Add rifle to xl650 or get another press?

[evan the cdn]

I've been loading 9mm on my Dillon XL650 and I want to start loading rifle calibers (.223 to start) as well. It's going to cost a little more than $300 to get the necessary stuff to convert the XL650 to 223 so I'm considering picking up a separate press instead.

I've got lots of room on the bench so that's not a concern. I shoot an AR for fun and I'm just getting into bolt action rifles with more emphasis on precision. I'd like to have the ability to load for precision shooting and also for my AR which doesn't need to be as precise.

Should I buy the parts for the Dillon or should I be shopping for a separate press?

 

[tjhaile]

I would get the .223 conversion parts for the Dillon. Even though you have to prep your cases separately from all the other steps, It's still much faster than having to do everything in batches with a single stage. You probably won't notice any accuracy difference unless you are shooting at really long ranges, like 600m or more.

 

[john777]

You can get the Dillon RT1200B trimmer. It is mounted right on the press with separate head. You can size and trim with one stroke. I think you still need to deburr by hand after that. After that, trim primer crimp if need be and off to reloading you go. I'm not going to enjoy this process. I think I want speed.

I'm looking into conversion parts for my 650 too. The trimmer and swage tool alone is going to set me back over $300 for speed!!! I already scrapped the idea of quick change out /w powder dispenser and it's still costing me serious bucks. LOL!

I know I will actually save $$$ in the long run and not just be able to shoot more (casting my own boolits for pistols) but what the hell did I get into!? Reloading and speed start up costs is huge. I think i need to work on one caliber at a time. I still want my S&W 629 and if I start buying reloading equipment or other calibers that I know I won't shoot more with.