I'm looking to upgrade my loading process. Currently using a Lee Classic 1000 which I love with the exception of the primer loading. Just not fast enough. Been considering a Dillon 650. But open minded. Would like a press to give around 300 rounds per hour which the Dillon should handle easily. Any reviews or suggestions of other brands?
Dillon loading presses pros and cons
- Thread starter Eddietruett
- Start date
- Status
Register to hide this ad
AveragEd
Member
The only progressive loader I have ever had for metallic cartridges is a Dillon 650. About the only negative is of course the cost 
.
I did not get the shell feeder because I didn't want the tall device blocking access to my loading bench's shelving and also didn't want a power cord laying on the bench. I found that reaching through the loader with my left hand to place a shell in the feed ramp was easy and certainly fast enough.
I would suggest trying the loader with its standard operating handle before buying a roller handle. I found the roller locked my wrist into one angle the whole way through the rotational cycle, which was uncomfortable for my arthritic joints. The round ball allows your hand to rotate on the ball.
Otherwise, there's a lot to like!
Ed
.I did not get the shell feeder because I didn't want the tall device blocking access to my loading bench's shelving and also didn't want a power cord laying on the bench. I found that reaching through the loader with my left hand to place a shell in the feed ramp was easy and certainly fast enough.
I would suggest trying the loader with its standard operating handle before buying a roller handle. I found the roller locked my wrist into one angle the whole way through the rotational cycle, which was uncomfortable for my arthritic joints. The round ball allows your hand to rotate on the ball.
Otherwise, there's a lot to like!
Ed
OP
Maybe you can get 300 an hour from the 550 but for only $120 more (without the auto case loader), wouldn't the 650 deliver a lot more bullets with less effort?
SLT223
Member
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2009
- Messages
- 3,514
- Reaction score
- 5,534
Dillon 650 is all I have experience with. As mentioned downside is cost. For pistol ammo it is all I think I will ever need. Here's what 2.5 hours can do behind one.
The Hornady LNL crew will be by shortly. I'm sure their equipment works quite well too.
The Hornady LNL crew will be by shortly. I'm sure their equipment works quite well too.
Last edited:
I hear it does. But, I bought the 550 for easier caliber change out and I don't need faster.
fredj338
Member
I load on both a 550 & 650. If you want near bullet proof priming, nothing beats a 650. It really does want a case feeder to be really efficient, but if you only want reliable 400rds an hour, you can do ot w/o a case feeder. It Can always be added.
I've got a Dillon 650. I've had it for almost 20 years. There have been zero issues. It's everything Dillon claims it is. I suppose they have a good warranty, but I wouldn't know. Absolutely nothing has given me any trouble.
Besides the well thought out design, speed of use, and accurate reliable ammo it produces, caliber changes are pretty easy.
The auto index places it well ahead of the 550, for my purposes.
I spent a lot of time at the Dillon booth at an NRA convention, trying out all their presses. The Square Deal is clunky and gritty by comparison, with lousy leverage. No way you could do bottleneck cases on that thing. 550 was OK, but, like I said, the auto index and extra die location on the toolhead really sold me. I did look at the 1050, but caliber conversions are a big headache.
Just my opinions here, but, I hope this helps,
Jim
Besides the well thought out design, speed of use, and accurate reliable ammo it produces, caliber changes are pretty easy.
The auto index places it well ahead of the 550, for my purposes.
I spent a lot of time at the Dillon booth at an NRA convention, trying out all their presses. The Square Deal is clunky and gritty by comparison, with lousy leverage. No way you could do bottleneck cases on that thing. 550 was OK, but, like I said, the auto index and extra die location on the toolhead really sold me. I did look at the 1050, but caliber conversions are a big headache.
Just my opinions here, but, I hope this helps,
Jim
Ok I'll be the first Hornady guy... I know the Dillon press is very good, I know people that swear by them but I couldn't afford one at the time. So I ended up getting the Lock n Load and have been very pleased with it so far. I can make close to 300 rounds an hour if I wanted. But I'm not in the ammo biz..So if I make half that in an hour that's OK. To me it's like a stress reliever. Good quiet time....my little get away. So I guess if you can afford the Dillon then go for it...If not Lock N Load!!
I have a 550, and my only reason for wishing I had a 650 is the ability to add a powder check die. I can easily load 300 rounds per hour on the 550.
old&slow
Member
I've had a Dillon 550 since the late 80's. Don't know how many tens of thousands of rounds I've loaded on it. So, I've been drinking the Blue Cool Aid for quite a few years.
A couple years ago I purchased a second 550. So, I could have one set up for large primers and one for small primers. I'm quite happy with the 550 , and I can do about 300 rounds per hour on it..
I purchased the second 550, rather than a 650, because I have loaded thousands of rounds on it,, and can probably operate it in my sleep. Plus IF something happens, I have a backup.
I few of my shooting buddies have 650's and seem to be quite happy with them too. One guy has a 650 , and recently got a deal on a 550. He said the 550 is slower and more work than the 650, and prefers the 650.
I load most of my rifle ammo on a really old RCBS single stage.
A couple years ago I purchased a second 550. So, I could have one set up for large primers and one for small primers. I'm quite happy with the 550 , and I can do about 300 rounds per hour on it..
I purchased the second 550, rather than a 650, because I have loaded thousands of rounds on it,, and can probably operate it in my sleep. Plus IF something happens, I have a backup.
I few of my shooting buddies have 650's and seem to be quite happy with them too. One guy has a 650 , and recently got a deal on a 550. He said the 550 is slower and more work than the 650, and prefers the 650.
I load most of my rifle ammo on a really old RCBS single stage.
Last edited:
Well I have quite a few progressive presses.. A locknload and an ammo plant(no it ain't) I also have 3 Dillon 1050s 2 650s and believe it or not no 550s The 1050s are great especially for handgun rounds. The 650s are not quite as fast as a 1050 but are easier to dp rifle rounds on. I used to use a 1050 in 223 but it was just too much going on at one time for rifle ammo. So I load 223 and 308 military(I hate that tactical word) Load 44 spec and 38 on the 650..oh and 45 Colt. When I load 9mm I also use a 650. They are one of the easiest progressive presses I have ever used..including shotshell progressives(except the Spolar with hydraulics...oy vey!!) I had a 450 many years ago and being dislexic a bit it was a challenge for me as would the 550 I am sure. I have another new in the box 650 sitting here in the loading room...but haven't figured out what to use it for yet..The LnL and Ammo Plant are going on ebay soon.
I'd say the only con for 650 is the price tag 650 is also known for spilling powder (fixable pretty easy). I've had 550 for a little over 5 years, couple years ago added 650. Conversion kits for 550 much cheaper. 650 has 5 stations so one can add powder check or bullet feeder die.
650 is also known for spilling powder (fixable pretty easy). I've had 550 for a little over 5 years, couple years ago added 650. Conversion kits for 550 much cheaper. 650 has 5 stations so one can add powder check or bullet feeder die.
Hairtrigger
Member
I have owned both Hornady and Dillon presses
Hornady uses a Drum style powder measure which I consider superior to the slide bar
The dillon 550 is not auto indexing, get distracted and throw a double charge in a case... KABOOM
If you do not use a case or bullet feeder consider this... The Dillon you insert cases and run the handle with your right hand and insert bullets with left, The Hornady your right hand stays on the handle, inserting empty cases with your left hand on the down stroke and then grab a bullet and insert on the up stroke.
Hornady uses a spring to hold cases in place in the shel holder... just slide out until the case clears the plate and you can check powder weight or whatever... dillon uses those darn little buttons that you need a different size for each caliber
My friends that use Dillon are the kind of guys that like to throw money at a situation, my friends that reload with Hornady tend to try and figure out why something happens and then find a solution,,, both are happy with their presses
Hornady uses a Drum style powder measure which I consider superior to the slide bar
The dillon 550 is not auto indexing, get distracted and throw a double charge in a case... KABOOM
If you do not use a case or bullet feeder consider this... The Dillon you insert cases and run the handle with your right hand and insert bullets with left, The Hornady your right hand stays on the handle, inserting empty cases with your left hand on the down stroke and then grab a bullet and insert on the up stroke.
Hornady uses a spring to hold cases in place in the shel holder... just slide out until the case clears the plate and you can check powder weight or whatever... dillon uses those darn little buttons that you need a different size for each caliber
My friends that use Dillon are the kind of guys that like to throw money at a situation, my friends that reload with Hornady tend to try and figure out why something happens and then find a solution,,, both are happy with their presses
Maple Trapper
Member
My Dillon 550 doesn't spill powder (but my Mec 9000 does). I like the 550 because it can load the widest assortment of calibers, more than the 650. I can load about 350 rounds an hour, but prefer going slower, far more relaxing. I usually do about 250-275. Once to test it I did 370 rounds an hour but that took the fun out of it.
I don't know about your friends
, but for nearly all my life, I've gone to the trouble of finding out why something happens. I have a tendency to research the max, for just about anything I'm interested in. That includes history, products, etc. Could be the reason I've never sent a single firearm back to the manufacturer for problems. I did buy the Dillon 650, based solely upon this never ending quest of immense, time consuming, reading of the why's, and why nots, as well as so many videos available on the web. I am very happy with my purchase. The only money I throw at it, is for some of the excellent add on products, such as the case feeder.Read the fine print....Square deals are only for PISTOL cartridges.....They were out there LONG BEFORE the 650 was invented....I have 2 and 6 caliber changes......Bought it over the 550 because I wanted auto indexing.....Great machines.......All Dillons.......Sadly Mike D passed on earlier this year..........
Murphy's Law
Member
I have the Dillon 550B and thinks it's the cat's meow. Some note it doesn't have he auto indexing, but I find and feel more in control being able to manually index and go back if something doesn't feel right (usually station #1 and primer). Yes it's possible to double charge but if you watch what you're doing and pay attention, it should not happen. Oh, never watch "Judge Judy" while reloading, it could be dangerous!
- Status
