Dillion 550 vs 650

[novalty]

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.

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.

 

[SLT223]

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.

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

 

[Harrison]

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.

 

[ladder13]

............................................... 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..................

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!

 

[fredj338]

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

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.

 

[Skeet 028]

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

 

[Skeet 028]

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?

 

[John R]

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

The 650 is what I bought.

 

[lrrifleman]

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.

 

[fredj338]

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

The 650 is what I bought.

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.

 

[flyrobb]

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.

 

[cmj8591]

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.

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.

 

[smokindog]

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

 

[fredj338]

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 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.

 

[fredj338]

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
"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

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.

 

[fredj338]

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.

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.

 

[smokindog]

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.

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.

 

[flyrobb]

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
"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

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.

 

[smokindog]

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
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/406473-so-youre-thinking-about-getting-into-reloading.html

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.

 

[flyrobb]

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.

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.

 

[novalty]

Deciding between the Hornady LnL AP and the Dillon 550 is a decision many have had to make. Both are great presses, and there are pros and cons to both. Good luck in your decision making.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I would suggest trying a 650 and a LNL for a couple of hundred loads. Find an owner of each�� I have no problem working with anyone on my LNL..

Thewelshm

 

[rh73]

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.

If you're not interested in case and bullet feeders the choice is simple, the 550. I have the 650 with case feeder, because I wanted a little faster production, but I think the 550 is the best value in reloading presses today.

 

[Skeet 028]

Loaded on progressive presses since 1966 or so. Shotshell and metallic. Sold P-Ws for years..worked on 'em for years. Used about every progressive metallic too. Some are a PITA. The Star is a great press. Dillons are copied from Star. All can give you a headache at times. At this point I have a Star left and 4 1050 Dillons 2 650 Dillons 3 Hornady LnL progressives and a couple of other older progressives. An RDP and a couple CH Mark 4s or 5s. One of the Hornadys is one of what they call an ammo factory. Yeah right. I mess with it occasionally to try to get it timed correctly and it has never loaded a round ..not one. I do know how to make a press work. Heck I even got a Green Machine one time in parts and got it working. This LnL is something that just has to go back to Hornady. I am done trying. The other two are ok. one is older and one newer. They work but not as flawlessly as the 650 Dillon. The 650 has probably the most foolproof primer feed of any progressive made these days. Perfect...nope but none truly are. I learned a long time ago. I don't want to have to work on a loading machine.(Lee Loadmaster) I want to load with it.(any Dillons from the 300 up to the 1050) I also learned long ago that there are some presses that are just great and there are others it would be best to get rid of and start over. I think the reason I use the Dillon machines is not price color quality...whatever. It just seems they work and if something does get out of adjustment? They are the easiest to work on. And some of the best customer support you'll ever find. I've never had to pay for a part and had support talk me through a problem on the phone. Hornady doesn't even want to talk to me anymore. LOL And as RH73 said I will say, though I do not use the 550, it really is probably the best value in a reloading press today.

 

[fredj338]

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.

You miss the point. Everyone quotes the lnl as cheaper but fails to understand or admit the reason. The lnl comes with zero case feeder parts. The 650 has everything but the bowl. So if you want a case feeder, the 650 will cost about $75 less. Why i said equip the same. You can not buy a 650 stripped down, it was designed for a case feeder. Reading comprehension is an invaluable tool.

 

[Skeet 028]

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)..

I don't think he was comparing the darn thing with dies etc Just the basic press with cal conversion. According to your calcs about 425 bucks for the LnL and about 570 for the Dillon(Look for the right place and you can get 10% on that and free shipping)..then you add the complete case feeder with parts for the presses..I think about 300 for the LnL 220 for the Dillon..so it figures out to 790 for the Dillon 725 for the LNL..65 difference not counting the discount on the Dillon looking at the right venues. Yep cal conversions are more for the Dillon. Oh BTW the shell plates for the case feeders are interchangeable.. In fact they are essentially the same case feeders but the feeder for the LnL takes up more bench space because of the mounting procedure. My newest 650 cost me 350 bucks with 2 cal conversions case feeder P-W electric drive and a new Mr Bulletfeeder and one set of Dillon dies...All new in pieces..in a box. Believe it or not...all the parts were there except one which Dillon sent me FOC. But there was a story behind it. BTW..it works fine. Had to put it together from scratch. As someone else stated in an earlier post..the Dillon pistol dies are probably the easiest dies to use made today. IMO I also have their Rifle Dies..carbide in 223 and 308 and they are also good dies but expensive

 

[smokindog]

Ya, that looks more like $150, not $75, and realistically $200 difference if you shop. That was my point, let's just be accurate. Besides, I didn't want to compare, I merely supplied another alternative to consider.

Discussion already taken offline! Sorry for breaking my promise

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

According to your calcs about 425 bucks for the LnL and about 570 for the Dillon(Look for the right place and you can get 10% on that and free shipping)

 

[AveragEd]

The 550 will do everything you could need. The 650 will do everything you could want. That's the biggest difference and it goes back to the motorcycle trading-up scenario - buying the one you really want up front will save you money in the long run.

I had experience with progressive shotshell loaders before buying a progressive loader for my handgun rounds. After shopping all the alternatives, I went with the Dillon 650. I admit there was a set-up/learning curve but I and my arthritic shoulders and torn rotator cuffs couldn't be happier with it.

As far as the 650 being a PITA to operate without a shell feeder, there are two alternatives. You can fill the feed tube as needed and allow gravity to drop those cases or just extend your left hand in through the loader, push the sliding part that inserts the shell into the shell plate back with the shell and set the shell on its ramp. I use the latter method.

Ed

 

[fredj338]

Ya, that looks more like $150, not $75, and realistically $200 difference if you shop. That was my point, let's just be accurate. Besides, I didn't want to compare, I merely supplied another alternative to consider.

Discussion already taken offline! Sorry for breaking my promise

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I am being accurate, price them with the case feeder, forget the I found it on sale BS. Price them the same, case feeder, same brand dies, one conversion. Yes, you will pay a bit more for conversions with a 650, but that was not what I was saying.
I always like when guys just have to defend their purchase, even parsing things to fit their argument. If you like the LNL, all that matters. I think it is a lesser press, based on running both. So for $75 diff, I am not buying a lesser press, IF I want the case feeder. If I never wanted the case feeder, I could live with the quirks of the LNL.
BTW, the feeders are diff, though you can make the better Dillon bowl fit the LNL. The Dillon feeder is 2-speed & quieter, why I say it is "better". The problem is you buy the LNL feeder as a complete unit.

 

[fredj338]

As far as the 650 being a PITA to operate without a shell feeder, there are two alternatives. You can fill the feed tube as needed and allow gravity to drop those cases or just extend your left hand in through the loader, push the sliding part that inserts the shell into the shell plate back with the shell and set the shell on its ramp. I use the latter method.

Ed

That would be painfully slow. I ran my 650 for 2m w/o the case feeder. I chose to fill the tube. You can keep up with a 550 this way but a huge PITA. Again, if I never wanted a case feeder & had to have auto indexing, a LNL is probably the better choice. Both the LNL & 550 priming systems are an issue. Certainly better choice than the Dillon SDB IMO. I like having the choice of any die set I want. Lee progressive, never.