Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive Review

Using the Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive in the Real World

For years, the rhythmic click-clack of my manual reloading press was a familiar sound, a ritual of patience and precision. However, as my output demands grew and the desire for increased efficiency became undeniable, I found myself drawn to automation. The Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive emerged as the clear frontrunner, promising to transform my Dillon 1050 into a high-speed, automated powerhouse. The lure of increased production without sacrificing the meticulous quality I’ve always strived for was too strong to ignore.

My journey to this automated system wasn’t born out of a sudden whim, but rather a growing frustration with the limitations of manual operation when faced with larger batch requirements. Long hours at the bench, while rewarding, were becoming a bottleneck, especially when needing specific calibers in substantial quantities for competition or long-term storage. I considered simpler, less integrated motor drives for my Dillon, but the allure of a truly comprehensive, digitally controlled system like the Mark 7 Autodrive was far more compelling.

Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of robust engineering and thoughtful integration. The substantial aluminum billet base plate felt incredibly solid, a crucial foundation for the high-speed operations it’s designed to support. The included 10″ control tablet, with its crisp display, immediately conveyed a sense of modern sophistication, a stark contrast to the often-rudimentary interfaces of older machinery. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, a feeling that this upgrade was going to fundamentally change my reloading process for the better.

First Use Experience

My initial setup and testing of the Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a familiar space that suddenly felt a bit more advanced. The installation process was remarkably straightforward, taking just under the advertised 20-30 minutes, which included mounting the control tablet bracket and connecting the drive system. I started with a small batch of .223 Remington to get a feel for the operation, observing how the tablet’s intuitive interface guided me through the initial parameters.

The system handled repeated cycling with impressive smoothness, and I was able to quickly adjust the digital clutch on-the-fly as I fine-tuned the pressure settings for each stage of the loading process. I experienced no significant issues, though I did take a moment to understand the digital jog function, which allows for precise manual control when needed. The immediate stop feature provided a reassuring sense of safety, ensuring I could halt operations instantly if any anomaly occurred.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, processing hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds across various calibers, the Mark 7 Autodrive has proven its mettle. The maintenance-free timing belt drive has shown no signs of wear, and the 1.5 HP high torque motor consistently delivers power without hesitation. I’ve noticed no degradation in performance, even when pushing the user selectable speeds of up-to 3500 rounds/hour, though I typically operate at a more conservative pace for quality control.

Cleaning and maintenance have been minimal, which is a significant advantage. The CNC grade planetary gearbox is sealed and requires no user intervention, and the overall design seems built for longevity. Compared to previous experiences with less integrated or purely mechanical automation, this system feels far more robust and less prone to the minor adjustments and potential failures that can plague simpler setups. Its compatibility with my existing Dillon press and supplementary bullet feeders has been flawless, a testament to its plug-and-play design.

Specifications

The Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive is built around a powerful 1.5 HP high torque motor, capable of driving the Dillon press through its full range of motion at impressive speeds. The system is mounted on a robust 1/2″ aluminum billet base plate, providing a stable platform for precise operation. Its integrated control system, featuring a brilliant 10″ metal computer tablet, eliminates the need for separate control boxes and allows for downloadable software upgrades for life.

This autodrive system boasts an impressive user selectable speed of up-to 3500 rounds/hour, a significant leap from manual reloading. The digital clutch is adjustable on-the-fly, offering fine-tuned control over case indexing and priming operations. It’s designed to be plug-and-play with your unmodified Super 1050 RL1050 CP 2000 1100, meaning minimal modification to your existing Dillon press is required. The unit also fully supports international voltage, operating seamlessly at 110/220v and at 50/60 Hz.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive is to automate the Dillon press, and it excels at this task. The digital jog and immediate stop functions offer a level of control that significantly enhances safety and precision during setup and operation. The microprocessor controlled system ensures consistent and repeatable movements, leading to highly uniform ammunition.

A significant strength is its seamless integration with common bullet feeders, such as Mr Bulletfeeder and GSI bulletfeeders, further streamlining the automated process. The user-configurable dwell time is a particularly useful feature for fine-tuning the seating or crimping stages depending on the cartridge and bullet combination. Its primary weakness, if one can call it that, is the learning curve associated with optimizing settings for maximum efficiency and accuracy across a wide range of calibers.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mark 7 Autodrive prioritizes both robust functionality and user-friendliness. The 1/2″ aluminum billet base plate is a testament to the build quality, offering substantial rigidity. The 10″ control tablet is a standout ergonomic feature, providing a clear, responsive interface without clutter, and its mounting bracket positions it perfectly for easy viewing and interaction.

While the main unit is pre-assembled and ready to go, the overall design is clean and well-organized. The high horsepower motor gearbox and motor mount are integrated cleanly, contributing to a compact and efficient package. The only slight ergonomic consideration is the tablet itself; while responsive, prolonged sessions might benefit from adjustable viewing angles, though the included bracket does offer some flexibility.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is clearly a cornerstone of the Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive. The use of CNC grade planetary gearbox and a maintenance-free timing belt drive suggests a design intended for longevity and minimal user intervention. Given its robust construction, I anticipate this unit will withstand years of heavy use in my reloading environment.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The system requires very little user upkeep beyond basic cleaning of the Dillon press itself. The critical automated components are either sealed or designed for a maintenance-free lifespan. Potential failure points are, in my experience, minimal due to the high-quality components and integrated design; however, as with any complex machinery, regular inspection of the drive belt and connections is always prudent.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive comes as a complete package, including the crucial 10″ control tablet and a tablet mounting bracket. Its design inherently supports a variety of accessories, particularly leading bullet feeders on the market, which are essential for maximizing its automation capabilities. The system’s open-ended software architecture also means it is designed to accommodate future upgrades and accessories.

While no other specific accessories are bundled, the compatibility with popular bullet feeders is a significant advantage. The downloadable software upgrades for life offer a form of long-term customization and improvement, ensuring the system remains current and capable. The flexibility to configure settings like dwell time also provides a degree of user-defined customization for specific reloading needs.

Pros and Cons of Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive

Who Should Buy Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive?

This autodrive system is ideal for serious reloaders who have moved beyond casual production and require higher output without compromising quality. It’s perfect for competition shooters who need large quantities of ammunition, reloaders who stock up for extended periods, or small-scale custom ammo makers. Anyone currently using a Dillon 1050, RL1100, or CP2000 and experiencing production bottlenecks will find this a transformative upgrade.

Individuals seeking a simple, entry-level automation solution or those with very low-volume reloading needs might find this system to be overkill and too expensive. Those who prefer the tactile, deliberate pace of purely manual reloading will also likely not benefit from this automated approach. A must-have accessory is a reliable bullet feeder, as this greatly enhances the system’s efficiency and is almost essential for realizing its full potential.

Conclusion on Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive

The Mark 7 Reloading Dillon RL 1050/Super 1050 PRO Autodrive is, without question, a premium automation solution for the serious reloader. It delivers on its promise of high-speed, precise, and reliable ammunition production, transforming a capable manual press into a highly efficient machine. The integration of the tablet interface and the robust build quality make it a joy to operate, and the downloadable software upgrades for life ensure it remains a relevant piece of equipment for years to come.

Considering its advanced features, build quality, and the significant increase in reloading throughput it provides, the $2399.95 price tag is justified for those who will utilize its capabilities to their fullest. I would wholeheartedly recommend this system to any reloader who has outgrown manual operation and is looking for a sophisticated, powerful, and dependable way to dramatically increase their ammunition output. It’s an investment that pays dividends in time saved and consistent quality achieved.