A couple questions (I did 'search'):
Thinking ahead, I ordered a case gauge for .45acp from Midway, when I bought some magazines....Do I still need calipers immediately? Would I be able to adjust either the 550B or the SD to the right specs using the gauge?
Case gauge is a good idea. I got some right after my very first pin shoot when my previously 100% BHP jammed up tight. Now every round going to a competition must pass the gauge.
You don't need calipers right away but they are nice to have. You can use a commercial round from a box of ammo known to work reliably in your gun to do all the critical seating and crimping adjustments.
What if I don't get a primer flip tray? Is this just a matter of flipping them the right side up, and using tweezers (or my fingers?) on the desktop?
Get the flip tray.
Are the extra primer tubes recommended to save time? Or do they become damaged?
It's a time saver. You can take a break from reloading, fill 4 or 5 tubes and then just crank when your break is over.
My bench is a used surplus office table I bought at a warehouse. The top is particle board covered with some kind of wood-grain formica. Would this work, if I bought a strong mount? If I covered it with 5/8" plywood, would I then not *need* a strong mount?
Stability is super important when using a progressive press. The strong mount has a very favorable benefit/cost ratio. Get one.
In terms of cleaning -- how much mess can I expect with a progressive reloading operation? I plan on setting this up in my upstairs office (which is carpeted), and have assured my wife that it won't be a bit dangerous or messy. I'd better get some facts. Shop vac work ok? Do I need something on the carpet?
Cover the carpet with something easily cleaned like the plastic used under desk chairs. You will eventually spill or drop something. It will be better if what you spill or drop can be easily recovered and does not get down in the carpet.
Finally: I bought an SDB when I discovered I couldn't keep up with 2 handgunners using my trusty Lyman 310 tool. A couple or 3 years later, my bride gave me a 650 for Christmas. If doing it over I'd start with the 650.
It's faster and easier. I still use the SDB, though. Its only real drawback is that there are hard limits to the experimentation you can do, imposed by the unique dies which it uses.
Cheers,
Norm
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