Going to look at a Dillon Press Today.......

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.45 Colt

.45 Colt

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As stated in an earlier post I am considering switching from the Lee Loadmaster to the Dillon XL750.

My nearest Dillon dealership is Safeside LLC and I have an appointment today at 2:00pm to try out the Dillon, and load up some .45 Colt ammo to see if I really want to make the switch. I don't know of any dealers that offer that kind of service?

I have someone in line to buy the Lee Loadmasters if I decide I want to make the switch.

I will let you now how it goes :)
 
How far is the drive?

I have two Hornady single stage Lock n Load presses, when I get a progressive it will be a Hornady. Here locally there is only one place that handles Dillion while there are at least five places that handle Hornady so getting Hornady items is a lot easier.
When I want or need reloading items I like to be able to run to the local gun store and pick up what I need with out having to mail order stuff.

I think you are going in the right direction, but if I were you I'd keep the lee stuff set up until you get comforable on the Dillion then sell the lee stuff.
 
Be sure to factor in the cost of the conversion kits for each caliber you are reloading. That's can really be the most expensive part of the purchase.

Although guys on both sides will tell you differently, I thinks its just like a Ford vs. Chevy thing. I have had both and there are positives, negatives, and quirks with both machines.

I have 2 Hornady LNLs now and the bushing system makes caliber changes very quick and inexpensive. You simple lock your dies into the bushings and a quarter turn has them out of the press and ready for a new caliber without loosing any settings. Also, as mentioned previously, parts for Hornady are much more readily available. I'm too impatient to wait! :)

Have fun!!!
 
Excited I'll bet!

I am also a Lee user and have 3 different Lee presses. I do regularly use all three as they all have and serve a different purpose. I have no complaints about the Lee stuff I own even though I knew well the reputation and the distain that some have for it before the purchase.

In my case I do not load or shoot enough to warrant that level of press, wish I did but I don't. Like me I am sure you did your research and know full well what you are buying which is probably why you are doing it. Hope it meets and exceeds your expectations and brings years of enjoyment.
 
For me the local availability of parts would be my first priority. If I want or need something I seed or want it now not next ween in the mail or more money overnight shipping.
I was going to swag some 223 primer pockets last thursday and the rod in the used RCBS pocket swagger kit was bent.
I called RCBS Thursday afternoon and I am still waiting for the new rod to come it. The local stores carry RCBS stuff but not that piece.
What ever color your stuff is try to have extra parts on hand. I hate down time when I want to get certain things done. Luckily I have a lot of other stuff I can do while I am waiting.

I bet you will enjoy your new set up once you get it and get to become aquainted to how it works compaired to what you are useing now.
 
kmw1954 said:
Excited I'll bet!

I am also a Lee user and have 3 different Lee presses. I do regularly use all three as they all have and serve a different purpose. I have no complaints about the Lee stuff I own even though I knew well the reputation and the distain that some have for it before the purchase.

In my case I do not load or shoot enough to warrant that level of press, wish I did but I don't. Like me I am sure you did your research and know full well what you are buying which is probably why you are doing it. Hope it meets and exceeds your expectations and brings years of enjoyment.
Click to expand...
Excited might be an understatement. Yes I have been doing lots of research and I have tried several presses over the years, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady and Lee, all of them will reload ammo, but what I felt today using the Dillon Press was something else, I could feel the difference! Yes, it is a big $ investment but it will last me the rest of my life!

Thanks!
 
Highland Lofts said:
For me the local availability of parts would be my first priority. If I want or need something I seed or want it now not next ween in the mail or more money overnight shipping.
I was going to swag some 223 primer pockets last thursday and the rod in the used RCBS pocket swagger kit was bent.
I called RCBS Thursday afternoon and I am still waiting for the new rod to come it. The local stores carry RCBS stuff but not that piece.
What ever color your stuff is try to have extra parts on hand. I hate down time when I want to get certain things done. Luckily I have a lot of other stuff I can do while I am waiting.

I bet you will enjoy your new set up once you get it and get to become aquainted to how it works compaired to what you are useing now.
Click to expand...
The dealer has a good surplus of parts and other odds and ends so that is covered. I think I am going to Love it!
 
Well, as you can guess, I pulled the trigger and purchased the XL750 with the case feeder. I will add the other calibers that I need slowly and when it is all said and done I think I will be enjoying myself a lot more! I enjoyed my Lee Presses and have loaded thousands of rounds with them but I am going to love this new press.
 
I started reloading in Eau Claire, WI in 1974 after I got out of the air force. I have the greatest respect for anyone who can keep a Lee press running successfully. Dillon presses are great machines. The shell plates do fit multiple calibers just like shell holders do on a single stage press. If you load 38 Spl and 9 MM you are all set to also do 40 S&W, use the 9 MM shell plate and powder measure expander insert with the 38 Spl buttons. The customer support techs are knowledgeable and experts on reloading.
 
Congrats on the new 750 !! You'll love working with that press.

Allow me to point you toward some helpful information...
• Unlike some presses, the operation stroke of the 650 and 750 starts with a push forward to Seat the primers (as opposed to a pull back to Size). Get that stroke memorized and you'll end 80% of your start-up issues.

• You'll be turning out so many loaded cartridges that waste disposal will become your biggest issue. I highly recommend one of the many Spent Primer Chutes that uses a tube to route all your trash to a sealed 5 gal jug on the floor. Such as this one.

• The 750 does a great job of presenting the filled cartridge case for inspection, but you'll need lots of light to look inside. Of the several LED lamps I tried, this one is clearly the best and brightest.

• Clearly, the very best option Dillon sells for their presses is the Strong Mount. It doubles the amount of benchtop rigidity by moving the press away from the front edge. Stability in turn greatly reduces your muscular effort, which allows longer loading sessions due to increased comfort and enjoyment. It is also a prerequisite for mounting their very nice Bullet Tray option. Dillon Strong Mount


You can thank me later. :D
 
rfwobbly said:
Congrats on the new 750 !! You'll love working with that press.

Allow me to point you toward some helpful information...
• Unlike some presses, the operation stroke of the 650 and 750 starts with a push forward to Seat the primers (as opposed to a pull back to Size). Get that stroke memorized and you'll end 80% of your start-up issues.

• You'll be turning out so many loaded cartridges that waste disposal will become your biggest issue. I highly recommend one of the many Spent Primer Chutes that uses a tube to route all your trash to a sealed 5 gal jug on the floor. Such as this one.

• The 750 does a great job of presenting the filled cartridge case for inspection, but you'll need lots of light to look inside. Of the several LED lamps I tried, this one is clearly the best and brightest.

• Clearly, the very best option Dillon sells for their presses is the Strong Mount. It doubles the amount of benchtop rigidity by moving the press away from the front edge. Stability in turn greatly reduces your muscular effort, which allows longer loading sessions due to increased comfort and enjoyment. It is also a prerequisite for mounting their very nice Bullet Tray option. Dillon Strong Mount


You can thank me later. :D
Click to expand...
The first thing the dealer covered in his demonstration of the press was the forward push and he emphasized that throughout our time together on the press. The only thing I missed was the spent primer solution, thanks for that link! All the other bases are covered.

Thanks for your response and advice!
John
 
Get the Inline Fab roller handle. It's much better than the Dillon handle.

Ruger 15151 said:
Be sure to factor in the cost of the conversion kits for each caliber you are reloading. That's can really be the most expensive part of the purchase.

Although guys on both sides will tell you differently, I thinks its just like a Ford vs. Chevy thing. I have had both and there are positives, negatives, and quirks with both machines.
Click to expand...

More like a Pinto vs an AMG Benz.
 
Ruger 15151 said:
You simply lock your dies into the bushings and a quarter turn has them out of the press and ready for a new caliber without loosing any settings.
Click to expand...

And with a Dillon you simply lock the dies in a toolhead.
Remove 2 pins & swap the toolhead.

So as far as simplicity goes - they're pretty similar
But I do wish I had a local dealer.
I'd love to be able to run downtown & grab what ever I need.
 
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