Dillon RL550B or XL650

[Bkreutz]

Thanks for the tips, hadn't thought about the Smurf connection (I guess that makes me a defector from "Big Red"). I think part of the problem is that I'm using AA#7 powder on this particular load of 124gr FMJ and the case is pretty full. Normally I load 115gr FMJ with W231 and the powder level is lower so it may not be a problem with that load. Thanks again.

 

[blujax01]

Ain't a thing wrong with Hornady Red.

The "Smurf" thing has been a running joke around here for awhile.
Often used by followers of the Richard Lee way in a not-so-flattering manner!

(blujax ducks and slowly backs away...)

 

[Bkreutz]

I've tried the "finger on the case" method. It works but I sometimes forget to get my finger there in time so I ordered the thrust bearing (and washers) from McMaster Carr (I already had an account). I'll leave the trimming of the spring as a last resort. Thanks again for the tips.

 

[LoadEmUp]

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.

Dillon does make good equipment. But count me as one of the lucky Hornady LNL AP folks with no primer malfunctions, actually I have 2 of them, and no problems with either one.

Overall I am impressed with the Hornady equipment (and warranty) and often recommend it.

I guess it is like why they make so many flavors of ice cream, not everyone likes the same flavor.

 

[fredj338]

Dillon does make good equipment. But count me as one of the lucky Hornady LNL AP folks with no primer malfunctions, actually I have 2 of them, and no problems with either one.

Overall I am impressed with the Hornady equipment (and warranty) and often recommend it.

I guess it is like why they make so many flavors of ice cream, not everyone likes the same flavor.

The LNL is not a bad press, but there are quirks that for $50, I would rather not deal with. The priming is one, the case feeder is another. I am not a fan of the bushings either, PITA when they come loose & they do. My buddy can't get reliable feeding in the shell plate with his 223, etc, etc. So for $50, a fully loaded 650 is a bit better press. If you never want a case feeder, the LNL is a better way to go than a SDB or anything with Lee on it IMO.

 

[Bkreutz]

Well I put the McMaster Carr thrust bearing in place, after a little fiddling to get the right tension it works like a charm, no more spilled powder, I'm liking this 650 a lot, I've done a few thousand rounds since getting it and it sure beats the old turret press. I'm lucky enough to go to a range that lets me pick up any brass behind the firing line (actually as far in front of the line as the push broom will reach). That cuts the cost of reloading in half (I can't believe the price of new brass, it's only half the cost of factory ammo at my LGS). Most people at the range I frequent don't reload so I always come home with more than I shot.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Three SDBs, 2 XL650s later, I bought an older RL450 and did a partial conversion on it with powder hopper and primer upgrades.

I load my 223 on one of the XL650s. I deprime and resize on a single stage first. If I am using military brass for the first time, I use the Dillon tool to remove the primer crimp.

Once you get into the larger presses, honestly, it really doesn't matter which one you use or choose. Either can be run like a single stage if need be, while the RL550 is easier to do that with because of how the primer feed works on standard machines. I modified my XL650s to make it almost as easy.

From all I hear, the LNL-AP is a wonderful machine and should be considered when ever the discussion goes to "rifle cartridges on a progressive press".

The XL650 is more expensive but, you could get rid of your SDB for the cost you have in it (almost), get the XL650 and run everything on it. I can run 1000 rounds an hour of 45ACP with no problem at all on mine.

It all depends on what you need. Any one of the three are a good choice. Enjoy!

 

[blujax01]

Skip,

WELCOME HOME, BUDDY!

You've been missed.

~ Alan

 

[Skip Sackett]

Hey Alan!
There has been so much go on lately, I ain't sure anyone wants to hear all about it!

Work has been CRAZY, lost my Dad, Aunt and just this last week, my mother in law!

Getting ready to change jobs too, start a new business and all 5 kids are here with their spouses and most of the 11 grandkids!

Haven't shot in months, reloaded in longer than that and I have a new Mihec mould that hasn't even been out of the box yet!!!!!!

I'm telling you, it has been CRAZY 'round here!

 

[Squarebutt]

Jayman - If you haven't decided, Brian Enos has an article on his site listing the pro and cons of each Dillon press to help his customers make up their minds. His site is loaded with good info, and he himself is extremely helpful on all things Dillon. Best of luck.

 

[ruffbird]

RL 550B

I was also agonizing not long ago about which progressive to get after using my single stage for the last 15 yrs...

Decided after much research, videos on youtube & a friend who loves his RL 550B, to buy this one. I still need a couple of conversion kits to load .44 mag. & .45 acp., but have everything else to load for .32 long/H&R mag., .38/.357 & .45 colt.

I wanted an extra powder measure system, the one with the tool head, spare parts kit & magazine & pick-up tubes, & after considering the cost, that I may as well just buy an extra press kit as these items are included! Then I won't have to change the priming system back & forth. What a better excuse to have a 2'nd 550B & if I need parts, I'll have em!

My vote obviously goes to the 550B but I'm sure, based on what I know, that the other views on the different models are fantastic as well. You have a tough decision to make, but I think you will be happy with any of them.

Good luck, happy reloading, & keep the brass comin, it's fun....

Thankyou Dillon!

 

[jayman9207]

Quick question about the RL 550B. I see that there is a version of the press that says "without caliber conversion". That just means that you have to buy whatever caliber conversion kit you need (i.e. .223/5.56) correct? Everything else that comes with the other RL 550B press is included. Other than dies (which I ordered over two months ago) and the caliber conversion kit I wouldn't need to buy anything else correct?

 

[hAkron]

I stared on a single stage rock chucker, after 6 months I moved to a turret, 2 months later I bought a Hornady progressive. When I decided to move to a Dillon, I was already used to a press that would auto index, had a case feeder, and had enough stations to use a powder check, and to seat and crimp in different stations (if I choose to). The 650XL was the only way to go for me. There are guys who LOVE the 550 and can't imagine why you would need all of that other stuff (though a case feeder is now an option on the 550). Once you have everything you need, you probably won't notice the difference in price between the 650 and the 550.

 

[Bkreutz]

Quick question about the RL 550B. I see that there is a version of the press that says "without caliber conversion". That just means that you have to buy whatever caliber conversion kit you need (i.e. .223/5.56) correct? Everything else that comes with the other RL 550B press is included. Other than dies (which I ordered over two months ago) and the caliber conversion kit I wouldn't need to buy anything else correct?

Except primers, powder, and bullets. (sorry, couldn't resist)

Seriously, I don't think there's anything else. Are you getting a deal on the bare bones 550? That's the only reason I can see for not getting it with the conversion kit already installed.

 

[jayman9207]

Except primers, powder, and bullets. (sorry, couldn't resist)

Seriously, I don't think there's anything else. Are you getting a deal on the bare bones 550? That's the only reason I can see for not getting it with the conversion kit already installed.

I already have 3K in primers (3K more on the way), 2 lbs powder (4 lbs more one the way), and 2100 bullets (1000 more on the way).

Yes......I found one in stock and for $20 off the regular price which is why I ask. Not sure how long it would take to get the caliber conversion kit in along with a couple of other misc parts (i.e. strong mount) but I would think not as long as waiting for a new press that comes with the caliber conversion kit already installed.

 

[jayman9207]

I decided to buy it. Grafs has them in stock and on sale for $20 off right now. I ordered the caliber conversion kit and other misc things from Brianenos.com. Now I just wait for everything to come in. I am guessing my Dillon dies will be the last to get here even though I ordered them the beginning of June. It has been two months and a week but their lead times say 2-4 months. I am guessing the latter.

 

[Bkreutz]

I decided to buy it. Grafs has them in stock and on sale for $20 off right now. I ordered the caliber conversion kit and other misc things from Brianenos.com. Now I just wait for everything to come in. I am guessing my Dillon dies will be the last to get here even though I ordered them the beginning of June. It has been two months and a week but their lead times say 2-4 months. I am guessing the latter.

When I go to Brian's site I always see the big "I have no Dillon parts" banner across the top. Not exactly sure what's going on but I've had luck getting stuff directly from Dillon. I've also had better luck calling Dillon on the phone and ordering it manually rather than ordering from their website. I'm starting to think that the phone sales staff can get orders through faster than can be done on the website. Hope you get your stuff sooner rather than later.

 

[jayman9207]

I ordered some misc supplies for my SDB from him and got pretty good turnaround. I am still waiting on my dies from Dillon which I am betting will take the longest to get here. I am just stoked I finally pulled the trigger (no pun intended).

 

[jayman9207]

Mister Post Man just dropped off something I didn't expect! I didn't expect these for a couple more weeks so ordering my new 550B last week will turn out to be perfect timing!

 

[Bkreutz]

Good for you. Must be good Karma