what would you do?

Let me clarify my question. I'm don't want anyone to say: "They are two expensive." Listen, coming from a bunch of folks that lie to themselves about how much cheaper reloading is, that is the last thing that needs to be said!

At any rate, my experience has been great with my Dillons. I have 3 Square Deal presses, one is a "B" and an XL650 with a case feeder.

Now, I didn't pay list for any of the SD presses. 2 I bought off of local guys that either couldn't make them run or just wanted to get out of reloading. In all 3 I don't have $550. I did send one in to have refurbished and just gave that one to our oldest son. He will get years and years of use out of it!

All of that being said, I don't have any strong mounts for any of my presses. They mount directly to a bench.

Their service is exceptional and technical support is tops.

But with all that "good" about them there are two things I would change in a heartbeat if I was on their design team.

One would be the way that primer system works on the XL650. If a case doesn't take a primer away, I don't want the primer system to advance. Oh, sure, I can remove the "cam" that actuates it and advance them by hand, and I have, but like the SDB, why can't the unused primer just stay there? Maybe a "cam" that can be easily folded in and out of use. No tools needed, simply fold it up and no primers advance, fold it out and away you go. That's one thing.

The other thing applies to both types of presses. The only thing that each of them needs is a "motor" and they could be almost automatic, that is, until you have to do something with the spent primers. Maybe it is designed that way to force you to stop at some point, not sure. What I did do was make some very simple modifications to my presses to get the spent primers out of that silly little attached box.

On the SDB's, I took an 1/8" NPT tap and partially tapped the hole where the spent primers exit the press ram. Then I got a hose barb that was 1/8" NPT to 3/8" ID clear plastic tubing. The hole in the barb is large and the way the primers come out of the smaller press, they almost cannot get jammed on it before exiting. The other end of that hose goes into a coffee can that has a hole cut in the top to accept it. Works great.

The XL650 was a little trickier. The hole that the primers exit the press through is square and I didn't want to drill it to make it round. If it had been, it would have gotten the same treatment as the SDB! What I did instead was this: I had an extra primer catch cup and drilled a hole in the bottom of it. I took the same type of hose barb only with 3/8" NPT threads on it, drilled and tapped the box and inserted the barb in the bottom of the box. Only one problem, the threads stuck up from the bottom a good 3/8"! So, here comes the hillbilly in me, I took and filled the bottom of the box with silicone and smoothed it into a funnel towards the barb. Onto the barb I put the same 3/8" ID soft plastic tubing and put the same coffee can assembly at the other end. Not every primer falls through that one so well but there aren't more than two or three in there at any one time.

So, that is what I have done and would like to see done on future models. Just me though. Seems like I am always tinkering.

What would you do? I'm sure there are other things that folks could or have come up with, share them!

I have been using a Dillion 550B since 1995 and would not change anything on it. I did take the low primer warning gizmo off it. I don't use Dillon dies, I use Redding dies made for a progressive press. I really can't think of anything to change. It is simple, easy to adjust and it works. What more could you want? Mine has loaded tens of thousands of rounds of 38/357. 9mm, 40s&w, and 45acp. A few springs etc have broke over the years and Dillon sends a replacement free. I had to replace a primer bar a couple of years ago, it was free.

I'd ask Dillon to lower their price on their 550B deluxe quick change assembly. I mean, come on! We pay exorbitant prices for the presses themselves then they want $97 for each conversion? IMHO it's a bit much seeing as how the economy has tanked and all with no end in sight. I guess the Country going down the tubes doesn't mean anything to them as they ignore it. I guess it's like boat ownership. If you want the boat plan for spending 3x as much for any accessories.

If I didn't own one now I don't think I'd spend the money again.

Sorry for the rant but there is a recession on.

Lowpower

At the risk of being labeled as some sort of heretic by the legions of Dillon disciples, I recently read a blog post (don't recall where) in which someone ran down a comparison of the latest Hornady progressive press and Dillon. He or she made a pretty convincing case that the Hornady had some real advantages. If I recall correctly, the main advantage had something to do with the powder measure and switching between calibers. I don't own a progressive or a Hornady or Dillon anything (just an RSCBS single stage), so I have no dog in the fight, just passing along some info that may or may not be helpful.

I guess I don't feel that way. Their parts are expensive when you compare them to what? Lee? Not even close in quality! Rant, and ranting is fine, just have justification, friend.

There is price or cost and then there is value. How many times have you asked for parts and paid nothing? Never? Well, only two possible answers to that situation; either the equipment is seldom used or it is good and you haven't had to ask for any parts.

Now, I specifically asked for there to be no "price" complaints. The preceding statement is why. You simply cannot judge by price alone.

Are there other presses out there? Sure! Good ones? Sure, some of them are great! Some, not so much. All in all though, they each have a value. Take the Lee Turret Presses. I think they have a wonderful place in the hobby. Do I have one? Yes! Do I use it to make my competition fodder? NO! It simply takes too long. Small batches, rifle ammo or load development, you can't ask for something better, IMO. As good? Sure, tons of presses!

As for the recession, even though I live in a town that Obama came to twice as a showcase for his concern over the economy, I have seen none of the recession of which you speak. I am a Union Electrician and there are hundreds of folks "on the books" and I feel for them. Through it all though, I have been working overtime! Just recently I switched jobs and am now in a factory working as their Electrical Control Engineer. My new boss is a great guy but he has one peculiar habit. When he want to tease, he says: "I'll fire you." Some folks get all weird and afraid. I simply say back to him: "15 minutes." The first time I said that he asked what I meant. I said: "15 minutes and I can have another job that pays more and I may even have to work less!" After a while he will quit telling me he is going to fire me!

Years ago though, similar to my thought process when buying reloading equipment, I decided I had to offer a value to my employer. Sure he has to pay more for me BUT he gets much more in return than he ever imagined!

And, just so no one thinks I am tooting my own horn, I owe it all to Jesus Christ!

yak,
No problem in recognizing good tools. Some folks will squabble over Ford and Chevy, Pepsi or Coke, Dillon or Hornady, Snap-on or Mac or any list of things. That wasn't what this thread was supposed to be about.

I recognize the other quality presses out there. The L-N-L AP is just one of them. It is a little cheaper than the XL650, but not much. I have a friend here on the forum, maybe two or three that have them and have nothing but high praise for them. Ditto. In fact, the next press I get is going to be one. (Those blue presses are going to have a fit when that red one comes into their territory! )

Let's not bash any of them. All of the presses available today work just as they were designed. Some are designed to do reloading very well, one at a time. Some are designed to do reloading very well with a cartridge produced with every pull of the lever and everything in between.

To be honest, I have 2 single stage presses, 1 automatic turret, one manual turret press and the 4 progressives. They all have their place in the scheme of reloading and they all do their work very well.

I have a 550b and would redesign the primer feed system. Loading up the tube takes too many steps, There should be some way to just attach a flip tray in place of that tube. Changing from large primers to small is also a real pain. Other than that I would leave it alone.

__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Apologies for my rant...

I began this reply with my apology then began thinking about the things wrong with the Dillon. I've owned both the SDB and the 550B.

Suffice it to say I understand you like to tinker with things and that's great. I do not plan to argue the issues I have had with these products but it does go back to profit/customer service. Here's why.

I should not call the fine folks at Dillon and get two different answers for the same question. To be fair one question had to do with the SDB and the other had to do with the 550B. Both were regarding the adjustment bolt on the charge bar. In the 1st instance I had mentioned, in chatting with them, I could turn the charge bar adjustment bolt with my fingers. They said that's a no-no and they would send me a new charge bar. In the 2nd instance this time with the 550B I got a different response. This other fellow said thats ok!
So which is it? It all started because of crazy powder drops that were all over the place.

Ok then, problem child. Powder drops being very erractic.
Response..different powders can cause inconsistancies in the charge.

How long have these folks been in business? Why can I go on line and find "fixes" for this problem? If there is a fix for a more accurate powder drop and Dillon is charging an arm and a leg because its a great product why don't they go back to the drawing board and fix it instead of charging big bucks for additional accessories?

Instead I get inconsistant answers to something that should not be an issue in the first place.

What does it all mean? A 550B is supposed to load how many rounds per hour? It's not what is advertised unless you don't care how much of what is in that cartridge you just dropped a charge into.

Here's a Co. that makes miniguns!

How about turning a little bit of those big bucks they charge for reloading things back into the actual equipment and fixing it instead of sending out the same old loader parts over and over.

Tinkering is fine in it's place but I don't feel I should have work up a fix, pay and/or wait due to a Co that, from what I see, isn't really interested in its customers.

I've only loaded around 6000 rounds in the 550B to date, to include 30-06, .243, .308, 6.5X55, 9MM, .38, .357, 44Spec, .44 Mag, .45ACP. I could'nt really say how many in that SDB but I'd bet it was only around 8000 9MM's and >45ACPs.

Hi Skip
My only complaint with the Dillon Square Deal has been the spent primer catchment set-up which I have modified pretty much similar to what you have done.
No more primers all over the floor and when I finish loading I just remove the plastic container and tip the primers into another small plastic bucket which I use for any reloading rubbish.
I only spent about an hour or so making with this gadget and I am very pleased with it; stole the idea from a bloke who sells them on EBay USA.
Campfire

Attached Images

Reloading Equipment & Bullets 034.jpg (60.3 KB, 221 views)

I've had my 550 over 20+ years. Had a large primer bar replaced, Primer tube (helicoil in base came out) replaced, most of the powder measure replaced, and finally added the "B" fail safe linkage just last year. My press has loaded, conservatively over 100,000 to 150,000 rounds, just 45acp and 38's. I load all rifle and low volume pistol on a single stage press.

There isn't much I would change. Mine is still attached directly to the bench, and I prefer it that way.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

to improve on dillon...hmmmm....buy RCBS !!

__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I like to pretty much leave things as they come from the factory. I have used Dillon machines and do not really have strong feelings about changing them.

Tell you what Low, tell me what you want for your presses and I'll see if I can swing buying them from you. That should make it a win/win. You got some rounds, you dislike the press, I understand.

Let me buy that "junk" off of you. I'll give you $150 for the SDB and $200for the 550B. You will have enough to buy a single stage that works every time with no tinkering. Your problem will be solved and I will have two new presses.

What do you say?

When I am asked by someone just getting into reloading the age old question is: "What kind of press should I buy, a progressive ('cause they don't want to be thought of as someone with something less than the Jones')or a single stage?" My first answer is this: "It all depends on your mechanical aptitude. If you don't have any, stay away from a progressive press."

Well, I'm thinking that is a pretty true assessment!

It's true that the powder drop system has had some problems. That was why the folks on a bunch of forums have added the old fish tank pump to them. The one thing they left out? The warning in the press manuals about what kind of powder was designed to go through their device!
Oh, yeah, the manual! Us real men only read them AFTER everything else doesn't work! I do that all of the time!

Truth be told though, all of the automated powder systems leave a little to be desired when it comes to some powders. Small amounts of even the best metering powders can cause some very poor results. If Paul5388 comes in on this conversation, he has a sheet that proves this!

No, what usually happens is that someone is unwilling to change what they are accustomed to. "I've always used Unique @ 3.5gr and it worked well." Yes, it may have in your other equipment. This one may not do that and you will have to change powder to get the consistency you want.


FWIW

Okay here goes Skip............
First, I bought one of the powder adjustment knobs, the ones that have graduations on them. Much easier to use than the standard bolt and wrench supplied.
Second, I changed 98% of the allen heads screws to phillips head, I didn't like looking for the right allen wrench and a phillips screwdriver fits every screw on my three SDB's.
Third, I removed the allen screw holding the powder appuratus on and replaced it with a long thumb screw (2") and a locking nut placed near the end so that when I tighten the thumb screw, it locks in place. The only thing that you have to watch is when removing the failsafe rod, you need to remove that screw as it sticks out past the failsafe. Since I dump my powder after each use, it's pretty handy not to need a tool here.
Fourth, I also did away with the often times broken primer catcher and used the hose method as you did. Only difference is that I just put my plastic trash can underneath to catch the dead primers.
Fifth, the reason that I can use the trash can below is because I made a 3/8" metal plate that all three SDB's are mounted to. I welded a small 'I' beam underneath and clamped it in a large vise that was mounted to my bench. The vise swivels, so that I have access to all three SDB's (one at a time) by swiveling the vise. (I am looking for a fourth as I planned the plate around four SDB's.)
If I can get a picture of that set up, I will post later.
I too am a tinkerer and I know that there are more upgrades to do and I am by no means 'finished' yet!

How 'bout an electronic powder sensor for the 550B that would check powder level at station 3. Someone was working on such a device on the Brian Enos forum a few years back, but never heard anything more about it.

I thought the discussion was what do people think can be fixed with a Dillon Press. BTW, I have 3 single stage presses.
Sorry, I didn't realize you were making it personal. My comments were directed at the Dillon Press, not you. I don't engage in personal attacks on folks on the forums so my discussion on this brand will end here.

Low,
Sorry you took it personal. Sure didn't mean it to be!

socal,
I forgot about the knobs! I have a bunch of them yet! I also got a variety of small knobs for such things as you mentioned. In fact, my powder measure is retained with one. Makes it a lot easier to take off and put on.

Oh yeah Skip, I forgot that I also bought some longer completed round bins, plus some the same size as the Dillon blues. The longer ones are about double the length, but the same width as the Dillon blues.
By trimming about an 1/8" off of the bottom 'rail' part, front to back, the part that interlocks the bins, I can turn the smaller one perpendicular to the bottom longer one and slide it to the far right. This creates enough space for the completed rounds to fall into the larger bin leaving the smaller bin for my empties within easy reach to feed the machine.
It's all of the little things that we tweak that adds up to a great help in the long run.

Spent Primers - Fixed it with help from Brian Enos Forum.


Un-spent Primers/Ski Jump - fixed it myself...had to go "high tech" to solve this issue!


Oh...and of course the "knobs" needed on the powder drop...


I'm pretty darn happy Skip.

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

I've been loading on different Dillon machines since the 300. Occationally something doesn't work right but it's normally from me rushing.

I load all of my .38s on my 650 and have loaded over 100,000 rounds in the 5 years I've had this press. I recently had the case feeder readjusted because I didn't watch the video. Now I know how to do it myself.

My 550 is used for all my other calibers including 7.62X56R, .44 Mag and Special, .44 Russian, .303, 45-70. It's so easy to change dies I didn't bother getting a new tool head for each caliber. If it takes a Large Primer it's loaded on the 550.

I live close, so when something happens that I can't complain I bring the part into Dillon. They have never charged for replacements and have given me man new parts including parts I didn't expect to get, all for free.

I read a recent thread about using the LEE primer tray to load your Dillon primer tubes. What an ingenius idea. I've got to give one a try. I don't want to spend $300 for their primer tube loader. Worst case I'll just keep loading 5 tubes and then load up 500 cases and then take a break.

I wouldn't know why you would need a break after less than an hour of work!

I'm not a tinkerer which is why I bought a Dillon 550B in 1999. After thousands of rounds of 9mm, .40 S&W, and .30 carbine I can't think of a think I'd change on it.

Before I bought my Dillon I had several reloaders tell me you just have to start out on a single stage before you get a progressive, like it was some kind of rule or something. I'm certainly glad I didn't follow any of that advice.

__________________
- Change it back -

Could you point me to that thread please.

__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Cause it's over 110 in the garage.

What would I like to see changed on the Dillons? Most likely nothing. They are great presses and I've been well satified with what I've owned.

However, on the 550 I'd like to see 5 stations instead of 4. This would allow the use of a powder check die. This was the reason I sold off my 550 and went to a 650.

The 650 is pretty bullet proof. The only complaint I have with it is the priming system that sends missed primers down a ski ramp. Not a biggie as there are work arounds for this.

The 1050? Leave this one alone! I've never seen anything like it in all my years of reloading. An honest 1200 rounds an hour, usually my arm gets tired first. Everything on it works in a sweet harmony.

I'm totally sold on Dillon presses. I've had quite a few yucks listening to the people that passed on Dillon and bought Hornady presses.

When I started looking at progressives I asked the various owners how many rounds an hour their presses could produce. The people that couldn't answer the question generally had answers like "I don't hurry", or "I don't count rounds per hour". If you read between the lines that means they are spending more time tinkering than reloading.

I had two SD B machines, last year I went for a 650. Its a great machine no doubt. I kinda jumped in deep and bought full conversions for each caliber with powder measures. It does make change overs very easy especially if you dont need to reset for a new bullet length or powder drop. I am set for 9, 38, 357 (a set for each), 40, 44, 45 auto, 223.

The only thing I would like to add is a small brake on the shell holder. The brake would give just a small amount of resistance when it indexes. Some time it will snap into place and spill some powder, I cannot adjust this out for what ever reason.

Oh, also the finished cartridge shoot should be a bit longer toward the shell plate. Seems some times one will stick a bit and wind up on the floor. I fixed it with a piece of card board and a paper clip...

Heres another idea I had for loading mill rifle brass. I dont load tons of it but enough. Right now I , tumble, then spray lube, run through the press, size, de prime. Then swage the prime pockets and check length, I dont have the Dillon trimmer (cant say Ive needed to trim anyhow) then tumble to shine. Then re spray lube and back to the press.

My thought was if we could switch out the primer anvil and make a swage to fit instead. Then with a Dillon trimmer, you could have finished brass with just going through the press, no hand work. Once through the press and its sized, deprimed, swaged and trimmed. Change the swage tool to the primer anvil, change tool head to the dies and reload.

I've been told that clipping a bend in the spring will stop/help the powder spillage. Here are the tips/help pages where I read that:

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=52

or

http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillonfaqs.html#bench

I'm with you on this issue (forgot to mention it in my reply). I have gotten so well trained to put my finger on the shell-plate as it turns...I never get spillage now. I do this out of habit and have not ever cut the spring.

I also have a 650 and have done the same and have a quick-change for each caliber. Much easier and faster change-outs. I also have a complete primer switch-out to make than go faster...or I guess I could just get another 650!! Not!!!

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

Yep, I do the same thing, but it does slow me down. I should be reaching for and getting a bullet ready, but I am holding the plate

I have been thinking of getting another primer assembly so I dont have to change it over, it is a bit of a pain to get it together and working right.

I also bought the primer filler machine, works great and dont think that I can live with out it now. It took a little while to adjust it to make it work perfect. Its fast, easy, no more pick up tubes

If I could find a used 1050 at the right price I might try it. They seem to be quite pricey used even if they did commercial loading and a quite beat up....

If I was going to change one thing on my Dillon it would be to somehow remove the lever and make it foot operated like a treadle sewing machine. That would get the lever out of the way and free up one hand.

I have read of a fix for the plate/spillage thing. I think that it was on Calguns.net, but I think that even that was generated from the Brian Enos site.
It seems that there is a roller bearing washer that is available through Grainger (??) along with another washer, I'm not quite sure, I think that they are also available in kit form from ebay.
It's supposed to smooth things out with no jerking.
You might try any of the above and search.
I will try to do the same thing and get back if I find something.
Good luck!

Here are a couple of places to go to get the shellplate jerkyness fix.

UniqueTek.com - Products for Shooting, Reloading and Competitive Marksmen
Or here
Shellplate bearing kit for Dillon XL 650 - eBay (item 300359068964 end time Jul-16-10 17:05:38 PDT)

Good luck!

I thought I would post this here again on how I do die setup on a SDB. I have two that are currently setup in the "CAVE". One for large primers and the other for small. That takes that part out of the setup time.

Then as I dialed in a setup, I took measurements and recorded them on the inside of the die lid with a permanent marker, sharpie. That way I can get dialed in pretty close quickly.

Skip -

Your pic reminded me that I did another tweak to my SDB's.
At station three, where the small hole is drilled into the top of the seater, I drilled the hole out larger about half-way through and strapped a small flashlight with the bendable wire head to fit into that hole. It shines good light into the now powdered case allowing me to see if there is powder and about how much. Works really well!
I gotta get some pics up!

Same thing on the 650 and...if there was a way to stop feeding primers while you cycle the machine to adjust the charge weight.
Like this post I didn't see

I take all the cases out of their slots and then use a 45-70 case to measure my powder. Since it's too large I can throw charges and the primer system is inactivated. I give it 10 throws and measure and then weight and keep going until I find my powder charge.

AzShooter,
What model press are you using? I ask because the 650 auto-indexes and I do not understand how using the 45-70 case would work without advancing the shell-plate.

It's early, I may just be needing that 1st cup of Joe.

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

The shell plate advances but the primer system doesn't get engaged I don't put the case in the shell plate, just hold it over the plate.You can use any large rifle case but I like the 45-70 It gives more room.

Fog clearing...OK, I understand.

Thanks.

Bob

__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"

I've got a Square deal and it works well enough for me. I've only needed a couple of nylon(?)small parts to replace from an extremely long term storage.

...One suggestion they could do to improve things is to give personal home delivery by one of the cover babes and have her stay for the summer. You know,,make sure the parts work right and stuff.....all part of the customer satisfaction package of course...

Sgt Preston here...
I must have made a wrong turn or something...or maybe...Hmmm
Seems like I got lost for a while or something..? Anyhow...
If I were Mr Dillon, I'd add the MrDial to his powder dispensor...
MRDial the Powder Measure Adjustment Dial, Reloading Supplies and Enhancements
It would help reloaders make even quicker changeovers...
I can dial in my powder feeds within a tenth of a grain by keeping good records & moving to the last recorded dial setting for a caliber...
Semper Fi Skip...

__________________
NRA Life Member

Yeah, and don't be AWOL again Gyreen! Or you are going to be on guard duty or KP! Straighten up!

p.s. We lost Dennis to the big forum gorilla. He is now on another forum.

Hey, Semper Fi to you dear friend! Don't be so long away next time. I have a son in Haggerstown (near), I'll send him to check up on you!

See, for me, that is just a distraction from a good product. I know that "sex sells" and while the girls are pretty much covered, its still the same thing.

I'm pretty sure that they don't need it to sell their product, it would sell itself. Word of mouth alone through reloaders would do that.

Changing primer sizes - large pistol to small pistol, small to large - was so time consuming I bought another 550B and now just leave one set up for small primers and one for large. Some of the older attempts at progressive loaders were good (Star) some were bad (Green Machine) but Dillon put progressive loading capability in the hands of the average reloader. I'm sure I've loaded a dump truck or two full over the years with mine; SDBs, 550s, and yes, boys and girls, the 1050. A word of advice - don't ever pull the handle on someone else' 1050 if you don't want to own one. Even for someone as fumble fingered as I, mounds of ammo appear in a very short time. Sure, I've worn out parts, broke parts (usually my fault), and upgraded systems, but Dillon's customer service is second to none. As an aside, the 1050 is the only one bolted to the bench. The others are on "strong mounts" bolted to 3/4" plywood bases that I store in cabinets and c-clamp to the bench as I need them - leaves lots of room for other projects. My precision rifle and low volume pistol ammo is still loaded on a single stage press, bolted to the bench as well. All of this works for me and is my opinion.

I tend to agree with some of the previous posters: 550B needs some work on the primer feed. Never have any trouble with anything except primer feeding. Changing from large to small is a pain to get everything dialed in. I watch the primer bar religiously to be sure it picked up a primer on the return stroke which slows down the process. Still, I end up with 2-3 unprimed cases in every 1000. If I had the $, it would be worth it to get another , one for large and one for small.. Often read about powder feed problems but have never experienced this problem.

I wouldn't change a thing on either the 550B or the s.deal. I have a close friend with a hornady progressive and it is ok and also one with an rcbs and it too is ok.

Dillon stands behind their stuff as advertised and I have had to send for very few parts. A long time ago I bought a spare parts kit for the 550 just so I would have small replacements on hand and I have only opened it for a part once.

I advise that anyone looking for a progressive buy Dillon.

Skip my Grandmother's family was from Hagerstown...
Elva Barr (nee Wolfinger) died about 1957 or 58...
There are still a lot of Wolfingers living in & around Hagerstown...
Small world...
BTW...I'm still sorting brass to pay for my hobbies...
And being retired has provided extra time for MORE hobbies...
I've added a couple of Marlin Rifles (30-30 & 22Mag) & shoot shoot them twice a month...
And I've gotten back into Archery & shoot almost 7 days a week...
Retirement is busier than I ever could have imagined...
OohRah...

__________________
NRA Life Member

I don't like the idea that DILLON quit furnishing parts for his 1050, because he said it is a commercial loader. Well, I have one and I don't load for anyone except myself. The reason I bought it is because I would rather be SHOOTING than RELOADING. I can load a 1000 rds. in 40 min. on my 1050. When he first started selling the 1050 he guaranteed everything on it. Now, when something breaks I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I WISH HE WOULD RE-THINK THAT AND START SHIPPING PARTS FOR 1050'S AT NO COST TO ME..................ONLY MY OPINION.
CookE

This is from their website right on the description of the machine. One of those buyer beware moments!

I had a 650 and the OP is right, just took to long and alot of work to change from a 38 to a 45 to load. I have a 550 and I am very happy with it, not as fast but easier to work with.