rl 550b vs 650?
- Thread starter TrxR
- Start date
- Location
- Meaford Ontario
I can only say how much I like my D650. It has been great to me so far.
I have both.
The 550 is much easier, and quicker to do caliber conversions. I use this one for lower volume mixed calibers. The 550 is easier to learn with as well, and has less chance of potential loading mistakes associated with a progressive machine.
The 650 loads rounds quicker. I leave this one set up for 9mm and use it frequently for higher volume loading.
The 550 is much easier, and quicker to do caliber conversions. I use this one for lower volume mixed calibers. The 550 is easier to learn with as well, and has less chance of potential loading mistakes associated with a progressive machine.
The 650 loads rounds quicker. I leave this one set up for 9mm and use it frequently for higher volume loading.
I have both. The 650 has a case feeder and is dedicated to one cailvber - 308. It has loaded over 500,000 rounds. One round with each pull of the handle.
My 550 has a bunch of tool heads and I load a dozen different calibers on it, including all my pistol calibers and 223, 7.62x39 and 30 carbine.
Sounds like a 550 would be best for you.
My 550 has a bunch of tool heads and I load a dozen different calibers on it, including all my pistol calibers and 223, 7.62x39 and 30 carbine.
Sounds like a 550 would be best for you.
Me and my buddies were debating between xl650, hornady lnl ap, and square deal b. We ended up settling on a square deal b. We only load 9mm on it.
3 months later now I think that's the perfect choice. Given all the trouble and cost of caliber change on a dillon, I would dedicate dillon to one caliber high volumn, and buy a hornady or lee for the smaller volume calibers I reload.
SQB is about 1/2 to 2/3 of xl650 setup's price, and loads 9mm just as well. Also being a smaller press means less handle movement and faster. Sure it doesn't have capability of bullet and case feeder, but at my volum (<1000 rn/month) I don't need those.
3 months later now I think that's the perfect choice. Given all the trouble and cost of caliber change on a dillon, I would dedicate dillon to one caliber high volumn, and buy a hornady or lee for the smaller volume calibers I reload.
SQB is about 1/2 to 2/3 of xl650 setup's price, and loads 9mm just as well. Also being a smaller press means less handle movement and faster. Sure it doesn't have capability of bullet and case feeder, but at my volum (<1000 rn/month) I don't need those.
I just can't get used to the idea of a 'progressive' press (550) that doesn't have auto index. Hell, even the Lee 1000 has it and it's the Lada of the progressive press world. I've got 2 Loadmasters that have served me well but if you're sold on Dillon from the use & quantity you've stated it sounds like the Square Deal might just suit your needs, and for less money. A few of my friends have them and are very satisfied.
Sounds like good advice. I just can't get used to the idea of a 'progressive' press (550) that doesn't have auto index. Hell, even the Lee 1000 has it and it's the Lada of the progressive press world. I've got 2 Loadmasters that have served me well but if you're sold on Dillon from the use & quantity you've stated it sounds like the Square Deal might just suit your needs, and for less money. A few of my friends have them and are very satisfied.
Until case feeders and bullet feeders are involved in don't think there is much difference between 550b and any auto index. .If your not using bullet or case feeders you still have to manually deal with cases and bullets. One extra step with the 550b that is easy to do, turn the plate and place the bullet. Your hand is already there .
Still do four functions with one pull.
The SD does the same as the 550 does except load rifle (which the OP isn't doing). Rotating the shellplate adds 50% more effort (add case & bullet vs. add case & bullet & rotate shell plate). More work plus more money to do the same job doesn't sound like a winning combination to me.
the Square D can only use proprietary DIllon dies to load pistol caliber rounds. If you were only ever going to do low volume 9mm for semi-auto, then the Square D would be fine for you. The 550b give you more flexibility to load rifle caliber in the future, and use other brands of dies.
The other option would be to buy a bare bones XL650. A little more cost than a 550b, but you get the auto-indexing and can upgrade with a case feeder and bullet feeder later on. Caliber conversions are about 50% more than for the 550b though.
The other option would be to buy a bare bones XL650. A little more cost than a 550b, but you get the auto-indexing and can upgrade with a case feeder and bullet feeder later on. Caliber conversions are about 50% more than for the 550b though.
Only the thought of having a bullet feeder and a case feeder rumbling continuously makes me stick with the 550. I was watching a budy of mine reloading with his 650 and 1050 and I had to leave the room. What a curse.
And for 300 rounds per month...are you kiddin me. You're done with 300 rounds in less than an hour with a 550.
And for 300 rounds per month...are you kiddin me. You're done with 300 rounds in less than an hour with a 550.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
I disagree with anybody that says the 550 is easier to learn on than the 650. The fact is the 650 can be used as a single stage press or semi auto the same as a 550 but when you want to progress to speedier loading and add a case feeder the 650 is built for it from the start, not a retro-fit. The biggest advantage to a 650 over the 550 or S.D. is the option of using the 5th hole for a "in the case powder checker", to the novice this should absolutely eliminate the possibility of a squib or double charge weather single staging or progressive loading.
Cost is always a consideration in most all our purchases but if you can afford the initial cost of the Dillon, either the 550 or 650, it will all even itself out as they don't depreciate as much as a lesser model or make...re-sale of the Dillons is painless.
Cost is always a consideration in most all our purchases but if you can afford the initial cost of the Dillon, either the 550 or 650, it will all even itself out as they don't depreciate as much as a lesser model or make...re-sale of the Dillons is painless.
- Location
- West Quebec
I didn't feel I needed the bullet feeder at all and the case feeder on slow is fairly quiet.
