Dillon 650 questions

Thanks, I know you don't need all the stuff mentioned, but , I know me and I'll buy it all ,eventually.
I'm just trying to get started and will add gear ,when I can.
I've been staring at a 5lb bucket of 9mm brass, for a couple of days. No matter how long I stare ,the bucket doesn't get empty lol
 
Thanks for the help. I think I should be good.with ordering.
I'm sure I'll be back next month,for the set up.
That should be a blast:)
 
This is all great info!!!! I will be getting a 650 before spring and I'm paying very close attention to what you guys are saying thanks a bunch. I would prefer to buy within Alberta to save on shipping and support local if possible any suggestions there.....
 
This is all great info!!!! I will be getting a 650 before spring and I'm paying very close attention to what you guys are saying thanks a bunch. I would prefer to buy within Alberta to save on shipping and support local if possible any suggestions there.....

Call Bashaw sports. Got my 650 there and pricing was very competitive and was in stock.
 
Since nobody has mentioned it, don't forget powder dies. This is the part that the expander/powder funnel goes inside and the measure goes on top.

I would also recommend the micrometer adjustment for your powder bars, rather than buying multiple measures or powder bars. The cost is lower and you will occasionally have to fine-tune adjustments anyway.
 
Don't get too caught up in the "Blue Coolaid" virus that can infest your wallet big time ...and lots of times unnecessarily. All that "stuff" is very convenient when needed but most of the time inter-changing a few things works just as well but a lot cheaper. Don't get me wrong ...I fell in with both feet when I started the Dillon trail but in hindsight I could have saves many dollars for components if I had just slowed down and thought a bit.

As G-man says "the tool heads with each caliber die and it's own powder measure" is nice, he is very right about the tool heads, but a bunch of powder measures surely is not a necessity...powder bars are a fraction of the price and once set can be left set and changed at will in a few seconds.

I have a case feeder for the one 650 I have left and have only ever used the large pistol feed plate in it (my feeder came with a Small & large pistol & a rifle plate). So far I have used it for 9 mm, .38 sp, .45 auto, 45 LC , .223 and 45-70... all with the same plate so I don't know if the others work "better" because I have never had a hick-up with just the large pistol.

Another thing to pay attension to that can save a few bucks is the "conversion Kits". Quite often parts can be used for different calibers without buying a totally different "kit". Two shell plated will load most rifle calibers, all you need is a different set of locating pins or maybe a feed funnel for a couple bucks. The back of your manual should have a chart to order separate pieces, just compare the parts # of the calibers you want to the ones you have.

Another thing to know about your 650...it can be used very efficiently as a "single stage" press by just disabling the advancing mechanism and using which-ever station you need for a "batch" load session. To disable either remove the two socket head screws that hold the advancing lug to the frame(my recommendation) or remove the long spring from underneath the ram head (this spring can be a bugger to get hooked again).

I will agree that there quite a lot of unnecessary accessories in the Dillon world. Don't let your wallet get sucked in when you could buy components instead. And you are right, a bunch of powder measures are absolutely not a necessity. But have extra powder dies so that you don't have to set your case belling every time you change calibers.
 
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Agree on Vibra Prime. Also spare primer tubes. Spares kit is very handy. Springs go and you might need to wait a week or two for replacements to arrive.

I also bought mine from Dillon 4 years ago. Back then dollar was at par but what will really get you is shipping. It will be ~$200. Plus you will need to pay brokerage fees, they only ship by courier. I shipped mine to a forwarder at Niagara Falls and shipping was $25. Pay your HST when you cross back into Canada and you're good. With the exchange rate now I don't know if it's worth it.

Your not suggesting exporting ITAR controlled items in contravention of the regulations are you? If there is a way to do this on the level let me know because I want one!
 
I am also looking into buying a 650 soon to reload 9mm and 45ACP and this thread helps alot. Thank you.

There sure are a lot of parts/accessories, with this press. It sure helps a lot when you have a ton of people ,with the correct info and willingness to help out.
Keep your eye on the EE, I already got a .45 acp conversion kit,at a really good price.
 
Don't get too caught up in the "Blue Coolaid" virus that can infest your wallet big time ...and lots of times unnecessarily. All that "stuff" is very convenient when needed but most of the time inter-changing a few things works just as well but a lot cheaper. Don't get me wrong ...I fell in with both feet when I started the Dillon trail but in hindsight I could have saves many dollars for components if I had just slowed down and thought a bit.

As G-man says "the tool heads with each caliber die and it's own powder measure" is nice, he is very right about the tool heads, but a bunch of powder measures surely is not a necessity...powder bars are a fraction of the price and once set can be left set and changed at will in a few seconds.

I have a case feeder for the one 650 I have left and have only ever used the large pistol feed plate in it (my feeder came with a Small & large pistol & a rifle plate). So far I have used it for 9 mm, .38 sp, .45 auto, 45 LC , .223 and 45-70... all with the same plate so I don't know if the others work "better" because I have never had a hick-up with just the large pistol.

Another thing to pay attension to that can save a few bucks is the "conversion Kits". Quite often parts can be used for different calibers without buying a totally different "kit". Two shell plated will load most rifle calibers, all you need is a different set of locating pins or maybe a feed funnel for a couple bucks. The back of your manual should have a chart to order separate pieces, just compare the parts # of the calibers you want to the ones you have.

Another thing to know about your 650...it can be used very efficiently as a "single stage" press by just disabling the advancing mechanism and using which-ever station you need for a "batch" load session. To disable either remove the two socket head screws that hold the advancing lug to the frame(my recommendation) or remove the long spring from underneath the ram head (this spring can be a bugger to get hooked again).

Hi. I am interested in reloading 9mm and 45ACP. I can use the electric case feeder ( http://www.dillonprecision.com/xl-650-casefeeder-110-volt_8_1_25550.html ) with the large pistol plate for both 9mm and 45ACP? Thanks.
 
I have used the large pistol plate exclusively for over 90,000 rounds, loading 9 mil, 45 acp, .38 sp. .357 mag, .45 LC, .223, 30-30 win., 45-70...I can not remember so much as one case coming down the tube "wrong was up".
 
Why dont you just start with a basic 650 set up, the case feeder ( not cheap) and those micro adjustment bars can wait. just get the dies you needed with its conversion kit , powder measure for each caliber( also can wait ) ,plus tool heads for each caliber. . and you can start enjoying your reloading hobby, quest. lol
 
That's my plan, I ordered the 650 ,9mm kit,bullit tray,couple primer tubes.
I got a 45acp conversion off the EE.
I'll get the 357 and .45 LC conversions and start from there.
I'm sure just this much,will be faster than my Single stage. Which was driving me crazy lol
I'll get all the other upgrades eventually .
I already have the dies:)
 
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I have used the large pistol plate exclusively for over 90,000 rounds, loading 9 mil, 45 acp, .38 sp. .357 mag, .45 LC, .223, 30-30 win., 45-70...I can not remember so much as one case coming down the tube "wrong was up".

you can use the large pistol plate for .223, 30-30 and 45-70?
 
I dont use Dillon dies exclusively, the sizing die od Dillon doesn't fully resized the cases all the way down, problems with my match chamber bbls. I used Lee Resizing and factory crimp die for pistol calibers. With my 223 - Foster Die for resizing and micro Seater die. The only Dillon Die on my 650 and 550 is the Powder Die
 
I have used the large pistol plate exclusively for over 90,000 rounds, loading 9 mil, 45 acp, .38 sp. .357 mag, .45 LC, .223, 30-30 win., 45-70...I can not remember so much as one case coming down the tube "wrong was up".

Thanks. This helps save some money.
 
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