Dillon 1050

Anyone step up to one? Thoughts?

I got a lnl ap and it’s a great press. I just hate the upstroke prime when I am trying to do bulk runs. Has anyone stepped up to the 1050 but not needed it to run 20k rounds a year.

Not sure if I would get rid of the lnl ap or leave it set up for large primer

I primarily shoot 223, 308 and 300wm and 45. The 300 and 308 are single stage. So that leaves 223 and 45

Can’t really help on the 1050 as I have the 650 and also the same LNL. The weak link for me on the Hornady has definitely been primer seating. The 650 has a big advantages in that dept. I load 9mm on the 650 and it does a great job.

Most def. loading 45 acp was not a problem. It the 223 I have to go slower...

My thought is why replace what I have. If I am going to do it I will step up

Take a look at the 550 if rifle ammo is the primary goal.

I've owned a LNL, 1050 and a 550.

The 550 is the only one still on the bench, plus some single stage Rockchuckers.

If I was starting from scratch, a 550 would be my first and maybe only press.

It is simple and runs and runs without any fuss, it is a reliable workhorse.

The 1050 is nice, but only needed for really high volume loading.

I like the 550 for rifle like Jeff bird

For a pistol machine I think a 650 would do.

Just for general discussion, will add one comment regarding all progressive presses in general.

Focus on the quality of ammo being turned out, not the number of rounds per hour.

300 - 400 rounds/hour of high quality ammo is way better than 1,000 rounds/hour with inconsistent powder charges, or lots of run out.

When running the press, do not get into a mindset of "let me see how fast I can go," rather focus on consistency and quality.

The speed will be what it will be and always waaayyy faster than a single stage, but the quality of the output is far more important.

Agreed with previous comments...

There is two things making me consider stepping up.

1) primer on down stroke- I do not like the up press. I think it’s a better designed on the 1050

2) I think it’s a more robust press. I would go for similar rounds per hour

Back in the 80's I was shooting many revolver disciplines. PPC, Bianchi, Falling Plates, etc. I purchased one of the original 1050's, Serial #28. I was loading 1,000+ rounds per day, Mon-Fri. (200,000+ rounds per year.) I probably reloaded more than 2 million rounds on that press. I paid $800 for that 1050. I had Dillon "rebuild" it in 2002 and then sold it for $1,400 on ebay.

I have run 650's and 1050's. The 650 is a decent press. The priming system on some rounds had some issues. The primer is not supported as long on the way up to the case and shifts a little, causing a lot of mis aligned primed ammo. After running a 1050, and comparing it to a 650, there is no comparison. The 1050 will certainly spoil you.

I currently have 3, Dillon 1050's. It is a Cadillac of presses. Once you have it set up to run, it is a very good and reliable press. Not only is it faster than other presses, but it loads good ammo. It also has more stations on the press to do more things. One 1050 press is for my bulk 308 Win (mainly), 270 Win, 25-06, and for some case prep and priming operations. My 2nd press is for my 40 cal and 10mm Auto ammo. My 3rd press is mainly for 300 blk out, and some 223 Rem. I try to keep the presses set up for a similar cartridge for easier and quicker caliber conversions. I don't have a round count on my 300 blk out press, but it is in the hundreds of thousands of rounds, maybe more. I have replaced a few simple parts here and there. But overall, it is a tank of a press, and runs very well when set up correctly.

All the 1050 needs is a mark 7 drive on it

IMO, that's a big no no. The 1050 is good, but it's not that good to stick something to make it 100% automated. The press does have it's finicky times, and an automated machine won't feel this in the press handle to diagnose a problem. I have know several people to have major issues with their ammo from an auto drive system. 100% not for me.