I am considering taking the giant leap for me and getting a progressive press. I have heard nothing but good about Dillion from a number of users but have heard good arguments regarding whether I should go with a 550 or a 650. I do not intend on ever needing to go super razoo with auto feeders, etc. and am happy with putting out a couple hundred an hour. I have heard that with a 650 there is no backing up if you have an error, while with the 550 you can back up and correct the problem without going through a complete cycle. As with any purchase I make I always consider quality and Dillions no B.S. warranty impresses me. Any input will be appreciated.

Will you be changing calibers often? If so I would suggest the 550 over the 650--cheaper easier caliber conversions. Just my $0.02.

Get ready for the can of worms to be opened... :-)

Some answers to these questions may help guide you:
- How many different calibers (and what are they) will you load?
- Budget?
- What processes will you be doing on the press? 550 has fewer stations than the 650

As a 'rule of thumb':
- Caliber conversions are more $$ for the 650
- If you don't care about higher volume, and don't need a case-feeder, then the 650 isn't worth it
- The case-feeder for the 550 isn't the same as the 650, so if you want higher volume/case-feeder, go with the 650

Good luck. Either one will serve you for many years, and probably many of your progenitors as well!!

I like the 650 quite a bit. It's like a little factory. You don't think you need high volume until you start loading that way. That being said, it leads to spending more money on reloading supplies. I enjoy tinkering with equipment so I bought the 650 for my first press. I figured the 1050 was over kill. Now looking into the 1050 so i have more to tinker with, and its better set up to handle military brass.

If you purchase the Dillon 650 you will learn through using there are alternatives when a mistake is made. Such as resizing a loaded round by pulling the decap pin from the sizing/decap die die. I have done this on pistol rounds that will not fit my case gage.
I have both but use the 650 before the 550 because it is has other features like the addition of a powder check. I still check my powder charge at frequent intervals but if that buzzer goes off I check it.
Reloading .223/5.56 is a snap because you can use the case trimmer in line. Even though I use the 550 for decap and trimming I use the 650 to load.
Price is definitely higher for a 650 but in my opinion it is worth it.
Hope this helps

First off, I use a 650. While there is no "backing up" I'm not sure I'd want that option. With a 650 there's almost no chance of a double charge (at least I can't figure out how that could happen short of a part breaking). If you make a mistake, you can take the partially completed round out at any of the stations. I don't load that much, a few hundred at a time, but I load many times a week. A 650 cuts down on manual manipulation of components. I don't have a bullet feeder so all I do is put a bullet on the case and pull the handle. Every time I pull it, a completed round comes out. I haven't felt the need for a bullet feeder, but I have the option. I don't do caliber changes so that wasn't part of the decision for me. I do change from major to minor power factor 9mm but I have a complete head for each and can swap over in a couple of minutes (different powder, powder load, and OAL). I've loaded over 150K rounds on it and have broken a few small parts (springs, decap pins, E-clips) but had spares in my parts kit and Dillon has sent replacements for the parts I used so my kit still has all the needed parts. I didn't find it difficult to set up, but I'm a mechanically inclined type of person. Hope this helps with your decision.

I've had 'em all..the 550 is fine unless you are dyslexic. I used to try loading shotshell on a Mec 650..did not work and it is approx. like a Dillon 550. Have a 650 set up for large primers and one set up for small. Both have case feeders. Just bought a like new 650 with a case feeder and bullet feeder(new). Haven't used it yet..but intend to. otherwise for serious loading I use 4 Dillon Super 1050s. if you really want to load get the 650..take your time and it will work out well. BTW..get the casefeeder

Never used a 650 but I'm very happy with my RL550B. I load about 300 to 400 rounds a month. With the 550 you have to manually advance the turret, but I don't find that difficult. I generally use my Rock Chucker to load rifle cartridges though.

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Foster Positivity.

Based on your "rounds per hour" expectations, I'd say get the 550B. I bought mine 2nd hand 20+ years ago and it's still running strong. I load six different handgun calibers and two rifle and find that 2-300 per hour is easily reached.
Their warranty is top notch - as I said, I bought mine 2nd hand and it was missing some parts (I was aware before the purchase). I called Dillon to order some toolheads, dies, etc. I explained to the rep that I had purchased a "used" 550B that was missing some parts - he asked what they were and sent them - no charge - with my order.
IMO - you really have to need high volume to justify the price difference. Good luck in your quest!

Skyhunter

I own a 550 and have been very happy with it for 10 years now. If you get a 550, you won't ever outgrow it. I will agree that the 650, with it's auto advance system, is even less likely to inadvertently double charge a cartridge. But for a beginner, a 550 is really plenty of equipment for you to deal with.

Get the 550. You're going to work very slowly for a long time in any case. A fast machine with a slow pace seems a bit off.

I was in the same boat not too long ago. Trying to decide on a Dillon 550 or 650. Many tens of thousands of rounds later, I am very happy with my choice.

Basically, don't worry about this one is better for a beginner or that one is better for what ever other thing.

Neither press is for a beginner.

You need to decide two things: 1) Weather or not the auto index feature is what you want, and 2) Do you want (not need) four or five stations. I very much like the auto index and I wanted 5 stations. So I got the 650.

What ever you decide, get a case feeder. You will not regret it. Ever.

Have fun with you new Dillon when you get it!

re: "with a 650 there is no backing up if you have an error, while with the 550 you can back up and correct the problem without going through a complete cycle."

you will learn to rethink this kind of hypothetical, as the incidence of such errors decreases as you learn to operate the machine. Either one of them requires becoming proficient in their particular process.

I started with the famed 450 about 35 years ago as an absolute novice reloader. Not long before upgrading it to the 550, which I sued for nearly 20 years. Then to a 650. Yes, there is a learning curve. The magic part of such a marvelous machine, is you can run it at any pace you find convenient.

While I may stop from time to time to adjust something, in reality the capacity of the production can be so high it doesn't matter if you take a little pause.

I much prefer the auto-index feature, as well as the case feeder. Yes you can get along with them. The question really is 'why'?

Would you rather be at the reloading bench, or out at the range?

My choice was the "one pull, one loaded round" which either 550 or 650 will give you.

I like to sit down & load up 500 or 1000 rounds and then have lots of time to attend to the shooting part of my hobby. Whether I spend 20 minutes or 90 minutes pulling the handle, I still get plenty of quality reloads.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

Very well said.

Once the learning curve is done, it's amazing how little time it takes to put together a thousand excellent quality rounds.

Thanks for all the replies, very good information from you all.
I'm having trouble keeping up with my current shooting schedule with my old single stage Rock Chucker. I have always believed in paying the price for quality and have heard nothing but good from anyone owning a Dillion product. The only calibers I currently shoot enough to warrant the use of a progressive press are .45acp/ar.

The 650 is the only press I own. I had no trouble introducing myself to reloading with it. Believe me when I tell you I'm no rocket scientist.

There's infinite information and support literally at your finger tips if you have a head scratcher.

Been reloading for 30++ years now on 3 different Presses and the 650 is the truly the best IMHO. Almost impossible to double charge ( you would have to go out of your way to do so ). Get the optional case feeder and you will have ammo coming out so fast you won't believe it. Not only fast, but QUALITY ammo!

The 550 is a good press, but the 650 blows it away IMHO. I see no reason to have to manually index like you must on the 550. The 650 does it for you and acyually keeps you from double charging.!!

I run both presses. If you are not going to use a case feeder, the 650 offers little advantage. The 650 does have a 5th stn, important if you want a powder check die. The 650 is designed for a case feeder, so loading w/o is a bit of a pita. For 200rds a week, you don't really need a 650.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Heck with 200 rounds a week..with the 650 you would only have to reload an hour and a half per month. Wish they had a smilie icon with horns

I won't get into a debate about the 550 vs 650. If it were me making the decision, things I would find important to know. Obviously, the 650 is a more expensive press as it is a true progressive--where it automatically indexes and the 550 does not. The 650 caliber conversion kits are nearly twice the cost (~$80) because they have more parts in them. Changing calibers on the 650 takes longer to do, as you are changing more parts. The Quick Change kits are pretty much the same cost (~$120). The 650 more easily allows for powder check die.

While you can't back up on the 650, you can remove the locator pins from the shell-plate and take your brass out of each station and relocate if needed.

My suggestion is to watch some YouTube videos of them in action, caliber conversions, etc. Then weigh out the additional cost vs features in presses.

From what you say your probable best buy is the 550B, probably the most versatile loader available with a no BS warranty. You can easily do 400-500 rounds per hour without exerting yourself. You can load any rifle or pistol rounds you want. Change over is simple and quick.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I don't have much to add to the above, other than the no BS warranty is exactly that. I have had a couple of occasions to use it over the past 40 years and they don't even ask what the problem is. Just tell them what you want.

The last time I had a problem with a 9mm shell plate. Some brands of cases were difficult to insert. I didn't even buy it from them, I got it off eBay.

Me: "I'm having a problem with my 9mm shellplate, I need a new one"

Dillon Dude: "Yes sir, let me give you an RMA#. Just mail it to us with the RMA on the outside of the package and we'll get you out a new one."

Ten days later I had a new shellplate. The new one solved my problem.

I've been using a 550 since the late 80's. A couple years ago I purchaced a second 550.
A couple of reason:
Habit, don't know how many tens of thousands of rounds I've loaded on the 550, but I could probably operate it in my sleep.
Backup, if one would go down, switching over to the other 550 would be easy.
( I have one 550 set up for small primers ,, one for large. I also use a RCBS single stage for most of my rifle reloading))

I have friends that have the 650 and are very happy with them. I thought about a 650 but for reason stated above decided on the 550.

Since I've never used a 650 I can not really comment much on them. But, personally don't think you can go wrong with either one.. And yes I'll have another glass of Blue Cool Aid

If you have any doubt about the machine you want, go for top of your list and don't look back. The 650 will be frustrating for a bit, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be a pro soon enough. I'd rather have a bit too much than a bit too little.

My wife's employee (female) wanted a motorcycle with a Harley being her goal. She went against my suggestion to get what she wants to start with, and bought a smaller metric bike to train on. Two months later she was ready to move up, however, she had several thousand in a bike she couldn't sell. She took a huge soaking as a trade in.

Morale of the story, get the 650 and learn the machine and be confident you made a good choice.

The 550 is a true progressive; it offers one round for each pull of the handle, it is just a manual indexing progressive. Auto indexing is convenient, but offers no speed advantage w/o case or bullet feeders, you still have to place a bullet & case. I ran my 650 for 2m w/o a case feeder. You have to stop & fill the case feed tube every 15-20, as loading cases from the right is not convenient as it is on a 550. Result, your per hour round count is about the same as the 550. Add the case feeder & 750rds/hr is pretty easy, one handle pull every 5sec.
In many ways I prefer my 550 for small batch loading. It is easy to back up a round or remove rounds for measuring or case charging, like stick powders in rifle rounds. It is pretty easy to load at a rate of 400rds an hour for as many hours as you like. Few of us need a greater volume of ammo.
I started on a ss press, but have no issue recommending a 550 as a starter press. It can be used as an inverted turret, taking one round thru the entire process & pulling the handle the same number of times as a turret. So why buy a turret? You can then run it as a progressive & get 400rds/hr w/o breaking a sweat & visually inspecting every powder drop. That is a really slow one handle pull every 9sec!!
The 550 is easier & cheaper to do conversions on. So if you want to load for 5-6 diff calibers, the 550 is my choice. For 1-2 calibers, preferably same primer size, a lot of one caliber before changing to another, then the w/ case feeder is a far better tool. If I had to sell one, it would be my 650. Mostly because I load for so many diff calibers.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I love me 550 and you have to really be trying to pull off a double load. It bells the case as it drops the powder. If you lose your place you only need to look at the case to see if its been charged. Of course pulling the round out it would take all of 4 seconds and would be safer. If you buy the 550 the least expensive retailer I could find was Scheels. Cheaper and free shipping sans tax as well.

Nice, you addressed my concern before I asked, thanks!

I was curious about the Dillon powder measure. How good is it and does it have trouble with any type of powder? Also, can you use other brands of measure with the Dillons or would you want to?

I had not heard this reasoning before and it make a lot of sense. This has tilted the scale toward the 550 for me. I only shoot about 400 per month through the summer months and less in the winter. Will load .45, 9 mostly and some .38 special.

You can get adapters to get other measures to work but the Dillon is fine with ball/spherical, most flake powders & small stick powders.
Many will tout the auto indexing as a fool proof tool for preventing a double charge. While it is possible to double on an auto indexing press, it is just a lot harder. IMO, impossible to do it on the manual indexing 550 IF you develop a proper loading technique. That is to place the bullet on the case BEFORE you advance the shell plate. I have managed well over 150K rds on my 550 w/o ever getting a squib or double. Just pay attention, verify the powder charge is in the case & place the bullet BEFORE you advance the shell plate. If you leave the press for some reason, just finish the rounds in the shell plate & start over when you get back. Really, just about fool proof.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Your advice to finish the rounds in the shellplate prior to stopping is keen advice. Anytime you return to the bench after you take a break is when a mistake will happen.

The other reason I like the 550 so much. When you start & stop, the powder will settle a bit in the measure. So it is prudent to toss the first couple of charges back into the hopper. Then restart your loading process. Any time you stop for any length of time, even 5min, toss those first couple back. Harder to do this on an auto indexing press.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

The Dillon powder measure is one of the best on the market, and with ball type or fine flake powder it will consistently drop within less than .1 gr. When setting mine up I will weigh weigh 10 throws and normally it will be exactly on the money. Like all measures, the coarser the powder the more problems there will be. Sticking with Win 231, Accurate 5, 7, 9, Titegroup, Win Super Target, I have never had any problems.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Funny you should mention Accurate #5, as it is the one I've read the most complaints abouts with Dillon powder measures. Number 1 compliant is leaking as it is a fine grain. I've read discussions regarding rotary drum vs slide bar, and I believe the rotary drum is probably more accurate over a wider variety of powder styles. Which is why it usually shows up as a reason for the Hornady LnL AP over the Dillon. Not trying to stir the pot, I own a Dillon 550 and the slide bar system has worked very consistently to my surprise using Bullseye, W231, HP-38.

I just load handgun on my 550, and have a few different powders to try out: AA# 5, Unique, 2400, Competition, and 4227. Will be interested to see if what I've read about AA#5 is true.

You just remove the fail safe bar. There's really nothing challenging or time consuming about it that I can see.

550 is simpler, fewer parts to go out of adjustment or jam up. It is also a bit slower. If all you need and you have the time, a couple of hundred rounds an hour is easily done with the 550. The 550 is sort of the Sherman tank of progressive presses.

650 is more complicated, you cannot back up, faster, but more prone to misadjustments or, malfunctions. More expensive.

I have one of each. I use the 550 more often than the 650.

Both are good sturdy presses and about as reliable as a progressive gets. The Dillon warranty and customer support is second to none.

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Can my S&W Mdl 10 shoot +P

Then a 550 is as much as you need. I've used one for 30 years, and have no desire to "upgrade". Manual indexing works just fine for me.

Even a Lee Classic Turret would suit your needs. Heresy!

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Sure you did

That doesn't stop the powder drop completely & is far more time consuming and the shell plate still advances automatically. Jmo based on running both.
Again, a 650 w/o case feeder is not really faster. You still have to feed bullets & cases.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I've used all of the Dillon machines even from wayyy back. I use the 650s and 1050s because it takes less time and also because I will never forget to manually advance the shellplate. One of the main problems I had with the Mec 650 and with the 550. The 550 is a great machine. Not dissing it..just not for me. As far as the powder settling. Yeah..it does slightly even when not being used. BUT..in 5 minutes sitting? Nah. Now then I don't run my loads at max either..so a tiny bit of + or - will not matter. I must agree though..if you let powder sit overnight yep it will surely settle a fair amount. The one gripe if you want to call it that with the Dillon machine's powder measure is there is no easy way to drain the measure. I know there is a fix for this by another company but no way to completely empty the darn thing. So I have a tendency to load to a certain point of powder in the measure..Usually a 1/3 left. then dismount it and empty it... or take the whole die plate off. Still either way a PITA

Oh if I remember correctly the Dillon Shotshell loader had a shot measure that could be mostly emptied. But not completely. Powder?? No don't think it had a empty feature. No longer have one and since I have CRS disease..ummm what was I saying?

I've loaded on both, the 650 wins hands down IMHO.

The 650 is what I bought.

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John

I have a Dillon 550B that I use for most of my handgun ammo and non-match rifle ammo. For my match rifle ammo, I use a single stage press.

I will admit up front, I am cheap, especially since I am now on fixed income. Currently, my 550B is used for 38 Special wadcutter, 38 Special SWC, 9mm, and 45 ACP. Down the road, I may purchase a conversion kit for my 41 Magnum. Converting between cartridges is relatively easy, the only thing I may consider is an extra powder measure.

I have had no issues with the pistol powders I have used (Bullseye and WW231), but these powders are becoming increasingly difficult to find. When it comes to rifle ammo, I will not use stick powder because of throwing issues. For non-match ammo, I will only use ball powder.

In all honesty, after 3-4 hours at my press, I can have all of my handgun ammo reloaded, for all cartridges. I have about 1500 cases, and I usually run out of cast bullets before I run out of cases. In virtually all respects for my needs, a case feeder (hence, 650) is a waste of money.

My suggestion is to identify what your current ammo consumption is, and your ability to stockpile components. Once you identify your needs, I would then select the press. For me, my 550B meets my current needs, and any increased need that may arise. I tend to find that my current setup keeps my shooting costs down, and my casting and loading sessions tend to add to the relaxation that I get from a shooting session.

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Judge control not gun control!

With or without the case feeder? A 650 w/o feeder is kind of a pita, not any faster than a 550. Auto indexing is really over rated IMO. The 5th station is nice though for a powder check die for rifle especially. Add the case feeder, doesn't get much better than a 650 for the $$.
BTW, even if you don't need the volume of ammo any good progressive can make, the fewer handle pulls adds up over the years. There really is no downside to using a progressive vs say a turret, but cost. $$ I can make, time I can not. I shutter to think of loading even 200rds of pistol ammo on a ss press again.
For the doubting types, weigh your last powder throw, then walk away for 5min, come back & weigh your first throw, it will be heavier. How much will depend on the powder type. Yes, not a huge issue if you are loading well below max.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Just figuring the very basics to start loading .45 & 9mm this is what I came up with using fredj338 logic of needing the case feeder on the 650 to make it worth while. Double check me please.

550b- $440, extra caliber conv-$46, 1-quick change assy $104= $590

650- $567, caliber conv $78, quick change assy $108, case feed $220, extra plate for case feeder $40= $1013.

Unless I'm missing something, which could easily be the case, that's a $400 difference. To me I can't justify that much extra cost for 4-500 rounds a month of summer shooting.

This is really unsafe advise. NEVER run a loaded round into a re sizing die. Should the round detonate, it will turn your reloading press into a bomb. It only has to happen once. The proper way to deal with an oversize round is to pull the bullet and start over.

I'm not here to start a color war so if you've looked at everything and know you want a Dillon, I fully understand (Ford/Chevy) and say congratulations

I just want to point out that you could get a full setup with a Hornady, dies and all with separate seat and crimp for less than $600.

The following are prices from MidSouth. If you can afford to be patient and shop, you could probably trim another $50 from this estimate.

LNL AP $389.99
"Optional Quick change Die bushing 3 pack
(5 come with press)" $14.60

9MM
ShellPlate #8 $30.15
Hornady Series II 3 Die Set $44.92
"Optional Taper crimp die
(separate seat and crimp)" $18.16

45ACP
ShellPlate #45 $35.99
Hornady Series II 3 Die Set $44.92
"Optional Taper crimp die
(separate seat and crimp)" $18.16

TOTAL $596.89

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

I understand your concern, but no way for the round to go off. The practice is poor, not unlike using the lfcd to "resize" the case after the bullet is seated, because you are facing something that shouldn't happen with proper die setup & technique.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

If you never want a case feeder, the LNL is a decent option. The 650 comes with everything but the case feed bowl, why it is slightly more expensive, about $75, equipped the same. You still have a better priming system on the 650 though. Jmo.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

You dont need a quick change kit, just tool head & powder thru die. Swapping the powder measure is simple. You still need a good scale to set the measure, calipers, at least 2 manuals. Eventually you'll wNt some way to clean cases, but initially the cases can just be rolled in a damp towel.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Would you please show a screen shot of a shopping cart containing a 650 including 4 die sets/shellplates for both 9mm and 45ACP and quick change capability for $672? I believe you just said you could in your response (equipped the same for about $75 more).

Again, I don't care what color is bought, I just think we need to be accurate. I won't respond further because it will just be the same old tired color war thread. That's why I hesitated posting in the first place.

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

Duly noted, thanks! I have RCBS dies already for both calibers so I assumed they would work for whichever press I end up with. I have pretty much decided I don't need the 650 so I think it's between the LNL AP and 550b.

The dies will work just fine. I couldn't be happier with my LNL (I have two). It is a true 5 station progressive press. Also, their customer service is excellent. I'm sure Dillon's is the same.

Good luck! A lot of good info here
So you're thinking about getting into reloading...

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

Correct, I guess I was just trying to compare apples to apples between the 550 and 650. Without the Q. change kit I can take $100 off both presses but it seemed like a good option to just be able to trade out tool heads with a powder measure in each. I have a scale, manuals, calipers and all the basics as I have been loading on a SS for about a year.