Dillon 550 or 650??

[Einthoven's Triangle]

The Roller Handle is something that works well if you are going to load standing, where as sitting it may not be as as much of an upgrade.

Do you have bench to mount the press to?

[justaguy]

the learning curve is a bit of a challenge. The 550 is easier to use as a Single Stage then a 650. Now, here is something to think about. If you are going to be loading 223, I would suggest you buy the 550, and then invest in Giraud Case Trimmer.

Why is the 550 easier to use as a single stage?

Why the 550 and the Giraud? Just because of the volume? I plan on bolt guns not autos. I have read about the Giraud and it is all the rage. But last i checked that is $400.

[justaguy]

The Roller Handle is something that works well if you are going to load standing, where as sitting it may not be as as much of an upgrade.

Do you have bench to mount the press to?

No bench as of yet. I figured I would get the press first. Then decide on bench.

[Einthoven's Triangle]

the learning curve is a bit of a challenge. The 550 is easier to use as a Single Stage then a 650. Now, here is something to think about. If you are going to be loading 223, I would suggest you buy the 550, and then invest in Giraud Case Trimmer.

Why is the 550 easier to use as a single stage?

Why the 550 and the Giraud? Just because of the volume? I plan on bolt guns not autos. I have read about the Giraud and it is all the rage. But last i checked that is $400.

Well, you did not specify what you were going to load in rifle rounds, and if it was feeding ARs or such a Giraud Trimmer is the only way to trim brass! Brass trimming sucks especially in high volume so getting the Giraud is must almost. Believe me I used to spend all winter trimming 308 brass to shoot high power....got a blister on my trigger finger!

Well, the 550 is just easier to move rounds in and out of stations. Just a matter of function.

[Einthoven's Triangle]

The Roller Handle is something that works well if you are going to load standing, where as sitting it may not be as as much of an upgrade.

Do you have bench to mount the press to?

No bench as of yet. I figured I would get the press first. Then decide on bench.

What ever you do make sure it is solid. You can have priming problems with either machine. Do not forget a case tumbler and seperator is a good idea.

[Einthoven's Triangle]

Are you going to shoot a lot of rifle rounds? If not then it may well be more cost effective to get a single stage press load with. If you
are going to load a high volume of rifle rounds. Loading rifle rounds is not as easy as straight walled handgun rounds.

Then the a solution is
Clean the brass
Size the brass on single stage
Polish the brass
Do the case prep on the brass
Then just prime, powder,and seat bullets on the 550 or 650.

[justaguy]

Are you going to shoot a lot of rifle rounds? If not then it may well be more cost effective to get a single stage press load with. If you
are going to load a high volume of rifle rounds. Loading rifle rounds is not as easy as straight walled handgun rounds.

Then the a solution is
Clean the brass
Size the brass on single stage
Polish the brass
Do the case prep on the brass
Then just prime, powder,and seat bullets on the 550 or 650.

I have a Rock Chucker, but I'm looking for a little more speed. Not that speed is everything in reloading but I would go crazy doing .45 on a Rock Chucker. I know what it takes to load rounds. Like I said I have been reading and talking with people for a long time. If I end up shooting rifle by the hundreds I'll think about the Giruad or a Gracey, but right now I only shoot 45 by the hundreds, with the hope of a lot of rifle later.

[Einthoven's Triangle]

You do not want a Gracey! The Giraud.......has no peers! Not notta a single one!

Since you have about the best single stage press your focus then is just production? Then the 550 will get you 500 rds an hour easy of 45ACP. That is nice steady pace. Make sure you get extra primer pick up tubes. I can whip out 500 45ACP in about 45 min with primer tubes loaded. The 45 does not gooble powder so you do not have to be worried about the constant turn over of powder in the measure.

[1911fan]

one other option which is not listed is a Square deal b for starters IF all you are loading is pistol on the machine.

I had one, kick myself for selling it, but in a moment of weakness I did sell it. I will find another used at somepoint and bring it back and leave it just set up for one caliber, most likely either 40 or .45. and do the changes on the 550. I did not get a noticeable increase in speed with the 550, only the ability to load rifle cartridges very fast, as the SDb only does pistol.

I started out on a CH 444, which is a H press, it still is in use today, and I will use that for odd ball rifle cartridges where I am only loading a couple of boxes at a time. It sits in the closet bolted to a chunk of maple, so that I can pull it out and set it up in a few minutes.

While many on here prefer the rock chucker, I think the Forster/bonanza C style press is the best single stage press, you can skip the usual shell holders as this press has a cam lock system that works fine, When I got mine from John, I gave my old style press away to Straddie because it was never used anymore. Its fast, strong, and very very smooth,

[Pinnacle]

I know that some of you have seen me reload on the 650 - I like it and would recommend it wholeheartedly. Good Machine and it will go as fast or as slow as you can.

Either way - you are getting a good machine.

How long would you say a primer change would take?

Once you get used to it and do it a couple of times - 5 minutes. 2 bolts mount it to the press body and one screw to remove priming wheel. Pretty clean operaion and you have to change the inner tube as well.... Simple really.

Priming system is good and positve - almost never screws up if you do your part.

[Einthoven's Triangle]

one other option which is not listed is a Square deal b for starters IF all you are loading is pistol on the machine.

I had one, kick myself for selling it, but in a moment of weakness I did sell it. I will find another used at somepoint and bring it back and leave it just set up for one caliber, most likely either 40 or .45. and do the changes on the 550. I did not get a noticeable increase in speed with the 550, only the ability to load rifle cartridges very fast, as the SDb only does pistol.

I started out on a CH 444, which is a H press, it still is in use today, and I will use that for odd ball rifle cartridges where I am only loading a couple of boxes at a time. It sits in the closet bolted to a chunk of maple, so that I can pull it out and set it up in a few minutes.

While many on here prefer the rock chucker, I think the Forster/bonanza C style press is the best single stage press, you can skip the usual shell holders as this press has a cam lock system that works fine, When I got mine from John, I gave my old style press away to Straddie because it was never used anymore. Its fast, strong, and very very smooth,

Forster does not make a C press, they have Coax Press , but C type presses are not that strong and I dont think there are any in current production....

[1911fan]

Thats the press I was talking about, Coax, c press, what ever, that thing is stong as can be, and will handle resizing BIG chunks of brass no problem. Its fast, it uses snap in and out dies, using your standard dies, and new screw collars, which are cheap, and no shell holders.

[Einthoven's Triangle]

Gotta pay attention to details! C frame presses are old school and will flex. You got about the best press there is.....But the RC Supreme with the LNL bushing conversion is nice....
I like my Redding T7!

[Einthoven's Triangle]

This is a "C" press so to speak....

[1911fan]

I have one of those as well, for seating bullets in some stuf. it was 9 bucks from midway. Its still a C style press, the solid on one side, open in the front.

i have taken that to range to neck size and seat some bullets on load development of some stuff where load data was hard to find. like a 9x54R drilling. its easier sometimes to load one round at a time at the range than to bring a bunch and have no idea whats going on.