Dillon RL550 or XL650?

[1911_Mitch]

------

[Jicko]

If u can afford a 650, then a 650..... if not.... then a 550.... a 650 is just a better 550....

I personally think that a 550 is enough... but... again... if $$ is no issue... then go for a 650

[Sheldon]

The 550 is a semi-progressive....you rotate the shellplate by hand as it does NOT auto index, whereas the 650 does rotate automatically. If you do get the 650 get the casefeeder to go with it. It doesn't make sense to me to run the 650 without it though some do. Here's a good read about picking a press>>> http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html#which

[50ae]

Only 1000/mo then go with the 550. I have a 650 and won't sit down unless I'm doing at least 1000 in one sitting. It sounds like the 650 is too much press for you and your money would be much better spent on the 550.

[Omega13device]

If you plan to reload a lot, then you'll be spending enough on ammo that the $110 price difference won't matter and you should get the 650.

[50ae]

True, very true. The 650 is a monster but the 110 difference isn't the only difference between the two. You also have the caliber conversion cost differences. The 550 is more versatile and better, IMHO, for doing small batches of match ammo. The 650 is pretty much a full on production machine. Generally I load between 1000 and 3000 rounds at a time on mine of one caliber. The 550 would be easier to swap out between calibers. In fact, I'd love to get a second press and it would have to be a 550 to compliment my 650.

[TonyM]

Get the 650 and set it up with the casefeeder and "quick change" kits from Brian Enos. Makes it alot easier to change the primer assembly from small to large. Manual indexing on the 550 is okay, but it's nice to keep one hand on the handle of the press and one hand that just goes from the bullet tray to the case to be loaded. Quite honestly, when you are ready to purchase, just call Brian Enos on the phone and tell him what you want to do. He will make sure you are not over or under configured and will get the right parts out to you. He is one of the good guys and won't try to hurry you off the phone. He helped me
a bunch when I was getting my setup planned out.

Oh, you may only think you're going to load 1000 a month, but I'll bet that number increases after you get the tools.

[50ae]

So, tell me about these quick change kits. Switching out primer assmeblies is something I dread with my 650.

[just4fun63]

I can only speak for the 550 and love it I will be getting the case loader this summer. Cal conversions are cheaper and easer. Dillon's warrentee is "da bomb" I think you would be happy with the 550. Most of the 650 people I know are big time into IPSC and need the volume. I shoot IPSC but less often and the 550 does me well

[gotammo]

My experience is with the 550B. I have 4-5 conversions and find no need to upgrade to the 650.

Just for kicks I timed myself reloading .40S&W one day. All adjustments ready to go and all primers preloaded into the primer tubes..

I did 474 rounds in one hour. I wasn't going especially fast, nor was I being unsafe. I stopped only to empty the cartridge bin and reload primers. Plenty fast for me.

gotammo

[SnWnMe]

The 650 hands down. Everytime I hear about a double charge destroying someone's handgun, it is almost always from ammo made in a non indexing progressive press like the 550. An auto indexer moves the case that has just been charged away from the powder dispenser. This is one extra and very effective measure against a double charge.

[TonyM]

So, tell me about these quick change kits. Switching out primer assmeblies is something I dread with my 650.

Brian Enos sells the entire rotating assemblies for the primer system. they are slightly pricy at $76, but you only need 1, large or small, depending on the original caliber you select with your press. This will let you change from large to small primers with 2 small bolts, literally 1 minute of work.

http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.conv.650.html#pconv

[1911_Mitch]

-----

[TonyM]

Thanks for all the replies - keep them comming.

I am leaning towards the 650 for the true progressive and the safety features, even though I probably won't use it to its full productvity potential.

Where are you located Mitch? I'm sure if one of us is local you could come by and see the press(es) in action before you buy yours.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I love the powder check accessory for the 650