Progressive loader setup

[barretcreek]

Finally getting around to setting up a pair of Dillons. Should one be used for handgun cartridges and the other rifle, or one for large primers and one small? I've got enough parts so I won't be stripping one to setup the other. Folks tell me it's necessary to regularly disassemble and clean the primer system so switching lg to small won't be a major issue. I always empty the powder and priming systems at the end of each session but one extra step to avoid the chance of using a pistol primer in a rifle case seems worthwhile. thanks.

[PhillipM]

If they are 550b's, I'd do one for small primers and the other for large. I use the quickchange toolheads with mounted powder measures so I don't have to fiddle with changing out charging bars for my powders.

[Sunray]

If I had 'em that's exactly what would happen. You have to clean any press regularly.

[Hefights]

Carbon dust from depriming cases gets under the primer slide bar and elsewhere so periodic cleaning is advised. There are all kinds of new gadgets you can attach to the 550 now, so there may be some foolproof feature. But generally if you use a large primer set up for rifle and pistol, you will have to ensure to keep track of type of primer. Other than keeping the primer feed system clear, you can usually check the color of the primer inside cup to ensure you have the right type.

[PhillipM]

I wrote small and large on the primer slide with a sharpie to keep them straight.

[p246]

Are you going with the 550 or 650.... Leaning toward 650 but interested what you decided to go with.

[PhillipM]

Are you going with the 550 or 650.... Leaning toward 650 but interested what you decided to go with.

In my opinion, it depends on how many different calibers you load for. If it's more than a couple, 550, hands down. If you are a pistol competitor shooting mind numbing numbers of one caliber, the 650 is for you. Hundreds per hour on the 550, thousands per hour on the 650, but caliber conversions are way more expensive and more difficult to change over.

[barretcreek]

Spent enough time on fleabay a few years ago to snag a pair of 650s for cheap. Also the conversions. Just needed to get the staff archeologist to make room for them. 9,38/357, 41,44 S&M, 45 C&Auto. Rifle I'll just do 5.56 7.62 & '06. Other rifle will end up on an old turret I picked up from the widow of one of the guys at the club.

[Parashooter]

. . . 44 S&M. . .

".44 S&M" sounds intriguing - but kinky! :icon_pirat:

[p246]

Mainly wanting to load alot of 9mm and 38spc on the new press. Have a turrent press for 45 and all my rifle is done on a single stage. Is switching out from 9 to 38 a huge pain. Just from reading it didn't sound to bad on 650. Trying to decide if the $ difference is worth it...I shoot a lot of 9

[Former Cav]

I don't know about the 650, but on the 550 swapping from 9 to 38 is a breeze.
Likewise for 45 to .308 !!
I have a tooling head assembly for each one with the powder measure set up.
I only pull two pins, and the clip off the priming bar rod, slide out the old head, slide in the "new" head and I am in business.
If I have to change primers sizes, that is two screws and then I clean the slide bar, and slide and i PUT AUTOMOTIVE WAX on the sliding surfaces.
These helps keep it clean longer!
HTH
Bob