Introduction
The World of Reloading
The world of firearms enthusiasts often extends beyond simply owning and enjoying guns; it dives into the art and science of ammunition. Reloading, the process of assembling your own cartridges, is a rewarding pursuit that offers several advantages. It allows you to tailor your loads to your specific firearms, optimize performance, and, importantly, save money over time. But beyond the financial benefits, reloading provides a unique satisfaction: the ability to craft ammunition perfectly suited to your needs. If you are looking for precision reloading with speed, you should consider Dillon progressive reloading presses.
Progressive Reloading
This is where progressive reloading steps in, revolutionizing the way shooters and hunters craft their ammunition. Unlike single-stage or turret presses, which require separate operations for each step, progressive presses streamline the process, completing multiple steps simultaneously with each stroke of the handle. This translates into significantly faster loading speeds, making it an ideal choice for high-volume shooters, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to produce large quantities of accurate ammunition.
Dillon Precision
At the forefront of the progressive reloading world stands Dillon Precision, a name synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation. Dillon presses are widely recognized as some of the best, if not the best, progressive reloading presses available. This article delves deep into the world of Dillon progressive reloading presses, exploring their features, benefits, and why they are a premier choice for reloaders of all levels.
Understanding Progressive Reloading: The Basics
Reloading Defined
Reloading, at its core, involves taking fired cartridge cases and preparing them to be re-fired. This is done by removing spent primers, sizing the cases, priming them, filling them with powder, seating a bullet, and finally, crimping the bullet in place.
How it Works
A progressive reloading press takes this process and multiplies efficiency. With each pull of the handle, the press cycles through several stations, performing a specific task at each point. Imagine a well-orchestrated assembly line:
- Case Feeding: The press automatically feeds a new empty case into the machine.
- Case Sizing/Depriming: The case is resized and the old primer is removed.
- Primer Seating: A new primer is inserted.
- Powder Charging: The precise amount of powder is dispensed into the case.
- Bullet Seating: The bullet is seated into the case.
- Crimp: The case mouth is crimped to hold the bullet securely.
The speed of this process is incredible. While single-stage presses might take a minute or more per round, progressive presses can often produce hundreds of rounds per hour.
This speed, however, does not come at the cost of precision. Modern progressive presses are designed with tight tolerances and accurate measurements. They often incorporate mechanisms to ensure the proper powder charge and seating depth of each round, leading to highly accurate ammunition.
Dillon Precision: A Legacy of Excellence
History
Dillon Precision, the company behind these impressive machines, has earned a sterling reputation within the reloading community. Founded in 1978 by Mike Dillon, the company initially focused on producing accessories for Dillon reloading presses. Mike Dillon, a passionate shooter, quickly developed a reputation for quality and innovation, and the company’s growth skyrocketed.
Commitment
Dillon’s commitment goes beyond just building machines. Their customer service is legendary, and they are dedicated to supporting their products. This dedication extends to a very loyal following, where they are known for building tough, reliable reloading presses and supporting their customers.
Reputation
The brand is well regarded for using high-quality materials and employing rigorous manufacturing processes to ensure durability. Dillon presses can withstand years of heavy use. They are built to handle the demands of the high-volume reloader.
This dedication, along with innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction, has cemented Dillon’s place as a leader in the reloading industry. Their presses are consistently ranked among the best, known for their precision, speed, and longevity. They have become the go-to choice for many serious reloaders who demand performance and reliability.
Key Features That Define Dillon Progressive Reloading Presses
Dillon offers several different progressive reloading presses, each designed to meet the needs of various reloaders. While each model has its own specific feature set, some core characteristics define the Dillon experience.
Durability
Unwavering Durability and Superior Construction: Dillon presses are built to last. They use heavy-duty frames constructed from high-quality materials. This robust construction ensures that the press can handle the stresses of continuous operation without issue. The engineering is solid, allowing for smooth, consistent operations, with less stress placed on all its components.
Efficiency and Speed
Outstanding Efficiency and Exceptional Speed: Perhaps the most attractive aspect of a Dillon progressive press is the reloading speed. Models are capable of producing hundreds of rounds per hour, significantly faster than single-stage or turret presses. This is a huge advantage for those who like to shoot often.
Reliability
Reliability for Smooth Operations: Dillon presses are engineered for smooth and reliable operation. Features like the auto-indexing system, which automatically rotates the shell plate to the next station, and the robust primer systems that provide reliable primer feeding, contribute to the dependable performance.
Caliber Changes
Effortless Caliber Changes: Dillon understands that reloaders often work with multiple calibers. Many of their presses are designed for quick and easy caliber changes. Dillon quick-change systems minimize downtime and allow you to switch between different cartridge types quickly and easily, which allows you to be more flexible in your shooting interests.
Versatility
Versatile Reloading: Dillon presses are designed to handle a wide variety of calibers, from pistol rounds to rifle cartridges. This versatility makes them a good investment.
Accessories and Upgrades
Thoughtful Accessories: Dillon offers a comprehensive range of accessories to customize your reloading experience.
Primer Systems
Primer Systems: Dillon presses feature reliable primer systems. These systems ensure a consistent and safe primer feed.
Warranty and Support
Outstanding Warranty and Support: Dillon stands behind its products with a comprehensive warranty and exceptional customer support.
Setting Up and Running a Dillon Progressive Press
Before purchasing a Dillon press, consider your reloading needs. Determine the calibers you reload most frequently and the expected volume. This will help you choose the appropriate model.
When you get your press, setting it up can seem a bit daunting, but Dillon provides clear and comprehensive instructions, along with online resources.
Initial Setup
Begin by mounting the press securely to a sturdy reloading bench. Follow the instructions to install the appropriate tool head, dies, and shell plate for your chosen caliber. Then, attach a powder measure and other accessories you might choose to install.
Operating the Press
Start by placing cases into the shell plate. Activate the primer system and charge the powder measure with your desired powder. Then, with each stroke of the handle, the press will progress through the different stages of the reloading process.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Common Issues: Occasionally, you might encounter issues, such as a stuck case or a powder charge that is too low. Dillon provides excellent troubleshooting guides, and its customer support is always available.
Safety
Prioritizing Safety: Always prioritize safety when reloading. Wear safety glasses and follow all safety precautions.
Enhancing Your Dillon Press: Accessories and Upgrades
Dillon offers several accessories designed to enhance your reloading experience.
Powder Measures
Powder Measures: Dillon powder measures are known for their accuracy and consistency.
Case Feeders
Case Feeders: Case feeders automate the process of feeding cases into the shell plate.
Bullet Feeders
Bullet Feeders: Bullet feeders automate the process of feeding bullets.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Dillon presses deliver remarkable speed, offering an efficient way to load large quantities of ammunition. Their build quality ensures exceptional durability. The presses are designed for easy caliber changes. They offer a wide range of compatible accessories and have excellent customer support.
Disadvantages
The initial investment can be higher.
Ideal Users
Dillon presses are well-suited for high-volume shooters, competitive shooters, and anyone who values speed, accuracy, and reliability.
Comparisons to Other Presses
While other progressive presses on the market offer various features and benefits, Dillon presses consistently stand out due to their combination of speed, durability, and reliability. Hornady and RCBS offer compelling alternatives, but the robust build quality and comprehensive support often make Dillon the preferred choice for reloaders who value longevity and high-volume output.
Conclusion
Dillon progressive reloading presses represent a significant investment in the art of reloading. They offer a blend of speed, reliability, and precision that sets them apart. If you are serious about reloading and want to improve the quality and amount of ammunition you produce, a Dillon press is an outstanding choice.
We encourage you to conduct thorough research, comparing the different models and considering which one best suits your specific reloading needs. Investigate the various accessories and customizations available to optimize your reloading experience.
Ultimately, the Dillon name is trusted for a good reason. It represents quality and precision. If you’re looking for a reloading press, you should consider Dillon.
Resources
Dillon Precision Website
Reloading Forums, such as The Firing Line or similar
YouTube channels for videos of Dillon presses in use
