Awesome list. But there is one more. And it is a killer. If you enjoy spending time with your wife and not hanging out in the reloading room,then do buy a Dillon. (That is why single stages Rule!!!).
Is that why I'm married 15 plus years now and still haven't upgraded to a progressive yet (even thou I have upgraded laterally multiple times in my 15 plus years of reloading). 😂😂🤣🤣
Great video. After peer pressure and constantly giving up my brass to my USPSA club "El Dorado Practical Shooters". I finally "pulled the trigger" on a XL 750 9mm/ 45 acp with auto case feeder. Keeping all my brass now. Keep up the great content.
Yeah. I've got a 550. I and my father have loaded somewhere in the neighborhood of 250k rounds. Yes...250 THOUSAND rounds through it. We loaded for a couple of the state rifle/pistol junior teams for a few years in addition to our own. We are competitive shooters so go through a lot of ammo. With the exception of a small broken operating rod which took about 5 min to fix(Dillon shipped the part for free) that's been it. Just normal cleaning/lubrication and it still works just fine. Now...we do prime the cases off the press...but other than that...it just keeps going. From .30 carbine to 30-06 and 9mm to .45ACP...it does it all. Amazing piece of engineering.
TakeDeadAim New to reloading...just ordered a XL750. What do you mean you prime elsewhere? As I read in another comment above, does depriming and priming foul up the machine? What’s the story on this?
Excellent video... I agree 100%... I have owned 2 square deal presses and a 550 Dillon press as well as 2 monster caliber presses I built for loading 50 BMG and others at one time I can honestly say they are the best built presses in the world... I modified their powder dies and powder measure set up and there dead primer tube catcher... I sent the ideas to Rick and he explained they were great ideas but he could manufacture 50 pieces for the price of one of mine... One excellent feature that impressed me the most was when I had to sell my equipment, I called Rick and asked how much for rebuild kits for each press so the purchasers would have nearly new presses, Rick explained Dillon presses are guaranteed for life even to the new owners and sent me free of charge all the components to rebuild all three of my Dillon presses... It doen't get any better than that...
I stumble across a brand new Dillion XL750. Previous owner had it for 4 months, but he couldn't find any primer to reload 9mm, so I traded him a bunch of my car audio speakers for the XL750. It was the best trade in 2021 for me. Since it came ready for 9mm. I went and got a 45acp conversion kit and swap my 45acp dies from my Lee Turret. I've been extremely happy with the XL750. Never could I imagine reloading over 500 rounds in such a short period of time. I also went with Dillion because Dillion Precision is local to me, so if anything broken or missing. I can just walk into Dillion and buy straight from the source and not order online and wait to have it ship to me.
I was torn between the Dillon and the Hornady but economics played apart in my decision to go with the Lock and load which has lifetime warranty. Both great choices as of right now time will tell. LOL
Looking to get in to reloading, both pistol (9, 40, and 10) and rifle (5.56, 270, various .30s, and 350) cases. For rifle, I am thinking of doing two press set-up assembly. First would be a single stage to decap, then tumble, then back to the single stage to neck size, following with a trimmer. Changing neck sizing dies to match caliber. Second press would be a progressive set up to prime, charge, seat bullet, and crimp neck. Changing the turret with dedicated dies mounted for each particular caliber. Buying a new caliber components and turret set up each year until I have what I need to load for the rifles I have. Would Lee's loadmaster progressive be acceptable for a budget minded, able to grow set-up? Thanks
1. Have you had primer stacking problems with the Dillon presses? I bought the Lee pro 1000 when I first started reloading and it would stack primers on the shell plate. 2. How much variation is there in powder drops usually? 3. Can I use other companies dies with a Dillon press? 4. Can I mount this directly to my workbench or do I need to buy the metal bracket?
You can any manufacturer dies If you use for example rcbs dies for pistol you don't need to buy an expander die. But do buy a separate seating and crimp die. That's my opinion. You can buy a seating/crimp die its just more annoying to set. The caliber conversion kit has an expander in it
My 24 year old SD-B is still pumping out six different calibers reliably. Maybe a bit of wander in the powder delivery, but it remains close enough. Love it.
I love my Dillion. I just got off the phone with them and in 5 years this is only the 2nd time I have had to call and sure as shit Dillion sent me a free replacement part. Lifetime warranty was worth every penny I spent on my Dillion 550B.
Great list. I have two Dillon presses. I load small primer rounds on one and large primer rounds on the other. I want a 1050 strictly dedicated to 556 but thats a lot of money to save and I'm not there yet.
LOL I have to admit my hackles came up when I first read the title but after I started listening the hackles were replaced with a grin. I have a 650 and love it!!
Looking for a new press and wasn’t sure what negative things might be for the Dillon. Glad I watched this and I won’t buy a Dillon. LOL absolutely loved number six. If you like to reload rimfire ammunition, don’t buy a Dillon. Glad it’s working out for you! Thanks for the review
I bought a 550 over 25 years ago. The ram started wearing a little, so they sent me a new one WITH tools and equipment to check it with AT NO COST. They gave me an option to send it to them to fix, but I was able to do it myself, so it saved me down time. Am I a Dillon fanboy? You betcha. Keep your other loading gear. I’ve owned that too. I’ll pay a few bucks more for something that will last me a lifetime.
Strange everyone who wants precision rifle ammo says the same thing about hornady presses. They would rather do there target ammo on a different press. Depends what a person's idea of precision is I guess. I can say I've been back and forth between a dillon or hornady, and I've read enough on forums and reviews that I'll be buying a dillon. Just sayin.
So, I am looking into a turret or progressive, solely for 9mm... I have stuff for single stage and that works fine for a few low quantity rifle cartridges, and I will continue to do some .40 that way as well.... but there will likely be about a half dozen people in my extended family training with 9mm soon... not extensively, but more than I would want to load on single stage... For just 9mm only, what options do you think are decent? Won't be doing any 3k rounds or reloading a day, but maybe that many in a year if we can source enough components in our area... Any suggestions...?
I can appreciate the love of a good machine, but I was really looking forward to seeing a list of legit reasons NOT to buy a Dillon. And trust me (or don't), there are legit reasons why the Dillon machine is no better than some others at half the cost, which would be number 1 on my list... cost of equipment. I have used them all, and have friends that own all the different brands, and our consensus is that when you buy blue, you are buying the name. Kudos to Dillon for their marketing, and they have a great machine, but they have some of the same problems as the less expensive brands. First and foremost, the priming stage. Every brand is finicky. If a Dillon owner tells you otherwise, they are not being honest with you or themselves. Every reloader I know has come to the realization that you just don't decap in your progressive, as it is a filthy endeavor which leaves your machine dirty, eventually causing issues. Not to mention that priming is the only blind stage in the process on EVERY progressive press, which I just don't trust. For those of you who use SS wet media for brass cleaning, the smart loaders will decap first and then tumble so the primer pockets are clean. If you go this route, then hand priming lets you inspect each case for defects and insures proper priming, whichever tool you use. At this point, virtually every other brand of progressive will function well if you feed it clean, primed cases. So why spend $800+ on a machine that the sub $500 presses will match in volume and quality of finished cartridge? There are other shared issues with Dillon and all brands that become apparent once you use them, but by the time you figure that out, you've spent the equivalent to a new pistol on team blue. If I could offer any advice, from someone who's loaded no less than 150k rounds on a Lee Loadmaster before I stepped up into a Hornady LnL, then the RCBS Chucker 5, and finally a Dillon 650 (better than 100k rounds on each, all of which share the same issues) is this... Buy the cheapest 2nd hand progressive press of any brand and use it only for decapping. Lee now offers a cheap ass progressive for about $100 that is a champ for decapping. Tumble in wet stainless and prime by hand. Then use whatever progressive press you can afford and keep it clean and oiled properly. In the end, the money saved by not buying Dillon will pay for the tumbler, the priming tool, the stainless media, etc. and still leave $ in your pocket for accessories. Even when I take the extra steps (decapping first and hand priming), my volume average per hour is still 80+ % of what I can get done on any of my presses if I use them to complete all stages at the same time. Everything but the decapping press stays clean and pretty, and frustrations have become nil. This is something I have learned over time and I hope I've explained it sufficiently. No slight aimed at the Dillon fan boys... but it is important that this community of loaders shares honest truth about these machines, as well as tricks and tips for safe and speedy production. Enjoy your reloading therapy y'all!
Matthew Peterson So basically, don’t use the depriming station? This will hinder operation of the XL750 I just bought? New to all this, so I apologize in advance
There are some very well articulated and very valid points there! I started with a Lee Pro 1000 press. It worked ok, but required almost constant fiddling to make it run. From there I moved up to a Hornady Lock N Load AP Ammo Plant. I had to do a ton of final fitting with files, sandpaper and honing stones to make the darn thing work properly. Once set up, it worked far better than the Lee press ever did. At that point, I relegated the Lee press to decapping duty only, and took up wet tumbling with Stainless Steel media. Ultimately, I replaced the Pro 1000 with a Lee Breech Lock Pro press, which now serves as my decapping machine. It works better than the Pro 1000, but like all Lee progressive presses, it is not without challenges. The Hornady press would periodically cause me trouble, primarily in case and bullet feeding - but, the priming operation was typically trouble-free. From what I'd seen, the Hornady priming system seemed much more simple than that of the Dillon XL650, so I was glad that I'd gone red instead of blue. Over the years, the problems with case and bullet feeding increased, and I became less and less happy with the Hornady press. In taking a fresh look at Dillon, I saw that the XL750 had adopted the priming system from one of their other presses, and it was very much like the Hornady system; but a bit more robust in its construction. After a particularly frustrating reloading session with the Hornady press, I took the plunge and ordered up a Dillon XL750. I have only just set up the press, and have adjusted a set of Lee dies in preparation for making a run of 9mm (holding off actuall reloading any rounds until the humidity comes down some in the garage). I can't speak much to the operation of the Dillon yet, but I can share my initial observations. 1) The Dillon press is more robustly constructed than the Hornady, which in turn is miles ahead of the Lee progressive presses. 2) The level of fit-and-finish of the Dillon press is much higher than that of the Hornady. 2) Dillon's case feed mechanism is far better than Hornady's. The design of the Dillon mechanism should virtually eliminate the Hornady's habit of letting brass bounce off the press and onto the floor. 3) The Dillon press indexes more smoothly than does the Hornady - but the Hornady press has a slick feature of indexing 1/2 way while the ram rises, and 1/2 way as the ram falls. This shorter indexing movement makes it less likely to have powder shake out of a case. 4) While it is true that the Dillon gear costs more than the Hornady gear does, the difference isn't all that great. It's not like the Hornady gear was ever what you'd call cheap! One man's opinion here - while it is true that all progressive presses (at least all of the ones I've used) have their quirks, of the gear I own made by Lee, Hornady and Dillon, the Dillon gear appears to be the best quality. Now that the XL650 has been replaced by the XL750 and that odd looking rotary primer mechanism has been eliminated, I am hopeful that the Dillon XL750 will become my favorite progressive press.
IMHO your obsession with cleanliness is unfounded. Hey you do you man that is cool... but for most of us it is simple feed the thing whatever tumbled brass you can get your hands on pull that lever and make your ammo. Clean things up after every few thousand rounds and keep on trucking. OCD brass cleanliness is not necessary and will just give you stress.
Hey pops that wasxa good one! I got a Rl 550 b and some dies but have not loaded any yet , we just got 223 dies, powder, etc,ready to load but not sure how to set up the dies just right?been watching some videos on utube, it is so hard to find components!I have enough to get started! I would love any advice! Thanks!😇🇺🇸🤠
I’ve had the model you’re crankin’ on for over 15 years, 50,000 rounds+ through it by now. Saved enough to pay for it, the case loader and all the extras! You can’t beat DILLON!
i was just getting ready to "pull the trigger" on the purchase of a Dillon press when I found this video. So glad I was able to see this valuable information. Thank you.
When I first started looking at progressives many years back a 1050 set up was around a grand, shipped. I could have come up with that, but didn’t until many years later. They aren’t going to get cheaper, and I could have been enjoying the machine for those many extra years.
I have been reloading since 1990 using a Lyman Turret Reloader, reason being, my wife bought it for me.Yep, it was the very first Christmas gift, and I had never before reloaded but wanted to. Long story short I just found out she has bought me a Dillon for this Christmas, can't tell yah which one because she won't tell me, all I know is I've had a few elbow surgeries and she knows after I've been loading for 3-4 hours and haven't finished three hundred rounds I'm one hurting puppy. All I do know is it's a progressive press. Now for how I found out. I trusted my powder thrower loading hand gun loads. Being lazy I decided to do a five case check, in doing so I smoke staked a few and then had a load sit in the barrel. All I can say is God is good and next round wouldn't load. Back to finding out. I had to pull 150 rounds with my kinetic puller, when I was done and she saw my face she said "don't load anymore, I have something coming in the mail next week". So I have a new reason not to buy a Dillion. If you like seeing your wife cry after hearing you need another surgery on your elbow and you don't want to disappoint her. Let her buy the Dillion. Man I'm a blessed man.
When set up properly, the RL550 will easily produce 400 pistol rounds...if you are not interrupted by meteor showers, sasquatch invasions or childbirth, 500 rounds per hour is quite possible. Before you start, make sure you have plenty of powder and spare primer tubes filled.
Well I've had elbow surgery, numerous back and neck surgeries and believe it or not I had a salesperson talk me out of buying a progressive press. He just simply told me that was as many problems as I had in my right side and was weakened that he didn't think I could handle pulling the lever down on all four bullets at the same time. So he talked me into buying a Lee turret press. I haven't used it yet although I've had it for a couple of years, I just hadn't got my bench set back up. I can't move things around and I live by myself so I depend on my brother to help do everything. I hadn't used CZcams when I made the purchase, if I had I would probably have told him just send me what I asked for. But nevertheless I don't shoot a lot anyhow so I guess I'll just get that thing fired up one day and try to load me a few hundred rounds of 44s. I've got probably 600 to 800 rounds that I need loaded. Well happy Shootin!
The thing many folks don't get about the Dillon 550 is that you actually don't need to feed a cartridge through every station at every pull of the handle. The machine may be used as a multi-station single stage press. This is how I load all of my "Kustom Krafted Hunting" ammunition. I only process one shell at a time. Of course, four handle strokes are required for each loaded round.@@jackwatkins7382
I walked into the Dillon shop in Scottsdale and mentioned in passing that I was having a bit of trouble with my primer feed and they gave me a bunch of pieces parts to try. Great folks, each and everyone one of them.
I want a Dillon 650 but being on disability I can't afford one. I've settled for a Lyman t-mag 2 after looking at all of them for awhile. Seemed like the fewer complaints than most every other brand. Looks like they they haven't made any changes to it in awhile so it must've been designed right from the start. The thing is sturdy as hell I don't think I'll ever wear it out. And you can still get a lot done with it in decent time. I'm not out on the range every other day so I don't need 1000s of rounds ready to go all the time. I try put a couple hundred downrange every week and that's easily done with the Lyman. Plus I don't mind taking my time and enjoying each step. Also myself being a paraplegic using my arms to do more steps is cardio in a way. I'll get myself a 650 one day and smile like this guy is but until then happy loading and unloading everyone. This was a funny video I enjoyed it! There's not enough sarcasm in they world today.
I do the case feeder just like you. Fill the tube and turn it off. I think it will last longer not constantly turning on and off every time brass is off the pressure switch.
Really had me checking this out . Title was a hook . I have two Dillons and have been using them for about twenty five years and could not imagine what you were going to say . Ya hooked me . 😄
Yep I agree with number one. I do enjoy being able to save money and it's a great feeling reloading your own ammo. But I reload to have more ammo for as little money as possible, not because I love doing it.
Picked up an XL750 6 months ago and wow, what a press. But it gives you the upgrade bug. Besides the typical mods like the sliding shell feeder ramp (perfect for stopping shell cases dropping when you're squaring away an issue) and the phenolic shell plate ball. You're gonna want to get a case feeder and bullet feeder. You will then have to buy conversion stuff for all the calibers that you want to reload unless it's really short run stuff. Then of course if you're going fast you will need a powder check. To clear the bullet feeder with powder check you'll have to either buy a short powder bar or a fail safe bracket conversion kit to replace the white plastic bushing with a brass bushing on an adjustable base that allows you to turn the direction of the powder feed to clear the bullet feeder. After breaking the little white bushing I called Dillon and they quickly sent me out a replacement. In the meantime I found the brass bushing mod, I believe it was from UniqueTek for like $80 or so. SKU T1746. I'm not affiliated with Uniquetek at all, this is not a push for their products, it was just a great replacement for the formed sheet metal white plastic bushing. Thanks Pops for a great video.
How much does it cost to get a caliber converter kit with bells and whistles, yo swap out 9mm to 5.56 It also of information N parts to wrap my mind around atm
Off topic - You are sporting a fine and well maintained beard there sir! :) I grew mine from January 2020 until May 2021 and I just couldn't get it past the straggly stage! Maybe I'm destined to just be a Goatee and nothing more. Thank you also for the video; I am in the market for an XL750 currently! Best regards for now - Eddie
You got me. :-) Thought it was against by title, but so glad it was for by content! Just about to send my Dillon to them for warranty work. It was bought in 1987 and finally needs some work!
Came to this video with doubt but after watchimg it I am absolutely sold in fact I got my super 1050 a few days ago and feel like a kid with the newest baddest toy on the block I absolutely love it!
I got a RL450 over 20 years ago in a trade deal,it was used then,I have done over 100,000 rounds of ammo over that time,I finally had a break down,with in 3 days I had the new piece in hand for free! I have never dealt with a company that is so easy to work with. I'm seriously thinking of upgrading to the 650,I'm getting tired of rotating the shell plate!
I have owned one for 30 years and just love mine so I of course was curious what this was all about and was ready to change your mind. Obviously I don't need to!!! Good one!
The Square deal B that is 6 years old runs like a top. The red press that’s 3-4 years old is ok, but requires alot of tuning and has had several broken parts, not to mention the filing and smoothing of parts to make it run near acceptable. There are vids out there explaining all the work that needs to be done by you and me, just to make them run. Funny, I always thought machining and setup should be done correctly at the factory.
Isyour6covered® The Dillon that comes closest in price to a Hornady AP still costs more, and has many downfalls. The comparible Dillon: 1. ONLY has 4 stations. 2. doesn't even auto index, you have to manually turn the shellplate!! 3. Bullet station on back, makes you reach around back 4. Powder inspection on back, another poorly thought out plan 5. Ram is much smaller, press is less heavy duty overall 6. Press isn't as smooth in operation 7. Powder measure is not as heavy duty or as smooth 8. Accessories are more expensive These are MAJOR differences. Yes, you can spend a lot more money and overcome many of these. But the Hornady is already cheaper than the comparible Dillon, plus 500 free bullets that can be kept or sold.
I wanted to keep reloading simple and keep the equipment / space needed to a minimum so I use a single stage with a digital scale and a cheap powder measure.
Well now that you know HOW to reload quit being a skallywag and by a progressive reloader. You'll be able to go to the range and shoot till you are tired of shooting with the added benefit of being a better marksman. 😊⚓🇺🇸
Great reasons. They do have some great customer service, that $75 RL 550b was missing some little things like she'll plate holders, a spring and primer tube for small pistol. They emailed me a schematic and parts list with a coupon code to order what I needed. But it did take forever to get the response, like 8 minutes! I mean damn if I had 8 damn minutes to waste I wouldn't have a Keurig for the morning cup of life. I'd brew that shit pioneer style.
LMAO.. Which is the best model for multi magnum rifle calibers and postal calibers? I'm looking at the 550c... I'll mostly be reloading 9mm, 45 acp, 300 aac, 308. 451, & 338 lapua. Oh an maybe a cannon if I can find one! That is.. 😉
I started on a Dillon 550 and loaded on that for about seven years, then picked up the XL 750 a year after it came out. The only time that I've ever loaded bad ammunition is when I made a mistake. Neither of my machines has ever failed. Other than my single-stage press, Dillon is all that I'll ever own.
Hi I'm just starting in reloading, at the moment all I have is books on the subject and want to make my first big purchase of a reloading set. Would this be a good starting set too? I want to buy something I can grow into, vs buying 2 set ups I like the "buy once cry once" philosophy Just not sure if it's too much
I reload for bolt action hunting rifles up here in Alaska. I use the same RCBS JR2 single stage press I started with in 1972. I go through a box of 50 Barnes TTSX per month, so not a high volume hand loader.
One Major problem I encountered on a Dillion 650 w case feeder is attempting to progressively load 45/70. It was a major hassle on many fronts. Getting that large brass to flow through the machine was ridiculous. Ended up hand dropping shelled into the feed tube. Then ended up manipulating the shell lever or pivot system that drops a shell down by hand. It always hung up. I sized and primed only on it. Then took those shells and single staged the rest of the process.
Good for cranking out amm....some people reload to save money. But as a result bye more components then their ammo budget was to begin with lol. I've always had a single rock chucker and arber press but I've also mostly shot for bench or prone type comps
My old Rock Chucker, circa 1969, loads 308 Winchester that shoots .5" groups at 200 yds...Slow but still precise. My buddy is giving me a Dillon 500 to load the .357 Mag to feed my Rossi 92 ... That rifle burns through a LOT of ammo... and smiles.
Nothing but problems with the only 1050 I ever owned. Sent back to Dillon, they replaced a ton of things with less than 100 rounds loaded on a brand new machine. Got it back...took a du.p the 3rd round I tried to load on the machine they setup everything on. Sent it back, they replaced the same things. Sent it back, didn't load a single 9mm round. Maybe I got a cursed loader, or maybe I just dont know how to pull/push a handle. Heard so many good things. Sold the press for half what I paid for it.
I watched your video many times and I never paid attention to your shirt LOL it says كافر LOL that’s hilarious brother that made me smile more than anything I was there for 6 years as well in-fact I come from there as well if you know what I mean. Happy New Year God Bless
Jackass.... I thought you were going to save me some money... sounds like I need a Dillon!
Well instead that gentleman made a few hundred off of Dillon for the commercial!
Same here..
I clicked on this from the title thinking "OH SHIT WHAT AM I IN FOR"! because I JUST BOUGHT A DILLON!
The service in the warranty are incredible. I’ve never dealt with another company that gave better support then Dillon.
Awesome list. But there is one more. And it is a killer. If you enjoy spending time with your wife and not hanging out in the reloading room,then do buy a Dillon. (That is why single stages Rule!!!).
LOL, you twisted that good!
The Reloader Dude im very single so I'm buying a dillion
Soo pretty much buy a dillon.
Is that why I'm married 15 plus years now and still haven't upgraded to a progressive yet (even thou I have upgraded laterally multiple times in my 15 plus years of reloading). 😂😂🤣🤣
Outstanding!👍
Great video. After peer pressure and constantly giving up my brass to my USPSA club "El Dorado Practical Shooters". I finally "pulled the trigger" on a XL 750 9mm/ 45 acp with auto case feeder. Keeping all my brass now. Keep up the great content.
Yeah. I've got a 550. I and my father have loaded somewhere in the neighborhood of 250k rounds. Yes...250 THOUSAND rounds through it. We loaded for a couple of the state rifle/pistol junior teams for a few years in addition to our own. We are competitive shooters so go through a lot of ammo. With the exception of a small broken operating rod which took about 5 min to fix(Dillon shipped the part for free) that's been it. Just normal cleaning/lubrication and it still works just fine. Now...we do prime the cases off the press...but other than that...it just keeps going. From .30 carbine to 30-06 and 9mm to .45ACP...it does it all. Amazing piece of engineering.
TakeDeadAim New to reloading...just ordered a XL750. What do you mean you prime elsewhere? As I read in another comment above, does depriming and priming foul up the machine? What’s the story on this?
Excellent video... I agree 100%... I have owned 2 square deal presses and a 550 Dillon press as well as 2 monster caliber presses I built for loading 50 BMG and others at one time I can honestly say they are the best built presses in the world... I modified their powder dies and powder measure set up and there dead primer tube catcher... I sent the ideas to Rick and he explained they were great ideas but he could manufacture 50 pieces for the price of one of mine... One excellent feature that impressed me the most was when I had to sell my equipment, I called Rick and asked how much for rebuild kits for each press so the purchasers would have nearly new presses, Rick explained Dillon presses are guaranteed for life even to the new owners and sent me free of charge all the components to rebuild all three of my Dillon presses... It doen't get any better than that...
I stumble across a brand new Dillion XL750. Previous owner had it for 4 months, but he couldn't find any primer to reload 9mm, so I traded him a bunch of my car audio speakers for the XL750. It was the best trade in 2021 for me. Since it came ready for 9mm. I went and got a 45acp conversion kit and swap my 45acp dies from my Lee Turret. I've been extremely happy with the XL750. Never could I imagine reloading over 500 rounds in such a short period of time. I also went with Dillion because Dillion Precision is local to me, so if anything broken or missing. I can just walk into Dillion and buy straight from the source and not order online and wait to have it ship to me.
You sir convinced me to get a Dillon. For 223, 9mm, 30-06 and 38 special, which one yall recommend I get?
What's the best machine to start? And what calibers sell the best?
Great video but, how consistent are the 40 or so rounds you cranked out in the 5 minutes and 28 seconds ?
I was torn between the Dillon and the Hornady but economics played apart in my decision to go with the Lock and load which has lifetime warranty. Both great choices as of right now time will tell. LOL
Looking to get in to reloading, both pistol (9, 40, and 10) and rifle (5.56, 270, various .30s, and 350) cases. For rifle, I am thinking of doing two press set-up assembly. First would be a single stage to decap, then tumble, then back to the single stage to neck size, following with a trimmer. Changing neck sizing dies to match caliber.
Second press would be a progressive set up to prime, charge, seat bullet, and crimp neck. Changing the turret with dedicated dies mounted for each particular caliber. Buying a new caliber components and turret set up each year until I have what I need to load for the rifles I have.
Would Lee's loadmaster progressive be acceptable for a budget minded, able to grow set-up? Thanks
1. Have you had primer stacking problems with the Dillon presses? I bought the Lee pro 1000 when I first started reloading and it would stack primers on the shell plate.
2. How much variation is there in powder drops usually?
3. Can I use other companies dies with a Dillon press?
4. Can I mount this directly to my workbench or do I need to buy the metal bracket?
You can any manufacturer dies
If you use for example rcbs dies for pistol you don't need to buy an expander die. But do buy a separate seating and crimp die. That's my opinion.
You can buy a seating/crimp die its just more annoying to set.
The caliber conversion kit has an expander in it
If you HATE making snow angels in reloaded ammo, DON'T buy a Dillon. :)
J Yo Yeah, I hate making snow angels in rejected ammo from a Dillon. I like to FIRE my ammo! Save the angels for the fairies. haha
Great vid, sense of humor. Thanx
My 24 year old SD-B is still pumping out six different calibers reliably. Maybe a bit of wander in the powder delivery, but it remains close enough. Love it.
Which model are you running?
For pistol only do you know anything about the Dillon Square Deal setup?
Reason not to buy a Dillon? You started reloading to save money, not spend it.
You don't save money reloading, you SHOOT MORE for the same money. Powder, primers, cases and ammo are not currency.
I love my Dillion. I just got off the phone with them and in 5 years this is only the 2nd time I have had to call and sure as shit Dillion sent me a free replacement part. Lifetime warranty was worth every penny I spent on my Dillion 550B.
Just admit you love it because it keep you away from your wife
Great list. I have two Dillon presses. I load small primer rounds on one and large primer rounds on the other. I want a 1050 strictly dedicated to 556 but thats a lot of money to save and I'm not there yet.
LOL I have to admit my hackles came up when I first read the title but after I started listening the hackles were replaced with a grin. I have a 650 and love it!!
Looking for a new press and wasn’t sure what negative things might be for the Dillon. Glad I watched this and I won’t buy a Dillon. LOL absolutely loved number six. If you like to reload rimfire ammunition, don’t buy a Dillon. Glad it’s working out for you! Thanks for the review
I bought a 550 over 25 years ago. The ram started wearing a little, so they sent me a new one WITH tools and equipment to check it with AT NO COST. They gave me an option to send it to them to fix, but I was able to do it myself, so it saved me down time. Am I a Dillon fanboy? You betcha. Keep your other loading gear. I’ve owned that too. I’ll pay a few bucks more for something that will last me a lifetime.
You've convinced me. I'm getting a Dillon.
Jory Ferrell or you could spend half the price on a Hornady and get twice the press. Dillon is ok, but mostly hype by the fanboys.
Strange everyone who wants precision rifle ammo says the same thing about hornady presses. They would rather do there target ammo on a different press. Depends what a person's idea of precision is I guess. I can say I've been back and forth between a dillon or hornady, and I've read enough on forums and reviews that I'll be buying a dillon. Just sayin.
@@romansten9 98u8y8yl8hkkhklyuluulllikuullullu lin lylllullkyullklulluljkj UK kilullllo
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1700 dollars. Nope
So, I am looking into a turret or progressive, solely for 9mm... I have stuff for single stage and that works fine for a few low quantity rifle cartridges, and I will continue to do some .40 that way as well.... but there will likely be about a half dozen people in my extended family training with 9mm soon... not extensively, but more than I would want to load on single stage...
For just 9mm only, what options do you think are decent? Won't be doing any 3k rounds or reloading a day, but maybe that many in a year if we can source enough components in our area...
Any suggestions...?
Square deal B can't be beat for what you are looking to do
I can appreciate the love of a good machine, but I was really looking forward to seeing a list of legit reasons NOT to buy a Dillon. And trust me (or don't), there are legit reasons why the Dillon machine is no better than some others at half the cost, which would be number 1 on my list... cost of equipment. I have used them all, and have friends that own all the different brands, and our consensus is that when you buy blue, you are buying the name. Kudos to Dillon for their marketing, and they have a great machine, but they have some of the same problems as the less expensive brands. First and foremost, the priming stage. Every brand is finicky. If a Dillon owner tells you otherwise, they are not being honest with you or themselves. Every reloader I know has come to the realization that you just don't decap in your progressive, as it is a filthy endeavor which leaves your machine dirty, eventually causing issues. Not to mention that priming is the only blind stage in the process on EVERY progressive press, which I just don't trust. For those of you who use SS wet media for brass cleaning, the smart loaders will decap first and then tumble so the primer pockets are clean. If you go this route, then hand priming lets you inspect each case for defects and insures proper priming, whichever tool you use. At this point, virtually every other brand of progressive will function well if you feed it clean, primed cases. So why spend $800+ on a machine that the sub $500 presses will match in volume and quality of finished cartridge? There are other shared issues with Dillon and all brands that become apparent once you use them, but by the time you figure that out, you've spent the equivalent to a new pistol on team blue.
If I could offer any advice, from someone who's loaded no less than 150k rounds on a Lee Loadmaster before I stepped up into a Hornady LnL, then the RCBS Chucker 5, and finally a Dillon 650 (better than 100k rounds on each, all of which share the same issues) is this...
Buy the cheapest 2nd hand progressive press of any brand and use it only for decapping. Lee now offers a cheap ass progressive for about $100 that is a champ for decapping. Tumble in wet stainless and prime by hand. Then use whatever progressive press you can afford and keep it clean and oiled properly. In the end, the money saved by not buying Dillon will pay for the tumbler, the priming tool, the stainless media, etc. and still leave $ in your pocket for accessories. Even when I take the extra steps (decapping first and hand priming), my volume average per hour is still 80+ % of what I can get done on any of my presses if I use them to complete all stages at the same time. Everything but the decapping press stays clean and pretty, and frustrations have become nil.
This is something I have learned over time and I hope I've explained it sufficiently. No slight aimed at the Dillon fan boys... but it is important that this community of loaders shares honest truth about these machines, as well as tricks and tips for safe and speedy production. Enjoy your reloading therapy y'all!
Matthew Peterson So basically, don’t use the depriming station? This will hinder operation of the XL750 I just bought? New to all this, so I apologize in advance
I decap never had a problem.
best comment I have read, wish I understood more, I was considering getting into reloading 38 and 32 mainly
There are some very well articulated and very valid points there!
I started with a Lee Pro 1000 press. It worked ok, but required almost constant fiddling to make it run. From there I moved up to a Hornady Lock N Load AP Ammo Plant. I had to do a ton of final fitting with files, sandpaper and honing stones to make the darn thing work properly. Once set up, it worked far better than the Lee press ever did. At that point, I relegated the Lee press to decapping duty only, and took up wet tumbling with Stainless Steel media.
Ultimately, I replaced the Pro 1000 with a Lee Breech Lock Pro press, which now serves as my decapping machine. It works better than the Pro 1000, but like all Lee progressive presses, it is not without challenges.
The Hornady press would periodically cause me trouble, primarily in case and bullet feeding - but, the priming operation was typically trouble-free. From what I'd seen, the Hornady priming system seemed much more simple than that of the Dillon XL650, so I was glad that I'd gone red instead of blue.
Over the years, the problems with case and bullet feeding increased, and I became less and less happy with the Hornady press. In taking a fresh look at Dillon, I saw that the XL750 had adopted the priming system from one of their other presses, and it was very much like the Hornady system; but a bit more robust in its construction. After a particularly frustrating reloading session with the Hornady press, I took the plunge and ordered up a Dillon XL750.
I have only just set up the press, and have adjusted a set of Lee dies in preparation for making a run of 9mm (holding off actuall reloading any rounds until the humidity comes down some in the garage). I can't speak much to the operation of the Dillon yet, but I can share my initial observations.
1) The Dillon press is more robustly constructed than the Hornady, which in turn is miles ahead of the Lee progressive presses.
2) The level of fit-and-finish of the Dillon press is much higher than that of the Hornady.
2) Dillon's case feed mechanism is far better than Hornady's. The design of the Dillon mechanism should virtually eliminate the Hornady's habit of letting brass bounce off the press and onto the floor.
3) The Dillon press indexes more smoothly than does the Hornady - but the Hornady press has a slick feature of indexing 1/2 way while the ram rises, and 1/2 way as the ram falls. This shorter indexing movement makes it less likely to have powder shake out of a case.
4) While it is true that the Dillon gear costs more than the Hornady gear does, the difference isn't all that great. It's not like the Hornady gear was ever what you'd call cheap!
One man's opinion here - while it is true that all progressive presses (at least all of the ones I've used) have their quirks, of the gear I own made by Lee, Hornady and Dillon, the Dillon gear appears to be the best quality. Now that the XL650 has been replaced by the XL750 and that odd looking rotary primer mechanism has been eliminated, I am hopeful that the Dillon XL750 will become my favorite progressive press.
IMHO your obsession with cleanliness is unfounded. Hey you do you man that is cool... but for most of us it is simple feed the thing whatever tumbled brass you can get your hands on pull that lever and make your ammo. Clean things up after every few thousand rounds and keep on trucking. OCD brass cleanliness is not necessary and will just give you stress.
Hey pops that wasxa good one! I got a Rl 550 b and some dies but have not loaded any yet , we just got 223 dies, powder, etc,ready to load but not sure how to set up the dies just right?been watching some videos on utube, it is so hard to find components!I have enough to get started! I would love any advice! Thanks!😇🇺🇸🤠
Does Dillon have a Hand Press like the Red Lee Hand Press that is portable and carry in the Range Bag ? tjl
I really enjoyed this post! Glad I own two of them! A Square Deal B and a 550. A pretty good fraternity to belong to! Thanks for you video!
I’ve had the model you’re crankin’ on for over 15 years, 50,000 rounds+ through it by now. Saved enough to pay for it, the case loader and all the extras! You can’t beat DILLON!
Somehow saw this video on recommended, first video of yours I've ever watched.... I subscribed 👌🙌👍👍
i was just getting ready to "pull the trigger" on the purchase of a Dillon press when I found this video. So glad I was able to see this valuable information. Thank you.
When I first started looking at progressives many years back a 1050 set up was around a grand, shipped. I could have come up with that, but didn’t until many years later. They aren’t going to get cheaper, and I could have been enjoying the machine for those many extra years.
what is that blue rectangular piece with the round part just to the right of the tube for your case feeder?
I have been reloading since 1990 using a Lyman Turret Reloader, reason being, my wife bought it for me.Yep, it was the very first Christmas gift, and I had never before reloaded but wanted to. Long story short I just found out she has bought me a Dillon for this Christmas, can't tell yah which one because she won't tell me, all I know is I've had a few elbow surgeries and she knows after I've been loading for 3-4 hours and haven't finished three hundred rounds I'm one hurting puppy. All I do know is it's a progressive press. Now for how I found out. I trusted my powder thrower loading hand gun loads. Being lazy I decided to do a five case check, in doing so I smoke staked a few and then had a load sit in the barrel. All I can say is God is good and next round wouldn't load. Back to finding out. I had to pull 150 rounds with my kinetic puller, when I was done and she saw my face she said "don't load anymore, I have something coming in the mail next week". So I have a new reason not to buy a Dillion. If you like seeing your wife cry after hearing you need another surgery on your elbow and you don't want to disappoint her. Let her buy the Dillion. Man I'm a blessed man.
Jeff Slagle well which one was it?
When set up properly, the RL550 will easily produce 400 pistol rounds...if you are not interrupted by meteor showers, sasquatch invasions or childbirth, 500 rounds per hour is quite possible. Before you start, make sure you have plenty of powder and spare primer tubes filled.
Well I've had elbow surgery, numerous back and neck surgeries and believe it or not I had a salesperson talk me out of buying a progressive press. He just simply told me that was as many problems as I had in my right side and was weakened that he didn't think I could handle pulling the lever down on all four bullets at the same time. So he talked me into buying a Lee turret press. I haven't used it yet although I've had it for a couple of years, I just hadn't got my bench set back up. I can't move things around and I live by myself so I depend on my brother to help do everything. I hadn't used CZcams when I made the purchase, if I had I would probably have told him just send me what I asked for. But nevertheless I don't shoot a lot anyhow so I guess I'll just get that thing fired up one day and try to load me a few hundred rounds of 44s. I've got probably 600 to 800 rounds that I need loaded. Well happy Shootin!
The thing many folks don't get about the Dillon 550 is that you actually don't need to feed a cartridge through every station at every pull of the handle. The machine may be used as a multi-station single stage press. This is how I load all of my "Kustom Krafted Hunting" ammunition. I only process one shell at a time. Of course, four handle strokes are required for each loaded round.@@jackwatkins7382
I walked into the Dillon shop in Scottsdale and mentioned in passing that I was having a bit of trouble with my primer feed and they gave me a bunch of pieces parts to try. Great folks, each and everyone one of them.
After all that, what press do you recommend?
I have two Dillon 650 s now and a 1050 so I'm kind of biased but I do love RCBS reloading stuff if you don't have to do a hi volume
I want a Dillon 650 but being on disability I can't afford one. I've settled for a Lyman t-mag 2 after looking at all of them for awhile. Seemed like the fewer complaints than most every other brand. Looks like they they haven't made any changes to it in awhile so it must've been designed right from the start. The thing is sturdy as hell I don't think I'll ever wear it out. And you can still get a lot done with it in decent time. I'm not out on the range every other day so I don't need 1000s of rounds ready to go all the time. I try put a couple hundred downrange every week and that's easily done with the Lyman. Plus I don't mind taking my time and enjoying each step. Also myself being a paraplegic using my arms to do more steps is cardio in a way. I'll get myself a 650 one day and smile like this guy is but until then happy loading and unloading everyone. This was a funny video I enjoyed it! There's not enough sarcasm in they world today.
OK was remark #4 aimed at Lee or Hornady?
LOL Lovin Your Ton Tens Brother, They put a smile on My Face! Excellent Vid
I had to watch this to see if anyone could find 10 reasons, I have had dillon presses since 1990. I love mine. thanks for the count down.
Best 2 loaders of several I own. 550 and a B
Very best customer service of any company I do business with.
Thanks Dillon !
How is the priming on Dillons ? I have to say that every press I’ve had and I’ve had many colors. The priming has always left something to be desired.
Dillon has the best primer setup hornady sucks had them all dillon is best
The thing is Dillion will work outrany problem you might have and not just a month but during your life
I do the case feeder just like you. Fill the tube and turn it off. I think it will last longer not constantly turning on and off every time brass is off the pressure switch.
Really had me checking this out . Title was a hook . I have two Dillons and have been using them for about twenty five years and could not imagine what you were going to say . Ya hooked me . 😄
Yep I agree with number one. I do enjoy being able to save money and it's a great feeling reloading your own ammo. But I reload to have more ammo for as little money as possible, not because I love doing it.
Picked up an XL750 6 months ago and wow, what a press.
But it gives you the upgrade bug. Besides the typical mods like the sliding shell feeder ramp (perfect for stopping shell cases dropping when you're squaring away an issue) and the phenolic shell plate ball. You're gonna want to get a case feeder and bullet feeder. You will then have to buy conversion stuff for all the calibers that you want to reload unless it's really short run stuff.
Then of course if you're going fast you will need a powder check.
To clear the bullet feeder with powder check you'll have to either buy a short powder bar or a fail safe bracket conversion kit to replace the white plastic bushing with a brass bushing on an adjustable base that allows you to turn the direction of the powder feed to clear the bullet feeder.
After breaking the little white bushing I called Dillon and they quickly sent me out a replacement. In the meantime I found the brass bushing mod, I believe it was from UniqueTek for like $80 or so. SKU T1746.
I'm not affiliated with Uniquetek at all, this is not a push for their products, it was just a great replacement for the formed sheet metal white plastic bushing.
Thanks Pops for a great video.
How much does it cost to get a caliber converter kit with bells and whistles, yo swap out 9mm to 5.56
It also of information N parts to wrap my mind around atm
"Because it feels good when you stop" - NAILED IT. You completely described trying to do bulk loading on a Lee Turret.
Like an old guy told me a long time ago.... "You don't know what you don't know until you know it"
Great stuff Pops! Maybe someday...
Sounds like valid reasons to me!I'm sold,thanks for the advice!
WOW, what a difference in looks from the current you.. Keep up the good work!
Off topic - You are sporting a fine and well maintained beard there sir! :)
I grew mine from January 2020 until May 2021 and I just couldn't get it past the straggly stage! Maybe I'm destined to just be a Goatee and nothing more. Thank you also for the video; I am in the market for an XL750 currently!
Best regards for now - Eddie
Is 300 a good price?
Still rockin' it old school with a 550.
My friend loves his so much that he bought the new nicest one they have and it works like a dream
How many rounds did you load during this vid ? :)
around 45....
NICE!!! i did the same thing with the .45 case on the primer feed tube!
Great vid! Very informative and humorous on top of that!
Awesome top ten! Love the shit you come up with! Love my Dillion ❤️
You got me. :-) Thought it was against by title, but so glad it was for by content! Just about to send my Dillon to them for warranty work. It was bought in 1987 and finally needs some work!
I'll never buy a Dillon, because I have the keys hahaha
That’s awesome!
Came to this video with doubt but after watchimg it I am absolutely sold in fact I got my super 1050 a few days ago and feel like a kid with the newest baddest toy on the block I absolutely love it!
Very good. Is the 650XL the one NOT to buy :-)
LOVE THIS DAMN VID... WAIT I LOVE TGIS DAMN VID 😂😂😂💯
I ordered a square deal b. I can't wait for it to arrive and to get started!
I got a RL450 over 20 years ago in a trade deal,it was used then,I have done over 100,000 rounds of ammo over that time,I finally had a break down,with in 3 days I had the new piece in hand for free! I have never dealt with a company that is so easy to work with. I'm seriously thinking of upgrading to the 650,I'm getting tired of rotating the shell plate!
I have owned one for 30 years and just love mine so I of course was curious what this was all about and was ready to change your mind. Obviously I don't need to!!! Good one!
Every one knows Red increases the engine's hp by 14 !
The Square deal B that is 6 years old runs like a top. The red press that’s 3-4 years old is ok, but requires alot of tuning and has had several broken parts, not to mention the filing and smoothing of parts to make it run near acceptable. There are vids out there explaining all the work that needs to be done by you and me, just to make them run. Funny, I always thought machining and setup should be done correctly at the factory.
You got me. I saw the title and just had to click it since I just bought the Dillon 550C....Haha Great stuff!
Nice top ten. Go Blue
Damn right, only way to fly!
Isyour6covered® The Dillon that comes closest in price to a Hornady AP still costs more, and has many downfalls. The comparible Dillon:
1. ONLY has 4 stations.
2. doesn't even auto index, you have to manually turn the shellplate!!
3. Bullet station on back, makes you reach around back
4. Powder inspection on back, another poorly thought out plan
5. Ram is much smaller, press is less heavy duty overall
6. Press isn't as smooth in operation
7. Powder measure is not as heavy duty or as smooth
8. Accessories are more expensive
These are MAJOR differences. Yes, you can spend a lot more money and overcome many of these. But the Hornady is already cheaper than the comparible Dillon, plus 500 free bullets that can be kept or sold.
I wanted to keep reloading simple and keep the equipment / space needed to a minimum so I use a single stage with a digital scale and a cheap powder measure.
Well now that you know HOW to reload quit being a skallywag and by a progressive reloader. You'll be able to go to the range and shoot till you are tired of shooting with the added benefit of being a better marksman.
😊⚓🇺🇸
@@lrobinson1792 I like being a scallywag. I split the difference and bought a turret press.
Great reasons. They do have some great customer service, that $75 RL 550b was missing some little things like she'll plate holders, a spring and primer tube for small pistol. They emailed me a schematic and parts list with a coupon code to order what I needed. But it did take forever to get the response, like 8 minutes! I mean damn if I had 8 damn minutes to waste I wouldn't have a Keurig for the morning cup of life. I'd brew that shit pioneer style.
Same list, other than the red/blue, applies to Hornady LNL AP.
Awesome top 10 list!
I have an XL-650 and love it.
Nice video, but do u know what it says on your shirt?
LMAO.. Which is the best model for multi magnum rifle calibers and postal calibers? I'm looking at the 550c... I'll mostly be reloading 9mm, 45 acp, 300 aac, 308. 451, & 338 lapua. Oh an maybe a cannon if I can find one! That is.. 😉
Friday range day! Hurry up and finish. You got a match this weekend?
Gonna shoot Sunday but the match is next Saturday
What model is this press?
650
Some really good reasons...Good stuff...
I started on a Dillon 550 and loaded on that for about seven years, then picked up the XL 750 a year after it came out. The only time that I've ever loaded bad ammunition is when I made a mistake. Neither of my machines has ever failed. Other than my single-stage press, Dillon is all that I'll ever own.
Hi I'm just starting in reloading, at the moment all I have is books on the subject and want to make my first big purchase of a reloading set.
Would this be a good starting set too?
I want to buy something I can grow into, vs buying 2 set ups
I like the "buy once cry once" philosophy
Just not sure if it's too much
Approved by Gary the Dillon Human Manual! Gotta love this!
That was awesome!!! You reeled me right in and now I am hooked. Dillon here I come!!! Thanks Pop!!
I meant to ask you, what model is that you were using in the video? I am looking at the RL 550C.
It's a 650
@@PopsQuest Thank you Sir!
I reload for bolt action hunting rifles up here in Alaska. I use the same RCBS JR2 single stage press I started with in 1972. I go through a box of 50 Barnes TTSX per month, so not a high volume hand loader.
One Major problem I encountered on a Dillion 650 w case feeder is attempting to progressively load 45/70. It was a major hassle on many fronts. Getting that large brass to flow through the machine was ridiculous. Ended up hand dropping shelled into the feed tube. Then ended up manipulating the shell lever or pivot system that drops a shell down by hand. It always hung up. I sized and primed only on it. Then took those shells and single staged the rest of the process.
Getting into reloading where is the best place to buy reloading supplies far as primers bullets brass and powder?
Midsouth on line.
Good for cranking out amm....some people reload to save money. But as a result bye more components then their ammo budget was to begin with lol. I've always had a single rock chucker and arber press but I've also mostly shot for bench or prone type comps
Number 4 cracked me up lol!
Glad you liked it brother, hope you have a great weekend!
My old Rock Chucker, circa 1969, loads 308 Winchester that shoots .5" groups at 200 yds...Slow but still precise. My buddy is giving me a Dillon 500 to load the .357 Mag to feed my Rossi 92 ... That rifle burns through a LOT of ammo... and smiles.
Nothing but problems with the only 1050 I ever owned. Sent back to Dillon, they replaced a ton of things with less than 100 rounds loaded on a brand new machine. Got it back...took a du.p the 3rd round I tried to load on the machine they setup everything on. Sent it back, they replaced the same things. Sent it back, didn't load a single 9mm round. Maybe I got a cursed loader, or maybe I just dont know how to pull/push a handle. Heard so many good things. Sold the press for half what I paid for it.
Initially wanted to troll you. Hands down the best pro Dillon top 10 "reasons not to own a dillon" list ever.
Love my dillon !!! Happy reloading
I love my Dillon for .45colt at a few hundred per week
What calipers dose Dillon reloads ?
Everything but 50 BMG
I watched your video many times and I never paid attention to your shirt LOL it says كافر LOL that’s hilarious brother that made me smile more than anything I was there for 6 years as well in-fact I come from there as well if you know what I mean.
Happy New Year
God Bless
I've got one of those red presses that I painted blue. It was a feel good thing but, it never felt real good. lol
Excellent vid btw bro!
Was it faster when it was red? LOL
No change. It didn't matter how many times I painted it blue or how many Dillon stickers I put on it, the darn thing just wouldn't play the game! lol
You are awesome dude. Thanks for the video. this is great.