OK...the "How long have you been reloading" thread in The Lounge got me to thinking. I'm starting to count the days until the FAA forces me out of the flight deck; 709 days and counting as of today. To that end, I have several retirement activities lined up, one of which is to ramp up my home production of .40 S&W and .223 reloads.

Right now, I have two presses; a newer RCBS Rock Chucker and a RCBS Pro 2000 Auto-Indexing Press. I use the Rock Chucker to deprime all brass and process 5.56/.223 brass up to the point that all I have to do then is run it through the Pro 2000 to drop powder, drop a bullet, seat, and crimp. I also pre-prime ALL my brass on the Pro 2000 so that when I get things running, I just have to pull the handle...no remembering to push to prime.

So I'm thinking about updating my reloading bench and seriously considering building conditioned, ventilated space up in my attic over the garage for the sole purpose of reloading. With more room with which to work, I'm also thinking about adding a Dillon press to conduct all .40 S&W reloading, complete with case and bullet feeder.

With that mental picture then (and here comes the part that may cause a rumble), which press does Dillon produce that is the best for my plans to transition .40 S&W from the RCBS to the Dillon in order to pretty much automate everything in that process? I'm not concerned about what the most economical is, or the one that will get me the most bang for my buck (no pun intended). I'm looking for, regardless of cost, what THE best reloading system that Dillon puts out that would achieve my pistol loading goals. Accuracy (in terms of powder drop and seating accuracy) and quality of finished loads far outweighs what the press and accessories might cost.

As an aside, I have enough material and inventory to produce THOUSANDS of rounds of both calibers.

I hope that all makes sense. Thanks for any and all input!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: erj_pilot,

That’s a loaded question.

I have a 550B and love it. Is slower that the 650 and 750 production possibilities, but I like taking my time anyway. You won’t get a case and bullet feeder on the 550.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Dillon.

Think it depends how much you want to spend on a reloader and the quantities you want to make in one loading session.

Edit. Meh, go with the 750. It’s the latest Dillen technology.

I think a large part of it is how much you plan to shoot? Unless really high round count, routine shooting, does one need the specialized progressive?

Somewhat related, the last 4 or so years I’ve been prairie dogging out West, son & two of his best friends. I supplied the vast majority of the ammo, my reloads. The son was also an avid shooter, he’s in the military now. Yes, eventually I’ll go dogging again, but my ammo requirements have dropped way down.

I have a turret and a single-stage press, enough for me. I have plenty of reloaded ammo, but I don’t mind keeping supplies in the component form. I also switch around a fair bit, easier with the turret or single stage press.

Of course a Dillion would be great, the amount of expected shooting should likely factor in.

I would go with a Dillon RL1100 if you’re not going to switch calibers frequently. Or if you want a bullet feeder and powder check, you’ll need the extra station. I don’t use a powder check so I can seat and crimp in separate stations.

I have a 650XL and an RL1100. Three big things I like about the RL1100. Bigger platform for more room to reach in if needed, swage rod on the press and primes on the bottom of the downstroke. Swage isn’t needed on 40 and doesn’t hurt but not having to push the handle back at the top to prime is big to me.

Edit: yes the 650\750 require a push back at the top of the press to seat a primer. The 750 will have a better priming system than the 650 but still require a push back. Thanks Sigarms226, I probably didn’t explain it well.

The 1100 comes with a case feeder but you’ll have to add a bullet feeder to either.

The 650/750 are a little easier to change calibers on and a little cheaper to do so if you go with new toolhead to leave your dies set.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Riley,

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Could not have said it better. Riley is 100% on point from my point of view also. I used to own a 550, sold it and bought my first 650. Today (we) my sons and I own two RL1100’s and two 650’s.

Hard to let go of the 650’s as they have successfully loaded tens of thousands of pistol rounds. But we do love the RL1100’s also….especially because of the in-line SWAGE feature.

I will say this - caliber conversion kits and tool heads for the RL1100 or 1050 models are much more expensive vs. the same for the 750. This can add up quickly.

Sorry ERJ - Rereading your OP and one thing to be aware of - the 550/650/750 presses require you to “push” to seat the primer and this push is also required to correctly locate your next spent case in the shell plate for your next cycle. The RL1100 primes on the handles down stroke and requires no handle pushing at all.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sigarmsp226,

I’m about 25% faster with the RL1100 than the 650 and it’s a lot less effort as well. Both have case feeders and bullet feeders.

Primers feel like they seat easier on the 1100, due to the swage and leverage provided by the machine priming on the downstroke. Also, the 1100 has a primer seating depth adjustment which is nice.

I would suggest the 550.

Thanks for all the replies, everyone!

My goal is for this to not be a “leisurely” activity...at least for now. I want to reload brass in bulk and do it as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible. Yes…speed does matter. With that said and based on the responses thus far, I’ve started looking heavily at the RL1100.

quote:

Originally posted by ugeesta:
Edit. Meh, go with the 750. It’s the latest Dillen technology.

In looking at Dillon’s website, I thought the RL1100 was the latest design.

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
I think a large part of it is how much you plan to shoot?

In my particular circumstance and mission, how often I shoot will be irrelevant. The goal is to produce ammo in mass quantities at a safe, quick pace and store it for future use or hand down to my descendants. Yes...I'm thinking Zombie Apocalypse here. As stated, I have material to produce THOUSANDS of rounds of .40 S&W and .223. This isn’t an exercise in “go to the range, plink off a few hundred rounds, and then come home and reload a couple hundred cases.” This is literally a matter of mass production.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:
I would go with a Dillon RL1100 if you’re not going to switch calibers frequently. Or if you want a bullet feeder and powder check, you’ll need the extra station.
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The 1100 comes with a case feeder but you’ll have to add a bullet feeder to either.

This will be dedicated for one caliber ONLY; .40 S&W. The RCBS Pro 2000 will remain on the bench and will be used solely for .223. Bullet feeder for RL1100…got it and exactly what I would want!

quote:

Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
The RL1100 primes on the handles down stroke and requires no handle pushing at all.

EXCELLENT!! That’s a plus!! And swaging will not be necessary and therefore isn't a feature or consideration which would cause a "make or break" decision of one model over the other.

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
I would suggest the 550.

Why, specifically? Will the 550 fit the mission I’ve described? Is it capable of adding a bullet feeder? How would it be better over any of the other 3 models mentioned here?

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Thanks again, y’all. I’m leaning toward the RL1100 due to its added features described by Riley and sigarmsp226. In addition, it would appear that out of all the models mentioned in your replies, the RL1100 is the only model that is compatible with the DA3000 Auto Drive that I might just add on at a later date. Again…from the outset, my goal is safety, efficiency, and speed. Once I’ve gone through the mass of material I currently have on hand, it will then perhaps revert to a leisurely activity.

Quick question, and I would ask this regardless of which model I get...I have RCBS Carbide Dies currently on hand. Will these be fine in a Dillon platform or do y'all recommend going ahead and getting Dillon dies to go along with the RL1100?

Blessings!!!

ERJ - I use a variety of die brands. Some will say, and I will not disagree, that Dillon dies are the best dies. For me I have many sets of Dillon dies but I also have Redding, Lee, and RCBS.

For me, when I find a die set up that works (even if it is a mix of different brands) once I get it dialed in for a specific load and bullet, I lock those dies down on a tool head and they remain there.

I really like Dillon dies but IMO the other brands I mentioned make very high quality dies also. If your current 40S&W dies work for you that would be where I think you start because you know their capabilities and limitations.

You mentioned the Dillon DA3000. I have a brand new one still sitting in the factory sealed boxes. Bought it for when my shoulder, wrist, or elbow tells me they need some cycling assistance. Until then I LOVE the relaxing quiet time I have when I am in my small reloading room in my shop. Just my machines and me.

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by ugeesta:
Edit. Meh, go with the 750. It’s the latest Dillen technology.
In looking at Dillon’s website, I thought the RL1100 was the latest design.

Oh, oops. My bad. You are correct. It’s been a while since I’ve been to their website…

I always thought the Square Deal was their pistol-only press, if you don't care for a case feeder.

RCBS dies will work just fine. Especially if they are carbide. Dillon has been intermittently backordered on carbide dies, sometimes for a year.

I use a mix. Dillon size die for most, sometimes an EGW U die, then a Redding micrometer seating and a Redding micrometer crimp die.

For 9mm I’ve started playing with a Lee FCD.

No matter what dies, I use lube. Most people say you don’t need it with carbide but it smooths the process up and the press runs better. Brass Juice or Hornady One Shot, and I don’t find the need to clean it off.

I’ve got some other suggestions for options if you need that make it work better for me.


If you really want a good smooth experience, I’d suggest processing brass then loading, especially if going to an autodrive.

Have we been watching the ‘Walking Dead’ to many times? ‘The Road’? Yes, I have plenty of ammo, just that if one wants to be around awhile, avoid high profile confrontations with equal or superior adversaries.

In many, maybe most instances, reloaded ammo beyond the life of the reloader isn’t that valuable. That sealed lb of Varget is easier to barter or sell than 175 rounds of reloaded 243 ammo, just like the bullets or primers.

This is the EXACT setup I want with the exception of it being .40 S&W. Gavin hits it outta the park with this video!!!

cant go wrong with the 1100 I have a 1050 and a 650 both with bullet feeders, I load .223 on the 1050 and 9 mm on the 650. the 650 feels like a toy compared but 1050 but it cranks them out trouble free so it would be tough to replace it for no other reason then I want a 1100 or another 1050. biggest issue with the 1100 is change over time and the cost is way higher, best way to do it is just buy another machine.

I have a Super 1050 dedicated .45 ACP and think the current 1100 would be the way to go for a pure .40.

If it is really Cost No Object, you could look into the Mark VII loaders. They start at the price of a D1100 and go up fast.


A young fellow like you will not mind standing at the press, but I am getting arthritic enough to want to load sitting. I have taken my 1050 off its risers and can pull the handle from a chair but the bullet seating die is a long reach. I will either (both?) try the cheap Lee bullet feeder or downgrade to a 550 left set for large primers. I already load 9mm, .38, and the occasional batch of .45 Small on a 550. Being retired, I don't need an utter maximum production rate.

Hey Jim...I saw one of Gavin's YT videos with a Mark VII. NICE machinery!!! Also, I bought these RCBS Bullet Feeder Dies for .40. Easy install and the tube holds enough for a good round of pulls on the handle.

Midway Link

Just a quick toss-up question to the Borg Collective...if/when ordering the RL1100, do I need to buy a Small Pistol Casefeed Plate Assembly or will it be included in the box with the case feeder hopper? I'm thinking it should be included.

Hope to get everything bought within the next couple of months. Not sure when it'll be set up, though.....

The plate should be included. It's shown on page 6 of the manual under "Shipping Contents" https://dilloncdn.com/manuals/...on-rl1100-manual.pdf

I bought my 1100 3 or 4 years ago and I don't remember separately ordering the plate.

Thanks, cyber. After once again reviewing Gavin's video where he showed the unpacking of his RL1100 for 9mm, the small pistol Casefeed Plate Assembly was included with the hopper.

So, did you get it yet? Haha.