Dillon Precision Quality?

[KodiakGhost]

Hello,

Go reloading on my mind and I have the option of getting either a Dillon Precision RL 550B or the XL 650. I am new to the progressive press, but not the concept of reloading.

I was leaning toward the XL 650 as it does a lot of features for me, but it is more expensive.

Again, this is why I leave my question for all of you to answer. I'm sure your wisdom will astound me as always

Cheers

 

[Micky Finn]

I have a 650 but my buddy who taught me to reload has a 550. Both are great machines, set-up is somewhat easier on a 550 as it must be manually advanced, however as you should buy multiple die heads you only should need to do this once. A much greater annoyance (still minor) is the primer feed system. Both hold 100 but on the 650 it is circular and holds eight more primers that must be taken into account and cleared to change primer sizes. The 550 has a direct feed and can only have one in the slider to deal with.
The 650 has auto case feed, is faster and has 5 die heads. This allows you to use both a powder check die, (buy one per calibre) and a separate crimp die. Buy one powder throw per calibre as well. It's just less hassle.
They are both quality machines and produce consistent ammo. You can't go wrong with either. Good luck and have fun.

___________________________________________________________

Never Give Up, Never Give In!

 

[buckbrush]

I have a 550 but if I had it to do over would buy a Hornady Lock n Load progressive from Lock stock and barrel or Midsouth in the US.

 

[gushulak]

I have a 550 and wouldn't trade it for any other press on the market, especially a press made by anyone other than Dillon.

They are great presses, can't go wrong with the 550 or the 650!

 

[ciPeterF]

Love the simplicity of the 550.. and you can get rid of one manual operation with the purchase of a case feeder.. (case feeder is extra for 650 as well.) Other thing to consider, is the four versus five position head issue. Nice to have a powder check, but the 650 is a much more complex machine.

 

[KodiakGhost]

Thanks for the info guys. It helps clear some things up. Looks like I might spring for the 650 instead. I have no problem with more mechanical parts. What's a mechanical engineering degree good for if I can't figure that out, right?