Bet the very first instrument capable of delivering a projectile away from itself he picked up wasn't a .45, either. Look - maybe you got lucky, or maybe you just haven't found your error yet - but to recommend someone start with both a somewhat complex machine AND in an endeavor that can have deadly consequences is not having their best interests at heart. Sure - if we were talking spending hundreds that would be wasted, I'd look for an alternative as well, but we're not.
TexasRedneck,
I am NOY here to argue the point with you, Just wanted to tell the OP that just cuz there is some danger involved, don't mean that you have to "settle" on your equipment.
My first gun was a 12 ga.shotgun, at 11 years old. Just because driving is dangerous, don't mean that you have to first drive a VW Bug before you drive a SUV. It just means that you have to pay attention, which ever you drive .
Again, IMO, buy WHATEVER press you want, but don't let fear talk you out of a progressive.
If you ( the OP ) can read and follow simple instructions, a progressive won't be a problem.
FYI, DILLON, or any other mgf, don't say that their presses are not good for beginners. On page 5 of the 650 instruction manual, the page is dedicated to "mandatory safety measures" On that page, there is also a 800 # for tech support.
The OP can do what ever he wants and it sounds like he already made up his mind.
I just disagree that this is a "complex" machine. I agree, it CAN be dangerous. If you don't follow directions and ASK questions, with ANY press, you can get into trouble.
I hope that we can agree to disagree.