Any one use the Dillon SL900? I am considering trying to find one and I would like to hear about the pro's and con's from your experiences with it.
Thanks for the Input
Lynn
Have had one for several years and they work great! The instructions say to go slow at first and develop a a pace that is free of jerks. I found that if you pause at the bottom and top of each stroke it works the best. The only other problem I found is it runs out of supplies quickly.
The press comes set for AA hulls so if you are using others take the time to call Dillon to get help resetting the press for your hulls. You might want to buy the cover and the parts kit as well. If you will use it for multiple gauges spend the money for the powder measure for each as it will save much headaches.
I've had mine for 3 years now and have nothing but good things to say about it. If you need it, Dillon's support is excellent. Read the manual carefully and go slow to start and you should be fine. It's easy to set up and I use Gun Clubs, STS and old style AA's without making any adjustments. As already stated, pause slightly at the end of the down stroke, also make sure you complete every stroke. If you stop, you will have a problem. If something is jammed, clear it out and then complete the stroke.There's a reason they include an extra primer transfer part as nearly everyone breaks one while learning to use the machine. Don't even think about buying it without the case feed as it would be cumbersome to use without it.All reloaders require maintenance and some degree of mechanical capability to make them work right and the Dillon is no different but its not difficult to use either. I have been very pleased with the machine.
+1 on all of the above. I have a documented 150,000 on my Dillon and am more than pleased. It's fast and accurate. Cruising along it produces 100 shells in 7 minutes.
Tech support is superb and free replacement parts for life even though you may have bought it used. Can't beat a Dillon.
I agree on all points. I bought mine used.. sent it back to Dillon and they upgraded it and did not charge me a cent.. they even paid the return shipping. I previously had a PW 800 + with a shell feeder and I prefer the Dillon.
The shot is dropped as the wad is inserted. I have two Dillons The first I bought when they first came out, also $599. The second I bought used about 4 years ago, for $400. I load Handicap (AA's) on one and singles (STS's) on the other. You can't beat them, but it takes a little time to get to know a progressive, regardless of the manufacturer. I have loaded a ton of shells on both of them, with very few problems. Buy one with the automatic shell loading device.
Just bought a lightly used 2 year old SL900. I've only ever used MECs and majority of use is on a 9000H. No time to try the Dillon as we are leaving for the Grand tomorrow, but really looking forward to giving it a try. So far what I've picked up here is to do complete strokes, hesitate at the bottom, and feel the primer home. Any other hints?
Had one and hated it. The hull feeder is stupidly small (built for metallic cases). It is nice that it will not drop powder or shot unless the hull is under the station. Crimp adjustment was too finicky for me, but I insist on perfect crimps and no buckled shells.
I also had an 800+ with the case feeder and it kicked ass compared to the Dillon. I got a Spolar here on TS.com after I ditched the Dillon.
I have 4 Dillon metallic presses - they are great machines.
Do not believe any of the loading rates quoted by Dillon for any of their machines.
Gentlemen, Thank you for all the responses as you helped me make my decision and I have made my purchase of a Dillon this evening. Again, thanks for the input.
Lynn
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