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The only issue with either is that it is what it is and always will be. Dillon has another option The 550 B basic loader. Instead of moving the dies you have a shell plate that moves. This makes it a limited progressive or can be operated one case at a time. Instead of batch loading you just move the shell plate through the stations and end up with one completed round. I use my 550B with the powder measure removed for rifle rounds and have relegated my old single stage to bullet pulling. If you want to make ammo for Handgun competition or recreation then you will want to end up with a progressive this press will allow you to add the components to make it a full fledged progressive. If you are making ammo for bench rest you sure don't need any advice from me.

xring

The Lee turret moves the dies when you pull the handle it is better to move the hulls. A 550b can be used as a single stage or a manually operated progressive.

I have had my dillion square deal now for 4 years and just over 11k rounds loaded (380, 9mm and 45 acp)
for me it was the best way to go with my limited arm mobility.
i have had to change out a few wear items and field strip it a time or two, but its consistent and almost ME proof
it was pricey to start, but not really compared to the lee and after adding all the piece parts to make it work for me
dillions customer service is fantastic for me

For pistol, Dillon Square Deal B.

For rifle, and precision handgun, get a turret press, and a couple extra turrets. Find a load you like, set your dies AND NEVER TOUCH THEM AGAIN.

I would recommend the Redding T7 Turret.

Redding T7 Turret 274.99 Square Deal B 379.96 =654.95 Dillon 550 B = 439.95 plus about 64. for pistol dies. each will need rifle dies so a wash there 504 vs 654 Dillon 550B still wins.

xring

When comparing options, the incremental cost to add one caliber is as or more important than the cost of the press itself.

Once you get into reloading, very few people load only a single caliber. For example, I am loading 7 calibers these days and they are only mainstream calibers, not some of the oddball calibers that also get handloaded.

For example, if you add another turret ($7) and die set ($27) to the Lee Classic Cast turret press, it ends up costing about $35 to add another caliber.

Adding a Square Deal B Caliber Conversion, including Dies, Shellplate, Powder Funnel, Locator Buttons runs about $85 for a caliber.

A Dillon 550 B caliber conversion for a pistol caliber runs about $160.

A Redding turret costs about $67 plus die set.

So if I was pricing out the extra 6 calibers I handload, just those calibers would range in cost from $210 (Lee) to $960 (Dillon 550B).

I guess I should mention that I purchased a press kit... Haha
I went cheap and got the lee 50th anniversary breechlock kit. I found it for 75 bones so I couldn't pass it up. Thinking about building my own case tumbler now...
I is poor...

Hey you need to start somewhere. My first "machine" was a lee loader ( the one you pound the cases in the dies with a mallet). My wife got tired of hearing all the banging and got me an RCBS re-loader special kit with a real press for christmas 32 years ago. Have fun be safe.

xring

PXdon wrote:I guess I should mention that I purchased a press kit... Haha
I went cheap and got the lee 50th anniversary breechlock kit. I found it for 75 bones so I couldn't pass it up. Thinking about building my own case tumbler now...
I is poor...

That will work just fine.....
The toys that some guys have are a product of many years of reloading and buying.
Some just have pockets full of money
I'm one who has collected mine over the years as money came available. I don't mind saving up to purchase something I really want. Most kids these dayZ want instant gratification and have their credit cards to the limit without knowing how or when they can ever pay it back.
Ok...I'll stop there...Sorry, I get carried away sometimes.
Just wait till Obama Care gets in full swing and companies start closing down etc.....

I saw a few vids at YouTube on making homemade tumblers..most looked like they would work great.
Check it out.

Don2