Ok I think I might be going crazy.

[bobs94formula]

Opinions wanted on some progressive reloaders. I have really been thinking about getting a progressive reloader here lately. Not that I reload thousands of rounds at a time, but I really don't have much time at all to reload. Was thinking a progressive would help me get it done with what little time I have. I am looking at the Dillion RL550B, XL650, and the RCBS Pro2000. I know from reading some on here the Dillions are excellent quality. I was looking at the RCBS mainly because I am super happy with my rock chucker from them.

Has anyone used the RCBS and do you like it?

Of the Dillion's which would you chose the RL550B or the XL650?

[CJ]

Opinions wanted on some progressive reloaders. I have really been thinking about getting a progressive reloader here lately. Not that I reload thousands of rounds at a time, but I really don't have much time at all to reload. Was thinking a progressive would help me get it done with what little time I have. I am looking at the Dillion RL550B, XL650, and the RCBS Pro2000. I know from reading some on here the Dillions are excellent quality. I was looking at the RCBS mainly because I am super happy with my rock chucker from them.

Has anyone used the RCBS and do you like it?

Of the Dillion's which would you chose the RL550B or the XL650?

RCBS doesn't really have a solid product in the progressive world. They make great tools, ancillary equipment, dies, and single stages.

When it comes to progressives, that market is dominated by Dillon (80% share) and then Lee and Hornady.

Since time is of the essence, and you don't plan on loading a ton of ammo, you should look into the Dillon RL550B and not the XL650. Although the 650 has a case feeder, what you lose is a much longer setup time, more expensive caliber conversions, and overall more shit to deal with. Also the 650 is a more fragile machine than the 550. The plastic indexer breaks often, the primer system is a gigantic pain in the ass to clear stoppages, and it wastes primers if you're a new reloader. The 650 is designed for volume, every thing about it. The 550 is designed for occasional reloaders, to clear problems quickly and easily. The tradeoff is worth it if you plan on loading 1,000+ each sitting. I've had both, and I'm looking to buy another RL550B because I miss how quick you can get going. It's perfect for ~1,000 load sessions. Getting a 650 ready is a task, a full conversion takes about an hour, whereas on a 550 it's about 10 minutes at most.

[bobs94formula]

Thank you CJ. I was really leaning towards the 550 over all of them.

[YALE]

Both companies have excellent customer service, but CJ has pointed out to me in the past that if Dillon has a record of you purchasing your reloader directly from them, they trip over themselves to get your problem fixed. I love that.

[bird_dog0347]

I dunno, I suppose the first question is how many calibers to you intend to load? If it's primarily just one caliber with the occasional change to another then I'd go 650 (had one before, loved it) or like my Hornady LnL AP that I have now (great but if it hadn't been sooooo damn cheap I'd have another Dillon). If you load multiple calibers then I'd agree with CJ and Yale.

[CJ]

Both companies have excellent customer service, but CJ has pointed out to me in the past that if Dillon has a record of you purchasing your reloader directly from them, they trip over themselves to get your problem fixed. I love that.

You don't even have to buy from them. As long as you have one of their machines it's covered. Doesn't matter how you got it.

[bobs94formula]

I will for sure be doing 9mm and .40. I will probably do .44-40 too, especially since my son and I both will be shooting that caliber. Of course once we get moved out to the country I see my shooting volume going up because I'll be able to shoot onsite . Then I'll probably do .223 and .300 blk too.

[CJ]

I'd stick with a 550 in that case.

[YALE]

I'm gonna get a bunch of Lee Classic loaders, and play whack-a-mole.

[AnthonyS]

I'm gonna get a bunch of Lee Classic loaders, and play whack-a-mole.

I have two single stage presses now. I can see the logic behind this strategy too. I really like RCBS' tools compared to others. My RCBS hand primer is about a zillion times better than the Hornady one.

[YALE]

I have two single stage presses now. I can see the logic behind this strategy too. I really like RCBS' tools compared to others. My RCBS hand primer is about a zillion times better than the Hornady one.

Lee Classics aren't even single stages, as such.

[Nash B.]

i don't hate myself enough to use a Lee Classic

[dee]

I'm gonna get a bunch of Lee Classic loaders, and play whack-a-mole.

I've never messed with one but they seem like it would make a man pretty nervous.

[AnthonyS]

I know what Lee Loaders are. I've thought of getting one as a spare for each caliber I reload.... they seem interesting to me. Lee has a lot of really primitive inexpensive ways of doing lots of stuff like their powder measure kit. A lot of it would be invaluable in a real SHTF situation. It's the reason I have both a manual and electric scale. Electric could be worthless in the worst case situations.

[LANTIRN]

I know what Lee Loaders are. I've thought of getting one as a spare for each caliber I reload.... they seem interesting to me. Lee has a lot of really primitive inexpensive ways of doing lots of stuff like their powder measure kit. A lot of it would be invaluable in a real SHTF situation. It's the reason I have both a manual and electric scale. Electric could be worthless in the worst case situations.

If shit got that bad I am not sure you would have time to reload since all of your time would be spent not being murdered.