XL650 Dillon

[dworth]

I just picked up a Dillon XL650 and trying to figure out all the other components/accessories I will need.

I did get a scale and calipers, but I haven't gotten anything else yet except couple thousand bullets.

Anyone build one recently that could give me some tips on useful build?

Thanks,

[MrElectric03]

What is your experience reloading? If you are new a Manual or two is first.

What calibers are you starting with?

Maybe a primer tray and pickup tubes if they didn't come with your press. A way to clean your brass?

Press accessories depends on your preference. I'd never go without the roller handle, strong mount, bullet tray and tool rack but that's because I'm used to it.

What kind of dies do you have, if you have them? Only go carbide for pistol stuff on a xl650.

Did you get the casefeeder as well?

[dworth]

I am new. I picked up my Lyman book about 6 months ago and read through it a few times. I also picked up a tumbler and brass cleaning gear then also, because I had so much brass.

I haven't purchased any dies, and I got the .223 conversion package. I wasn't sure about the dies and the quick change or the auto feeder. The accessories are a little overwhelming. I can see buying the loader itself is cheap, but everything else is little pricey to get started. Not sure I need to buy everything just yet. I can't see pumping out a 1000rds real quick yet.

my first caliber is the .223, but looking to expand to 45acp, 9MM, 308, 40 and 7.62x39. NO hurry here. I want to learn the setup and tuning first.

I keep hearing that primer and powder checks and sensors are nice to have + added safety too.

[anyracoon]

A good trimmer and a set of Dillon dies. With a progressive you will need to process your rifle brass first before you can actually load, size and trim first.
Yes the Dillon powder check sensor is great additional tool as well as the low primer sensor.

[dworth]

I forgot I know case gauge is probably a good idea too.

[dworth]

The one part that stands out most is case trimming and resizing. I am a little lost on this with regards to rifle.

[tanks]

...
I keep hearing that primer and powder checks and sensors are nice to have + added safety too.

I don't think there is such a thing as a primer check, plus one can tell if a primer is inserted by feel.

I think powder checks are a waste of money. First you have to adjust it for every load. Secondly, on a progressive, it is almost impossible to double charge on a powder charge, and one can easily look and see with their eyes on each case as they go by.

[MrElectric03]

I use the Dillon trimmer setup on my 650 for .223, .308, and .30-06. The rest I use the wft2 from little crow gun works. That's the route I would go if I were you. You buy th body and then the adapters for different calibers. I chuck mine in my drill press and makes quick work of brass.

For a swagger I buy the Dillon. My opinion, don't waste your time on the swage tools that mount on the xl650. They don't work very well and seem to tear the press up with the amount of force. I didn't realize how much they don't work until I got a real swage tool.

For die I've started getting rid of other dies and using mostly Dillon. They are really nice quality and the way they are built are easy to remove to pull a sick case if you get one or switch to rn or swc stems for pistol. Rcbs are also good dies and those two are all that I use. Redding are nice if you get a deal on them.

I've always used imperial sizing wax for case lube. Lots of options out there but I hear consistently bad about Hornady one shot so check out your options.

Powder check is good for new loaders. They aren't really for high and low charges, they'll mostly tell you if you have no charge or a double charge. I used it when I started but removed it for the bulletfeeder now.

Casefeeder is a great addition but the 650 will work fine without it, just load ten rounds then add more cases and get in the swing of it. And when your able it's easy to add and you'll wonder how you lived without it.

[robert101]

With a 650 you really did just jump in with both feet. I suggest you start with a simple pistol cartridge (straight wall) and load some, then shoot some to test. There are so many first items to address. Some items like case mouth dimension, plunk testing, OAL, powder selection, caliper usage, primer setting, load testing. And these don't include case preparation (annealing, trimming) for rifle tapered cases. Do a lot of reading and set your dies accordingly. I would start with adjusting the dies to the manufacturer's recommendations first. Getting case feeders, powder detectors, etc. can come later. Learn how to make good ammo with proper die adjustments first.

[Toolbox X]

You should get someone with a lot of 650 experience to come over and walk you through everything you need to know. Dillon only recommends you start with a 650 if you have a friend who can help you. Also, starting with rifle is like learning to drive for the first time while driving a stick shift for the first time. You are making life really hard on yourself. As new as you are you should seriously consider starting with a pistol caliber and mastering that before you get into rifle. Reloading .223 is daunting compared to pistol, and you don't even know the basics.

[dworth]

I went by reloadoc today and spoke to Brian, and got a lot of good tips. He showed me the full setup of all the dies, and walked me through how to use the progressive loader to do a more single station load.

Having someone come help me setup at the house for the first time even though I have watched about hours of Dillon setups on youtube and reading material too wouldn't be a bad thing

I also picked up my dies, 223 case gauge, scale, calipers, some primers and powder.

The primer alarm I was describing was just for loading the primers so you don't forget. Also, the powder checker I heard is not a must have on .223 due to powder volume. You will know if it doubles, and as stated above it's hard to do on this loader.

[jericho89]

The low primer alarm is standard with the system, you should have it if you purchased new. If not get one.

[baddos]

Having a powder check will give you piece of mind since your new to reloading. The 650 has a small learning curve where you need to remember to seat the primer first then do the nornal operation. Having the wife or kid interrupt you can cause a mess.

[ranch41]

Secure the base to a very sturdy and moderately heavy table or platform. Movement and rocking can cause your primers to flip when seating them or can cause your powder charges to be inconsistent. Also make sure your handle is free from any obstructions throughout the whole range of motion.

The 650 is a little ambitious but can work. You might consider getting a single stage to learn from as well as precision loads.

Good luck!

[RacerX7]

I jumped in both feet with a Dillon 650, just the press and a single caliber (45 ACP). I didn't buy any of the bells and whistles until I loaded a few thousand rounds. I now load 9, 40, 10 and 223 and have a case feeder and an RT1200 and other things that I needed as I progressed. Go slow at first, be safe and have fun.