Looking to upgrade my setup, best press for $1500ish?

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I have the need for speed, been cranking out ammo on a single stage for years. Looking for the slickest press for handgun cartridges and maybe even rifle calibres down the road. My budget is fairly large but I would like to keep it under $1500 or so for just the press and necessary bits for different cartridges. I appreciate any input.
 
Agreed. I dont own the 650 myself, I'm making do on a 550, but Dillon makes a damn good product.
 
I was looking at the Dillons, they do seem nice just wondering if there was anything better/comparable. I seem to recall their dies are proprietary? Who stocks them?
 
The only Dillon that uses proprietary dies is the Square Deal, which is pistol calibers only. Their other presses use standard thread dies from any manufacturer. That being said, the Dillon die sets are really nice, IMO.
 
Just finished setting up the new dillon xl650 w/case feeder .223 conversion and 9mm.
carbide .223 dies my old 9mm dies , roller handle, deluxe quick change. cost me the 1500$ had a problem with the .223 carbide die (broken expander ball) missing locator buttons, called them up they said they would send new,i asked for a hat they said $11.95 then anything else? i said nope they said 32$ wait a min here 20$ shipping for a hat!! to canada.!!
had them ship to my usa address still cost me $10 for shipping.. am i wrong for being pissed off?
 
I have a Dillon 550B and a close buddy has a 650. I have churned out loads with both and its a close race for potential.

In the end for raw speed the 650 wins hands down. It also leads for safety with the powder check. Together we use a mix of almost evey brand of dies made so don't let that hold you back.

You will not regret the Dillon 650. Unless you need 800rds of 223rm for an AR in 2 hours, then a 1050 might be a better idea. :D
 
I don`t have one but if i was going to get a new progressive i`d likely go Dillon. Not to many unhappy campers out there, that being said i`m setting up a Hornady Pro-jector. Got it reasonable at a gun show, just need some parts to go to small primers and a different shellholder plate. If i like it i may upgrade to a new press later, been using a single stage for 40 years and don`t want to appear rash and jump on the progressive band wagon.:D
 
Although it only takes a few minutes to change the primer slide assembly to a different size, two RL550B Dillons is a good option which would pretty well tie up your $1500 budget if you get a few accessories. This allows for each to be set up for different size primers, ready to go after the tool head ( and possibly a quick change assembly) is inserted. While the 650 and 1050 are awesome and get excellent reviews, the conversion kits and assembly are more expensive than for a 550. With ease, I can cycle 300 rds/min quite comfortably and still pay attention to most details, such as primer pickup, powder drop and hopper level. I neither try to compete with those who claim they can reload 5-600 rounds per hour nor do I engage in a race with myself to see how quickly I can make the shellplate turn. If I didn't own Dillon products, I wouldn't feel comfortable in rating them. In my opinion the 550 is the best buy for moderate reloading requirements.

Resale value, if you use it for about 6-7 yrs, is still excellent, at almost 100% of original cost. I recently sold one I bought in either 2004 or '05 for about $80 more than I paid for it new (not figuring in taxes or shipping). I had three on the bench and sold the oldest to buy a second Forster. Try selling a car after 7 yrs and see what percentage you get on original price.

Thought I would share my thoughts on this subject.
 
I think with this idea I would look at a Dillon for the pistol loading and a quality single stage to do rifle.
 
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