The satisfying thump of a superbly seated bullet, the crisp ignition of a flawlessly charged cartridge – these are the rewards of reloading. For a lot of, the journey into reloading begins as a way of saving cash or crafting ammunition tailor-made to a selected firearm. However for others, it is a ardour, a craft that calls for precision, effectivity, and in the end, the power to provide giant portions of high-quality ammunition. In the event you’re within the latter group, and even in the event you’re simply beginning to consider stepping up your reloading recreation, you then’ve possible encountered the title “Dillon.” And inside the Dillon lineup, the Dillon 1100 Progressive Reloader stands as a testomony to the pursuit of reloading excellence. This text delves deep into the options, efficiency, advantages, and issues surrounding the Dillon 1100, serving to you establish if this press is the fitting alternative in your reloading wants.
Unveiling the Beast: Key Options and Capabilities
The Dillon 1100 isn’t only a reloading press; it is a high-performance machine designed for one function: to churn out constant, correct ammunition at a powerful price. It’s a progressive press, which means it performs a number of reloading operations concurrently with every pull of the deal with. That is the core idea behind the Dillon 1100’s exceptional pace and effectivity.
At its coronary heart, the Dillon 1100 is constructed round a heavy-duty body, a attribute shared throughout the Dillon product line. This strong development is important for dealing with the forces concerned in reloading, guaranteeing long-term sturdiness and stability.
The Dillon 1100 operates on a multi-station system, enabling a number of steps to happen concurrently. The precise variety of stations gives the core of its manufacturing capability, but it surely depends upon the setup configuration that you simply want. You possibly can make the most of the totally different stations for varied steps resembling depriming, case sizing, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping.
The Dillon 1100 additionally incorporates an auto indexing system, guaranteeing the shell plate rotates exactly from station to station with every deal with pull. This function is a key to the press’s easy, dependable operation. You received’t need to manually advance the shell plate, permitting you to give attention to the loading course of and monitoring the standard of your ammunition.
Case feeding is streamlined by the Dillon 1100’s built-in case feeder, an non-compulsory however extremely really helpful addition. This mechanism robotically delivers instances to the shell plate, eliminating the necessity to manually place every case. This automated system frees up your fingers and considerably hurries up the reloading course of, making the 1100 a prime performer for high-volume loading.
Powder shelling out is one other essential component. The Dillon 1100 employs a precision powder measure, identified for its accuracy and consistency. This measure delivers a pre-set cost of powder into every case with every cycle, contributing considerably to the consistency and accuracy of the ultimate product. Powder cost consistency is paramount to producing constant teams on the vary.
The priming system can be computerized, guaranteeing {that a} new primer is fed into place at every cycle. This reduces the quantity of labor to reload, and reduces the chance of malfunctions.
The shell plate is particularly designed for every cartridge kind, holding the instances securely throughout all the reloading cycle. Dillon affords shell plates for all kinds of fashionable calibers, guaranteeing compatibility along with your most well-liked ammunition.
Bullet seating and crimping are important steps, accomplished by the Dillon 1100 within the last levels. These stations be certain that the bullets are seated to the correct depth and that the case mouth is crimped securely, stopping bullet motion throughout firing.
A Nearer Look: Specs and Building
The Dillon 1100 is a considerable piece of equipment constructed for longevity. The body is constructed from high-quality metal, offering the power and rigidity needed for high-volume reloading. The strong development minimizes flex, contributing to constant and exact outcomes.
The Dillon 1100 is flexible, accepting a variety of fashionable rifle and pistol cartridges with the suitable shell plate and conversion kits. The press’s strong design accommodates many calibers, making it a versatile alternative for reloaders trying to load for a number of firearms.
As for output price, the Dillon 1100 can cycle by rounds at a very spectacular tempo, probably surpassing rounds per hour, relying on the cartridge and the reloader’s talent and expertise. This high-speed functionality is the cornerstone of the Dillon 1100’s enchantment to high-volume reloaders.
Dillon’s dedication to high quality extends to its guarantee. They provide a complete guarantee that reveals confidence of their product. This gives peace of thoughts to the reloader, figuring out that Dillon stands behind its product.
The Reloading Symphony: Efficiency and Operation
Establishing a Dillon 1100 can appear daunting at first look, particularly for a newbie. Nonetheless, Dillon gives clear and detailed directions, with video tutorials available. With a bit of endurance and a focus to element, the setup course of is manageable.
Step one entails assembling the press itself, which incorporates attaching the varied elements to the strong body. Subsequent, you have to to put in the correct shell plate, and powder measure, together with the dies for the cartridge you’re reloading.
As soon as the press is assembled, that you must alter the dies to attain correct case sizing, bullet seating, and crimping. This course of requires cautious adjustment and a superb understanding of reloading ideas. It’s important to seek the advice of a reloading handbook and observe the producer’s suggestions for every particular load.
The precise reloading course of entails a number of steps, every carried out concurrently with every deal with pull.
The cycle begins while you put a case into the case feeder. The case feeder masses the instances for you.
With every pull of the deal with, the shell plate rotates, bringing a brand new case to every station.
Within the first station, the case could also be sized and deprimed.
Subsequent, the case receives a primer. The auto priming system robotically masses a contemporary primer.
The powder measure dispenses a pre-measured cost of powder into the case, guaranteeing constant loading.
The bullet is then seated to the proper depth, and eventually, the case mouth is crimped.
The Dillon 1100 excels by way of pace and effectivity. The progressive nature of the press, mixed with the automated case and primer feeding, permits for fast manufacturing of ammunition. This can be a important benefit for individuals who shoot often or who want to provide giant portions of rounds.
Accuracy and consistency are paramount in reloading, and the Dillon 1100 is designed to ship each. The precision powder measure ensures that every case receives the proper powder cost, whereas the strong development minimizes any potential for flex or motion through the course of. The result’s constant masses that carry out nicely on the vary.
Dillon prioritizes security. The press is constructed with quite a few security options. For instance, most of the Dillon presses embrace a case feed sensor that detects when a case is just not current within the shell plate. If a case is lacking, the system could halt robotically to forestall an improperly loaded cartridge. Equally, Dillon’s primer feed system is designed to forestall unintentional priming of the identical case twice.
Weighing the Scales: Execs and Cons
The Dillon 1100 presents a compelling mixture of benefits, but it surely’s vital to think about its drawbacks as nicely.
On the plus aspect, the pace of the press is unmatched. It’s designed for high-volume output, making it very best for reloaders with a big taking pictures quantity. The built-in case feed and auto indexing system additional improve this effectivity, permitting for a streamlined loading course of. Dillon is understood for its strong development, making the 1100 a sturdy and dependable piece of apparatus. Many reloaders discover the straightforward caliber adjustments to be a serious profit. Dillon gives kits and equipment to make it simpler to change between totally different calibers. Dillon affords unparalleled customer support and assist. Dillon’s customer support is a trademark of the corporate, incomes a popularity for being responsive and useful. Dillon affords all kinds of components and equipment to personalize and preserve the press.
Nonetheless, there are issues. The upfront funding value is critical. The Dillon 1100 is likely one of the costlier reloading presses available on the market. It requires a devoted house. The press is giant and complicated, requiring a considerable quantity of house in your reloading room or bench. This isn’t a press for informal reloaders. The educational curve is steeper. As a result of the 1100 is a posh machine, the setup and operation are harder than single-stage presses. Whereas jams are uncommon, they’ll happen. Even with its strong design, the press could expertise jams if not maintained correctly or if there are points with the elements. The noise stage may be excessive. The operation of the press, notably the indexing and biking of elements, can produce important noise, probably making it lower than very best for condominium residing.
Is the Dillon 1100 Proper for You? The Goal Viewers
The Dillon 1100 is greatest suited to a selected kind of reloader. In the beginning, it’s aimed toward skilled reloaders. An excellent understanding of reloading ideas and a familiarity with progressive presses might be important for protected and efficient operation. Second, it’s a terrific instrument for individuals who demand high-volume manufacturing. This press is designed to churn out giant portions of ammunition rapidly and effectively. Third, the Dillon 1100 delivers constant and correct masses, making it appropriate for aggressive shooters and anybody who values precision. Lastly, it is for reloaders prepared to make a substantial preliminary funding. The Dillon 1100 is a premium product, and it comes with a premium price ticket.
For reloaders who’re new to the method, there are different choices that could be extra applicable. An excellent method is to begin with a single-stage press to be taught the fundamentals of reloading. Reloaders with restricted house or finances may wish to contemplate a extra compact or reasonably priced possibility. Whereas the Dillon 1100 is able to producing distinctive accuracy, it is probably not the only option for reloaders who primarily load for bolt-action rifles, because the 1100’s design is best suited to high-volume pistol and semi-automatic rifle reloading.
Sustaining the Beast: Care and Upkeep
Correct upkeep is important to maintain the Dillon 1100 working easily and reliably.
Common cleansing and lubrication are important. Seek the advice of the Dillon consumer handbook for particular suggestions on cleansing the press and lubricating the shifting components. Beneficial lubricants are sometimes provided by Dillon. Lubrication retains the press operating easily and prevents extreme put on.
Pay attention to widespread issues and options, resembling incorrect die changes and powder measure issues. The Dillon 1100 is a posh machine, and issues can happen. Having a stable grasp of potential points and options can stop downtime and frustration. Know the right way to stop jams. Cautious consideration to the setup and upkeep, and using high-quality elements are one of the best ways to forestall jams.
Over time, elements could put on out and must be changed. Understanding the accessible components, and when to interchange them, will preserve your Dillon 1100 in prime form. Dillon makes alternative components available, together with these which are topic to put on.
In comparison with the Competitors: Options and Concerns
Whereas the Dillon 1100 is a top-tier machine, a number of different progressive reloading presses provide related performance. Contemplating these choices can present a extra complete perspective.
The Dillon 750 is a well-liked different within the Dillon lineup. The 750 is a extra reasonably priced possibility. Whereas it shares most of the 1100’s options, it’s not as quick or as strong. The 750 is appropriate for reloaders who need a dependable progressive press however don’t require the very best attainable output.
Rivals, resembling Hornady and RCBS, additionally provide progressive reloading presses with comparable options and efficiency. The Hornady Auto-Drive Progressive Press combines each automation and pace. RCBS progressive presses additionally present pace and accuracy for these on the lookout for a high-volume manufacturing press.
The Voice of Expertise: Consumer Opinions and Actual-World Insights
The overwhelming consensus amongst Dillon 1100 customers is optimistic. Reloaders usually reward the press’s pace, reliability, and the distinctive high quality of the ammunition it produces. Many customers spotlight the convenience of caliber adjustments and the wonderful customer support supplied by Dillon. Some customers point out the preliminary funding, however they sometimes state that the return on funding is nicely value it for individuals who shoot often.
Actual-world experiences usually emphasize the Dillon 1100’s capability to deal with demanding reloading periods with minimal downtime. Customers usually describe it as a “workhorse” that persistently delivers distinctive outcomes.
The Closing Phrase: A Abstract and Advice
The Dillon 1100 Progressive Reloader stands as a top-tier alternative for the intense reloader. Its mixture of pace, accuracy, sturdiness, and Dillon’s unparalleled buyer assist makes it a worthy funding for anybody in search of to maximise their reloading effectivity.
Whereas the preliminary funding is critical, the Dillon 1100 affords an amazing worth proposition for individuals who shoot often. Its capability to provide constant, correct ammunition at a excessive price of pace is unmatched.
For knowledgeable reloaders, particularly those that shoot loads, the Dillon 1100 is an impressive alternative. Its strong development, user-friendly design, and glorious assist will present years of dependable service. In the event you’re able to take your reloading to the following stage, the Dillon 1100 is a machine that may ship.
Sources
For extra info and to buy a Dillon 1100, go to the Dillon Precision web site straight. Additionally, you should definitely try reloading manuals and on-line boards.
