reloading press

[CGT80]

I would love to try out a 650, but I got a great deal on my 550 (and the 8 or 10 caliber conversions and powder throwers) and I'm afraid that if I tried the 650 I wouldn't want to go back. At least I don't know what I'm missing right now.

[ar15barrels]

I'm afraid that if I tried the 650 I wouldn't want to go back.

That's exactly what happens.

[AEC1]

Lee Pro 1000. If you drive a Hyundai (cheap reliable, bad image and goes slow)

Hornady if you are a chevy man

Dillon if you start at the porsche, and plan to upgrade to a Ferrari

[ar15barrels]

Lee Pro 1000. If you drive a Hyundai (cheap reliable, bad image and goes slow)

Hornady if you are a chevy man

Dillon if you start at the porsche, and plan to upgrade to a Ferrari

Actually, it's Lee if you drive a hundai.
Dillon if you are a chevy man.
Camdex if you plan to upgrade to a Ferrarri.

[CGT80]

I would have to agree that dillon=chevy man, just because I am a chevy man. But, I sure wish the chevys had the cummins engine as an option.

[TEX1966]

I started with a single stage and went to a Dillon 650. Only way to go is the 650 after you learn on a single stage. I helped my friend set up his 550 and it Fu**** me up as it does not have the auto index or case feeder. If you are not used to having a case feeder or auto index you will be ok with a 550 but might as well spend the extra $ and get the 650 which you can use the powder check system for extra peice of mind.

[Blue]

Dillon.

[jb7706]

I'm afraid that if I tried the 650 I wouldn't want to go back.

That's exactly what happens.

I talked to guys for over two years about this, and I bought a 650 for my first press. I'm so glad I didn't listen to all the guys that talked up the 550 as being easier.

IMHO, if you have any mechanical ability at all there is no reason to not go with a 650 unless you are looking to load a caliber it will not support or you need the volume/features that a 1050 will provide. I didn't find it at all too much to learn. None of the arguments in favor of a 550 over a 650 have held any water in my experience.

If you are mechanically challenged then find someone to help you get things rolling, you will pick it up. I would imagine that this applies to many different presses, not just Dillon and not just progressives.

You can have my 650 when you pry it... well you know how that goes.

[CSACANNONEER]

I talked to guys for over two years about this, and I bought a 650 for my first press. I'm so glad I didn't listen to all the guys that talked up the 550 as being easier.

IMHO, if you have any mechanical ability at all there is no reason to not go with a 650 unless you are looking to load a caliber it will not support or you need the volume/features that a 1050 will provide. I didn't find it at all too much to learn. None of the arguments in favor of a 550 over a 650 have held any water in my experience.

If you are mechanically challenged then find someone to help you get things rolling, you will pick it up. I would imagine that this applies to many different presses, not just Dillon and not just progressives.

You can have my 650 when you pry it... well you know how that goes.

I have both and I have an engineering degree from Cal Poly SLO so, I'm not mechanically challenged. I actually dissagree with your opinion because I feel the 550 has some benifits over the 650. First, the auto index can be nice but, without it, it's possible to use the 550 as a single stage press. Second, changing caliber conversions is a lot easier with the 550, there are more caliber conversions for the 550, the caliber conversions are less expensive for the 550. Not being mechanically challenged, I like to have more control over what I'm doing. The 550 allows me that control. Whereas, with the 650, so much of it is automated that if you want to bypass an operation, it's a PITA. Personally, for runs of 100 rounds or less, I will always use a single stage press so, the 550 could work. For runs of 200-1000 rounds, I prefer the 550. I use the 650 for loading runs when I think I won't have to change anything out for 5000 rounds or more. In the end, it really is personal preference. Both are good machines. I still suggest complimenting any progressive press with a single stage press on the same reloading bench though.

[jb7706]

I have both and I have an engineering degree from Cal Poly SLO so, I'm not mechanically challenged.

I was not trying to imply that you were, only that so many guys seem to make a big deal out of how complicated progressive presses are. IMHO they are not as scary as they are made out to be, the complexity has been overblown. Single stage presses are inherently less complicated yes, but it does not require ninja like skill to use a progressive as your first machine.

I actually dissagree with your opinion because I feel the 550 has some benifits over the 650. First, the auto index can be nice but, without it, it's possible to use the 550 as a single stage press.

A lot of bits have been used on the Net to describe this opposition to the auto index. Auto index on a 650 can be disabled by removing 2 screws that are readily accessible. Same for the primer feed. Maybe 60 seconds of work per feature on the outside. I don't see that as a lot of work.

Second, changing caliber conversions is a lot easier with the 550, there are more caliber conversions for the 550, the caliber conversions are less expensive for the 550.

Conversions requiring going from large to small or small to large primers are a PITA, I am considering getting a dedicated primer feed assembly for each to make it easier. Yes the 650 is more expensive for conversions, no argument there. IMO it is worth it for what one gains. As long as one is staying in the same primer family it is not a big deal to change calibers. Some require a bit more work than others, but it is not heart surgery.

All that said I don't own and have never used a 550, it may very well take half as long or less to convert. Again, that alone is not reason enough for me to not buy a 650.

I like to have more control over what I'm doing. The 550 allows me that control. Whereas, with the 650, so much of it is automated that if you want to bypass an operation, it's a PITA.

I have used the 650 as a single stage press without bending over backwards. I don't think it is at all a major chore to do. Would it be easier to use a 550 in that mode? Likely yes, but I would not walk away from a 650 just for that.

Personally, for runs of 100 rounds or less, I will always use a single stage press so, the 550 could work. For runs of 200-1000 rounds, I prefer the 550. I use the 650 for loading runs when I think I won't have to change anything out for 5000 rounds or more.

Sounds like a reasonable preference to me. You clearly have a different tolerance for setup than I do. Nothing right or wrong with that, I am simply less adverse to doing it more frequently. I don't mind doing a conversion in the same primer family at 1000 rounds or less. To change primer families, yeah 5000 rounds or when I am out of components.

Right now loading or changing tooling is the same relaxing activity to me. Maybe in 5, 10 or 20 years that will be different, but for now...meh. Either way I am tinkering in "Man Land" listening to the radio and getting alone time.

In the end, it really is personal preference. Both are good machines. I still suggest complimenting any progressive press with a single stage press on the same reloading bench though.

Agreed, I think many of our differences in opinion boil down to personal preference. I'll eventually pickup a Rock Chucker, and maybe a 550 when/if the time comes. Right now, for the shooting I do and the calibers I use the 650 works fantastic and I could not be happier. I do not regret buying a 650 over a 550 at all.

Out of curiosity how frequently do you tear down and clean? Dillon says it should be done at a couple thousand-ish rounds IIRC. That seems like a lot of work for so few rounds. How bare do you strip things down?

[CSACANNONEER]

jb7706,

Thanks for the heads up about how easy it is to disable the auto indexing and primer feed on the 650. I really haven't played with mine much and will have to look at mine and figure it out.

[wildhawker]

want to start reloading what is the best brand and where to buy want to load riffle and handgun

For riffle, I'd try wiffle.

In all seriousness, Dillon has impressed the hell out of me wither their quality and service. For my volume reloading needs, I will unquestionably continue to purchase Dillon presses.

[LGB Loader]

or you want to start drinking and need to know a good wine.

I like this cause it makes perfect sense. I like Grgich Hills Chardonnay's by the way if I am gonna drink white wine, the Cabs are also very nice. Merlots are a bit over the top...
But i prefer an ice cold beer any day of the week and a good single malt before bedtime.

back to presses... any O frame press will do unless you are handloading magnum cases, then you may want a more stout press like Lee's classic cast or RCBS rockchucker supreme. If you have a bit of extra cash, go Redding. I have their T7 and love it. makes exellent ammo with close to zero runout if you use good components and a comp seater.

The Lee Classic turret is a good in between single / progressive press. I have used this press and it is really cool. someday, I will probably by one for the motor home...

I have owned all the progressives (except the RCBS 2000) and really like the Dillon 550B. it is the best bang for the buck. I still own this press.
Hornady's LNL AP with the case feeder is good but without it, the egonomics of it kinda suck - that's why I sold it for the Dillon XL650. I now use 2 XL650's, one for 9mm and one for 45ACP and couldn't be happier. Dont get me wrong, they both make great ammo but I preferred the XL650's with the case feeders.
I have used a Super 1050 for 223 and I am in the process of buying one. it is a good machine but kind of over kill.

I hope my $0.02 worth helps.

LGB

[Sunwolf]

Dillon 650

[sportsman]

dillon realoader

thanks for all the information where to buy the press and powder everything needed