Which reloading press do you use?

[Buzzdraw]

If you are reloading multiple calibers, in significant quantities, a Dillon 550 is hard to beat. If you reload a few calibers, in very significant consumer quantities, a Dillon 650 may be the step-up to take.

I'm set up to load 3 rifle calibers (5.56, .308 Win & .30-06) as well as around 8 pistol calibers, on a Dillon 550. Last night, in just over a couple hours, I cranked out 1,000 40 S&W lead bullet practice rounds. No way can I keep up my practice ammo supply numbers up to snuff with a single stage or a turret press.

My dependable RCBS single stage press lives under my loading bench, banished for the last 10 years to the darkness of "too dang slow".

With a 550, caliber change overs take maybe 5 minutes, provided your dies are pre-set in spare tool holders. If I need to also do the primer size swap, that's maybe another 5 minutes.

Dillon's customer service to machine owners is legendarily excellent in the reloading industry.

 

[JCW355]

You guys will probably laugh at me but I use a hand press for rifle. I never reload in big quantities or I would go another route. I use a lee loadmaster for pistol.

 

[GlockCop]

Dillon 550. Ive loaded countless rounds on this press and never any problems. I clean it with a little rubbing alcohol every so often and it is good to go.

 

[acpjosh]

I use a Lyman crusher for everything, for now. A 550 is in the near future, reloading pistol cal. takes forever on a single stage.

 

[gl89aw]

I use a CH auto champ MK3 progressive that I bought new in1974 for .45's that has been an excellent press, I also have a Lee turret and a Lyman Spar t turret I use for other calibers that I don't shoot as much of.

 

[MilitaryBolt]

I have two 650's a 550 and 3 single stage presses. They are like potato chips you can't just stop a one.


Ron

 

[fltmedic]

I have a Hornady L-N-L and would not trade it for anything. It is simple to set up and simple to switch calibers.

 

[Old Fart]

I've pretty well used most of the single stage brands over the years.
I've got a Pacific on one bench. A RCBS and a Hornady on the other.
Got a Lee progressive setting on the shelf. Used a Dillon back when I shot competitive.
Been thinking about one of those Hornady L-N-L jobs for my 38/357 loads.

My brother uses one of the little Lee hammer presses for his 45-70 loads.
I started with one of those waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back when I first started.

They all have thier place, most are good enough to not warrant removing them from a list of possibles for anyone.

 

[thayton]

Spolar for shotgun, Forster single stage.

 

[semperfly]

Dillon 1050s for rifle pistol and MEC 600 for shotshells. Have nothing but good things to say about Dillon customer service.