Dillon 550 (primary) and Rockchucker (low volume/precision/backup).
The 550 is rugged and covers rifle and pistol ammo at a low caliber conversion cost. There are 550 Dillon parts available on the used market IF you know what you're buying and why and are willing to search for deals. They've been in production since 1985.
The Rockchucker is for small runs, precision ammo, and a backup press if the 550 is ever down (unlikely).
I started with a Lee turrent setup which was fine, but I stuck with it for too long. I went almost 2 years without any non-22LR shooting because I didn't want to see, touch, or use that damned turrent press yet wouldn't buy factory centerfire ammo. I finally spent the money for an old Dillon press (RL450) and regretted not having spent the money years earlier. Loading pistol ammo today on a single stage or turret press is a great way to kill the fun associated with pistol shooting unless it is something low volume like long-range target or hunting. If you're wanting to shoot a bunch of pistol ammo, then spend the money to buy a press designed to load a bunch of ammo in a reasonably short time. Average cost per loaded round is not the only important thing to consider. If I had to reload much pistol ammo on a single stage press, I'd rather get a job at a fast-food place and buy retail plinking ammo instead of reloading it. Your time is worth something, you just have to figure out what it's worth.
The 550 is rugged and covers rifle and pistol ammo at a low caliber conversion cost. There are 550 Dillon parts available on the used market IF you know what you're buying and why and are willing to search for deals. They've been in production since 1985.
The Rockchucker is for small runs, precision ammo, and a backup press if the 550 is ever down (unlikely).
I started with a Lee turrent setup which was fine, but I stuck with it for too long. I went almost 2 years without any non-22LR shooting because I didn't want to see, touch, or use that damned turrent press yet wouldn't buy factory centerfire ammo. I finally spent the money for an old Dillon press (RL450) and regretted not having spent the money years earlier. Loading pistol ammo today on a single stage or turret press is a great way to kill the fun associated with pistol shooting unless it is something low volume like long-range target or hunting. If you're wanting to shoot a bunch of pistol ammo, then spend the money to buy a press designed to load a bunch of ammo in a reasonably short time. Average cost per loaded round is not the only important thing to consider. If I had to reload much pistol ammo on a single stage press, I'd rather get a job at a fast-food place and buy retail plinking ammo instead of reloading it. Your time is worth something, you just have to figure out what it's worth.
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