Dillon 650

[gjamison]

Just got my Dillon 650 all setup and running. Could not be happier with this press, I have ordered other conversion kit to load 308,30-06,41mag,223 and 45acp. My tumbler hasn't stopped running since I ordered it, I'm all stocked up on powder,primers and bullets.

If you're looking for a press, you should definitely consider a Dillon.

 

[calmex]

I use a 650 myself with the case feeder. Amazing press.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

You may want to consider a couple of the upgrades available on fleabay. Several of the mods/goodies available greatly smooth out the operation of the 650.

 

[calmex]

You may want to consider a couple of the upgrades available on fleabay. Several of the mods/goodies available greatly smooth out the operation of the 650.

What mods? Stuck down here, I've heard nothing about this.

 

[chief38]

The TWO 650 "mods" that are a MUST are the little bottle to catch the primers that are not loaded, AND the spent primer plastic tube and catch bottle. They are inexpensive and work excellent!

Also the Dillon blue aluminum handle makes loading for long sessions faster and more comfortable. I also installed a high intensity 12 volt light that clips onto the machine. Makes seeing what you are doing so much easier. I think I paid $10 bucks at Ikea and the color just about matches Dillon's as an added bonus!

 

[chief38]

Oh, another thing I did........

Originally I bought the huge machine cover that Dillon sells. I found it too cumbersome and a real p.i.t.a. to put on and take off. I returned it and bought a caliber conversion cover. I slit the back about 1/3 of the way up, stitched it so it would not tear farther, and it works like a charm to cover the machine head and dies. Those are the only parts that really need to be covered anyway. Taking it on and off takes 1 second! here is a picture of my 650 with the modified caliber conversion cover on it.

 

[calmex]

Great! Thanks! Those sound like really useful ítems, I'm going to get them.
Cheers!

 

[AveragEd]

Anyone who wants to save a few bucks on one of those aluminum roller handles should send me a P.M. I bought one with my 650 a couple of years ago and used it only briefly because it locks your hand, wrist and arm into one angle the whole way through the operating handle cycle while the standard ball-end handle allows your hand to rotate on the ball, making the process more comfortable, especially for those of us with arthritic and/or bad shoulders.

Also, if that aluminum roller starts squeaking because it needs a dab of grease (spray lubes provide only a temporary cure), you'll will need to find a snap ring plier that is both long AND slender enough to reach into the roller to access the snap ring. The household tool places like Home Depot and Lowe's don't offer one that works and Snap-On doesn't make one either so my dealer had to grind one down in width so it would work.

Otherwise, I like my 650 a lot and with that standard handle, it is comfortable to operate.

Ed

 

[chief38]

Anyone who wants to save a few bucks on one of those aluminum roller handles should send me a P.M. I bought one with my 650 a couple of years ago and used it only briefly because it locks your hand, wrist and arm into one angle the whole way through the operating handle cycle while the standard ball-end handle allows your hand to rotate on the ball, making the process more comfortable, especially for those of us with arthritic and/or bad shoulders.

Also, if that aluminum roller starts squeaking because it needs a dab of grease (spray lubes provide only a temporary cure), you'll will need to find a snap ring plier that is both long AND slender enough to reach into the roller to access the snap ring. The household tool places like Home Depot and Lowe's don't offer one that works and Snap-On doesn't make one either so my dealer had to grind one down in width so it would work.

Otherwise, I like my 650 a lot and with that standard handle, it is comfortable to operate.

Ed

Ed,
I'd contact Dillon about the handle. First off my Aluminum handle DOES rotate with your hand - as it is supposed to although I might be misunderstanding what you are saying. Secondly, yes Snap-Ring pliers will allow you to take the handle apart and PROPERLY grease it. I Greased it soon after I received it and have not had to redo it in over 10,000 rounds so far.

 

[chief38]

To LUBRICATE a Dillon:

Use #2 Automotive Grease to lube the friction points - metal to metal AND metal to plastic. It stays put and won't "travel".

Use 30 weight NON Detergent Motor Oil to lubricate the Ram.

I re-lube about evert 1000 rounds or so and clean off the old grease and oil thoroughly before applying new. It takes a few minutes, but your Press will always run nice and smooth. I find that a Chinese Chop Stick sharpened in a pencil sharpener is a pretty precise method of applying the grease. (just make sure there is no rice on it first - LOL).

 

[chief38]

One other suggestion is to get a bunch more primer tubes as the 650 is so fast I find it's easier to load 10 tubes and crank out 1,000 rounds at a time without having to stop and fill primer tubes.

Keep a strong wooden or plastic box close by to empty the hopper containing the loaded rounds. You could also buy more plastic hoppers but a wooden box works well for me.

 

[AveragEd]

Ed,
I'd contact Dillon about the handle. First off my Aluminum handle DOES rotate with your hand - as it is supposed to although I might be misunderstanding what you are saying.

Yes, I didn't clarify what I meant well enough. I know the roller "rolls" but the angle of your hand doesn't change (clockwise - counter-clockwise) throughout the handle's movement. The ball allows your hand and therefore your wrist and arm to rotate on the knob, thus changing their angle.

Ed

 

[dmar]

George, great news on your new set up! How long did it take for you to set it up and get it running right? Have you had any issues while trying to get it to run well, or was it pretty much good to go from the beginning...? Are you using Dillon dies?

I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but I've had a new-in-the box 650 sitting in my basement for over a year now!! I really need to get it set up, just just never seem to have the time and motivation come together at the same time! .

I'm running a Hornady LnL with case feeder now, so I'm able to do everything that I need, but I sure want to get that 650 going. After reading so many red vs. blue threads, I figured I'd get a Dillon and see for myself!

I ordered the 650 with a.45acp head, so I plan on using it for LP reloads, and keep using my LnL for SP. I also have the case feeder for the 650.

 

[Nick B]

H

The case feeder is a must have with the 650 .

 

[calmex]

The case feeder is a must have with the 650 .

Nick is so right, he'd be knighted if he was British. I have acquaintances who use the 650 without the case feeder and seem happy. However, I think they had convinced themselves that the case feeder would be a source of problems. It sort of can be with the stubby .380 ACP casing and even Dillon admits that. Mounted on a solid table with a separate mounting for the case feeder to prevent wobble, even the .380 feeds reliably down the chute.

Larger cartrdiges work better -- and faster -- than you think they are going to. If you shoot on a range where people use .22's, .25's and .32's, a "shell sorter" set is a nice thing to have because one of the smaller cases stuck inside your 9 or .38 or .45 case can really hold up the works.

No, they do not always seem to come out in the tumbler.

 

[gjamison]

George, great news on your new set up! How long did it take for you to set it up and get it running right? Have you had any issues while trying to get it to run well, or was it pretty much good to go from the beginning...? Are you using Dillon dies?

I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but I've had a new-in-the box 650 sitting in my basement for over a year now!! I really need to get it set up, just just never seem to have the time and motivation come together at the same time! .

I'm running a Hornady LnL with case feeder now, so I'm able to do everything that I need, but I sure want to get that 650 going. After reading so many red vs. blue threads, I figured I'd get a Dillon and see for myself!

I ordered the 650 with a.45acp head, so I plan on using it for LP reloads, and keep using my LnL for SP. I also have the case feeder for the 650.

It was easy to setup. Just follow each steep in the institution manual, also watch a video on YouTube it was very informative. I use carbide dies from Dillon, they may cost more but have never had a stuck case. Get that press up and running, you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner!

 

[calmex]

Another great thing on the 5-positions 650 tool head is to put a Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die in the last position to absolutely ensure -- especially in most semi-autos -- that your loaded rounds come out to "spec". It sure really works.

 

[chief38]

It was easy to setup. Just follow each steep in the institution manual, also watch a video on YouTube it was very informative. I use carbide dies from Dillon, they may cost more but have never had a stuck case. Get that press up and running, you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner!

Out of all the Dies I've used, I like the Dillon carbide the best. I especially like the way they come apart for cleaning with a single pull of the clip - and no adjustments are ever altered.

 

[shotgun693]

I bought a 450 in about 1984. As parts have worn out Dillon as updated with parts from a 550. Maybe before I retire from shooting, hopefully when Jesus comes back, I'll have a 650 by default. BTW, I use an old pillow case to cover my press.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

As mentioned above the spent primer and missed primer upgrades are useful. The thrust bearing and hardened washers for the shell plate bolt will smooth up rotation and along with that a reduced power index spring and industrial grade low mass plastic ball bearing. I also installed the roller bearing cam rod for the plastic shell inserter-this makes a very noticeable difference.