Anyone have a RL 550B

ASTRYX

ASTRYX

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Maple Ridge
I am thinking about getting this machine for reloading.

I want to know if anyone in the Maple Ridge, Langley, Surrey, Tri-cities area has one that I could come and look at.

I need to build a bench for it and want to see what height I should build it.

I am 5'10 ... if anyone can help out, it would be appreciated.

Cheers
 
I use a 550 and love it! I built my bench almost to counter height and like it. I can reload comfortably sitting on a bar stool or standing up.

Regards,
 
i like about 34 inches- for leverage- all my presses are set at that height- roughly in tune with your waist
 
The strong mount bolted to a piece of 2x12 works just fine as a portable setup that can be clamped to a typical kitchen table or a similar height bench:

DSC00254.JPG


The Strong Mount also makes for a more stable, less stressed mounting surface by spreading the press footprint over a greater area.
 
Wow ... thanks for all of the input.

I hate to ask more ... BUT this is the best place for it.

550 vs 650 ... pros and cons of each?

I was told that the 650 has a lot of problems and I should stick with the 550.

I am only going to be shooting about 1000 rounds a month for the next year and after that, if I get better, then probably around 1500-2000/month.

I plan on getting a .40 eventually too and will buy a complete new tool head and dies for it.

Thanks for your input again.
 
I have one, I'm in Langley.
If I can dig it out from all the crap in my garage, you can come over and pull on the handle a few times.
 
550 or 650

I got the XL650 recently and once I got it set up and everything adjusted(that took awhile) it works very well. Like everything it takes a bit to get used to it. I did not by the automatic case loader so can stack about 13 cases in the tube (45LC) and have to stop to fill it. It sure beats the heck out of working with the single stage press of my past. I have loaded about 600 rounds so far.

I bought the 650 for the auto indexing and the automatic case insertion. I can add that the extra station on the 650 allows for a powder check die. I use the RCBS lock out die and it seems to work very well too. Basically it will prevent double charged and an undercharged cases.

I think that some folks use RCBS two die system for bullet seating and crimping (case mouth is expanded (belled) in the powder die which leaves a emply spot for the powder check die in a 4 position head.



ASTRYX said:
Wow ... thanks for all of the input.

I hate to ask more ... BUT this is the best place for it.

550 vs 650 ... pros and cons of each?

I was told that the 650 has a lot of problems and I should stick with the 550.

I am only going to be shooting about 1000 rounds a month for the next year and after that, if I get better, then probably around 1500-2000/month.

I plan on getting a .40 eventually too and will buy a complete new tool head and dies for it.

Thanks for your input again.
Click to expand...
 
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the manual index on the 550 scares the heck put of me-too much chance of a double charge if your case can accomodate that much powder- and interruptions are inevitable- phone, etc- but i've got one as i need a rifle press and the 650 /lee loadmaster/hornady whatever weren't available at the time( it's been over 20 years)- this was well before the 650 was redesigned- i still find the 550 doesn't have enough stations( there's only 4) but you'll pay FAR more with the 650 both in terms of the press itself and the accessories- and it's my only 308 press- everyting else is lee, all with the auto-index
 
A 550 will smash out 2000 a month and have plenty of time left for shooting. For a "normal" shooter loading handgun rounds its a good deal. I have NEVER been worried of a double charge after a few thousand loaded rounds. And manual indexing isn't so bad once you get in the groove.
 
I bought a 550 2nd hand real happy with it..Before you buy anything shop around and compare prices.In fact with our dollar as high as it is I'd be willing to bet you'd be better off ordering direct from Dillon.
 
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