I am not a reloader But.....

crs · Post by **crs** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:45 pm

AB;
Without answering your question directly, I suggest that you buy the current Lyman reloading manual(#49) and have a good read. It is most educational and should provide you with some valuable information to help you decide which reloading tools to puchase and use.
Enjoy!

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:50 pm

You can spend lots of money, but Lee is a good way to go and not go broke. Lately, I've been doing stuff on a hand press using dippers and a hand primer and I can't tell the difference between those and the ones where I weighed every load out, or used a powder thrower....Mind now, I don't shoot benchrest or go for small holes in paper.

HEAD0001 · Post by **HEAD0001** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:05 pm

If I was to buy all my Reloading equipment all over again then I would buy all my tool in RCBS green. For a single stage press I would buy the Rock Chucker, or the Lyman Crusher. I have both presses and they are great presses, but the Lyman is a little cheaper.

For my dies I would buy either Forster or Redding, and I would lean toward Redding.

For pistol and straight wall dies I also like the RCBS dies. But I do not like their crimping dies. I like the Redding Crimping dies.

There are some advantages to a Lyman Turret Press. And I do have one mounted. However I only use it for pistol rounds. I do not like the turret press for rounds where accuracy is my major concern.

The only Lee product that would be on my bench is the Lee Auto-Prime.

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:26 pm

I reload with a Lee Single Stage Press. However, I would urge you to consider a Lyman Turret press. Especially if your going to load for straight wall pistols. I currently load for the .44 mag, .357 mag, and .45 ACP. A turret press is still simple for operation, however, it will speed up your process by not having to readjust your dies each time you begin the next stage of the loading process.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:31 pm

They all work, Go with the one you like the looks of and fits your wallets limits.
I use RCBS presses and a variety of dies that are mostly RCBS also.
RCBS is now about mid way in the price range and very good in quality. I have some Lee dies that are great and some that would make good fishing sinkers.
Redding is at the top IMHO.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:41 pm

HEAD0001 wrote:The only Lee product that would be on my bench is the Lee Auto-Prime.

The Lee tools I wouldn't want to be without are their Case Trimmer,

(I had the cutter turned down to chuck in a drill and use the shell holder in my hand instead of the cutter - it's faster than their idea of chucking the shell holder) - and their Hand Press - the Hand Press is ideal for the one step of reloading I'm comfortable doing while watching a movie - de-priming brass. Since I clean it after de-priming it, no need to have on a progressive press ready to re-prime on the next stroke.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=410804

As far as the bench-mounted presses, I'm not an experienced-enough reloader to have a really 'weighty' opinion, but I haven't been disappointed in my Lee Classic Turret press, or the Lee dies I've used in my RCBS Rockchucker or Dillon RL550B. The Dillon is just too hard to set up for anything less than 1,000 rounds to be worth it, but I'll probably be using it for 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223 bulk loading eventually again. The Rockchucker is great for swaging or gas-checking bullets and precision slow stuff, but the Lee Classic Turret seems to have the best of both worlds.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=814175

I also like their little Classic Loader kit for when I just want to load up a handful of .38's with the kids, etc... (I loaded my first couple thousand rounds of .44 Mag on one of those as a kid...)

...and NO - I don't work for LeePrecision.com...! I'm just too unsophisticated to appreciate any major flaws in their products...

BlaineG wrote:Lately, I've been doing stuff on a hand press using dippers and a hand primer and I can't tell the difference between those and the ones where I weighed every load out, or used a powder thrower....Mind now, I don't shoot benchrest or go for small holes in paper.

The most accurate reloading I ever did was with one of those "Classic Loader" type tools (one with an inside neck reamer and micrometer seating die), and I used a "dipper-load" of IMR 4831 for 6mm Rem. Five shots would cloverleaf at 100 yards. Got the whole tool for something like $29 - but I had to supply the broken hatchet-handle I used as a 'mallet'...

Not exactly a high-volume tool, though.

HEAD0001 · Post by **HEAD0001** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:05 pm

I should have explained my Lee comment.

I sold sporting goods(as a wholesaler) for a living for many years. And I sold every brand of reloading equipment. The only brand I had problems with was Lee. I was constantly having Lee products returned. Now I realize they are less expensive so you would expect more failures. I am not saying that Lee did not have good customer service, because they do. And they took care of all the problems that arose. However there was just too many problems-IMO. And the original poster said he was looking for something "really good". Not marginal or inexpensive.

And as far as customer service is concerned-RCBS is second to none. Redding and Forster are also top quality in customer service. I could call any one of those 3 companies and they would replace products on my word, without even sending the broken part back. And you can not beat that. Tom.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:10 pm

Redding products are real tough to beat. Good luck, 1886.

cpt Dan Blodgett · Post by **cpt Dan Blodgett** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:26 pm

Years ago bought a Lyman T-Mag kit from Midsouth shooter supply. Came with virtually everything I needed. Had a good powder measure, decent beam scale, case lube kit, case neck brushes as i recall, some neck lube mica, loading block. . and maybe even a dial caliper. Brain cells die and it is hard to remember back to 94. . Loaded lots of 308 in my high power shooting days 30-06, 30-40, 25-06 and 7mm mauser, 45 ACP, 44 Mag & Special (get the 44 special dies they will load 44 mag but not the reverse in many if not all brands, 9mm 38/357 again get the shorter cartride die as it will handle the longer but the longer may not adjust down close enough for the shorter, 9mm MAK and even 32 ACP.

There are many stronger presses if you want to reform brass etc, but for most uses the lyman tmag will work and their new model turret press is head and shoulders above mine.

Think I had to by a separate tumbler. Wore out the Lyman tumbler in a couple of years. Jumped on a Dillon, which at the time had a lifetime replacement warranty. Dont thing they do that anymore but the dillon tumbler is still going strong.

Carbide dies are the only way to go on straight wall cases, but have never seen them for bottleneck cases. Buy all the manuals you can afford, but the lyman manual will do a great job on teaching the process.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:54 pm

I'd start with the lyman reloading manual
the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press Master Kit
a powder trickler
Imperial Sizing Die Wax
Lee dies
Jacketed Performance from Cast Bullets by Veral Smith
Shellholders for the RCBS autoprime
Maybe the RCBS accessory kit
Possum Hollow Deluxe Flash Hole Deburring Tool

Kansas Ed · Post by **Kansas Ed** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:24 am

I loaded off of a Lee Challenger O frame press for about 25 years without a hitch. But a few weeks ago it did break the handle link, so I ordered replacement parts, and then ordered a Lyman Crusher press. I am very impressed with the Lyman, though I have been impressed generally with all Lyman Products. The Lee press I will mount to a 24"x 12" x 18" wooden chest that I have, and it will become my "Range Bench". So I can build loads at the range if I need to.

I think that Redding makes the best dies hands down, but the Lee Carbide pistol dies work just fine, and are substantially cheaper.

IMO, stay away from the Lee beam scale, they get off track too easily and give inaccurate readings.

Ed

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:09 am

I have a mixture of LEE and RCBS equipment. ALL of it is good equipment and I've had no failures with any. The one die that I have that I would highly recommend is the LEE "Factory Crimp Die" (FCD). I have several reloading manuals; however, I feel that the MOST informative is "Modern Reloading - Second Edition" by Richard Lee followed closely by the Lyman Reloading Manual 48 or newer edition 49.

When you get down to it, all reloading equipment regardless of brand is pretty decent. Concentrate more on what you want to accomplish by reloading and get what equipment you can afford.

Just my .02¢

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:00 am

OK, here's my two pesos worth.

Stick with a heavy cast iron press with lots of leverage. Add to that a fired primer disposal tube so the primer crud does not build up around the ram.

Stay away from ALUMINUM presses no matter who makes them.
If you go with the RCBS Rockchucker, realize you must clean the primer crud away from the base of the ram BEFORE you lube it. Lube and primer crud create a dandy lapping compound and it WILL ruin your press. I know this from experience. My current press is an older Bonanza C0-AX press, still made by Forster. It's an EXCELLENT press for the money. Easy to use and strong. Has a fired primer disposal system too.

I like RCBS dies and accessories but I also have some Lyman, Redding, Lee, Pacific, Luger American, and others.

For scales go for the Ohaus made scales as sold by them or others. If they ever get out of adjustment the customer service will fix it without question.

Stay away from plastic powder measures as much as you can. Powder chemicals can ( not saying it will, but I've had it happen ) react with the plastic used in these tools. Metal is better, cast iron or steel is better yet.

Joe

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:05 am

Modoc ED wrote:

Geez ED, got enough money tied up in Barnes Bullets?

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:38 am

Tycer wrote:
Modoc ED wrote:
Geez ED, got enough money tied up in Barnes Bullets?

Well, living in CA, I am anticipating that the lead-ban will be applied state wide in the future so, I stocked up on what I thought I'd need to start me off. I have Barnes bullets for .308 (.30-06), .308 (.30-30 Lever Action Bullets), and .429 (.444 Marlin). I'm going to place an order for .358 bullets for my .38 S&W Special reloads too.

Ya gotta pay if ya wanna play.

Leverdude · Post by **Leverdude** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:24 pm

People knock Lee but I couldn't see a single advantage of the RCBS over the Lee classic cast so I bought one. I use it & a Lee challenger together. The Challenger is a cheap thing but serves ok for most things. Its alloy & does flex though & thats why I wanted a cast iron press. I like most things Lee & dont think you can go wrong with them as start up equipment.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:15 pm

BlaineG wrote:You can spend lots of money, but Lee is a good way to go and not go broke. Lately, I've been doing stuff on a hand press using dippers and a hand primer and I can't tell the difference between those and the ones where I weighed every load out, or used a powder thrower....Mind now, I don't shoot benchrest or go for small holes in paper.

+1 on the Lee Precision stuff. I started with them 30 years ago. Still have the same press - and a few others. For straight-walled pistol cases definitely go with carbide dies. I buy mine - Lee Precision ones - from MidwayUSA. Best prices for them - even better than going to Lee's website. Buy the fourth die - the "Factory Crimp Die" - you won't regret it!

Post by **Old Savage** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:20 pm

You said single stage but, I bought a Dillon RL 550 B to start and have always been happy about that.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 3:31 am

I have all Lee stuff, it seems to work just fine. When buying a lot of stuff at once the Lee savings do add up. I happened to get most of it on sale and went for it. I have the big Classic Cast Turret Press, and it's fine. I would not want a single stage because the turret system lets me switch calibers easily and all my dies are right there, adjusted. I did disable the ratcheting advance feature because I did not want to do one round at a time, but instead I do one operation on several rounds at once, then click the turret over to the next die. Doing one round at a time increases your chances of dropping a double charge or some other mistake. So in essence I use it like a single stage press, it's just four single stage presses in one.

When shopping, I really liked the Redding single stage press, I would have gotten it if it weren't for the turret feature of the Lee. The Redding had no play in it (the Rockchucker did have some play) and it had the frame at an angle so you could see your work when you pull the handle. The Rockchucker's frame blocks your view so if you want to see your work you have to lean to one side or the other. My Lee also has good visibility that way.

That said, I kind of wish I had just stuck with the Lee Hand Press, it is quite accurate, and I would have nicer pects and abs.

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 5:43 am

I have alot of lee tools and the only thing that broke was the hand priming tool .it took a zillion primers to wear it out.
on dies you can spend more on other makes but the lee dies are great and never had a problem.

lee trimmers like above do a excellent job for me.

I got my tumbler from midway and it is still working great after years of use.

get your media corn cob/walnut from pets smart.1/2 the price of the order catalogs.grafs polish works great and alot cheaper than most.

case lube. I like rcbs II and *unique* lube if you can find any.

it doesn't have to cost alot of money to start reloading.

there are a few trader boards that you can save money on used equipment.

here and http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18

with the cost of ammo today reloading can save you big $$$.
pete

$38.00 for cowboy 45 colt ammo is just plain crazy.

casting will be next

fordwannabe · Post by **fordwannabe** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:33 am

I have been reloading for 31 years and I have stuff from all the major manufacturers. I have a RCBS single stage and a Lyman turret, and a Dillon progressive ect,ect,ect. I bought most of it used and saved a ton of money(bought the Dillon new). Lots of people start reloading and then decide it's not for them and sell the stuff cheap. gunshops usually have a box of reloading "stuff" somewhere they got in trade, ask you local gunshop guy. I like RCBS and lee dies I am a hunter not a paper puncher(nothing wrong with them they are just a different branch of the same sport) lee dies will load ammo accuratley enough for my purposes. Don't spend a fortune getting started, you will find the things you like and the things that you don't. If you can't find anything used get one of the kits they include most of the little stuff that you need at a great cost savings. The one thing I would just go out and buy is a Lee hand primer, I like being able to feel the primer seat not just shove it in like on a press. Good luck and I hope your one of the guys that upgrades his equiptment and not trades it in because it's too much work to load. Tom

wilko · Post by **wilko** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:49 am

I dont shoot a lot so i dont reload large volume... I got the lee classic loader for the 45/70 and the .38 special. Very affordable and makes quality ammo!!! I highly recommend them.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:39 am

I’m going to offer some advice that’s different from my usual. Since you only mention straight-walled pistol cases, I’m going to suggest that you start with a Dillon 550B, possibly the best of the progressives on a budget. It has the flexibility to load a variety of cartridges with a fairly quick and easy changeover. With a toolhead & conversion kit for each caliber you intend to reload, set up is done once for each bullet you use. (Changing bullets will require you to reset the seating die.

The reasoning: Since you don’t mention any desire to load rifle cartridges, I figure that once the economy of scale kicks in with reloading, you’ll likely be shooting more, and therefore, reloading more… the Dillon will aid you in that you’ll be starting out with the capacity to reload at a rate that can keep up with your shooting.

Now… before you rush out and buy that, buy the Lyman #49 Reloading Guide. Read it thoroughly. Then bookmark all the powder manufacturer’s on-line reloading guides, you’ll need and want the reference data when you actually start to reload… IF YOU WISH TO LOAD SAFE AND SANE CARTRIDGES!

The critical area of making a progressive run well, is case prep and proper adjustment of press features… the primer feed, powder measure and die adjustment. The only difference between the progressive and a single stage being the primer feed.

First, buy a good vibratory or tumbling case cleaning rig… I have a Dillon and love it, I’ve also got a Lyman, and while at present the motors burned out… it’s over 30 years old. Thumler’s Franford Arsenal and others also make good ones… Check out their warranties, prices and buy accordingly...

Next, get a good balance beam type reloading scale… with proper selection of powder, getting good consistent loads from the Dillon powder feed system is a matter of proper adjustment and confirmation of the amount of powder dropped each time. I use my balance beam scale to confirm the weight of several charges before I go into production mode. RCBS, Redding, Lyman and Forster make good ones.

Then I’d get either a RCBS or Forster case trimmer (manual is ok), along with case mouth deburrer and primer pocket cleaners (large & small primer sizes). To accompany the trimmer, you’ll want a good dial caliper… a cartridge case length guide is ok, but if you’re feeding different guns with the same cartridge, having the ability to tailor the OAL is VERY handy. The plastic ones are okay, but… I sure like my Starrett stainless steel with the big dial face…They ain’t the most expensive piece of equipment you’re buying, so don’t scrimp on a cheap one.

As far as dies are concerned… my recommendation remain the same…. REDDING, RCBS, LYMAN, and if they don’t have the caliber you want in stock, get Dillon dies… and if that fails, ok, get some Lee’s for the interim… you can always pawn ‘em off on fleabay when you get good dies. (OK, before you Lee fans crucify me… I say that mainly because you’re buying separate toolheads for each cartridge… the Lee’s single advantage over other brands is the slick little rubber o-ring they use to hold the adjusting ring in place… in other words, it’s likely to get out of adjustment on it’s own, causing problems in consistent reloads!) Yeah, go ahead, crucify me… but that’s my opinion, and haven’t seen anything to disprove my theory!

I’ve probably forgotten something… but them’s my immediate thoughts. Good luck and safe reloading.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:28 am

I have one complete set of Lee dies, and a couple accessory dies. I find that to keep the dies from shifting in the press I have to crank them down so tight I need a wrench to loosen them up.
In my Co-Ax it don't matter much as it's designed to allow some die play.
But in a standard press of any make, if I were to use Lee dies extensively I'd have to replace the o-ring lock rings with regular lock rings.

Joe

morgan in nm · Post by **morgan in nm** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:56 am

When it comes to my equipment, I use what my father used. I have 2 presses-both RCBS which is an older RC and an A4. My dies are a mixture of RCBS, C&H, Pacific, Lyman, and Hornady. I have owned Lee dies but have since traded them off or lent them and never got them back. Its not that there is anything wrong with Lee BUT its a personal preference. I like the older Redding scales and powder measures as I have never had a problem with them. The one tool I will not be without is the Lee autoprime. Best invention since sliced bread IMO. I do like to put some sizing wax on the cam so they will last longer. For trimmers, Lee makes some good ones but I load many different cartridges so I went with an older model RCBS rotary with all the collets and such.

Now the meat of this. Buy what you can afford but don't be afraid to shop around. Pawn shops and gun stores are excellent sources of used equipment. In my limmited experience, try to avoid used dies from pawn shops for bottle-necked cartridges for close tolerances as I have bought several that were abused or wore out. Really, I have had the same luck with ebay. Forums like this are one of the best methods for buying used dies as the people here are straight forward and not looking to pawn off junk. Who knows, with the panic buying we had, I imagine some nice equipment will start showing up fairly reasonable.

Charles · Post by **Charles** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 5:20 pm

I have been handloding for 50 years. The only bad equipment I have had was Lee. The only broken presses I have seen were Lee. You pay cheap..you get cheap. They do have good customer service. They also have some very innovative designs like the collet neck sizing die. There low prices have brought a number of folks into reloading which is a good thing. But the fact remains it is cheap and often poorly made stuff. Yep, it will work..for a time..and after a fashion.

My advise to folks getting into reloading is to always buy the best equipment they can afford. It will last forever, be trouble free and a joy to use.

I am still using most of the equipment I started with 50 years ago because I bought good quality stuff (Hollywood, Pacific, Redding and RCBS)..

There are a number of good single stage presses around, but there is none better than the RCBS Rockchucker. The old RCBS cast steel A2 press was superior, but it is long out of print and pricy in the used market.

2571 · Post by **2571** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:33 am

Your'e getting advice from a lot of old geezers. RCBS RockChucker is now made in China, with consequent weaknesses. I've heard of several preseses breaking from ordinary stress.

I started with RCBS, tried Lee, didn't have $ for Dillon (Dillon has its detractors, too) and now load on an old lyman turret made in 1960's.

Try old stuff if available, otherwise, anything will work. Acquire & wear eye protection each time you handle primers. You're loading firearms munitions; don't worry about looking unmanly.

Please keep us advised of your progress.

And, yes, I'm an old geezer too. Been loading since 1976.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:45 am

Deleted

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:58 pm

Griff wrote: ...before you Lee fans crucify me… I say that mainly because you’re buying separate toolheads for each cartridge… the Lee’s single advantage over other brands is the slick little rubber o-ring they use to hold the adjusting ring in place… in other words, it’s likely to get out of adjustment on it’s own, causing problems in consistent reloads!)

I like the Lee DIES, but you won't get any 'crucifying' from me about those RINGS - they sounded like a good idea - until I tried them. I kept the Lee dies, but replaced the rings with ones ordered from Dillon.

Nobody · Post by **Nobody** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:08 pm

mescalero1 · Post by **mescalero1** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:44 pm

I have a Dillon RL 550, no problems, I live in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Dillon is in Scottsdale, north of me, I just drive there, no problems ever, you won't be sorry.
Keep in mind, if at a later date you want to get fancy/wildcat, you will need a good single stage.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:58 pm

AJMD429 wrote:
Griff wrote: ...before you Lee fans crucify me… I say that mainly because you’re buying separate toolheads for each cartridge… the Lee’s single advantage over other brands is the slick little rubber o-ring they use to hold the adjusting ring in place… in other words, it’s likely to get out of adjustment on it’s own, causing problems in consistent reloads!)
I like the Lee DIES, but you won't get any 'crucifying' from me about those RINGS - they sounded like a good idea - until I tried them. I kept the Lee dies, but replaced the rings with ones ordered from Dillon.

I do the same Griff but I replace the LEE rings with "o" rings with RCBS rings with set-screw.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:58 pm

Dillon is good.

Dillon is pro-gun.

Dillon makes great catalogs and calendars (if you like really pretty girls

)

The ONLY criticism I have of my RL550 is that as I said above - it is a 'pain' to set up unless you're loading many many rounds, however part of that reason is that although I have a couple tool/die heads, I only have one powder measure, so I have to re-set it each time. If you add a second or third cartridge to your reloading, it is probably worth just forking over for a separate powder measure to leave on the tool head with the dies for that caliber - THEN setup becomes a snap.

Actually - one other criticism, but an aftermarket part exists to remedy it - the tool/die heads are a bit loose in the press frame. One of those things that probably has ZERO impact on quality reloads, but just bugs some people. I've not got one, but there is an aftermarket 'tightener' some people get for a few bucks.

gundownunder · Post by **gundownunder** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:29 pm

The Lee Anniversary kit that COSteve has pictured above is what I started with a couple years ago and its still the only reloading gear I own and I've loaded thousands of .357 rounds on mine. The only thing I've added is .357 dies and locking nuts for the dies so I can just screw them in without having to readjust them every time I use them.
I may be wrong but I believe the new anniversary kits are now made with an open frame press instead of the Challenger frame and I don't think I would be happy with an open frames lack of rigidity.

GoatGuy · Post by **GoatGuy** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:39 pm

Arkansas Bob - Another old geezer's opinion coming your way.

I have a Dillon 550B and it's been sitting in its' box since I took it apart before our move about 5 years ago. Sure hate to disagree with Brother mescalero1, but the during the several months I loaded with it, I found the Dillon to be the most user unfriendly tool I've ever come across. In my opinion, it's a "Rube Goldberg" contraption with laborious set-up issues, too many moving parts, fragile priming problems, etc. I could go on, but you get my drift. I would have sold it long ago, but it was a Christmas gift from my wife after she had heard me whining about wanting one for several months. How I wish I had never mentioned it to her.

I thought perhaps it was my problem in being so dumb and "old school" to not "get" the Dillon product. However I've have and have used a MEC Grabber progressive shotshell press since 1984 and having loaded perhaps 9 to 10,000 shells on it over the years, I find it a much, much more user friendly progressive tool.

Now, I sure don't mind disagreeing with Charles, because as everyone here knows he's mostly a cranky old contrarian and just loves a good argument. I too, have been loading for close to 50 years and have used equipment from all the usual suspects. That said, my next reloading purchase will be a Lee Classic Turret press. I'm finally tired of using the old RCBS single stage press I bought used from a friend in 1979. And in contrast to others posting on this topic, I never had a problem with any Lee product or their customer service on the rare times I've needed to contact them.

Anyhow, just thought I would provide you with another opinion to muddy the water a little more!

Oh I forgot to mention this about the Dillon, every time you want to set up for another caliber you have to buy another ____load of other stuff. It will nickle and dime you to death. I think my wife paid $500 + for the thing that was advertised at $350 or so, and I spent all kinds of additional dollars on getting it set up for all the calibers for which I wanted to reload.

mescalero1 · Post by **mescalero1** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:27 pm

Goatguy is right, the set-up is arduous, I always considered it part of the trade off, I might add I only load pistol on the dillon, I still use the single stage for rifle.

mescalero1 · Post by **mescalero1** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:28 pm

I also go the didicated die holder/ set for pistol.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:35 pm

Call RCBS and ask if the Rockchucker is "made In China"

I think you will find that the castings come from China but they are are machined and finished in California!!!
What the hay , they still have a lifetime warranty. The dies are made in CA also.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:38 pm

GoatGuy wrote:Now, I sure don't mind disagreeing with Charles, because as everyone here knows he's mostly a cranky old contrarian and just loves a good argument.

Cranky old contrarians HERE? When did this start? Never heard such a thing!

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:14 pm

Arkansas Bob wrote:Since RCBS is now made in china I probably wont get it (Even if it's more expensive I still try to buy American made).

Ark.Bob, before you swallow that whole hog... call RCBS and get the straight scoop. I've heard that same tripe before, but... other'n, "...a friend of my 3rd cousin's best man's father said his neighbor used to work for RCBS and all their stuff..."; but, you get my drift. [/quote]I will probably go with Dillon, anyone have any problems with dillon. I might get something a little more then a single stage but not a huge amunition production line. How do you guys like dillon? Like I sayed mostly straight wall shells, 45-70 and 45 colt.[/quote]I have two Dillon 550Bs. Unlike Goatguy and Mescalero1, I found the set up fairly straight-forward, followed along with the directions (don't tell my wife, she still thinks I'm a mechanical genius), and was loading ammo the same nite. The only problems I've had were caused by my testing the practical limits of a plastic primer follower, and the little shim that converts a round peg into a square hole in the powder bar, (that broke about 15 years into its life), and those little "...I KNOW I just set that down right here... where'd it go?" In each case a call to Dillon got me the following answer, "...let's see your address is . . . . . . . ? I've got that part right here in my desk, I'll send one out in the mail tonite..." My old one is getting to the point that I'm thinking of sending it back to have all the bushings, pivot points checked and a general checkup. I ain't really having problems, but... what the heck, it's 21 years old and has loaded many, many thousands of .38Specials, .45ACPs and .45 Colts!

Literally, when I last checked my production rate, I ran about 450 rounds in an hour... and I wasn't really rushing anything. I just made sure I had plenty of primer tubes filled... and dumped a new one as soon as the "low-primer" buzzer sounded. And that included changing bullets between those used for rifle, and the ones I use for pistols. That entails a coupla turns on the bullet seater to change the seating depth to account for the difference in OAL.

The only critical issue I've found is the lube used on the primer feeding mechanism. Since I'm often loading with BP, I tend to prefer a dry graphite lubricant on the primer and powder feeding parts. This keeps any oil from contaminating primers and keeps any BP dust from gumming up the works on the powder slide bar. With smokeless, I don't sweat it, just give the pivot pins and housing a little squirt of spray grease.

Another nice deal about Dillon, when you're ready to set it up... call their help desk and ask for help, (you'll be talking to a guy in AZ, probably a reloader and shooter, and VERY helpful), they'll talk you thru the setup.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:14 am

mikld · Post by **mikld** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:55 am

There's a whole lot of people out there that just hate Lee products. I don't understand why. I have several pieces of Lee equipment from presses (2) to dies (3 sets) to bullet molds (4). Besides Lee I have C-H, RCBS, Lyman/Ideal, Pacific, and Herters. Of all that equipment the Lee products are most trouble free. Maybe it's just me (I've been using hand tools for a living for 50 years and I guess I don't know how to abuse them).

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/51 This is how I got started several years ago.

FWIW; There's a mind-set that I call "Tool Snobbery". I've been working in a Heavy Equip. Repair Shop for the last 23 years and I see this in action often. "If it ain't Snap-On (or Mac, or Matco, or Williams, etc.), it ain't no good". People buying tools and equipment just for the name, or which tools are used by their favorite NASCAR team or motorcycle builder, or color. I see the same mind-set in reloading equipment. "If it ain't ____, it ain't no good" (or "if it ain't green, it ain't no good"). Lots of people buying reloading equipment because of what the famous gun writer uses, or the high dollar stuff ("if it don't cost much, it can't work, right?). Of course some are better than others, but can you tell the difference? I suggest you get some catalogs from Midway, Midsouth, Cabelas, Natchez, etc, to see what's out there and after you read Lyman's 49th, you can decide for your self what equipment fits your reloading needs.