I'm in the market for a progressive mainly to be used for 45 ACP in high volume. Price is, of course, a major consideration but I'll spend what I need to to get a quality and trouble free outfit. Any advice as to brands and models would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

I have (2) Dillon 550's. Dillon products are well made & you can't beat their warranty/customer service. Their Square Deal is a less expensive way to go, but I would get the 550.

[ 04-14-2003, 23:07: Message edited by: fredj338 ]

snowcat,
see link below. Dillon Products For Less. the lowest prices for Dillon products i have found so far and they are Free shipping to lower 48 states. HTH
Rick

http://www.dillonsales.com/page/page/158149.htm

I'd go with a Dillon also. I've got a 650 and as far as I'm concerned its the best thing since canned beer.

Check out Star Loaders. They are very popular with Bullseye Pistol shooters. They are made by a company that also makes irrigation equipment. They are in CA.

Another vote for Dillon. The 550 has better ergonomics, but if all you want to load is pistol stuff, the Square Deal is the way to go (just as fast as the 550).

H. C.

Love my Dillon 550.

Dillon 550, I have several head/powder measure set-ups and load 38/357, 9mm/38super, and 45acp. I used to load 7BR on it as well.

I have a Dillon 300, two Dillon Square deals, 1 Dillon 450 and 1 Dillon 650. I cannot imagin a man made product that is less trouble or has a better warranty.
Jim

[ 04-15-2003, 15:59: Message edited by: arkypete ]

Jeez-How common is it to get such consistant responses from a bunch of rifle cranks? Dillon it is--I don't see doing much rifle reloading on the progressive so I'll look into both models. I really do appreciate the assistance.

It's easy to use like a single stage too, that's why I go the 550B, it does all my rifles up to my 416wby too. No hastle screwing dies in and out or wobbly heads on turret styles anymore. I couldn't be more pleased with mine, my dad loves his too. Buy the vidio, it will be nice to have the first time, but after that you won't need it. It does give you some peace of mind knowing you set it all up and adjusted it right.

With the dillon 550 is it possible to use all your existing dies? I have seen in the past when looking at certain progressive presses (can't remember which ones now) that you had to buy a special set of dies for each caliber.

Red

I just returned a Dillon 550. Mine was a piece of junk. Lucky the refuned my money. I called with several problems and all they did was quote the owners manual. Heck, I can read. Had problems with the powder measure not being accurate and had lots of problems with the belling station.
Hope you have better luck than I did.

Yes you can use your rcbs, redding, etc. dies. Dillons pistol dies are set up for progressive presses though, w/ nicely beveled bases. Some of the older RCBS dies are "chambers" are square cut w/ no bevel & it slows you down a bit.
I don't use mine for rifle stuff but many shooters do. I have never had a problem that Dillon didn't fix for promptly for free. If you aren't happy w/ it like JJ, just send it back.

I have both a 550 and a 650. I bought the 650 first. I found that changing the primer mechanism from one size to another was sort of a pain. It really took about 15 minutes, but I did not want to fool with it.
I bought a 550 off eBay, and chose the 550 only on the basis of cost. It is smaller, and that also helps since I have both on my bench.

Of the two I prefer the 650 for loading one cartridge or I might say one primer size. I do not have the auto case feeder, nor do I need it. I like the auto indexing feature.

The 550 is easier to use in many ways. The lack of auto indexing makes the 550 some easier to use and set up when changing loads, or if you forget to place a bullet in the case mouth when you are interrupted. The primer mechanism is easier to change also, compared to the 650.

Personally, I would not consider any progressive press except the Dillon. I have been pleased with all the dealings I have had with them, and the presses have been everything I hoped for.

For rifles, however, I prefer a single stage press.

Jerry

I use a Dillon 550 for handgun (.45ACP only), and a Forster Bonanza (single-stage) for bottleneck cartidges.

If you look at the top 20% of competitors who shoot straight-walled pistol rouds, you'll see that about 9 out of 10 use a Dillon.

Rick.

How many pistol rounds per hour can you guys reload with the 550 or 650?