Dillon loading presses pros and cons

[Bkreutz]

The Dillon vs "everyone else" has been beat to death in many threads. I chose Dillon because over 98% of competition shooters use Dillon, that told me a lot. Now for the reason I chose a 650 over the other 3 options. I already had many die sets so that eliminated the Square deal. There were a couple of things I liked about the 1050 (primer seat on the downstroke and primer pocket swage), but the complexity of the press put me off. I wanted 5 toolhead spots, so I got a 650. I've heard the cost of a Dillon being a negative, but when you amortize the cost over the years of use (unlimited with the lifetime warranty) it doesn't add up to much, maybe a penny a day over 20 years. When I got my 650, I didn't get a case feeder, it comes with the tube that connects to the case feeder so the statement that you have to load each case by hand is made by someone who never used a 650. You can load 22 empty cases at a time. The reason I did it this way is that after 40 years of marriage, my wife is always bugging me about birthday and Christmas presents. So I got a case feeder on my next birthday, and a bullet feeder a few holidays later (I didn't mind loading the bullets by hand until my left hand started cramping up after loading more than 400 at one sitting.) One positive about a 650 (or 1050) is that it's almost impossible to get a double charge (I said almost because there is no impossible. I've tried to make it throw two charges but haven't been able to do it, but maybe I haven't tried everything) Regarding the powder metering, I've had nothing but accurate throws from the Dillon measure, but I only use ball powders, so I have no experience with extruded or flake powders. I've loaded over 200K rounds so I think my 650 as proved it's worth. I've broken a couple of small parts, but I got the spare parts kit when I bought the press so I replaced the part, contacted Dillon and they sent me a replacement part (actually multiples of the part) so I could replenish my spare parts kit. Hope this helps.

 

[Eddietruett]

The Dillon vs "everyone else" has been beat to death in many threads. I chose Dillon because over 98% of competition shooters use Dillon, that told me a lot. Now for the reason I chose a 650 over the other 3 options. I already had many die sets so that eliminated the Square deal. There were a couple of things I liked about the 1050 (primer seat on the downstroke and primer pocket swage), but the complexity of the press put me off. I wanted 5 toolhead spots, so I got a 650. I've heard the cost of a Dillon being a negative, but when you amortize the cost over the years of use (unlimited with the lifetime warranty) it doesn't add up to much, maybe a penny a day over 20 years. When I got my 650, I didn't get a case feeder, it comes with the tube that connects to the case feeder so the statement that you have to load each case by hand is made by someone who never used a 650. You can load 22 empty cases at a time. The reason I did it this way is that after 40 years of marriage, my wife is always bugging me about birthday and Christmas presents. So I got a case feeder on my next birthday, and a bullet feeder a few holidays later (I didn't mind loading the bullets by hand until my left hand started cramping up after loading more than 400 at one sitting.) One positive about a 650 (or 1050) is that it's almost impossible to get a double charge (I said almost because there is no impossible. I've tried to make it throw two charges but haven't been able to do it, but maybe I haven't tried everything) Regarding the powder metering, I've had nothing but accurate throws from the Dillon measure, but I only use ball powders, so I have no experience with extruded or flake powders. I've loaded over 200K rounds so I think my 650 as proved it's worth. I've broken a couple of small parts, but I got the spare parts kit when I bought the press so I replaced the part, contacted Dillon and they sent me a replacement part (actually multiples of the part) so I could replenish my spare parts kit. Hope this helps.

This helps a lot. I started this post because I value the opinions here more than any reviews I read. My work takes me to Fayetteville, NC a lot and I've been getting some opinions from some soldiers who load a lot as well. I've heard negatives about other brands with primer feeds, powder feeds and the most common statement is the other brands do great as long as you keep everything adjusted which I'm sure is true with all brands. However, the only negative I've heard about Dillon presses is the cost and it's really not that much different especially as you pointed out after dividing out over several years and lots of rounds doesn't equate to much at all. One thing I've enjoyed hearing is the customer service seems to be great from all of the manufacturers and that sadly is not the way companies seem to be doing business today.

 

[fredj338]

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!!

Glad you like the lnl, but they are not really much cheaper, if you decide to go case feeder. Priced the same, the 650 is about $75 more, really a pitance considering the total cost & what you gain with a 650; bullet proof priming & superior case feeder. If i never wanted a case feeder, the lnl is a decent press.

 

[Neumann]

The more automation, the greater the setup time. I shoot half a dozen calibers, and like to load 400 rounds or so at a time, then switch. A 550 takes less than 15 minutes to change over, and another 5 minutes with a change in primers.

Since I get interrupted a lot, it's easy to leave a 550 in a state which won't make a double fill (or squib) when you return. I manually advance it to the next stage, leaving an empty case under the powder funnel. If leaving the station for more than a few minutes, I run the table dry.

Always run off two powder dumps on resuming, and check the weight. It's very easy to remove the stop pin on a station, to remove or insert an empty case under the powder funnel. Unlike the Lee, there's no spring retainer to fly across the room.

 

[fredj338]

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

A few valid points then you poop your pants with the last line. Again, cost diff $75, hardly throwing money at a situation. Priming is the single quirky point of any progressive, why the 650 beats them all. In more than 40k rds, never a flipped primer or poorly seated primer. Then the case feeder, just flat more reliable.
My machinist buddy had to have a lnl. He has loaded maybe 50k rds on it. He is the type that measures everything; run out gages, everything. He has basically rebuilt his machine for better alignment, smoother primer feed, etc, hours, on the phone with Hornady. Then he bought a box stock 650, bolted it to the bench & started running it. He admits he should have just bought the 650 to start.
Yes, personnal pref, but lets keep the facts in play. The lnl is a decent press, especially if you never want a case feeder. They sell it w/o feeder parts to keep it cheaper. The 650 comes with most parts for the feeder, as it was designed to run that way. So it cost more. Price them with all the parts, $75 diff. I do wish the powder measure were like the hornady, but hard to complain about 1/10gr accuracy of the dillon.

 

[fredj338]

The more automation, the greater the setup time. I shoot half a dozen calibers, and like to load 400 rounds or so at a time, then switch. A 550 takes less than 15 minutes to change over, and another 5 minutes with a change in primers.

Since I get interrupted a lot, it's easy to leave a 550 in a state which won't make a double fill (or squib) when you return. I manually advance it to the next stage, leaving an empty case under the powder funnel. If leaving the station for more than a few minutes, I run the table dry.

Always run off two powder dumps on resuming, and check the weight. It's very easy to remove the stop pin on a station, to remove or insert an empty case under the powder funnel. Unlike the Lee, there's no spring retainer to fly across the room.

I have both 550 & 650, truth, if i had to sell one it woyld be the 650. I can easily run off 400rds/hr on the 550 & its stupid simple to swap calibers, very little to adjust. The priming system is finicky though, more so as the machine ages, but i make it work. Why i would probably consider a lnl if i never wanted a case feeder.

 

[ajgunner]

I have had a 550 since the 80's and my second one since the 90's. Nothing but good things to say about both the presses and the company.

One thing I recently learned on their web site. If you take some time to dig around on there, they have a calculator that you plug you component costs into. It will then give you the round counts needed (ammo you load) to pay off the machine. Pretty neat stuff.

 

[H Richard]

I've been loading on a 550 for around 30 years. I can easily exceed 300 rds per hr. For the most simple set-up/change over when setting up for a different caliber the 550 has it all over other loaders. For ease of operation and clearing any mis-feeds you may do the 550 shines.

I have helped set up a Hornady and it was one of the more complicated machines I have worked with, and when it comes to clearing a mis-feed, at least 15 - 20 minutes gone.

Price wise, for your volume I don't think a 550 can be beat.

 

[lrrifleman]

I started reloading with an RCBS JRS press, so I have a number of die sets. I bought a Dillon Square Deal B for 38 Special, then started looking at prices when I started loading more cartridges. Sometime in the mid '90s, I bought a 550B, with the intent of loading both pistol and rifle cartridges. I learned real fast that 550Bs and stick powder don't function well.

Today, I am loading my rifle cartridges, and the occasional 357 Magnum or 41 Magnum on the RCBS. For the 38s (WC and SWC/RN), 9mm, 380, and 45s (SWC and RN), I use the 550B. My handgun ammo production is limited by the number of cast bullets I have on hand. 95% of my shooting utilizes my own cast bullets, so when I am in a loading mood, I am either casting or loading. I am content, plus all of my equipment is paid for. Barring something catastrophic, I am content and happy with my set up.

 

[dave1918a2]

I have a Dillon 550 and a 450 converted to a 550 ( free from Dillon) that I use for all handgun rounds except 475 Linebaugh.
Over the last 25 - 30 years I imagine several 100K of Rounds as I shot IPSC for 15 years and Magnum handgun for 20+ years. The Dillons have been great machines and I really like the hand indexing. I have great lighting and position My chair so I can see into the case after the powder is dropped. Haven't double charged yet.(knock on wood) I load rifle and 475 Linebaugh on a RCBS #2 or a Rockchucker.

 

[oneounceload]

I had a Dillon 650 at one time. Cost is definitely a major downside; after that, it has the same issue I have had with every progressive press - whether for metallic or shotshell - and that is the primer feeding area. If there is one weak link where every maker has a Gremlin, it is it. If you can get that dialed in so it always feeds, never flips, etc., then Dillon will work as well as any of the others. They have a great warranty - as does RCBS - and that is comforting to some folks.

Buy whatever brand - not for the name - but because it does EXACTLY what you want it to do - every single time without fail. Red, Blue, Green, they all make good stuff.

 

[stavey]

I load my match ammo on a 650. I had a few others years ago . Way too much tinkering to make them run rite hornady, rcbs...The dillon is great if you actually want to make quality ammo in volume the answer is dillion. I've loaded about 25-30k on this 650 and it'll be going in this year for a FREE REFURBISHING,,,That is why you buy Dillon.

 

[PALADIN85020]

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

As a point of information, the Square Deal is designed to handle straight-wall pistol cases only, and uses special non-standard dies for that purpose. 550s, 650s and 1050s, on the other hand, will handle quite a variety of calibers, and use standard dies.

John

 

[fredj338]

I had a Dillon 650 at one time. Cost is definitely a major downside; after that, it has the same issue I have had with every progressive press - whether for metallic or shotshell - and that is the primer feeding area. If there is one weak link where every maker has a Gremlin, it is it. If you can get that dialed in so it always feeds, never flips, etc., then Dillon will work as well as any of the others. They have a great warranty - as does RCBS - and that is comforting to some folks.

Buy whatever brand - not for the name - but because it does EXACTLY what you want it to do - every single time without fail. Red, Blue, Green, they all make good stuff.

What priming issue did you have with the 650?

 

[fredj338]

I load my match ammo on a 650. I had a few others years ago . Way too much tinkering to make them run rite hornady, rcbs...The dillon is great if you actually want to make quality ammo in volume the answer is dillion. I've loaded about 25-30k on this 650 and it'll be going in this year for a FREE REFURBISHING,,,That is why you buy Dillon.

whats wrong with it? Mine is past the 50K mark, runs fine. My 550 is over 100K, runs fine but I do have to keep the primer slide really clean.

 

[stavey]

Just starting to get wore out. I think I tend to ham fist the handle. The knuckle that the handle attaches to cracked lat year . When Dillon sent the part they included an alignment kit-free of course. However the gentleman I spoke to said the 650 needs rebuilt after around 25k.give or take. Depending on how hard you are on it.

 

[BRush]

I have the 550 and 2 LNLs. I've used the Dillon since the 1980's and have upgraded it through the years including the addition of a number of eBay aftermarket improvements. The 550 a good press and its choice comes down to personal likes and use habits. Personally I prefer the LNL for its auto indexing and because for me it improves on the Dillon in 3 functions:

1. The spring shell retainer allows easier access to station shells vs
Dillon's pin retention system;

2. The LNL Primer feed system is more reliable for me then Dillon's; and

3. The LNL Powder measure/dispenser is more reliable for me and spits less powder.

 

[Virginia John]

I have (2) 550s and the best part is the no "BS" warranty. It works every time Guaranteed.

 

[fredj338]

Just starting to get wore out. I think I tend to ham fist the handle. The knuckle that the handle attaches to cracked lat year . When Dillon sent the part they included an alignment kit-free of course. However the gentleman I spoke to said the 650 needs rebuilt after around 25k.give or take. Depending on how hard you are on it.

Never heard this. I know guys going on 100K+ w/o rebuilding anything. I did have to replace the return spring below the shell plate @ about 25K, hardly a rebuild though.

 

[PowderMeasure]

I have the 650, with case feeder, powder check die, etc. and do 400/hr of 9mm easily. I estimated the payoff at 2.5 years (for all the items, tumbler, scale, etc). I haven't recalculated, since I now do .45 ACP, but I suspect the payoff will be the same.

I've only had 3 bad rounds out of 5000. One was the bullet tipped, when I was seating and I wasn't paying attention (describing the press operation to someone, pointing at things). The other two were flipped primers, which I suspect are due to the Vibraprime tool I used to fill tubes. It is really finicky.

Switchover takes about 15 mins from 9mm to 45 ACP (small to large primer).

Really love the press.



So, yes, expensive, but will payoff in a reasonable time