"ALMOST" into Reloading

[captdavidjm]

Well I finally did it. Been wanting to get started reloading for a long time. Found a slightly used Dillon XL650 - Loaded. 4-calibers all set up with quick change everything. and a host of other dies, tumbler, scales, powder, cases, bullets, parts, pieces and tools out the wazoo.. So I'm "almost" there. can't wait to spend the next few days getting all set up. Not Braggin' Just so excited I had to tell somebody.... LOL
I'll probably be spending a lot more time in this part of THR from now on.

 

[kingmt]

Congrats

 

[Missionary]

Greetings
You sure are starting with one nice machine. I highly recommend you read acrefully the instructions about die setup and using that rig. I have been reloading with a 550 since 1988 and can say you will not regret getting a Dillon. Mike in Peru

 

[Hondo 60]

Wow - a used 650! Congrats.
Great press - I have a 550 & been drooling at the 650s.
But to set it up as I want it, it'd be $1500 or more with caliber conversion kits.

 

[RustyFN]

Sweet, congrats and welcome to reloading.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Congratulations

Congrats on getting into reloading and getting a fine setup to start with.

I have never used Dillon machines (I prefer my Turret, which is slower, but lets me concentrate on one thing at a time - multiple simultaneous operations make me nervous. Just me.) but Dillon is a fine organization.

I would inventory everything in detail. If there were something I did not know the name of, I would describe it as best I could, then email Dillon and ask them if they think anything is missing or if they have user manuals available on .pdf format you could download and print. From EVERYTHING I have EVER heard, they will treat you right.

If you have never reloaded before, it is easy enough to process just one cartridge at a time through each of the stations to a completed, loaded cartridge before inserting the next cartridge case. That way you can observe each action taking place. Or you can just go slowly and see what happens at each station as multiple cartridges are processed. Major pitfalls are 1) at priming - did the primer get fed and seated correctly 2) powder drop - did powder get into the case in the correct amount - not a double charge and nothing stopped the powder from dropping and you didn't run out 3) seating and crimping properly adjusted.

1 is fairly easy to check on
2 is the most tricky. Once a bullet is in place you can't peek inside any more.
3 is rarely a problem, but fixing it can be.

Welcome to handloading and good luck. Always wear eye protection, especially when working with primers and don't pinch your fingers in your press.

Lost Sheep

 

[Josh45]

Congrats and enjoy your new hobby. It is well rewarding. Take your time and reload safely.

 

[captdavidjm]

Thanks for all the welcomes, congrats and advice. I especially need the advice. Never dreamed I' end up with a 650 but thank God and craigs list it all just came together.

Spent all day learning parts pieces and set up. The guy I bought it from had 4 calibers already set up (quick change) but I decided it would be to my benefit to start from scratch and learn step by step. So I choose the .45acp, took everything apart (kinda read the instruction book backwards) then went through the book cover to cover setting up the entire machine as if it were new out of the box. Very fun, very educational.

I'm sure It could all be set up in half the time I took but I was having too much fun learning to get in a hurry. At the end of the day I was able to run a mag of 45's (safely)down range.

So I learned that I got one heck of a lot to learn, Ten other sets of dies, conversion kits, doo-hickies and wach-ya-ma-call-its. Brass, Bullets and big thick books to read. However I've made myself a promise, due in part to your advice,; I'm going to put everything else aside, and just stick with the .45acp setup until I get through a little more of the learning curve. Got a friend coming over this weekend who has been reloading with Dillon for some over ten years. He's uses the square-deal, 550b and 650. Thinking that will really help get things started off on the right foot.

Again Thanks for the Welcome and Advice. I look forward to being around the Forum a lot more in the near future.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Welcome to the reloading forum. You will learn a lot from your friend. All the reading in the world is good but seeing it done is just a little better. (if done correctly of course)

 

[Hondo 60]

I would very strongly recommend reading those "big thick books".

A lot of it will be recipes, but the How-to sections are invaluable!

And I forgot to say "Welcome to The High Road"
(momma would roll in her grave if she knew I forgot my manners - sorry mom, you DID teach me better)