Which Dillon for a complete noob?

[Padwan]

I resumed more regular practice some months ago. I had a few cases of ammo in storage before my "sabbatical" but these won't last me beyond a few more months. The SO has also found time to shoot so our joint consumption is close to 600 rounds a week.

I could just reorder factory or reman ammo, but I'm thinking reloading might be a better way to maintain availability and control cost. 9mm is all we use these days

Which Dillon presses should I consider? They have several choices and I don't quite know which would match my needs?

Also, does a high humidity environment affect the quality of reloads? I live close to the beach and the air here is both humid and salty. Any suggestions how to minimize humidity in a reloading room?

#Dillon650

#Dillon550

#Dillon1050

[Luke]

650 with a case feeder, get the bullet feeder too if you can swing it.

[GuanoLoco]

Take your expected volume, then double it. When ammo is cheaper you just shot more!

550 at the least, 650 better and more upgradable. I started with a 550 and upgraded straight to a 1050. At this point I would say to stretch as far as you can on the press.

Humidity and especially salt will affect the rustiness of your press and dies!!! Rusty reloading equipment is sadness. I suggest a dehumidifier with a drain and frequent use of lubricants designed for corroion resistance. Hornady Oneshot cleaner/lube on all dies at the very least. Eezox is a little smelly but excellent protectant.

[Peally]

It also largely depends on your tolerance for reloading.

[GuanoLoco]

My tolerance for reloading never improved over time, if anything, it was the exact opposite.

[Peally]

Mine either, it's pure work and burned free time to me. Might as well spring for the best you can reasonably afford unless it's a side hobby.

[JCS]

I wouldn't want to do 600 rounds per week on a 550b.

If you have a mentor that can help you a 650 is a good choice but if you're jumping right in alone I couldn't imagine learning on a 650. I recently upgraded to a 550b from a turret and it was still intimidating.


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[Peally]

I started from knowing absolutely nothing about reloading to going with a 650. The learning curve is a lot lower than you think, it's just a case of putting it together and reading through the well-written setup instructions.

[Trigger]

Dillon 550.

Worst case you outgrow it. Then you either keep it and buy bigger, or sell it and buy bigger. Dillons hold their value, so you might be out $50-100 versus what you paid in a resale.

I keep a 550 to do the small-volume rifle reloading, and do the 9mm and 223 hi-volume stuff on a 1050.

[Padwan]

The 650 differs from the 550 in that it will take the case and bullet feeders, as well as auto-advance with each stroke of the handle? Did I get that right?

Money isn't a significant limiting factor. I've sold most everything I had that wasn't a 9mm to plough back into shooting expenses, so I do have some funds to spare. I would prefer to just "cry once" and get the most service I can out of the machine.

Apart from the press and the dies, I'm told I need a case tumbler, scale, caliper, case lube, primer tubes and a filling machine if I can afford it. Is there anything else that should be on the list?

Loading manuals were also recommended as must-haves. As well as a sturdy workbench.