Dillion 550b or xl650?

[what2be]

I tried searching on here, and cant find out the answer on dillions site, so i figured id ask here, or wait and call them in the morning.

Im looking for a progressive loader for my 6.8spc, as well as all my handgun loads (.45acp, .45colt, .40)

My question is, whats the main difference between these 2 besides the automatic indexer and powder level sensor?
Is it worth it to have these 2 things?

Im also getting ready to buy a redding single stage for my bolt action rifles, so no need to worry about those calibers with the progressive.

Which press is better suited for me? Not concerned about price.

[ironpete]

http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html

I don't have either but they had a good write-up on the pros and cons of each.

-ironpete

[anyracoon]

Case feeder on the 650 does both Rifle & Pistol while the one on the 550 does just Pistol and cost more to buy! I have a 650 that I use for pistol & 223 rifle at this point. Also have a couple of 550s that I use for rifle and load development for my hand guns.

[mvpatriot]

I read the case feeder for 650 is finicky w/ rifle cases... true???

[wooger]

I would really like to know from a dillon owner whether it produces consistent match grade rifle ammo. The equipment looks great but I wonder about variation.

[Fjold]

Some of the top shooters in the world (David Tubbs, etc) load on Dillons.

[USN CHIEF]

I read the case feeder for 650 is finicky w/ rifle cases... true???

I have not had a single issue loading thousands of .223 and .308. Case feeder seems to work perfect.

To the OP, the few people that I know that have the 550 and have used my 650 wished that they had gotten a 650.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I have a 550 and I really like it. But if I buy another on it will be the 650. The powder measurer is not the most consistent thing. I don't know if mine needs to be taken apart or what but sometimes it does some wild things.

[what2be]

http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html

I don't have either but they had a good write-up on the pros and cons of each.

-ironpete

Nice page, thanks for the link.

[Paratus et Vigilans]

I have not had a single issue loading thousands of .223 and .308. Case feeder seems to work perfect.

To the OP, the few people that I know that have the 550 and have used my 650 wished that they had gotten a 650.

Ditto on both counts.

Get the 650!

[sammy]

The 650 is the only way to go. Auto index makes a double charge near impossible and if it were possible the powder check will catch the problem. If you are going to reload get the 650. It is the best gun investment I have made.

[damon1272]

I own a 550. I dream of a 650. The advantages of the 650 are worth the price just for the case feeder option. I have big hands and it is a total PITA picking up little .223 cases and getting them started in station #1. Buy the 650 and don't look back if you plan on loading alot. Plus your production is almost doubled.
As for the powder being off, I ran into issues with this but you need to be sure to always cycle the ram the same with a slight puase at the top. Powder choices also make a big difference. The roller handle is a diffinite buy. Lastly make sure all stations are occupied when throwing powder. Do not know why this is but was recommended by dillon and it helped in getting better results when setting the charge bar. May have something to do with the loader operating in a more "normal" way as opposed to just checking throws with just the powder station occupied.

[C.G.]

Or you could go with the red cool-aid and get the Hornady LNL, as I just did. Did I just start a blue vs. red thread?

[mvpatriot]

did most of you buy your dillons from brian enos?

[Whitesmoke]

Some of the top shooters in the world (David Tubbs, etc) load on Dillons.

on what kind of machine?