Dillon RL550B or XL650

[fredj338]

One of my only concerns (minor at that) about the 550 would be forgetting to index as I have grown accustomed to the auto-indexing of the SDB. I am sure it wouldn't take me long to get used to it though. On the other hand the manual indexing is also very appealing to me as it would give me more control over each of the stages of the reloading process and as already stated I enjoy taking my time and being anal about the whole process.

I go back & forth between the 550 & 650, it isn't an issue for me. You have to pay attention to what you are doing with either press. If anything, the 550 should require more attention because you can not just pull the handle. You have to look at the press to place brass & index the plate & place the bullet.
The 650 is a great press, but IMO, really geared to the guy loading 1 or 2 calibers & running several 1000 between changes. The 550 is simpler design & easier/cheaper to change calibers for smaller runs of say 500rds, then switch to another caliber. Why I have both & a ss press. I load for 25 diff calibers, some as few as 50rds a year. I am not buying a setup for the 650 & tearing it apart to load 50rds.

 

[Bkreutz]

I went back and forth between the 550 and 650 for quite a while. Finally pulled the trigger and got a 650. My reasoning was that I could add the "bells and whistles" (case feeder, primer feeder) at a later date on the 650. I use 9mm by the gross, I considered a SD but decided not. I still have a turret press for the occasional "other" calibers.

 

[jayman9207]

I am looking to mainly load .223/5.56 (80%) and .308 (20%) with this new press. I am not sure if I would load pistol ammo on it or not as the SDB is so easy to use and I already have a ton of accessories for it. I am not very concerned about loading mass quantities at a time as I would probably only load a couple hundred rounds at a time. It is more about the whole experience than it is just cranking out as much ammo as I can. It is a Dillon so I know either press is going to be awesome and work great.

 

[varmint243]

given your last post I continue to suggest that your next press be a quality single stage.
If you decide to add another progressive in the future you will find yourself using the single stage for various operations and short test runs.
My single stage has collected no dust next to my 4 and 5 station progressives.

 

[jayman9207]

given your last post I continue to suggest that your next press be a quality single stage.
If you decide to add another progressive in the future you will find yourself using the single stage for various operations and short test runs.
My single stage has collected no dust next to my 4 and 5 station progressives.

I considered that but I tried out my brother's single stage and wasn't really a fan. I think I would prefer to stay with a progressive or possibly a turret press.

 

[jtcarm]

I am not very concerned about loading mass quantities at a time as I would probably only load a couple hundred rounds at a time. It is more about the whole experience than it is just cranking out as much ammo as I can.

I suggest taking a look at the Redding T7 if you're not looking for mass quantities. With 7 stations, you can leave it setup for both calibers and it gives more control over the reloading process than a progressive.

 

[Ethang]

You won't go wrong with either press, Dillon makes great stuff. However, for what your saying a 550 or a single stage makes more sense. I have had a 650 since they first came out. When I was shooting USPSA it was a great time saver. You can crank out a bunch of rounds in a session. If you not a high volume shooter though the 650 really is over kill. The only rifle round I ever load on it is 556 and that is a marathon session ever 5 or so years.

 

[blujax01]

The 550 is simpler (fewer parts to break or get out of adjustment) and more reliable.

The 650 is faster, but more complicated, and more likely to develop quirks.

When do these reliability issues crop up and what is the nature of the "quirks" of which you speak? Also am I the only one who finds the 650 to be a "set it and forget it" proposition? I surely haven't experienced any of the above problems. If I were you I would immediately contact Dillon as I'm certain they will repair or replace the lemon you obviously ended up buying.

 

[jayman9207]

When do these reliability issues crop up and what is the nature of the "quirks" of which you speak? Also am I the only one who finds the 650 to be a "set it and forget it" proposition? I surely haven't experienced any of the above problems. If I were you I would immediately contact Dillon as I'm certain they will repair or replace the lemon you obviously ended up buying.

For your "set it and forget it" are you consistently using the same components? In today's times I am buying what I can find as well trying to find out what works best with my guns. Therefore I am having to tweak things a little when I am swapping out powders and/or bullets with a different kind. Eventually I will narrow things down to a few select components but that will probably be a while out. Would a 650 be fairly easy to adjust in these cases?

 

[PWGUNNY]

You can sell your SDB easily and probably near what you paid.

 

[blujax01]

For your "set it and forget it" are you consistently using the same components? In today's times I am buying what I can find as well trying to find out what works best with my guns. Therefore I am having to tweak things a little when I am swapping out powders and/or bullets with a different kind. Eventually I will narrow things down to a few select components but that will probably be a while out. Would a 650 be fairly easy to adjust in these cases?

I have no problems tuning in a load and once I find it the 650 doesn't waver more than 0.1 grains nor +\- more than 0.005" throughout the run whether I run 100 or 1000, even if I stop midstream and start again the next day. Learning the 650 does take a little time and study, kind of like learning to be a machinist. But if you pay attention and make no assumptions, it isn't that hard.

 

[MWC2068]

You may want to look at the Hornaday Lock-N-Load AP, if cost is an issue, it auto indexes, has the quick change bushings, has rifle and pistol powder bushings, it uses Any standard dies, carbide works best and it's way less expensive than either of the Dillions you are looking at, customer service is great and the press works really well. You can get different powder bushings and quick change bushings for each caliber or bullet weight, it makes change over to a different caliber really easy.

 

[blujax01]

A lot of folks are satisfied with their Hornady AP's for sure.

 

[MWC2068]

If you have madeup your mind, Scheels.com/hunting has the Dillion 550B in stock for 389.99, online only.

 

[Squarebutt]

Before you decide, add up the cost of not only the presses, but the parts needed to change calibers. There's a significant difference in the bottom line.
Some of the match shooters I know size, trim and prime their cases on single-stage presses, then add powder and bullet on the 550.
I've been happy with the 550 for over 30 years, but I'm not a match competitor shooting 1000 rounds every week.

 

[m657]

OP:
cost of the 'caliber change' really does need to be factored into the plans of any owner/operator....

The Dies are going to cost whatever you have to pay anyway when you add a caliber.

There is the cost of the "conversion kit", which is a necessity to make it work for that caliber. Those are roughly $72 each as I write this. Eventually you'll probably have enough of the basics you can mix & match for new calibers, or buy the missing essential part separately. I used to do that with the 550 but now just figure each NEW caliber I add, is going to cost me about $150 for dies & conversion kit. If that is what stops me, I should actually reconsider just why do I want that 'new caliber'.

And yes, it would be nice at times to have minimal costs for such additions.....yet every caliber I do add that I like, I find it advantageous to be able to load at will whatever amount desirable without spending all week doing such. I like the 'one pull--one loaded round' factor.

The tool head the last I checked was closing in on $20, but they last forever.

You can mount your dies in a tool head, adjust to whatever you want, and swap to another caliber in a matter of seconds.

It's the change over of the shell plate etc that takes a little time.

If you are changing from large to small primers, there's another few minutes.

I've made modification over the years to my 650, such that caliber changes with primer size changes might be easily done in about 5 minutes. During that time I often do various clean/grease/inspect/marvel at the wonders of first class along the way.

It does take a bit to catch all the tricks....don't know any set up that doesn't have the owner saying "Oh, it works better THIS way than THAT way" and "Oh, I like to do it THIS way because...."

I tend to run my reloading in batches, not so much 'caliber' as 'primer size'....and these days probably don't have to change that more than a couple times a year.

After 30+ years on a Dillon, the features and strengths of the machine keep me satisfied even now, warts n'all.....

good luck on your reloading adventure!!!!

 

[fredj338]

When do these reliability issues crop up and what is the nature of the "quirks" of which you speak? Also am I the only one who finds the 650 to be a "set it and forget it" proposition? I surely haven't experienced any of the above problems. If I were you I would immediately contact Dillon as I'm certain they will repair or replace the lemon you obviously ended up buying.

Things wear out. You have to keep it lubed & clean. So yes, it is a set & forget for the most part, if you do not convert it to other calibers. Every caliber conversion requries some minor adjustments, so potential for things to go wrong. WHy I like the 550 for changing calibers often, it's just that much easier to get back up & running.
As far as the LNL goes, sure, if you must have a auto indexing press w/o a case feeder, then it is the only real choice over the 550. It is no faster though, just auto indexes. If you want a case feeder now or in the future, the LNL & 650 are the same price, well within $50 or so. The 650 comes setup for the feeder so you only need the bowl, $220. The LNL needs all the case feeder parts, so it's feeder is $320 +/-. Equipped the same, the 650 is only $50 more & a FAR BETTER machine. The priming system alone would make me buy it over the LNL. I have done about 12K rds on the 650 now, not single primer malfunction of any kind. I doubt many LNL guys can claim that.

 

[Bkreutz]

Look what the Fedex man brought me today. , pretty much all setup except that I took the deprime pin out of the die and didn't install the primer feed system yet. I've got a few hundred primed cases to load before I start the full meal deal. It was a bit fussy to set up, the instructions leave something to be desired but it wasn't a big deal to figure out those parts that they neglected to mention. I will probably still use my Lee turret press for small batches I just couldn't keep up with 9mm though. Anyone have any ideas on minimizing the powder spillout when the shell plate indexes? The troubleshooting manual says I'm pulling the handle too fast but isn't that the idea?.

 

[blujax01]

First of all:

WELCOME FELLOW SMURF!!!

The 650 locks into place with each pull of the handle using a spring-loaded ball engaging detents under the shell plate. The spring is aggressive and causes the loaded cases to jump slightly sometimes resulting in spillage when the cases are smaller caliber, especially at high speeds. Some folks have had success by cutting half a coil from the ball spring, thus minimizing the distinct *click* and snapping action. There is also an aftermarket needle bearing and wave spring setup available that absorbs the energy and cushions the action.

I found that a hand technique can also minimize it without making any machine mod. When the filled case comes around to station 3 from the powder drop, place the tip of your left index finger on the top while you make the next pull to station 4, then take your finger off and place the bullet in the case. If you're adept with your left hand it's not hard to do and best of all - it's free!!!

There are a lot of You Tube Videos available on the care and feeding of your 650. Remember that this is the Internet and not all folks are particularly helpful. YMMV

Dillon 650 Powder Spillage Resolved - YouTube

Dillon 650 Powder Spill Fix - YouTube

If you decide to go for the bearing fix, Parts can be ordered from McMaster Carr for just a few bucks.:

Fix for the snapping shellplate on a 650 - Dillon Precision Reloading Equipment - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

Your choice, modify the machine or modify your technique.


Either works well and congratulations on your purchase.

 

[fredj338]

bluj is correct, cutting 1/3-1/2 coil slows the plate coming around enough to keep from throwing powder out. Many use the bearing but I found modifying the spring was all I need for my needs.