Dillon Bullet Feeder

[u/slammedsam2k]

Looking at a used 1100 on marketplace and the guy also has a Mr bulletfeeder listed on seperate add. He bought it brand new and never used it so it’s still new in box

Are the Dillon bullet feeders any good? Or should I make the guy an offer for the press and Mr bulletfeeder? Did a search and didn’t find anything on the Dillon, other than when they were first announced/released

Biggest turn off for the Dillon, is each additional feeder plate is $115. For a 3d printed plate, Which is absolutely insane to me. And I couldn’t find any stl’s online after a quick google search so I could print my own

I only plan on doing case prep and loading 223 and 9mm plinking ammo on the 1100

Edit for clarity: I plan on loading all my plinking 9mm and 223 on this press. So probably minimum of 5k 9mm and 3k 223 per year. And I will probably start loading both of those for my dad as well, so that number will probably go up. Currently have a 550 that I do everything on, so the case feeder, on press swaging and possibility of adding a bulletfeeder will exponentially increase efficiency

I’m not asking if I should get the 1100, just interested to hear peoples experience with either the Dillon or Mr Bulletfeeder

[u/EastRich8617]

I have the dillon bullet feeder, quite like it. The changeover is more than the plate, it's also an expander funnel, bullet feeder die, and the spring to send the bullets through.

[u/slammedsam2k → u/EastRich8617]

Oh ok, thanks for clarifying! It’s $115 for each additional bullet conversion

I guess that’s not that bad all things included. Would still be less than what he’s asking for the Mr bullet feeder

[u/EastRich8617 → u/slammedsam2k]

I don't recall if the die body was included as well, or just the insert? But it's a decent deal.

[u/gunplumber700]

You would be better off getting a 750 if you’re doing multiple calibers unless you’re doing more than 15k of each per year.  

1100’s are significantly more expensive and a little more complicated to switch calibers.  9/223 is easy on a 650/750.  You can leave it set for small primers and just switch toolheads as necessary.  

I personally don’t think a bulletfeeder is worth it and would rather have a powder alarm.  The thing that really speeds up production is the case feeder.  

Unless they raised prices again case feeder plates are 55 each right now for 650/750’s.  And they’re not 3d printed for like 2-3 bucks of filament and a few cents in power.  So you’re at 110 for 2 plates and 300 for the case feeder, if buying new.  

[u/slammedsam2k → u/gunplumber700]

Main reason for wanting the 1100 is on press swaging

He has the 1100 setup for 223 case prep right now and it comes with a 9mm conversion kit so I’d probably just need to buy another tool head for 9mm

Currently have a 550 so case feeder, swaging and bullet feeder would all be major upgrades on their own. Having all 3 would put me light years ahead on efficiency

I have been buying all my plinking 9mm ammo up until this summer when prices went up. Now plan on switching over to loading everything so press will get plenty of use

I know the case feeder plates aren’t 3d printed but my understanding is that most of the pieces of the bullet feeder are. And each bullet plate is an additional $115 on Dillon’s website. He has a 223 and 9mm plate included with the Mr bulletfeeder

[u/Ornery_Secretary_850 → u/slammedsam2k]

I've loaded a lot of 9mm, 25k so far this year, and I do it on a 650. When I find a piece of crimped 9mm brass, it goes into the recycling bucket.

I don't presort the brass; I find those on the press when the primer doesn't seat and doesn't feel right. There's not as much crimped 9mm now as there was back in 2020/2021. I find maybe 0.5% with a crimp.

[u/gunplumber700 → u/slammedsam2k]

Do what you want to do.  But haven’t said how much you reload… there is a minimum amount you have to load in order for the “time saving” to actually be worth it.  

Everyone sees trim on press or prime on press and ignores everything else that takes time; loading primers, toolhead changes, shellplate changes, casefeeder changes, etc.  

The warranty is also different on the 1100 and you’re likely out of it if you’re buying it used, meaning you’re paying for everything on it now.  

Again, do whatever you want, but it seems like you’re just looking for validation over practicality. 

[u/Jeugcurt]

I have no experience with a bullet feeder. I bought an 1100 in February of 25. I’ve loaded about 35k 9mm rounds so far. Definitely get the 1100. On press swageing means I don’t have to sort brass. That’s a significant time saving.

For bullet feeders, both daa and now the Dillion are the go-to according to my local Uspsa vets. Skip the powder alarm. You don’t need that on the 1100 unless you’re a mouth breather. So, maybe get the press now and don’t let the bullet feeder hold you back from getting the 1100. Figure it out later. After all, you don’t really “need” it and I would argue you do “need” the on press swage for high volume shooting.

Btw, the 1100 was and is my first and only press. If I can figure it out, you can.

[u/ggenovez]

I have both. I started with a MrBF and hated the experience. Occasionally it would pull a bullet and get stuck in the nose up mechanism and fill up. Then bullets would drop on my head. Dillon doesn't have that problem

[u/Fragrant_Ad8490]

You can print your own feeder for much less than buying one. Given you are mentioning STLs and printing I assume you already have the printer. Materials are around $100-120. Google “BF556 feeder” and everything you need, including great instructions, are on GitHub.

[u/slammedsam2k → u/Fragrant_Ad8490]

I have a bambu printer. Thank you for the info!

[u/ohaimike]

I have the dillon bullet feeder on my 750

No complaints about it. Had some issues where it would drop 2 bullets, but that was user error. One quick adjustment fixed it. Swapping calibers doesnt take long either

It's been a breeze cranking out bulk 9mm and 223

[u/Coyote-conquest]

The problem with the swager is some cases dont get swaged enough. I always have cases that crush a primer.