman right now that has been great and I have no problems with so thats why I'm thinking about just using the money to hoard supplies.
I curently loading 223,30-30,308,30.06,and 338lm and probably be adding 357. I have a Lyman right now that has been great and I have no problems with so thats why I'm thinking about just using the money to hoard supplies.
Re: To go dillon or not
If you already have a quality single stage--it's a no brainer then for adding Dillon. Will significantly speed up process.
If you already have a quality single stage--it's a no brainer then for adding Dillon. Will significantly speed up process.
Re: To go dillon or not
Dillons quality and customer service are top notch.
But to me, owning a Dillon is like owning a Ferrari. There's nowhere to really open a Ferrari up (170+ mph) and the extra cost of the DIllon just isn't justified.
I use a Lee Turret for my precision rifle stuff. I get regular 0.50 MoA groups and smaller. The extra coin I didn't put into the Dillon I put into gun / ammo. And isn't that really the point of shooting?
For pistol ammo and high volume ammo production, I got the Hornady LNL AP. It was expensive enuf, and the Lee progressive press I had just wasn't quality enuf.
In short, in my view, you can get more quality than you need without getting the Ferrari of presses. I bought guns to shoot, not to have a reason to reload.
Dillons quality and customer service are top notch.
But to me, owning a Dillon is like owning a Ferrari. There's nowhere to really open a Ferrari up (170+ mph) and the extra cost of the DIllon just isn't justified.
I use a Lee Turret for my precision rifle stuff. I get regular 0.50 MoA groups and smaller. The extra coin I didn't put into the Dillon I put into gun / ammo. And isn't that really the point of shooting?
For pistol ammo and high volume ammo production, I got the Hornady LNL AP. It was expensive enuf, and the Lee progressive press I had just wasn't quality enuf.
In short, in my view, you can get more quality than you need without getting the Ferrari of presses. I bought guns to shoot, not to have a reason to reload.
Re: To go dillon or not
Place your order now because its going to take you 6-8+ weeks to get it!
Then you can try the classifieds to see if one pops up in the mean time.
Place your order now because its going to take you 6-8+ weeks to get it!
Then you can try the classifieds to see if one pops up in the mean time.
Re: To go dillon or not
I have 4 550B Dillons cuz i'm to lazy to change the primer system. Got the first one in 1984. Just can't go wrong with the 550B.
I have 4 550B Dillons cuz i'm to lazy to change the primer system. Got the first one in 1984. Just can't go wrong with the 550B.
Re: To go dillon or not
Yes! Dillon is awesome. Had a 550 for awhile then sold it to get a 650. I csb only comment on the 550 and it was a work horse plus very simple to operate and understand.
Yes! Dillon is awesome. Had a 550 for awhile then sold it to get a 650. I csb only comment on the 550 and it was a work horse plus very simple to operate and understand.
Re: To go dillon or not
Dillon. Don't look back! Service is awesome!
Dillon. Don't look back! Service is awesome!
Re: To go dillon or not
Been using Dillons for a long time,still have my old 450 with the non removeable tool head.
Have 2 550's setup next to the 450,1 for large and 1 for small primers. The 450 is used for small batches or load work up.
Really enjoy using their products,too bad my experience with Dillons customer service does not mirror the majorities.
RK
Been using Dillons for a long time,still have my old 450 with the non removeable tool head.
Have 2 550's setup next to the 450,1 for large and 1 for small primers. The 450 is used for small batches or load work up.
Really enjoy using their products,too bad my experience with Dillons customer service does not mirror the majorities.
RK
Re: To go dillon or not
18 years this month.
Can't complain.
Chris
18 years this month.
Can't complain.
Chris
Re: To go dillon or not
I love my Dillon's and wouldn't consider anything else for handgun or rifle. My oldest is a square deal but, picked up a 650 and 550 soon after.
I love my Dillon's and wouldn't consider anything else for handgun or rifle. My oldest is a square deal but, picked up a 650 and 550 soon after.
Re: To go dillon or not
ONLY way to go !!!!!!!!!
Dillon is the best!!!!!!!!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> DILLON........???..I`ve owned a 550 for about 30 years......had problems with the primer feed about 5 years ago..... called them... they said.." If you`ve owned that press for that long..send it in....we`ll send you a new one..."...
they did as they said.....quickly too......
needless to say.....I`m a Dillon man.....
bill larson </div></div>
ONLY way to go !!!!!!!!!
Dillon is the best!!!!!!!!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Larson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> DILLON........???..I`ve owned a 550 for about 30 years......had problems with the primer feed about 5 years ago..... called them... they said.." If you`ve owned that press for that long..send it in....we`ll send you a new one..."...
they did as they said.....quickly too......
needless to say.....I`m a Dillon man.....
bill larson </div></div>
Re: To go dillon or not
If you buy from Brian Enos and your order is > $400 (and it will be) you get free shipping.
Brian Enos is a great service provider.
As an aside I saw in an email received yesterday Nosler Shooters Pro shop has some 550's in stock. Sorry, I didnt check price.
If you buy from Brian Enos and your order is > $400 (and it will be) you get free shipping.
Brian Enos is a great service provider.
As an aside I saw in an email received yesterday Nosler Shooters Pro shop has some 550's in stock. Sorry, I didnt check price.
Re: To go dillon or not
rdsii64,
I actually HAVE used a variety of other progressive presses, which is precisely why I'm so devoted to Dillon. Don't worry, by not trying most of the others, you haven't missed a thing, except maybe some aggrivation and frustration. Dillon's the only way to fly!
rdsii64,
I actually HAVE used a variety of other progressive presses, which is precisely why I'm so devoted to Dillon. Don't worry, by not trying most of the others, you haven't missed a thing, except maybe some aggrivation and frustration. Dillon's the only way to fly!
Re: To go dillon or not
I've got a Dillon 650, Hornady L-N-L AP (right beside the Dillon on the bench, so don't think I'm just another "Blue Kool-Aid drinker"), 3 Lee Turrets, and a bunch of single stages by various makers. Dillon is the way to go.
If Dillon had a better warranty on the 1050, I'd have gone with that instead of the 650 since the 1050 swages the primer crimp, saving me a step. I'm not saying Dillon won't take care of you with a 1050, it's just that they consider the 1050 to be a commercial machine and have a "limited 1 year warranty" on it. I'm sure they would take care of it though.
I've got a Dillon 650, Hornady L-N-L AP (right beside the Dillon on the bench, so don't think I'm just another "Blue Kool-Aid drinker"), 3 Lee Turrets, and a bunch of single stages by various makers. Dillon is the way to go.
If Dillon had a better warranty on the 1050, I'd have gone with that instead of the 650 since the 1050 swages the primer crimp, saving me a step. I'm not saying Dillon won't take care of you with a 1050, it's just that they consider the 1050 to be a commercial machine and have a "limited 1 year warranty" on it. I'm sure they would take care of it though.
Re: To go dillon or not
Well I sold the last Dillion I had a couple weeks ago and don't miss it! Sure in some ways they are good machines and in others not so much. I switched to Hornady and couldn't be happier. I will say that doing the whole conversion thing on the Dillion kind of sucks, mostly in the primer system, I would rather just have a couple machines. I don't tend to have long periods where I load just one caliber so swapping back and forth is a pain in the ass. Guess it depends on your needs but the final straw for me with Dillion was having to take the entire press apart to lube it, when asking them about this at Shot Show this year they laughed at me for struggling with this. But then they follow it up by saying well we didn't put in the manual or video how to lube it but you need to do it every 5k rounds WTF was pretty much what I said. My last Dillion 550 totally locked up,after fucking with it for hours I gave up. They have since made an update with grease gun points so you don't have to take it apart. So giving me shit and laughing at me yet they don't bother to tell you how to do it and now have updated their machines because it was such a problem kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. I have 2 friends who also had the same experience with their machine locking up. So I went with Hornady and will never look back...oh and Hornady has grease points and they tell you how to do it
End of rant
Well I sold the last Dillion I had a couple weeks ago and don't miss it! Sure in some ways they are good machines and in others not so much. I switched to Hornady and couldn't be happier. I will say that doing the whole conversion thing on the Dillion kind of sucks, mostly in the primer system, I would rather just have a couple machines. I don't tend to have long periods where I load just one caliber so swapping back and forth is a pain in the ass. Guess it depends on your needs but the final straw for me with Dillion was having to take the entire press apart to lube it, when asking them about this at Shot Show this year they laughed at me for struggling with this. But then they follow it up by saying well we didn't put in the manual or video how to lube it but you need to do it every 5k rounds WTF was pretty much what I said. My last Dillion 550 totally locked up,after fucking with it for hours I gave up. They have since made an update with grease gun points so you don't have to take it apart. So giving me shit and laughing at me yet they don't bother to tell you how to do it and now have updated their machines because it was such a problem kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. I have 2 friends who also had the same experience with their machine locking up. So I went with Hornady and will never look back...oh and Hornady has grease points and they tell you how to do it
End of rant
Re: To go dillon or not
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which setup? What are you loading, and how much are you shooting? </div></div>
Excellent question. If you're going to be loading for rifles, stick with the single stage if.... you want to hit anything.
Progressive presses are great for pistol stuff.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which setup? What are you loading, and how much are you shooting? </div></div>
Excellent question. If you're going to be loading for rifles, stick with the single stage if.... you want to hit anything.
Progressive presses are great for pistol stuff.
Re: To go dillon or not
The 550 is very versatile. I load progressively with pistol cartridges and run the 550 like a single stage with rifle cartridges. The dies never leave the head except switching from NK and FL sizing. This press has served me 20 years and the "No BS Warranty" is true to fact. There are times a 650 would be better for volume but the 550 I think shines in versatility with it's manual indexing. YMMV.
The 550 is very versatile. I load progressively with pistol cartridges and run the 550 like a single stage with rifle cartridges. The dies never leave the head except switching from NK and FL sizing. This press has served me 20 years and the "No BS Warranty" is true to fact. There are times a 650 would be better for volume but the 550 I think shines in versatility with it's manual indexing. YMMV.
Re: To go dillon or not
I just bought a xl650 2 weeks ago can't wait for it to show up! I currently have a sl900 that I load all my trap rounds with and man has it spoiled me it is the reason I went with dillon again when I looked for a centerfire setup.
I just bought a xl650 2 weeks ago can't wait for it to show up! I currently have a sl900 that I load all my trap rounds with and man has it spoiled me it is the reason I went with dillon again when I looked for a centerfire setup.
Re: To go dillon or not
I load on a 1050. Ive had it a year plus and have loaded 10K plus rounds mixed between 45 ACP, .38 spcl, and 30-06. I load in batches big enough that when a caliber change is required its time to pm the machine anyway.
A clean machine is a happy machine. You learn a ton by taking the machine apart and cleaning it. Knowledge of how the press works really helps in solving production lockups quickly when they occur.
When loading progressive always keep in mind you can never force a jam. If the handle is stopped something needs to be serviced and force will only break stuff.
I load on a 1050. Ive had it a year plus and have loaded 10K plus rounds mixed between 45 ACP, .38 spcl, and 30-06. I load in batches big enough that when a caliber change is required its time to pm the machine anyway.
A clean machine is a happy machine. You learn a ton by taking the machine apart and cleaning it. Knowledge of how the press works really helps in solving production lockups quickly when they occur.
When loading progressive always keep in mind you can never force a jam. If the handle is stopped something needs to be serviced and force will only break stuff.
Re: To go dillon or not
I love my 650. That being said, I've never owned any other progressive machines but have used a 550 and would choose the 650 over the 550 any day for what I use it for and that being any ammmo I run in quanity and not necessarly for the upmost quality i.e. prairie dog loads, .223 ar loads and 300 blk. If I'm loading for my precision bolt guns then I'm using my lyman single stage press for sure. And another thing, the dillon is definately a pain in the ass to swap from Lg to Sm primer loads but if your planning to set down and load up 100+ then Its definately worth it. Once you get it all set up and start pulling that handle and seeing loaded ammo popping out the side, it will put a big smile on you face!
I love my 650. That being said, I've never owned any other progressive machines but have used a 550 and would choose the 650 over the 550 any day for what I use it for and that being any ammmo I run in quanity and not necessarly for the upmost quality i.e. prairie dog loads, .223 ar loads and 300 blk. If I'm loading for my precision bolt guns then I'm using my lyman single stage press for sure. And another thing, the dillon is definately a pain in the ass to swap from Lg to Sm primer loads but if your planning to set down and load up 100+ then Its definately worth it. Once you get it all set up and start pulling that handle and seeing loaded ammo popping out the side, it will put a big smile on you face!
Yeah, I don't understand.
You already have a lg/sm primer bar and lg/sm primer feed tubes. Remove spring and two bolts, remove magazine housing, remove bar, put in other bar, reset magazine housing, start bolts in, align the cup with the ram plate's hole, tighten bolts, reinstall return spring and add other primer tube.
I spend more time looking for my bar in my drawer than I do swapping them out.
Chris
