Progressive Presses

[45R]

Alright Calgunners,

I'm looking for a progressive press for loading 9mm and .223. I'm considering blue as I have tried both the 550 and 650. Leaning towards the 650 but I don't like that you can't turn off the auto index.

Does anyone have a non Dillon Progressive that they love to use that doesn't need to be fiddled with too often?

TIA

45R

PS. Any thought between the 550 vs 650 are also welcome

[Aidenpeacemaker]

I have a xl 650 now ... But I started on a 550 and would recommend it.. cry once. Go blue.. you can find smoking deals in the market place.

[gregshin]

both presses have their pros and cons as I have both. My high volume is set up on my 650 and i am at least 50% faster on the 650 due to an auto case feeder and auto indexing. why would you turn off the auto index?

you can get a case feed with the 550 but i also like having my powder check die on my 650 so i can keep cranking the rounds out. I then drop my loaded rounds with a EGW chamber check device too.

[Mot Mi]

Get the 650 and in the future just add a single stage as by them you will have all thr necessary equipment to use the single stage. If not get the 650 and a lee classic turret but I believe that's auto indexinf and I don't know if you can turn it off. You should just get the 650, I habe one and I would not bother with anything else besides that. Go blue or go home. Buy once cry once.

[JMP]

No, you won't beat a Dillon for progressive reloading. That's what they do. I am not a fan of progressive reloading, so I want a machine that's going to produce a nice big batch without breaking down, then I don't need to fritz around with it for a while.

[Dark Mod]

I onwed a Hornaldy LNL with all the bells and whistles before moving on to a 650 and 1050 combo.

I like the LNL a lot, but got tired of fiddling with it. If that's a concern of yours, and it outweighs your concern about cost, go with the Dillon.

A few problems I have with the 650 is the priming system, the difficulty in switching calibers, and the price.

Ive never had a 550 but its simplicity negates the difficulty in changing calibers, but so does the fact that you will only be loading 2 calibers.

The fact that you will only be loading 2 calibers also mitigates the price aspect, as a huge portion of the cost is associated with caliber conversions.

I will say this: If you are planning on running a casefeeder, get a 650, if not get the 550. The 650 is spectacular with a casefeeder, but looks uncomfortable to use without one if that makes sense.

[CSACANNONEER]

I prefer a 550 over a 650. The conversion kits are less expensive, there are far more conversion kits available and it is quicker to change from one cartridge to another.

[Divernhunter]

I am happy with my 650

[maxx03]

I prefer a 550 over a 650. The conversion kits are less expensive, there are far more conversion kits available and it is quicker to change from one cartridge to another.

+1 $30.00 dollar difference give or take.

[David-K]

I have a Hornady Lock n Load AP with a casefeeder. I routinely load 9mm, .40S&W, 10mm, .45ACP, .38SPL, .357MAG AND .44MAG. Changing calibers is very easy and from start to finish takes me about 10 minutes. That does include changing from small to large priming system and any casefeeder adjustments that I might need to make, too

[MrElectric03]

I'd like to have a 550 to load some calibers but overall I'm very happy with my 650. Caliber change is easy, it has its qwerks to figure out how to overcome but it's a great machine.

[Tok36]

I have been happy with the 550. Once i learned its ins and outs i do not have to fiddle with it much unless i am changing calibers and with dedicated tool heads/powder funnels this is made easier. I have not been motivated to upgrade, for what i load (1k-1.5k / month) it has been plenty fast for me.

[DeskHunter]

I know you said that you were considering getting either the 550 or 650, but i strongly recommend looking at the Hornady Lnl AP as well. People are selling entire set-ups on the marketplace with the case feeder for around 475 to 580. You could invest the money that you would have spent on a xL 650 for different shell plates and dies of other calibers, or reloading components. I chose a Lnl AP after months upon months of deliberating and came to the conclusion to go with Hornady. It's a great press that can process many rounds very quickly.

[at_liberty]

I am not sure what you have in mind with turning off auto index, but if you use only one die on any progressive, every handle pull is a finished, single operation round, once you get a queue going.

[BajaJames83]

what kind of volume are you looking to get?
300-400 hr is good for the 550 and its so easy to setup and run