RL 550B vs. XL 650 ?

[LOBONCA]

Any comments on the advantages/disadvantages of the Dillon Presses RL 550B vs. XL 650 ?

 

[OKFC05]

You mean aside from the auto-index and 5 stations on the 650 as opposed to manual advance and 4 stations on the 550?

 

[growr]

Also ease of primer conversion (small to large etc) on the 550B....the 650 is a bit more labor intensive.
You simply cannot go wrong with either one!!
Randy

 

[fredj338]

It comes down to need. If you need more than 500rds a week, then a 650 w/ case feeder is probably the way to go. If you load for multiple calibers, a few 100 at a time, then a 550B is more economical & easier to use. The 4stn thing, not important for rifle rounds & not that big a deal for pistol rounds. You just don't get a powder check die for handgun. There is NO speed advantage to auto indexing, the speed comes from using a case feeder on the 650. Yes, I load on both & the 650 is a great piece of gear, but 90% of shooters just don't need that much machine, including me.

 

[tlen]

Another weekly queston. Just read comments on Brian Enos' web site.

 

[andyo5]

I have owned a 550 for the past 15 years. I like the fact that it does not index automatically, because there are times that I just don't want that feature. For example, when setting up and adjusting dies or when adjusting the powder die to deliver a specific weight. I just don't need the extra speed that the automatic indexing of the 650 would provide.

 

[fredj338]

I have owned a 550 for the past 15 years. I like the fact that it does not index automatically, because there are times that I just don't want that feature. For example, when setting up and adjusting dies or when adjusting the powder die to deliver a specific weight. I just don't need the extra speed that the automatic indexing of the 650 would provide.

Again Andy, there is no real "speed" advantage to auto indexing. You have to place the bullet, either before manual indexing or when the case comes to rest after you watch it move. So while it's more convenient, not really any faster. The case feeder & never having to move your right hand off the handle is where the speed comes in. If you do not use a case feeder on the 650, you have to fill the case feed tube every 20rds or so, that negates any small speed advantage IMO.

 

[Skip Sackett]

It all depends on you dexterity as to how much auto-indexing helps increase production. It isn't a one size fits all thing............some folks are different.

As for the machines, Fred brings up the point of need. None of us need to have a Dillon. We have them because we want them and have the expendable income to do so. If money isn't an issue, you may want to look into the XL650 BECAUSE of two things:#1: auto indexing; #2: 5th station for a powder check die. The fact that it can be used with a case feeder is a moot point now that they also make one for the RL550.

If it was me, and this is a big change for me, for the level I shoot now, the RL550 with a case feeder would be all I NEED. (Read previous comment on NEED to understand) That said, I really like my 2 XL650s. I don't have an RL550, I have an RL450B that is partially converted. It has the primer and powder measure upgrades, not the frame one.

Works like a charm too. Honestly, since folks are different, let me ask you a question about YOU: How is your attention to detail? Are you easily distracted? Do you consistently follow procedures on everything you do now?

If you answer in the negative to the above questions, then get the XL650. If you advance the RL550B without dropping powder and don't check the case for powder OR if you were to use a powder like Titegroup(which will never be in any of my loads) and happen to charge a case twice because you can easier with an RL550B, then get the XL650.

Since we all are different, there can be no blanket statements about which is better for you or which is better for me. Make an honest assessment of your abilities and shooting needs. Then make your choice. The XL650 is quite a machine and true, not needed unless you need lots of ammo in a hurry. It is nice to have that just waiting to be used though!

 

[sunday bill]

That ol saw about "Druther have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" plays in on my call. After trying both, I keep one 650 set up for small primers and one for large. Both are equipped with case feeders.

Wife and I taught school for a livin, so basically had to acquire'em the same way Johnny Cash built his Cadillac.

Priorities.

 

[Skip Sackett]

One piece at a time..............It's a 60, 61, 62, 63.........


Too funny! On a teacher's salary, Bill, I would have thought that you would be buying "Lexus" or "Rolls" rather than a mere "Cadillac"!

 

[lmcgust]

I have both and love them both. I use the 550 mainly for 9mm to avoid the powder spillage while indexing. I know the is a workaround for this but I have not done it yet. I use the 650 for heavy 38 special production being in the PPC circle.

Having said that, the 650 has a superior priming system than the 550, which require frequent cleaning and is not as assertive as the 650.

I don't care much for the extra station the 650 provides. I don't use it. The powder measure on the dillons is so wonderful and constant, I fully trust it. Also, when I reload, I'm focused and don't see the need to buy a powder checker die for now anyways.

If you get the 650, the case feeder is a must. Before, I was a 550 guy, but now that I bought a 650, I kind of prefer it....except for the 9 mm (or other small cases where the powder fills most of the case) . For these, the 550 shines and prevents spillages.

Regards,
Guy -

 

[fredj338]

I have both and love them both. I use the 550 mainly for 9mm to avoid the powder spillage while indexing. I know the is a workaround for this but I have not done it yet. I use the 650 for heavy 38 special production being in the PPC circle.

Having said that, the 650 has a superior priming system than the 550, which require frequent cleaning and is not as assertive as the 650.

I don't care much for the extra station the 650 provides. I don't use it. The powder measure on the dillons is so wonderful and constant, I fully trust it. Also, when I reload, I'm focused and don't see the need to buy a powder checker die for now anyways.

If you get the 650, the case feeder is a must. Before, I was a 550 guy, but now that I bought a 650, I kind of prefer it....except for the 9 mm (or other small cases where the powder fills most of the case) . For these, the 550 shines and prevents spillages.

Regards,
Guy -

The "fix" on the 650 is quite simple. Remove the shell plate, clip about 1/3 of a coil off the ball detent spring. It slows the shell plate index just enough to not spill powder. I just don;t like the many parts change over for small to large, so keep my 650 for 45acp & 45colt. Everyhting else is loaded on the 550B or my ss press. That is about 22 calibers now.

 

[derek45auto]

I have both.

I use the 650 for bulk 5.56, 40IPSC, 45ACP, etc.

I use the 550B for smaller batches, like 100 rounds of 44 mag for deer season, or working up 6.8mmSPC, etc.

both presses are wonderful

the 650 is faster
the 500 caliber conversion is faster

 

[wildcatter]

I own the 550B and have for over 20 years now, it is my must have loading press! all I will say is steer clear of the square deal!! special dies and finger pinchin s____ I think you get my drift.

I used em all, even a 1050 before buying mine. I would have bought the 650 if I had room for both or I didn't need small and large priming and so many different calibers to load for. I think one would be hard pressed to load 1000 45 acp's and changeover and run 1000 38 spcl. and be finished using a 650 over me using my 550, it would be close at best.

As far as dexterity, when I first got it like anything new, I had to build a repetitive sequence, once I stayed with pickup bullet turn & set bullet, while letting go of handle & pick & put in brass, cycle press, I don't worry about missed charges I just think you need to run with intent before you start trying to run for speed, like anything else speed comes with repetition!

The 650 may be a little faster in the scenario above, but if you are going to load pistol, rifle, small primer, large, and use one press, its hands down the 550. If large bulk runs or dedicated one caliber or primer size, get a 650. As one said here already, if you change a lot, the auto indexing can be very aggravating when your trying to setup new dies, or just switch bullets in a same cartridge but must adjust seating depth, tool heads once setup and kept, make that much easier with either press, but die adjustment and seating depth adjustment, is a pain when the handle moves constantly and you can't stop the rotation of the shell plate.

Regardless of your needs, these should be the only two progressives you ever need or consider, I won't mention the unmatched dedication to customer support or the true meaning of an NO B.S. WARRANTY!!

 

[fredj338]

The 650 may be a little faster in the scenario above, but if you are going to load pistol, rifle, small primer, large, and use one press, its hands down the 550. If large bulk runs or dedicated one caliber or primer size, get a 650. As one said here already, if you change a lot, the auto indexing can be very aggravating when your trying to setup new dies, or just switch bullets in a same cartridge but must adjust seating depth, tool heads once setup and kept, make that much easier with either press, but die adjustment and seating depth adjustment, is a pain when the handle moves constantly and you can't stop the rotation of the shell plate.

Regardless of your needs, these should be the only two progressives you ever need or consider, I won't mention the unmatched dedication to customer support or the true meaning of an NO B.S. WARRANTY!!

Running both, I can tell you the 650 is more than a little bit faster, but at a cost & complexity. It's why I leave it setup for 45acp & just run it that way. I can easily do 700rds/hr sustained. The best you are getting out of a 550B w/o case feeder is maybe 450rds/hr. The case feeder makes it that much faster. Adding one to a 550B, if you can keep it running right, will get you upto "close". For the guy that only loads 1000rds & wants to change over, the 550B is hard to beat. For the guy that wants to load 5K rds a month of one or two calibers, 650, no contest.

 

[roundgunner]

I had a 550, got a 650 to go along with it. I ended up liking the 650 so much I sold the 550 to help pay for another 650. I now run one for large primers and one for small.

 

[beach elvis]

Roundgunner, now THAT's a cave, sir. You have my utmost respect and envy.

 

[moonshine44]

Yeah, that place is almost bigger than my whole house!

 

[wildcatter]

Running both, I can tell you the 650 is more than a little bit faster, but at a cost & complexity. It's why I leave it setup for 45acp & just run it that way. I can easily do 700rds/hr sustained. The best you are getting out of a 550B w/o case feeder is maybe 450rds/hr. The case feeder makes it that much faster. Adding one to a 550B, if you can keep it running right, will get you upto "close". For the guy that only loads 1000rds & wants to change over, the 550B is hard to beat. For the guy that wants to load 5K rds a month of one or two calibers, 650, no contest.

what I said, if you want one for a specific caliber and don't want to change back and forth, the 650, if you want ONE PRESS TO LOAD EVERYTHING (large and small batches) I agree with you the 550 hands down is better, If you want a dedicated press and run large volumes the 650, but if that is the case, and you can aford it, get a 1050 and you have real volume loading!!

 

[sambodie]

I got the XL 650

Because:

1. I like auto indexing.
2. Five stations - extra check for powder besides my old eyes.
3. I could, so I did.