For the love of God!

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 17:06

I sooooo confused! Maybe you guys can help me out.

Background: Eight guys decide they will get into reloading together. One location with one person doing the actual loading. The others will help with bagging bullets separating/inspecting/cleaning brass etc. Need to crank out 3-5k rounds per month. One caliber per month We are gonna load 9mm, 40/10mm, and 45acp

Today: Happened on the chance to buy a lightly used Dillon 1050 with lots of extras for $900. It is setup for 38 super (rats!) Dial calipers, bullet boxes (30+) Several pounds of VV powder, 1000+ bullets 2-3k rounds brass.

My questions:

1. Is it worth the $900? Can the 1050 used be worth what 2.5 LnL's are new?

2. What is the real cost to do caliber conversions? I keep getting conflicting stories. Remember we are going to load a single caliber per month.

Thanks for your help!

IndyGunFreak · 05-05-2011, 17:09

Caliber conversions on a 1050, are pretty expensive (in the 4-500 range I do believe)... It's not really a machine you do caliber conversions on.. You "set it and forget it".

I'm not sure thats a good machine to be learning on.. but thats just my opinion.

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndyGunFreak

Caliber conversions on a 1050, are pretty expensive (in the 4-500 range I do believe)... It's not really a machine you do caliber conversions on.. You "set it and forget it".

I'm not sure thats a good machine to be learning on.. but thats just my opinion.

Not really learning. More like re-learning. 15 years ago I had 2 Lee progressives set up. One in 45 and one in 9mm. I have probably reloaded 30k rounds in the past.

GioaJack · 05-05-2011, 17:15

You didn't mention if it's a RL1050 or the Super 1050. Either one, if in good condition are certainly worth the $900. A new Super 1050 runs about $1600.

The problem is a caliber conversion runs about $400, depending on what you get; tool head, powder measure, etc.

Best thing to do is pull up Dillon's website and price out conversions that way you can determine just how much convenience you want, and how much you want to spend on conversions.

Jack

IndyGunFreak · 05-05-2011, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadyscott69

Not really learning. More like re-learning. 15 years ago I had 2 Lee progressives set up. One in 45 and one in 9mm. I have probably reloaded 30k rounds in the past.

Ah, OK.. well thats not so bad.

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

You didn't mention if it's a RL1050 or the Super 1050. Either one, if in good condition are certainly worth the $900. A new Super 1050 runs about $1600.

The problem is a caliber conversion runs about $400, depending on what you get; tool head, powder measure, etc.

Best thing to do is pull up Dillon's website and price out conversions that way you can determine just how much convenience you want, and how much you want to spend on conversions.

Jack

It is a super 1050. I guess my real question is, can I just use lock rings and change out the dies in the single toolhead. We want to do pretty high volume of really light loads for the range. If it takes me an hour once a month to change setup, no biggie.

Boxerglocker · 05-05-2011, 17:27

I may be wrong but I thought the 1050 was the same in regards to conversions as the XL650... the 38 super thus being interchangeable aside from dies with 9mm.

GioaJack · 05-05-2011, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadyscott69

It is a super 1050. I guess my real question is, can I just use lock rings and change out the dies in the single toolhead. We want to do pretty high volume of really light loads for the range. If it takes me an hour once a month to change setup, no biggie.

Hell of a deal for a Super. For conversions, (without all the convenience of the quick change stuff... you can buy it later if you want), you'll need dies for each caliber, one more primer assembly, (it'll come with one), correct shell plate with correct locator pins, correct powder funnel, (some may be crossed used, I'm not sure) and one more feeder shell plate... not sure what size is 10 mm but you are going to need one large and one small.

I may be forgetting something but you can get away with one toolhead and one powder measure. A little more trouble bet certainly doable. Even with all the work a conversion can still be done in less that an hour. (I think I'd spring for the money and get extra toolheads.)

Very good deal on the press though.

Jack

labdwakin · 05-05-2011, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

Hell of a deal for a Super. For conversions, (without all the convenience of the quick change stuff... you can buy it later if you want), you'll need dies for each caliber, one more primer assembly, (it'll come with one), correct shell plate with correct locator pins, correct powder funnel, (some may be crossed used, I'm not sure) and one more feeder shell plate... not sure what size is 10 mm but you are going to need one large and one small.

I may be forgetting something but you can get away with one toolhead and one powder measure. A little more trouble bet certainly doable. Even with all the work a conversion can still be done in less that an hour. (I think I'd spring for the money and get extra toolheads.)

Very good deal on the press though.

Jack

If he doesn't want it, I'll take it...

I have sources for free ww lead in SC

GioaJack · 05-05-2011, 17:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by labdwakin

If he doesn't want it, I'll take it...

I have sources for free ww lead in SC

Try to cut in on my deal junior and it'll be the last human act you ever do.

Jack

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

Hell of a deal for a Super. For conversions, (without all the convenience of the quick change stuff... you can buy it later if you want), you'll need dies for each caliber, one more primer assembly, (it'll come with one), correct shell plate with correct locator pins, correct powder funnel, (some may be crossed used, I'm not sure) and one more feeder shell plate... not sure what size is 10 mm but you are going to need one large and one small.

I may be forgetting something but you can get away with one toolhead and one powder measure. A little more trouble bet certainly doable. Even with all the work a conversion can still be done in less that an hour. (I think I'd spring for the money and get extra toolheads.)

Very good deal on the press though.

Jack

Thanks Jack. That is what I kind of thought. I am going to call Dillion and get them to price me a package of everything I need to do it the "slow" way to start off. Like you said, I can always buy the convience stuff later.

I still haven't heard the answer to ...

Is a used 1050 worth more than 2 LnL's? Why?

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

Try to cut in on my deal junior and it'll be the last human act you ever do.

Jack

I have at least 7 friends that own tire stores. A couple of them are pretty high volume too. I have no intention of casting lead... for now!

GioaJack · 05-05-2011, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadyscott69

Thanks Jack. That is what I kind of thought. I am going to call Dillion and get them to price me a package of everything I need to do it the "slow" way to start off. Like you said, I can always buy the convience stuff later.

I still haven't heard the answer to ...

Is a used 1050 worth more than 2 LnL's? Why?

I'll try to be unbiased here since I have two of both. Yes, the Super is worth 2 LNL's.

I've been very fortunate in that I haven't had the problems C4W had with his LNL and both of mine have case feeders and one with a bullet feeder. The comparison still isn't fair though, the 1050 is an enhanced and improved version of the old Star loaders... really designed for commercial type production.

Just the swaging feature is going to save you all kinds of headaches with 9 mm and .45 if you ever have some crimped primer pockets sneak through.

If it were me I'd do the deal in a heartbeat.

Jack

labdwakin · 05-05-2011, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

Try to cut in on my deal junior and it'll be the last human act you ever do.

Jack

You mean you wouldn't forgive me for 500 lbs of cleaned WW lead?

labdwakin · 05-05-2011, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadyscott69

I have at least 7 friends that own tire stores. A couple of them are pretty high volume too. I have no intention of casting lead... for now!

I MIGHT be persuaded to trade a fairly large quantity of brass for a large quantity of wheel weights...

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 18:33

I forgot to add, our starting budget is $1800. We are all long term friends and are in this for the long hall. I am sure we will spend much more in the long hall.

GioaJack · 05-05-2011, 18:48

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED BUCKS! You can buy all the equipment and still have money left over for hookers!

Hell, I might even chip in.

Jack

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioaJack

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED BUCKS! You can buy all the equipment and still have money left over for hookers!

Hell, I might even chip in.

Jack

On the equipment or the hookers?

It is only $200 each to start. Not a bad way to go huh.

Colorado4Wheel · 05-05-2011, 18:59

900 for ANY 1050 is worth it. A lot of people prefer the non Super version. I would jump on that and suck it up to buy the conversions.

I cringe when I hear people say they are going to buy a press in a group. Bad freaking idea, IMHO.

WiskyT · 05-05-2011, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

900 for ANY 1050 is worth it. A lot of people prefer the non Super version. I would jump on that and suck it up to buy the conversions.

I cringe when I hear people say they are going to buy a press in a group. Bad freaking idea, IMHO.

It didn't work out well for Ralph and Ed when they went in on a TV together.

Shadyscott69 · 05-05-2011, 19:58

I am doing it a little differently. I will own the press. They are putting in money and time for components.

I have to open my showroom for 5 hours every Sat. I am there bored most of the time. Can easily load a couple thousand or so rounds on a Sat. If it falls apart(the group) I still own the equipment.
Only a couple of us are high volume shooters. The rest basically want to stock up on ammo as it is produced. Time will tell.

Colorado4Wheel · 05-05-2011, 20:11

As long as your loading your own ammo then it's not big deal. I would not load other peoples ammo. Especially in a place of business.

21Carrier · 05-16-2011, 03:03

I know this thread is about two weeks old, but I had to talk to ShadyScott. I TOTALLY agree with Colorado4Wheel. I WAS gonna say it's a bad idea, but with everyone being cool with YOU owning the stuff, if the turdles hit the fan, then that part is covered. HOWEVER, unless these other guys are like BROTHERS, be very weary of reloading ammo for them. If you double-charge one, and they get a piece of brass in their eye, LOOK OUT!!! At the very least, make sure you are using a powder that will make a double-charge impossible. That is, a bulky powder that would overflow if doubled up. It just scares me to hear you talking about loading BULK ammo for 8 other guys. Just be careful, I'd hate to hear about you being sued to Hell and back.

IndyGunFreak · 05-16-2011, 05:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21Carrier

I know this thread is about two weeks old, but I had to talk to ShadyScott. I TOTALLY agree with Colorado4Wheel. I WAS gonna say it's a bad idea, but with everyone being cool with YOU owning the stuff, if the turdles hit the fan, then that part is covered. HOWEVER, unless these other guys are like BROTHERS, be very weary of reloading ammo for them. If you double-charge one, and they get a piece of brass in their eye, LOOK OUT!!! At the very least, make sure you are using a powder that will make a double-charge impossible. That is, a bulky powder that would overflow if doubled up. It just scares me to hear you talking about loading BULK ammo for 8 other guys. Just be careful, I'd hate to hear about you being sued to Hell and back.

Agree... If everyone is just loading their own ammo on the 1050, it'd be different... Honestly, even if they were "like brothers", I wouldn't do it. That's just to many chances for an accident or problem. Family sues Family over stuff like this all the time, and you certainly don't want to open your business up to liability.

IGF

Shadyscott69 · 05-16-2011, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21Carrier

I know this thread is about two weeks old, but I had to talk to ShadyScott. I TOTALLY agree with Colorado4Wheel. I WAS gonna say it's a bad idea, but with everyone being cool with YOU owning the stuff, if the turdles hit the fan, then that part is covered. HOWEVER, unless these other guys are like BROTHERS, be very weary of reloading ammo for them. If you double-charge one, and they get a piece of brass in their eye, LOOK OUT!!! At the very least, make sure you are using a powder that will make a double-charge impossible. That is, a bulky powder that would overflow if doubled up. It just scares me to hear you talking about loading BULK ammo for 8 other guys. Just be careful, I'd hate to hear about you being sued to Hell and back.

No worries. After thinking about things, I nixed the group deal. My best friend and I bought an LnL and we are each loading our own. If you want to pull the trigger, you pull the handle! Thanks everyone.

Anyone want a 1050 for $1k?