Dillon 650

[StraightShooter]

Does the Dillon 650 come with the casefeeder? It doesnt say it does or doesnt on their website but it is pictured with it.

[Sheldon]

No. It is an optional item, but worth it to get.

[StraightShooter]

So basically its just a 5 station, auto indexing 550b?

[TonyM]

So basically its just a 5 station, auto indexing 550b?

You could look at it that way, but it has a casefeeder option that wasn't an afterthought like the one for the 550.

[REDHORSE]

5th station allows the use of an automatic powder checker. Well worth the the added safety feature.

Another safety feature to make sure you don't get an over charge or and under/squib load. Could save you from damaging a firearm or even hurting the shooter.

I don't have any experience on the 550B, but IRC the 650 has a safer/improved primer system also.

The price difference of a 550B w/ case feeder and a 650 w/case feeder is only about $75.

ar15barrel also said that the 550B case feeder will only handle pistol sized cases.

[StraightShooter]

Thanks guys, i cant really afford he 650 with the casefeeder or the powder check die at the moment but I think ill try to get the 650 now and upgrade later. Auto indexing i think would be a nice feature and that in itself would greatly reduce the chance of loading a double charge.

[mike100]

I just bought me second 650 today (it hurt), but it works so well, I couldn't see buying anything else for the calibers I do.

I'll be selling my second primer wheel assy as I don't need to change that anymore. It still saves time vs. taking apart your primer feed just to change the wheel. Just drop cases by hand until your summer time tax refund comes in.

[CWM4A1]

I just bought a 650 with all the bell and whistles right before new year. After finally getting components and starting to work with it, it's worth every penny I spend. I load mostly 9mm and .45; have not decided if I want to expand to load .223 yet. Some personal experience to share:

1. Case feeder assembly is a MUST HAVE. W/O the case feeder, your 650 may not load faster, if not slower, then a LEE Pro 1000.

2. When you tight the case feeder assembly to the arm, it's very very easy to over-tighten the screw and strip it right out, just be careful.

3. If you are going to load a lot, make sure you pick up extra primer tubes. 650 only come with one small tube and one large tube. loading 100rds then have to load the primer tube again will slow down you pace significantly. In my case, I have 11 small tube and 11 large tubes.

4. Roller handle is another must have. Yes, 650 can load as fast as they advertised, but your hand may not agree with you when you got blister by using the ball handle.

Just my 2 cents, hope it helps.

[mike100]

In addition...get the newer style case feeder with the shorter post- the one with the metal flange near the top-front.

This seems like a more universally functional unit than the older style since it gets the shells oriented better. The older style have these plastic wedge things that you may have to adjust to get it going just right. The other ergonomic improvement is the feed funnel is lower so you don't need to find a step ladder to look inside. They also angled the switch and dump tube to the front so you don't have to crane your head to the other side to look at it.

[StraightShooter]

Thanks again,..... if you guys dont mind me asking, how many rounds do you typically load a month. Im still not sure if a 650 is worth it to me. I will be loading about 500 to 600 9mm a month as well as about 400 to 500 .223 per month. I will eventually load for .45 but not for another year. Do you think I should get the 650 or just get the 550b. I cant see myself shooting more than the amounts I just stated.

Oh, and whatever I decide I will order this next week so its coming down to the wire and I want to make the right choice so thanks for the info and opinions.

[mike100]

I probably don't load anymore ammo than that and I went ahead and bought a second 650. Totally a luxury..just makes the caliber change out a 5 minute job since i have dedicated units for lg/small primers.

The parts will nickel and dime you, but once you have a few tool heads and powder measures, you will really save yourself some time on your all-time-favorite loads were you never change anything. The way I figure: just don't buy 2 guns and you can really get a good start on a reloading outfit. I found that I enjoy the reloading part a lot too. Also resale...you see alot more SDB's and 550's on ebay then you do 650 and 1050 machines.

[StraightShooter]

Yeah, i think were on the same page then. I think I will get the 650. I like the extra spot for the powder check and the auto indexing for safety reasons so i think its the way to go. Thanks.

[Matt P]

I also recently set up my 650. I have a 550 also.
I love the auto indexing, much safer against a double charge. As I have had this happen on a Glock 40. Broken frame, blown out mag, and bits of brass blown into my shooting hand thumb. I still have parts of the case/scar tissue problems with that thumb.
Its easy, easier then I ever imagined not to index the shell plate, and fix another issue while double charging a case.
With the 650, the powder check, and just the fact a charged case must move another station before being bullet seated, gives me a little bit of comfort.
I also stepped up and bought the auto primer feeder. Another well worth the expense. Its super easy to fill primer tubes, and its all automated. Its expensive, but when you see and use the tool, you will understand why it costs so much. You only need the tube pick up that comes with it. You just dont need spare tubes.
Additional safety is what the 650 offers, and this is worth the cost easily IMHO.
It will be hard using the 550 again. Maybe just for .223..
Last thing, avoid a double charge at all costs.... You may like me, never look at a relaoded cartridge the same again. I ended up having to pull several thousand additional 40 cases, or face throwing all that ammo away. I just couldnt risk it.

Great choice on the 650...

[1hotrod]

I love my 650, I bought it back before they offered a strong mount, and nice roller handle. For years, I loaded my .45 without the case feeder and worked great. I chose the 650 for the extra station for the power check, and peace of mind.

I recently purchased the case feeder, strong mount, and roller handle which I love, but that strong mount makes the casefeeder sit high.