Sigarmsp226

Removed - not thread topic related

Jim - Thanks for your post. I will add a Hornady Micro-adjust die to my next Midway order and give this a try….To save a dollar in today’s day and time is a dollar spent on other reloading supplies. Thanks Again

Well from my point of view the Redding Pro Series seating die is worth the price. I agree with you 100% that it is a pain to go thur the process required to adjust the OAL on a non-adjustable stem seating die as compared to the Redding. I run one on my 650 and 1100 and if either were to break I would buy a replacement unit while the broken unit went back to Redding for fixing (Lifetime Warranty on their dies)….. Now as for the Redding Pro Series/Micro adjustable Taper Crimp Die - this is another story….My brand new die just yesterday arrived back from Redding because of the three different 9mm rounds I load this die was sticking on all three. Redding was SUPER fast to respond to my email notifying them of my problem and told me to send the die back in its original packaging along with 3-4 dummy rounds that were loaded with this die that stuck. So I paid the $9.00 shipping back to Redding and 10 calendar days later (very fast turn around IMO) I received an email stating my die was back in route to me….. What was somewhat disturbing to me was the message in that email…..It read as follows: Mark, your die is in route back to you now. Your tracking # is xxxxxxxxxxx. Please note that using the dummy rounds you provided we were not able to completely eliminate the sticking issue. We polished your die and this helped but did not completely eliminate the sticking you were experiencing. Our recommendation is that while you are reloading you stop every 10 rounds or so and add a small amount of case lube to the projectile and the upper portion of the case just before it goes into the Redding Taper Crimp die…. Needless to say this will not occur…..I pay $75.00 for this die and this is what I have to do to keep it from sticking yet my factory Dillon taper crimp die used on both Dillon machines do not stick when I load these same exact rounds…..For now I will keep this die but going forward I will not purchase another Redding Micro-adjustable taper crimp die for anything I load - BUT - I do love Redding's Pro Series/Micro-Adjustable Seating Dies - Love Them and I have several and my next purchase is one for 6.5 Creedmoor….. Sorry for going off subject to your question but I thought it was important to share….Money well spent on the Redding adjustable seating die for any caliber IMO…….

To add to Hesed’s comments - the great news about the 1100 is you do not have to “push” to seat the primer - everything is done on the down stroke of the machine except for shell plate indexing and retraction of the tool head….

This is interesting - Gonna have to give this a try also…If it works for my old shoulder I will drill a small divet into my handle and create a fourth position….Thanks for posting this picture….

And this thread is another example of why I love this forum. The OP asked for guidance and recommendations and everyone provided their recommendations and reasons as to why they have what they have. I am betting one, if not more of the posts in this thread “fits” into the OP’s situation/senario. These are the types of threads I love to come back to and read what others are doing and/or what pathway they followed…..Warpspeed said it best - I truly believe that whatever you buy will be not only an amazing tool once you get it set up and running but also an investment….I have yet to see a Dillon press go down in value when they are taken care of by the owner….

All GREAT points and spot on…Well summarized Hesed…..

Many good points to consider posted above my response but….. a couple of very important things before you decide on the unit you….. 1 - The 550 - A SUPER machine capable of loading hundreds of thousands of rounds - but you must turn the shell plate in order to advance to the next process - each and every time and you have four stations. A case feeder can be added but it does not come from Dillon set up for a case feeder. Toolheads and caliber conversions are less expensive vs. the 750 toolheads and caliber conversions. or 2 - The 750 - Also a SUPER machine capable of loading hundreds of thousands of rounds - the shell plate advances automatically advances to the next process every time you pull the handle - and you have five stations. The system comes from Dillon set up and ready for an automatic case feeder - an option that most reloaders want and prefer. Many have started on the 550 and eventually moved up to the 650/750 while many prefer the manual control capability of the 550 and have never and would never move to the 650/750. For me I started with the 550 and then sold it and went to a 650 (which I now have two). Whatever you decide you will hear it over and over again - Dillon Precision has GREAT service and support and I think both machines still carry a lifetime warranty…… Good Luck on your decision - Nothing is more exciting than setting up your first Dillon system….

Thank you Sir…Mark

What an unusual coating color (really cool). I cannot shoot that great but with those I would have the best looking bullets at the match. Much cooler looking vs. the Blue, Black, or Red bullets most shoot….Thanks for posting the picture…..

Same for me also. Going to wait a little longer before I re-stock. Hoping as fall/winter arrive and shooting slows a little maybe demand will also drop off. Time will tell but I will continue to monitor pricing and availability closely. I have not seen a lot of CCI - SPP’s becoming available vs. Federal’s - but beggars cannot always be choosers…..

That is what I did and mine cycles perfectly….

Eric - Sorry for not being more clear - My unit was the EVO unit with the standard priming system. I did not have any sensors on my EVO either. I did not have issues with the powder system - only the case feeder and the stock primer "slide" system. I also do not have automation nor have I ever on any of my units. but I did run a MBF on my EVO and it ran perfectly. I have plans to add it to my RL1100 eventually but right now I am in no rush. As for Mark 7's support - I will say that I blame the support (or lack there of) because of COVID. IMO (and this is only my opinion - others here can share their own experiences) Mark 7 has a couple of very knowledgeable staff members that know these machines, unlike Dillon Precision where most everyone you speak to knows what they are talking about or can grab someone who does. When I called or emailed with my issues I was always directed to one gentleman and he knew his stuff so I am guessing that in time Mark 7 will build a stronger customer support team. Based on his availability there were times I received the needed support in hours and then there were times it took a second phone call or email 1-3 days after the first email or call message. Again this is only my experience and my issues did occur during the peak of COVID in the U.S. I am sure other forum members will provide you more answers over the weekend to your questions. I am excited to see where you go with this project. ALSO - Thank you for your service Sir. I have a son in the Air Force right now and could not be a more proud of him.....

AHI - Thanks for taking time to provide the detailed reply you did. Makes a lot more sense to me now and I learned a lot from your information. Mark

Eric - Welcome to the forum Sir. Reading your post you have asked a lot of great questions and there are very smart and very experenced folks here that post in this reloader section that will be along to answer every question you have. For me I can only provide you my short experience related to one of your questions…. Background - I am 61 years old and have loaded for over 35 having started on a RCBS Single Stage that I dang near wore out. About 15 years ago I purchased my first Dillon - a 550. Kept it for about two years then decided I wanted the extra state and auto indexing so I sold the 550 (should have kept for small runs and load development but that is hind sight now) and bought a 650…..I love my 650’s (actually have a second 650 that is still brand new in the box because when Dillon decided to discontinue I loved the press so much I promised myself I would have a complete second system as back up). This happens when you start getting older and have OCD. You but what you love - for that just in case I need it itch….Sorry - got off track and was making this about me….. About 18 months ago I had just purchased an RL1100 (just before COVID’s impact related to reloading machines and accessories hit bottom) and upon its arrival and before I could open the sealed box this forum group made me realize that for just a little more money I could have “The Mercedes” of reloading systems so I sold my RL1100 for what I paid and ordered a Mark 7 direct from Lyman/Mark7. Sydney (Sales at Mark7) told me my timing was good and four months later my Mark7 arrived….Now at this point every company was starting to feel the real effects of COVID (longer lead times due to supply chain issues for required raw materials or compoients needed to build their machines) and I think this is where my ultimate demize “seed got planted”….. Being OCD and having loaded on a Dillon 650 (that at this point I still had and continued to load on) I knew what a reliable loader could do when it was “tweaked” and set up right (Dillon customer service pre-COVID was second to none). The Mark7 is the most beautiful loader in look, precision, quality, and feel that I had ever touched, seen, or owned….This machine had a movement like a Swiss Watch - seriously - soomth as butter and tight right out of the box…Quality that far exceeded my Dillon 650 and I never opened my RL1100 to compare….After a slow and methodical 4 day set up because of my OCD and because I work fulltime (this was because of me not the machine) and following every recommendation from forum members who owned these machines I started reloading. From the start I struggled with two processes - case feeder and primer slide/feeder. After just a couple of weeks I realized my Dillon case feeder on my 650 would fit and work with my Mark7 so I put it on and that problem went away. A week later I had a new Dillon case feeder in route for the Mark7. It arrived, I installed, and that problem was fixed but in the mean time I continued to struggle with my primer feed system. I am still loadng manually so I can manage my cycle time, force, and can stop when something did not feel right and on this machine it was so smooth you could feel when something was not right. Long story short - After working with Mark7 for three months related almost strictly around my primer system, and receiving a few replacement parts to try (remember COVID supplier shortages are in full swing now) and four primer detonations while loading - I gave up and sold my Mark7 machine that had less than 2000 rounds loaded on it. Lessons Learned - 1- The Mark7 machine is a true masterpiece of quality craftsmanship. Second to none -IMO and if I were to buy again it would be a Mark7 over the Apex 10 due to sheer beauty and craftsmanship. (It is the only loader I would take time to clean and polish each time I finished using it). 2 - This machine has a lot going on with each cycle so be ready to “tweak and re-tweak” but if you have the patience and can get it running right others here who have this machine will tell you they will amke you a TON of ammo - FAST….. 3 - Understand that we are still living in a COVID supply chain issue world as replacement parts may have long lead times. 4 - And develop a personal contact at Mark7. They have a great staff but they are stretched thin, even thinner now I am sure with COVID. I was used to speaking to a knowledable person everytime I called - when I called and I know this has changed since COVID but for me this was where I failed. I did not develop that relationship with the right peroson(s) at Mark7 so many times my issues went unanswered until my second or third email or call. When it was answered it was done with the highest level of profession and knowledge - but sometimes this took many days…. I might own a 9 or 10 station press again one of these days but for now after selling the Mark7 - I purchased another RL1100 (my son has one also) and I am very happy with the RL1100. Is it a Mark7 - no - not even close - but it was $1000 less than a Mark7 but it works - it required a few very minor tweaks but it runs and runs (manually) and there is a HUGE support group right here on this forum for both machines that can help you with anything that goes wrong or needs tweaking…..

AHI - Dumb question on my part but when these questions pop up in my head I figure I will ask the forum trust for help answering….Now I have on need to or intent of doing this but I read here on the forum where members can and do resize specific lead bullets down to a slightly smaller size, usually .001” to .002”… Question 1 - Can a person with a simple Lee (or other off the shelf brand) resizing push thru die resize coated bullets and not mess up the coating? Question 2 - Using the same basic equipmentmentioned in my first question - Can one resize jacketed or plated bullets - like a standard .356 FMJ/JHP or a plated FMJ bullet (like Xtreme sells) down to a .355? Again I have no specific need or plan to do this - this was just one of those learning opportunities for me….Thanks Mark

And with no supplies you need no press so you can send me that/those… Baker - We are here for ya….

Dang 4n2t0 - You just became my hero with that 1000% true statement…..I about spit out a mouthful of water on my laptop when I read your comment above….So true Sir - So true…..

Guys - Most of us here load a lot of ammo - that is why we hang out here with like minded folks and from this forum about 3 years ago I learned about what has become one of the most valuable tools in "my" reloading room (I know there are those that may disagree and I respect your position). Each time I finish reloading a "batch" (in this batch there were about 500 rounds) I stop, grab by Shockbottle Case Gauge, grab the 3.5 power glasses (usually wear 2.5 power), turn on the LED work bench light that sits 18" above the work bench area I use, and I start case gauging the rounds I have loaded. Now while actually loading a "batch" I have on the reloading bench right beside my press this same Shockbottle Gauge as well as a Dillon or Wilson single round case gauge that I will grab and drop one round about every 10-20 rounds being loaded into the single gauge for a quick check. If I get any resistance I STOP my reloading the case then goes into the Shockbottle gauge for further checking. Based on the results I continue on or figure out what had changed. Many time I realize the single case gauge is a little dirty. When this happens I grab a small nylon brush and some alcohol to give the single case gauge a quick cleaning (case lube build up over time that may cause a round to "stick" a little). BUT - EVERY round I load - EVERY round I load goes through the Shockbottle Case Gauge. Now many here will say "Mark - You need to check your rounds on a hard surface not a towel like the pictures below show" - I do guys - I just use the towel as the transfer area from the bulk ammo bin to the Shockbottle case gauge. Below is an example why IMO this tool is so important.....Look Close - Three over and Three down from the front left corner of the block (I set it up this way for these pictures) but this was found during my check this morning. One 9mm Makarov piece of brass..... And then of course we all have experienced a 380 round making it all the way through our loading process even when we know that we sorted out "every" 380 round from our brass....The good news is the 380 rounds really stand out when you use a multi-cavity case gauge like the Shockbottle. We know a 380 round can stop many guns for functioning and not sure about the 9mm Makarov but its case is ever so slightly smaller than the standard 9mm case so I am guessing it could get stuck in some guns chambers. Again just wanted to share with everyone because some reloaders may not be aware of or think case gauges are vital in this process we all enjoy (at some level even if it for the $$ savings). If you are like me and reload range pick up brass you might want to consider getting some type of case gauge if you do not have one today - and make time/take time to gauge every round you intend to shoot. I do not want something like this, that I can control, to cause me to not shoot to my capability. Again - I learned about the Shockbottle case gauge right here on this forum and bought one because of it - just thought I would share with others another learning opportunity I received from this forum.

Johnny - Not even sure what an Ammo-Bot case extractor is but thought I would share this info with you as the seller says this is a hard to find part?????? No affiliation with the seller - just saw Ammo-Bot and thought about you having two units…Mark https://www.gunbroker.com/item/910987748

I had to look it up myself. Guess I have some Liddite in my old body also…..Some things are best left unchanged…. ThNks for the new word - I will use it in some upcoming work related presentations

Dang it - Today is not my day to get primers. Maybe tomorrow will be. Thanks for posting this. I just missed your post for 30 minutes and that was all it took for others to get what they had….Thanks Again

Thank you - I loaded 2000 into my cart that showed available but by the time I got signed in to check out they were gone…At $78.00 per thousand before shipping/Haz-Mat these were a good deal in today’s market…..Maybe next time

InTheShaw - Please take lots of pictures (before, during, and after) as this is a topic of great interest to me. My wife and I will soon be relocating to West TN or at least North North MS. Our plan is to build (would be our third home to build) or purchase a home that fits our every need. Either way there will be one internal room in the house that will play three roles - Reloading Room, Safe/Storm Room, and Walk-in Gun Vault. This means re-enforced walls, ceiling, and floor as well as a real Inside Swing Vault Door. I want to get ideas from your build that I can use in mine as it relates to the internal layout and design. Looking forward to seeing your progress thru completion…..

Thanks George for this detail and the methods and oil you use to clean your press. Being a old tight wad I also change the oil and filters in my vehicles and only use Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil so I have that on hand. Now for a quick story of being in the right place at the right time….. I walk into my local Wal-Mart one Saturday or Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. like I do every weekend to pick up our groceries but tend to also cruse through Sporting Goods to see if they have any good deals on 22LR ammo. I then proceed from there through automotive on my way to the grocery section…. What is this I ask myself (then I ask an associate)…. These are 12 quart bag in a box units of Mobil 1 Full Synthetic oil (various weight consistencies) that my local Wal-Mart received ( a full pallet) by mistake. So what do they do - they put the pallet in the isle way and mark it for $20.00 a box - Yes - $20.00 for 12 quarts of Mobil 1 Full Synthetic oil - so I bought eight boxes…Just have to deal with the issue of transferring oil from the bag spout to a previously used 5 quart Mobil 1 oil container but for this price I am not complaining…. Now back to reloading talk…..Thanks Again…Mark