Reloading Press Quandary - What to do???

kev74

kev74

20×102mm Vulcan
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I've got 3 Lee Pro1000s on my reloading bench. Despite their less that stellar reputation, they have served me well for many years. I like being able to switch between calibers without having to change anything over. And I like being able to keep a relatively few replacement parts on hand.

Last night, the shell plate carrier broke on my 9mm press. I was loading some 9mm with some sticky cases and I forced it a bit too much. Unfortunately, Lee no longer makes the shell plate carrier.

Here's where the quandary comes in to play. Lee will sell me a new press for half price in leu of warranty repair.

I'm debating whether to get a new Lee press - either Pro4000 or Six Pack Pro. Or should I suck it up and get a Dillon.

If I'm upgrading, I want to have a 4th station for a factory crimp die.

If anyone has experience with either the Pro4000 or the Six Pack Pro, I'd like to hear about your experience. Or if there's something else I should be considering...
 
Mosinitis

Mosinitis

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Get a Dillon. I can sell my Dillon 550B for more than I paid for it in mid 1990's and I used it for 30 years. I can still get all the parts, but never had the need to, everything held up.
 
togmaster

togmaster

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Dillon fan here. I have a 550 for about 15 years and just upgraded to a 750 with a bullet feeder. Makes it a breeze to load large quantities of 9mm. I'd be happy to show you the setup if you want to look before you buy.
 
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repete

repete

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Sorry to hear about the Lee (RIP), I too have a few Lee Pro 1000 and I've chose them over Dillon 3 times! I'm used to Lee running counterclockwise whereas the Dillon run Clockwise, and I just couldn't get used to it. The Dillons I've had were picked up as part of estate sales and I set them up and ran each and decided to part with each, I have to admit they are smooth running and did bring a decent return when sold.
Personally I'd stick with the Lee as you still have a couple others, as far as Six pack or 4000 no idea.
 
218bee

218bee

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Another Dillon fan here. Have a Square Deal B since the 1990’s and it’s been flawless. Service is second to nome.
 
RooftopKorean

RooftopKorean

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Even though im a Lee fan, I'd just get a Dillon because unlike Lee, they seem to keep producing parts for their presses or the parts also seem to be in abundance unlike the Lee presses.

It would suck just having to retool for a Dillon.
 
RedBreast21

RedBreast21

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It really comes down to how much you reload. If your doing thousands of rounds a month for sport the clear choice is Dillon. If you're doing a few thousand for the year then in my opinion it doesn't really matter. Dillon if you can afford it but if not, your not suffering. :beer:
 
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