Dillon Presses

XL650 : Does pretty much everything a 550 can do, but faster, thanks to the Auto-Index. But both are excelent machines, it depends if you're ready to invest more to gain production speed.
 
The 550 will handle just about everything you need to do, and will load just as fast as you're comfortable with, but if you're already familiar with reloading and understand the process, the 650 is an auto-index that gives you some more speed (since it automatically indexes the shell plate each time you cycle the arm). Unless quantity is your overwhelming need/desire, I'd say to go with the 550.
 
For the guy that loads a few hundred a month, the 550 will do fine. For the guy that loads 1-2k+ a month, the decision is between the 1050 and the 650.
 
I loaded about 1100 rounds of .45 Colt on a Rockchucker...not fun. I'll need to set up for .38/357, .40, .45ACP, and .45 Colt. Autos seem to love chewing through the rounds ;)
 
I have had a 550 for about ten years now and have loaded thousands of rounds on it, mostly pistol, so I guess I will chime in with what my experiences have been.

I was interested in producing good ammunition at a reasonable rate, and once my dies are set up and adjusted I can easily load 400-500 rounds of ammo an hour, so I have more than enough production capacity as far as I am concerned. Auto index sounds like a great feature, I obviously don't have that luxury on my 550, but I really don't mind not having it, it gives me a chance to do things at my pace, that extra step hasn't bothered me in the least. I supposed if I were to try a 650 I would see what I was missing and would want it, but I am content with my 550.
 
I have the 550 and load about 1000 9mm and about 1000 .223 a month

works well for me i dont need auto index plus the 650 parts (conversion kits) are more money
 
people are stretching.......

I have a 550 and never really thought moving my thumb about 1-1/2 inches to index the shell plate slowed me down.:rolleyes:
 
I have had a 650 for about 12 years and the two reasons I picked it up at the time were auto indexing (had that on the press it replaced) and the casefeeder.

1000 rounds a hour with the 650 is not too difficult to achieve and all the ammo is quality ammo once the press is setup.

Now, if you wish to load many different calibers on one press, including bottle neck cases I think the 550 may be a better press to choose as I feel its more flexible in that respect.

But if you want to load high volumes the 650 is a great way to go.
 
Dustin. I sell a few of these things so let me chime in...

For the guy that loads less then 2000 rounds of one caliber a month a 550 is fine... Will take 4-8 hours depending on how you do things...

for the guy that loads 1000-1500 rounds in multiple calibers it should be ok..

Once you get over 3000 rounds a month it takes too much of your time and it would be better to load on a 650...

I don't recommend a 1050 unless you are loading 10,000 rounds a month or more just becuase the warranty is only a year and you probably won't have broken it in within the year...
 
The 650 will do 308 and 30/06. The cost on caliber conversion on the 650 starts around $100.00. If you want a quick change tool head loaded up is around $500.00.
Driller
 
Answers

OK to answer the quetions that I see above;
both a 550 and a 650 can load rifle calibers the 1050 does too but not all of them.
However the 550 casefeeder does not work with rifle calibers you would have to try and work around the attachement or remove it which might not be so much fun...

The cost; Since I'm not quite sure what you are looking for I'll just say my prices are on my website... If you want a detailed quote drop me an email...


To change each caliber you need to consider that you would at the minumum want an extra toolhead and powder die or a complete setup including the powder measure the dies and the conversion kit... For both presses the process is similar.. Without the casefeeder parts, having to change/adjust powder or primer systems should take less then 15 minutes....
Casefeeder parts about 5 minutes,
primer system on the 650 20 minutes, less then 10 on the 550
powder measure swap (same powder bar) 10-15 minutes
powder measure swap (different powder bar) 25 minutes
 
I don't recommend a 1050 unless you are loading 10,000 rounds a month or more just becuase the warranty is only a year and you probably won't have broken it in within the year...
Click to expand...

While it is true that Dillon does exclude the 1050 from the No-BS warrantee, it's due mostly to the commercial use of the press by many people. I wouldn't let the warrantee issue disuade a buyer who feels he needs one. The press is built like a tank, and I doubt any legitimate use could truly kill one. About the only area I can see that would eventually give way is the bell crank, and only due to metal fatigue after many, many repetitions. The factory will still support the user with parts.

Outside the press itself, all the associated bits are still covered.

Bear is right however. The 1050 is not meant for the guy who loads 500 rounds and then switches to another caliber. If I don't need to switch primer sizes, I can switch calibers in about 20 minutes, give or take. You can load most .308 length cases without a problem, but the 30-06 length are most likley not worth the effort.

To keep it working well, I try to vacuum off any powder or case shavings regularly. A quick wipedown at the end of a session works well. It needs a lube every 5k or so, but that's a 20 second job.

I think most users would be well served with the 650, but I'm glad I spent the money on the 1050. My grandkids will likely be using it.
 
I have two 550's. One set up for 38 and the other for 9mm. I have different tool heads for two 9mm loads, 270 wim, 303 British, 45/70, 45 Colt, 45 ACP. I load about 1000 38, 1500 - 2000 9mm, 500 45 ACP and during hunting season about 100 each of the 270 and 45/70. I don't find that it takes all that tlong for the pistol loads, but the rifle loads I weight each powder charge separately.

Unless you need more than couple thousand rounds a month I would stick with the 550.
 
The more speed and features you get with any machine, the more it will cost, it will be more complex to maintain and changeover. Calibre changeovers are more expensive with the 650 compared to the 550, and the startup price is much more.

I would recomend starting with a 550, if it is to slow for your uses, or you want auto index, sell it and get a 650. The 550's hold their value very well, especially on Ebay.
 
If you are loading and firing as much ammo to make the 550 seam slow, you are probably rolling in dough anyhow, and won't notice (much) the difference in pricing between the 550 and 650.
 
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