Dillon 650 press

[El Gato]

I bought over a thousand rounds last night at wallyworld... at almost $30.00 a box, 45 ammo is getting crazy... I think I just decided to buy a dillon press with all of the bells and whistles so I can keep my wife's addiction fed...

I will probably buy it set up for the 45 ACP by gosh and start cranking out rounds. My main concern here, besides cost savings, is time savings. I have a hornady pro-7 that I use for all kinds of loads but I want to be able to have a press dedicated to 45 acp, and later maybe a tool head set up for the 44 spl so that I can crank the rounds out in a production mode...

Does anyone have any experience with the Dillon line that might be helpful.

[WKC]

Try the Brian Enos web site: Dillon Precision Reloading Equipment - RL 550B, XL 650, Super 1050, SL 900

[Bombard]

I've read several people say that unless you're reloading commercially, the 550 is better than the 650.

(I'm still reloading on an ancient RCBS, so I don't know nuttin.)

[CCWInstructor]

Go for the 650, great press. I believe that 45ACP has one.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by CCWInstructor

Go for the 650, great press. I believe that 45ACP has one.

I think there are a few of us here, but 45 ACP is definitely the guy to talk to, and emulate.

I love mine, just haven't set it back up since we moved into this place and now I'll have to put that off a gain for a while.

[tdogg]

I have both the 650 and 550. I would opt for the 650 in .45 if you have the funds. The 550 isn't that much slower, but the difference is indeed noticeable. I load 9mm on the 650 because that is what we shoot the most of in my household. I can make 500 rounds in just 30 minutes with it when I am moving.

[cksh8me]

2-650's, 1-1050 and 1-550 all Dillons. I have all the options.

From my experience the 650 is the way to go. 550 and 650 all repair parts are covered free from Dillion. It doesn't take long to change calibers if you have a extra tool head setup. I have 6 complete setups.

The 650 loads almost as fast as the 1050 for pistol and many rifle calibers. I like the primer feeder setup better on the 650 than the 550 or 1050. It uses the same case feeder as the 1050.

The biggest advantage to the 1050 over any of the others is it will swedge the primer pocket while you shoot

You can load 700 to 800 an hour if you have everything else dialed in. Good brass, free of other calibers. Clean of all tumbling media, extra primer tubes filled, etc. and no interruptions. I would use a 500 to 700 an hour until you get everything figured out.

I have the case powder sensor and found I didn't use it. Save your money on that.

Take the money you saved on the powder sensor and spend it on a roller handle. Buy the spare parts kit. It's worth it. If you're loading in the middle of the night and it breaks you will be hitting wally world before the then next practice session.

Mine has held up well there are a couple of cheap plastic parts that break a little too easy.

Changeing calibers is easy if you have new tool heads set up and ready to go I think I can do it in less than ten minutes unless I have to change from large to small primer.

Good luck

[damjo]

I have a Dillon 650 with all the upgrades. I have several extra tool heads setup for the various calibers I shoot. Mostly .45, .357, .223 and more.

It was money well spent. I like the easy caliber changes. I also purchased the Dillon automatic primer filler. Which saves me even more time.

I have been thinking of purchasing a second 650.

Their customer service is great. If you have issues they will talk you through them and if you break something they replace it for free. Cant beat that.

[flyingm]

This is good info. I have also been looking into getting started on reloading. Do you think going straight to a 650 is a good choice for a beginner? I know some people say start with a turret style instead.

List of things needed:
press, dies (with powder check die?), case tumbler, lever scale, calipers, ?

Optional:
strong mount, roller arm, case trimmer, primer flip tray, better scale?, ?




sorry for jacking your thread El Gato

[damjo]

You will save money in the long run starting with the Dillon.

Plus it comes with a detailed manual and a video.

[peanutlover]

good thread

[45 ACP]

I bought a 650 on the recommendation of a few other friends who reload. I chose all the options (including the case powder check) and I have no regrets.

I know inboost just bought a 550, so he can comment on that system.

From my perspective, even a new reloader can use a 650. Don't be intimidated by full progressive, just go slow (as you should with ANY reloading setup), pay attention (again, as you should with ANY reloading setup) and you will be fine. The included video and phone tech support are awesome. There are also PLENTY of places on the internet to find tips/hints, some even with photos.

I have a few recommendations based on personal experience. Take them for what they're worth:

If you're shooting 45 ACP (or any other "large" caliber) on a regular basis, you're spending waaaaaaaaay too much $$ if you buy ammo commercially. Start reloading..........now.

If you're shooting a LOT, do yourself a favor and buy a semi or full progressive setup. Sure, single stage is easy but it's also tedious. How much time do you have to make "plinking" rounds? Don't get me wrong, a single stage is what I use for PRECISION ammo. I'm willing to spend the time for the return in accuracy and consistency. For "plinking" ammo, speed is my priority.

BUY A DIGITAL SCALE!! Don't go cheap and buy a balance beam scale. It will eat up your reloading time like no tomorrow. You may also be tempted to take shortcuts in your verification procedures because of the time/hassle involved in using a balance beam scale. Don't.

Build/Install your reloader on a STURDY bench. If the bench creaks and moves around too much, you can actually induce a malfunction in your machine. Do it right the first time.

I would skip the Dillon tumblers and go with something similar to a Berry's. Yeah, they're smaller but bigger isn't always better when it comes to tumblers. Having a clear lid is a huge benefit, especially when you're new. It prevents comments like, "Did I put enough brass in there or too much? Lemme just take off the cover to che.........ah dammit! Now I have to sweep up all that media!!!"

I've also personally burned out 3 Dillon tumbler motors. Dillon was more than helpful at replacing them, but I just don't trust their motors and the design they use. PM me for more info if you want.

Check out UniqueTek for cool accessories like a micrometer attachment for your powder drop. Instead of trying to estimate how much more/less powder you're gonna drop by using the bolt flats, you can use actual NUMBERS! Wow, what a concept!! With all the crap out there for reloading accessories, UT has some good stuff that is worth your $$.

*****

That's all I can think of right now. It's a big investment and you'll be thinking, "Gee, I could buy a lot of ammo with this $$." Then again, you won't ever have to worry about when your local gunstore has a sale 'cause you can "roll your own."

[AMS MIKE]

Very helpful Info 45 ACP.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by AMS MIKE

Very helpful Info 45 ACP.

Totally agree. Thanks!

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by AMS MIKE

Very helpful Info 45 ACP.

Yes, great info, thanks

AKI security also runs the NRA Reloading module in Huntington Beach. Personally, I'd feel much better going to the class to get started than to wade through it on my own.