Upgrading from 550B, your opinion?

[Hank15]

Looking to upgrade from my 550B to a faster setup so that I can spend more time shooting and less time reloading.

Would prefer a machine with bullet and case feeder.

Also on that note...would you consider a 550 with the upgraded handle, trays, mount, and a set of 45 and 9mm dies (includes conversion kit) for $500 a decent deal?

[CGT80]

1050 and a Mr. Bullet feeder. Mine is setup for 9mm and 40 cal. It would take care of those pesky crimped primer pockets on the 9mm.

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

That's not much off the price of brand new parts, even if the dies are Dillon carbide dies.

I realize that Dillon products have a strong resale value, why would someone want to buy your used stuff, if new stuff is just a little more?

[LeadPilot]

I added a case feeder to my 550 and it sped things up quite a bit. Just a thought if you don't want to take the time to sell your stuff.

[shoebox56]

Pro Chucker 7

[MrElectric03]

Is 9mm and .45 all you load? I think if I were you I'd install a casefeeder to speed things up and later buy a xl650 and have one for large primer and one for small. Or you may find that switching primers isn't that bad and sell the 550 after trying the 650.

I'd like a 1050 but the price of conversions makes it hard to be your only press if you you load a lot of different calibers. I'm really happy with my 650 and currently load/prep for eight calibers. I would like to add a bulletfeeder though.

[CGT80]

X2 on the 550 casefeeder for pistol calibers if you stick with the 550. I made mine run rifle brass because it is a PITA to take the feeder off to load rifle cases by hand, and doing it by hand is no fun. Even though it works, it isn't perfect for rifle brass. My brother's 650 runs 223 like a champ.

I am not a big fan of the 650 priming system and the lack of swager, or the learning curve to use a 650 after having a 550 and 1050, but maybe I will get used to it if I load up a few batches of ammo on it. I have only played with it a bit, but will use the 650 for my next batch of 223.

The 1050 is a tank, but it isn't cheap and the conversions are expensive. It takes me 20 minutes to go from 9mm to 40 cal. Changing priming systems should take another 5 minutes. If you have the money, then go for the 1050.

The 650 has some great advantages over the 550, if you don't have a lot of gear for the 550. With 14+ toolheads, I am kind of locked into the 550. It is a great machine as well.

[Jeep67cj5]

I have a XL650 and load 9mm, .40, .45ACP, .223 REM, and 500 S&W. I wouldn't trade this machine for anything.

[GW]

Another vote for the 650
I load 9, 45ACP .223 and .308 on mine
Tried a 550 for a few months then sold it and went to the 650.
Auto-indexing is the bomb!

[Twystd1]

I have a 1050, two 650s and two 550s.
Bullet and case feeders on the 1050 and the 650s.
I rarely use the 1050 except for .223 and 45 ACP.
The 550s are primarily for knowledgeable guests.
I load more than 10 calibers. (lot more actually)
I also have 3 RCBS singles for bullet pulling, load building and precision rounds.

Each press serves a specific set of tasks and achieves my end result better that having just one press.

What does this mean for you.


What press works best is very dependent on your end result.

If you go to a faster progressive like a 650. I suggest you have a single stage for primer punching and bullet pulling as well as working up loads. And all the things a single stage is good for.
IMHO: Progressives suck for working up loads.
Used RCBS single stage presses are cheap. ! ! !
And your Dillon dies will fit in it.

NEXT: Go here and read everything on the page regarding the differences between the Dillon machines. http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillonfaqs.html

Without knowing your specific needs. And making a Hail Mary guess as to what your needs may be.
My suggestion is to go with a 650 as a rock solid all around platform. With a single stage for for backup.

NOTE: I have been reloading for a many years. And about every month or so I am reminded that I don't know crap about reloading.
Me thinks that is the nature of the hobby.

-T

[stranded1980]

Looking to upgrade from my 550B to a faster setup so that I can spend more time shooting and less time reloading.

Would prefer a machine with bullet and case feeder.

That's funny, because I feel I just upgraded by going to a Dillon 550B. However, I was coming from a Hornady LNL AP.

I really, REALLY liked the Hornady's 5 stations and quick change bushings; so useful. And I LOVED how the case was fed from the left side, so my hand could stay on the handle, compared the Dillon's where stage 1 is on the same side as the handle.

However, my primer feeder was never 100% reliable. And the pawls that dictate the amount of rotation for shell plate would come out of adjustment too often for my liking. As a result, I felt I was tinkering too often with it. In the Hornady's defense, I was coming from a Dillon SDB, which always primed and rotated like a dream.

Other's have had fantastic success with their Hornady LNL AP's, and they do have a case feeder and bullet feeder option. You might have better luck than I did. If you go the Hornady option, I would suggest you watch youtube videos put out by a guy named Bill Morgan. Particularly his video 43 & 44 about the primer and pawl adjustments.

Best of luck.