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Which Dillon for 38 special?


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Never owned a Dillon but am considering buying one for loading 38 special ammo (mostly wadcutter).

 

Budget minded....is there a basic Dillon package (5 stage) that includes everything needed to start loading?  press, dies, powder measure, primer feed etc?   I do have a Lee LoadMaster now and have reloaded on/off for years now...have the misc like powder scales, tumbler etc.  

 

If so, have a Model number and possible source to purchase the unit?

 

Thanks

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https://www.dillonprecision.com/square-deal-b-reloader_8_1_25237.html

Square deal B 4 stage

 

https://www.dillonprecision.com/rl-550c-reloader_8_1_23594.html

550c  4 stage also

 

750 5 stage

https://www.dillonprecision.com/xl-750-reloader_8_1_26745.html

 

All of them come without dies. they leave them out because they know everyone has different tastes and needs for dies

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FYI on a 550 station 1    size/deprime/prime

                      station 2    expand /powder drop

                     station 3       seat projectile

                       station 4      crimp

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Look around for a good used 650 or spring for a new 750...either work great for 38 Special and have real production rates in the 700 rounds per hour with a bullet feeder and around 500 per hour if you are manually placing the projectile in the case. There are plenty of accessories available and automation options are well proven.

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I use a 550 for specials.

The Lee Loadmaster is a four dies in five station press because they prime at the top of the stroke. You can do all the same operations in four Dillon stations.

Edited by belus
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1 minute ago, ysrracer said:

I load .38 Special/.38 Short Colt/9mm on a 550.

 

Station 1: resize, deprime, prime

Station 2. Flare, powder drop

Station 3. Seat the bullet

Station 4. Crimp

 

Easy peasy lemon squeezey :)

 

Or

 

Station 1: resize, deprime, prime

Station 2. Flare, powder drop

Station 3. Mr Bullet Feeder mini / drop the bullet

Station 4. Seat / crimp the bullet

 

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I used a 550 for 38spl for years (550 does all my revolver rounds really), but have been shooting so much of it lately, I am actually switching over to my 1050.  But the 550 loads them fine.  But since you want 5 stations, you'll have to move to the 650/750 (or the 1050 :) )

Edited by 78Staff
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On 9/17/2020 at 6:46 PM, Lower40 said:

Thanks for the info..I'll be shopping around...prefer a press with 5 stations in case I use my taper crimp die.

I think you have a misconception.

11 hours ago, ysrracer said:

 

Or

 

Station 1: resize, deprime, prime

Station 2. Flare, powder drop

Station 3. Mr Bullet Feeder mini / drop the bullet

Station 4. Seat / crimp the bullet

 

Pretty much. I use a taper crimp on most things now with the coated bullets in My 550... I still keep wanting a Square deal though for in the house just set up for 45, let a few good deals on used slip by. I just hate changing over my 550 primer feeder.

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1 hour ago, Joe4d said:

I think you have a misconception.

Pretty much. I use a taper crimp on most things now with the coated bullets in My 550... I still keep wanting a Square deal though for in the house just set up for 45, let a few good deals on used slip by. I just hate changing over my 550 primer feeder.

Buy a second 550 

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It really depends on your needs. I always tell people, if you're shooting more than a 1000 rounds a month, a 750 with a case and bullet feeder is the way to go.

 

Under a 1000 a month, a 550 will work just fine. Both crank out quality ammunition. 

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On 9/17/2020 at 1:48 PM, Lower40 said:

Never owned a Dillon but am considering buying one for loading 38 special ammo (mostly wadcutter).

 

 

On 9/17/2020 at 3:58 PM, AHI said:

Square deal has propitary dies . Do not recommend for full wadcutters.

 

Also, a Mr. Bullet Feeder will not handle wadcutters ( DEWC/HBWC ).

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