The satisfying thump of a wonderfully 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 flexibility to provide giant portions of high-quality ammunition. In the event you’re within the latter group, and even for those who’re simply beginning to consider stepping up your reloading sport, then you definately’ve probably 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 suitable selection to 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 goal: to churn out constant, correct ammunition at a formidable charge. It’s a progressive press, that 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 building is crucial 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, nevertheless it relies on the setup configuration that you simply want. You possibly can make the most of the totally different stations for varied steps equivalent to 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 clean, dependable operation. You gained’t must manually advance the shell plate, permitting you to deal with 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 optionally available 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 quickens 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 also 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 the complete reloading cycle. Dillon affords shell plates for all kinds of widespread calibers, guaranteeing compatibility together with your most popular ammunition.
Bullet seating and crimping are vital steps, accomplished by the Dillon 1100 within the closing phases. These stations make sure that the bullets are seated to the right depth and that the case mouth is crimped securely, stopping bullet motion throughout firing.
A Nearer Look: Specs and Development
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 obligatory for high-volume reloading. The strong building minimizes flex, contributing to constant and exact outcomes.
The Dillon 1100 is flexible, accepting a variety of widespread rifle and pistol cartridges with the suitable shell plate and conversion kits. The press’s strong design accommodates many calibers, making it a versatile selection for reloaders trying to load for a number of firearms.
As for output charge, the Dillon 1100 can cycle by means of rounds at a very spectacular tempo, probably surpassing rounds per hour, relying on the cartridge and the reloader’s ability 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 exhibits confidence of their product. This gives peace of thoughts to the reloader, realizing 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. Nevertheless, Dillon gives clear and detailed directions, with video tutorials available. With a bit of persistence and a focus to element, the setup course of is manageable.
Step one includes assembling the press itself, which incorporates attaching the varied parts to the strong body. Subsequent, you will have to put in the right shell plate, and powder measure, together with the dies for the cartridge you might be reloading.
As soon as the press is assembled, it’s good to modify the dies to attain correct case sizing, bullet seating, and crimping. This course of requires cautious adjustment and a superb understanding of reloading rules. It’s important to seek the advice of a reloading guide and comply with the producer’s suggestions for every particular load.
The precise reloading course of includes a number of steps, every carried out concurrently with every deal with pull.
The cycle begins if you put a case into the case feeder. The case feeder hundreds 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 hundreds 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 at last, 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. It is a vital benefit for individuals who shoot steadily 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 building minimizes any potential for flex or motion in the course of the course of. The result’s constant hundreds that carry out nicely on the vary.
Dillon prioritizes security. The press is constructed with quite a lot of security options. For instance, lots of the Dillon presses embody a case feed sensor that detects when a case shouldn’t be current within the shell plate. If a case is lacking, the system might halt robotically to forestall an improperly loaded cartridge. Equally, Dillon’s primer feed system is designed to forestall unintended priming of the identical case twice.
Weighing the Scales: Execs and Cons
The Dillon 1100 presents a compelling mixture of benefits, nevertheless it’s vital to contemplate its drawbacks as nicely.
On the plus aspect, the pace of the press is unmatched. It’s designed for high-volume output, making it best for reloaders with a big capturing 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 building, making the 1100 a sturdy and dependable piece of kit. Many reloaders discover the simple caliber modifications to be a significant profit. Dillon gives kits and equipment to make it simpler to modify between totally different calibers. Dillon affords unparalleled customer support and help. Dillon’s customer support is a trademark of the corporate, incomes a fame for being responsive and useful. Dillon affords all kinds of elements and equipment to personalize and preserve the press.
Nevertheless, there are issues. The upfront funding value is critical. The Dillon 1100 is without doubt one of the costlier reloading presses in the marketplace. 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 tougher than single-stage presses. Whereas jams are uncommon, they’ll happen. Even with its strong design, the press might expertise jams if not maintained correctly or if there are points with the parts. The noise stage will be excessive. The operation of the press, notably the indexing and biking of parts, can produce vital noise, probably making it lower than best for condo dwelling.
Is the Dillon 1100 Proper for You? The Goal Viewers
The Dillon 1100 is finest suited to a selected kind of reloader. At the beginning, it’s geared toward skilled reloaders. A superb understanding of reloading rules and a familiarity with progressive presses will likely be important for secure and efficient operation. Second, it’s an awesome software 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 hundreds, making it appropriate for aggressive shooters and anybody who values precision. Lastly, it is for reloaders keen 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 acceptable. A superb method is to start out with a single-stage press to be taught the fundamentals of reloading. Reloaders with restricted house or finances may need to take into account a extra compact or inexpensive choice. Whereas the Dillon 1100 is able to producing distinctive accuracy, it might not be your best option for reloaders who primarily load for bolt-action rifles, because the 1100’s design is healthier suited to high-volume pistol and semi-automatic rifle reloading.
Sustaining the Beast: Care and Upkeep
Correct upkeep is crucial to maintain the Dillon 1100 working easily and reliably.
Common cleansing and lubrication are vital. Seek the advice of the Dillon consumer guide for particular suggestions on cleansing the press and lubricating the shifting elements. Really helpful lubricants are sometimes equipped by Dillon. Lubrication retains the press working easily and prevents extreme put on.
Concentrate on widespread issues and options, equivalent to incorrect die changes and powder measure issues. The Dillon 1100 is a posh machine, and issues can happen. Having a strong grasp of potential points and options can stop downtime and frustration. Know methods to stop jams. Cautious consideration to the setup and upkeep, and using high-quality parts are the easiest way to forestall jams.
Over time, parts might put on out and should be changed. Understanding the obtainable elements, and when to switch them, will hold your Dillon 1100 in prime form. Dillon makes substitute elements available, together with these which can be topic to put on.
In comparison with the Competitors: Alternate options and Concerns
Whereas the Dillon 1100 is a top-tier machine, a number of different progressive reloading presses supply comparable 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 inexpensive choice. Whereas it shares lots of the 1100’s options, it isn’t as quick or as strong. The 750 is appropriate for reloaders who need a dependable progressive press however don’t require the very best doable output.
Rivals, equivalent to Hornady and RCBS, additionally supply 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 searching for a high-volume manufacturing press.
The Voice of Expertise: Person Opinions and Actual-World Insights
The overwhelming consensus amongst Dillon 1100 customers is constructive. Reloaders typically reward the press’s pace, reliability, and the distinctive high quality of the ammunition it produces. Many customers spotlight the benefit of caliber modifications and the superb customer support offered by Dillon. Some customers point out the preliminary funding, however they sometimes state that the return on funding is nicely price it for individuals who shoot steadily.
Actual-world experiences typically emphasize the Dillon 1100’s potential to deal with demanding reloading classes with minimal downtime. Customers typically describe it as a “workhorse” that constantly delivers distinctive outcomes.
The Last Phrase: A Abstract and Suggestion
The Dillon 1100 Progressive Reloader stands as a top-tier selection for the intense reloader. Its mixture of pace, accuracy, sturdiness, and Dillon’s unparalleled buyer help makes it a worthy funding for anybody looking for to maximise their reloading effectivity.
Whereas the preliminary funding is critical, the Dillon 1100 affords an incredible worth proposition for individuals who shoot steadily. Its potential to provide constant, correct ammunition at a excessive charge of pace is unmatched.
For skilled reloaders, particularly those that shoot lots, the Dillon 1100 is an impressive selection. Its strong building, user-friendly design, and glorious help 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 data and to buy a Dillon 1100, go to the Dillon Precision web site straight. Additionally, make sure you try reloading manuals and on-line boards.
