ScottinTexas
UZI Talk Life Member
Thanks to input and encouragement here, back in early October I decided to start reloading 9mm, 5.56 / .223, .308 and .38sp / .357. I just finished my test batch of 9mm.
I had an old Lyman single stage turret that I am using for .308 and .30-06. I may actually use this for small batches of .223 (69, 77 gr Sierra's).
So I ordered the Dillon XL750 and it took about 6 weeks to arrive. Not bad. It's a beautiful machine. Of course if you have a Dillon you know the press is but about half or less of the stuff you end up buying. Extra toolheads, caliber change kits, etc. and all are backordered but arrived after about 10 weeks or less. Dies are another matter; they are taking 12-16 weeks, maybe more. My 9mm die set was about 14 weeks.
There are a lot of subtle adjustments to make on this press. Having owned a Square DealB back in the 1990's was helpful. So is following the set-up manual after reading it twice. No skipping of steps. Check everything.
The biggest problem I had was primer feeding. It was not consistent and empty test rounds sometimes got fed, sometimes not, sometimes the primer was barely seated. I think there were two issues: the primer actuating rod was not properly spaced and second, that little case retainer wire in that station was loose and not retaining the empty case properly. Minor tweaks that seemed to solve the problem.
Anyway, my first test batch of 115 gr FMJ with 4.7 gr of Winchester 231 all functioned perfectly and to me were exactly the same felt recoil and accuracy as WWB.
I'll do another run and then try some cheaper 125 gr LRN coated bullets; there' only about 5 cents each vs. the ~10 cents per for the FMJ. Extreme Bullets also has some copper plated 9mm I may try.
Thanks for the help and encouragement, and any tips and suggestions appreciated.
I had an old Lyman single stage turret that I am using for .308 and .30-06. I may actually use this for small batches of .223 (69, 77 gr Sierra's).
So I ordered the Dillon XL750 and it took about 6 weeks to arrive. Not bad. It's a beautiful machine. Of course if you have a Dillon you know the press is but about half or less of the stuff you end up buying. Extra toolheads, caliber change kits, etc. and all are backordered but arrived after about 10 weeks or less. Dies are another matter; they are taking 12-16 weeks, maybe more. My 9mm die set was about 14 weeks.
There are a lot of subtle adjustments to make on this press. Having owned a Square DealB back in the 1990's was helpful. So is following the set-up manual after reading it twice. No skipping of steps. Check everything.
The biggest problem I had was primer feeding. It was not consistent and empty test rounds sometimes got fed, sometimes not, sometimes the primer was barely seated. I think there were two issues: the primer actuating rod was not properly spaced and second, that little case retainer wire in that station was loose and not retaining the empty case properly. Minor tweaks that seemed to solve the problem.
Anyway, my first test batch of 115 gr FMJ with 4.7 gr of Winchester 231 all functioned perfectly and to me were exactly the same felt recoil and accuracy as WWB.
I'll do another run and then try some cheaper 125 gr LRN coated bullets; there' only about 5 cents each vs. the ~10 cents per for the FMJ. Extreme Bullets also has some copper plated 9mm I may try.
Thanks for the help and encouragement, and any tips and suggestions appreciated.
