For those that have more experience than me (because I'm still just thinking/evaluating), what would be a good press to get if I don't plan on being a heavy duty reloader? Looking at probably 2-3K rounds a year, spread out among .40, 9mm, .45, .223 and .30-06. Not trying to break the bank, and don't know what's a good budget model of reloader. Trying to balance affordability/efficiency... Second question, if I buy say an entry-level Dillon, can I put another company's dies in there?
I shoot 2-3k a month in a good month, and use a turret press (Lee). One of the things I like about it is I watch every last stinking step, especially the powder throw. Squib loads can end your day quickly, and I tend to shoot fast (USPSA/IDPA/Steel Challenge/etc). So far I've never double-tapped a potential squib, but there's always that one time you're not completely on your game. Incidentally, I've never actually had a squib. I
have had two light loads that made me stop to make sure, though.
The case prep is all done ahead of time. I shoot a
lot of 40 S&W, so clean, lube, push through resize, full length resize/decap, then I use a hand primer. I keep the primed cases for the day when it's time to drop powder, put a bullet on the end, and crimp. Generally I get 400-500 an hour at that point, then back in the tumbler to polish everything, mark the heads with the color for that batch, and ready for the next match.
Dillon is good stuff; you almost can't lose money on one because they sell used for about the same price as new. I have a harder time tracking everything going on, and I'm totally anal about loading bullets, but I know a LOT of people who adore blue, and if I ever get a progressive that's it. They will take whatever die you want, assuming they're standard thread.
The best advice I can give you is to be anal. Pistol powder in a rifle case will get you the kind of fame you hope to avoid. The same goes for a lot of other things that can go wrong on a bench, so create processes to minimize the risk of error and stick with them. Avoid distractions, and pay attention.