Well my shooting has picked up and I've started in a pin league, sooo reloading is in my future. Does anyone have an opinion on the Dillion 550B vs 650? I see a lot of Lee presses and dies, would you consider Lee or Dillion to be "best" first reloading press? BTW, I'll be loading .45ACP, .40S&W, 38spl, and 357 mag.
Dillion 550B vs 650 vs Lee
- Thread starter distra
- Start date
- Status
Chris Rhines
Member
Dillon, without a doubt. 550B vs. XL650 is a more difficult choice. I just sold my old 550 and upgraded to a 650. The 650 is the better engineered machine, and it offers a much higher output because of it, but it's considerably more complicated to set up, and swapping cartridges is a lot more expensive.
I probably wouldn't get a 650 for a first reloading machine. I'd get the 550, get it set up and get some ammo loaded. You can load a ton of very good ammo on a 550. Reassess things in a year or so, and decide whether you want to kick it up to the 650 - if you do, either keep the 550 as a backup or sell it for 80% of what you paid for it. Dillons hold their value like diamonds.
- Chris
I probably wouldn't get a 650 for a first reloading machine. I'd get the 550, get it set up and get some ammo loaded. You can load a ton of very good ammo on a 550. Reassess things in a year or so, and decide whether you want to kick it up to the 650 - if you do, either keep the 550 as a backup or sell it for 80% of what you paid for it. Dillons hold their value like diamonds.
- Chris
redneck2
Member
Man, this is something new....Dillon vs Lee
Let the battles begin...
If you really want to "experience" a progressive Lee, I've got a friend that's selling 4. I believe they're Loadmasters. Dunno anything about Lee other than I used them with less than stellar results.
I have a Dillon 550 after using the Lees. YMMV
Let the battles begin...
If you really want to "experience" a progressive Lee, I've got a friend that's selling 4. I believe they're Loadmasters. Dunno anything about Lee other than I used them with less than stellar results.
I have a Dillon 550 after using the Lees. YMMV
KIMBER45TLE
Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2006
- Messages
- 92
550
Just starting out I'd go with the 550. Easy to set up, and easy to change out calibers if you go with the quick change kits for the different rounds you intend to shoot. You should be able to use the same shell plate for the 38 and 357 saving you a dollar or two. This is my first Dillon, but have used a friends over several years. By far the easiest to use starting out. Just follow the intructions when setting it up, don't get ahead of yourself and you'll be fine. At least two if not three or four manuals, and read them before going into a lot of component buying. Get with friends that load, see if they will share some of their load data with you or even lend a hand helping you set up. Once your confidence is built up, you'll be loading 300 rounds an hour if not more. Load 40S&W one night, 45 the next, 38 the next, then 357. Take the next night off, then the weekend to the range and shoot. Clean brass on Sunday, then start the process all over again.
Just starting out I'd go with the 550. Easy to set up, and easy to change out calibers if you go with the quick change kits for the different rounds you intend to shoot. You should be able to use the same shell plate for the 38 and 357 saving you a dollar or two. This is my first Dillon, but have used a friends over several years. By far the easiest to use starting out. Just follow the intructions when setting it up, don't get ahead of yourself and you'll be fine. At least two if not three or four manuals, and read them before going into a lot of component buying. Get with friends that load, see if they will share some of their load data with you or even lend a hand helping you set up. Once your confidence is built up, you'll be loading 300 rounds an hour if not more. Load 40S&W one night, 45 the next, 38 the next, then 357. Take the next night off, then the weekend to the range and shoot. Clean brass on Sunday, then start the process all over again.
BigJakeJ1s
Member
For a progressive press, you should also look at the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. Dillon 650 features at a 550 price.
Andy
Andy
LiquidTension
Member
I've used RCBS and Lee scales, the RCBS 5-0-5 wins hands down. I've been using a cheap Frankford Arsenal tumbler pretty heavily for several years with no problems.
spencerhut
Member
Do not make the mistake of overlooking the RCBS Pro 2000 with the APS priming system. I don't understand why more people don't buy this really good press. I think Dillon and Hornady need get on board with the APS priming system. If you get a Dillon or Hornady don't forget to buy the optional primer blast shield both companies offer. If you get the RCBS you won't need it. You'll also need a primer tube loader and get used to handling primers with your fingers. I can load primers in the APS strips and feed them into the press without ever touching them, or just buy the preloaded strips. I love the APS system. Anyone that has never used it just does not know what they are missing. I'll stop now since I'm on a rant . . .
Lee dies are fine, I use them for my .38 Super and they are great. Don't forget to get a Lee FCD (Factory Crimp Die) for each caliber you are going to put a crimp on. The FCD works really well, much easier than the crimp feature on say an RCBS die.
Scale - They all work. I use a Lyman 1200 but can't reccomend it since it's made in China. I should have sent it back and got the RCBS.
Tumbler - They all work pretty well. You need to decide if you will be doing a dry or wet tumble before you buy since the rotary tumblers (RCBS) are specifically made for using wet media. I use a Lyman (made in USA) vibartory tumbler with a solid bowl that seems to work okay with wet or dry media.
Spencer
Lee dies are fine, I use them for my .38 Super and they are great. Don't forget to get a Lee FCD (Factory Crimp Die) for each caliber you are going to put a crimp on. The FCD works really well, much easier than the crimp feature on say an RCBS die.
Scale - They all work. I use a Lyman 1200 but can't reccomend it since it's made in China. I should have sent it back and got the RCBS.
Tumbler - They all work pretty well. You need to decide if you will be doing a dry or wet tumble before you buy since the rotary tumblers (RCBS) are specifically made for using wet media. I use a Lyman (made in USA) vibartory tumbler with a solid bowl that seems to work okay with wet or dry media.
Spencer
loadedround
Member
I have have been reloading for over 45 years and have had experience in operating just about all of the progressive presses on the market today with the exception of the obsolete Star Reloader, I would highly recommend the Dillon 550B press if you are going to start out loading multiple pistol calibers. This press is the most user friendly and trouble free of all the progressive presses available and has the best back up Customer Service in the industry.
BUy the Dillon!
BUy the Dillon!
michael_aos
Member
Dillon 550B.
Mike
Mike
BigJakeJ1s
Member
The APS system works so well for RCBS, they even came out with a tube fed priming system for their progressive press! Folks don't want to mess with primers twice: once to load the strips, and again to feed the strips into the press. At least tubes give you the ability to load up 100 at a time without messing with them again.
Dillon and Hornady don't offer or need optional "blast shields", Lee offers that for their plastic primer feed system. Dillon and Hornady tube feeders are both surrounded by two metal tubes, and are designed to safely direct detonations straight up, and away from the operator. Loading neither Dillon nor Hornady primer tubes requires handling the primers with your fingers.
Andy
Powderman
Member
If you are new to reloading, I recommend that you do NOT buy a progressive as your first press.
There is a lot to learn before you go into that facet of reloading.
I recommend getting a smaller press to start; a Lee Turret Press is a good compromise between single stage presses and progressives. Or, you can go ahead and get a Rockchucker, or similar cast iron press. It will last a lifetime, and will give you something to load your rifle cases on.
But first, get a reloading manual. More than one. Preferably four or five. READ THEM, AND READ THEM WELL. Fully understand the methods and manner of reloading before you do your first round.
When the time comes, load your first rounds under the tutelage of an experienced reloader. Once again, read and heed the instructions, cautions and warnings in your reloading manuals They are there for a reason.
Good luck, start slow, and have fun!
There is a lot to learn before you go into that facet of reloading.
I recommend getting a smaller press to start; a Lee Turret Press is a good compromise between single stage presses and progressives. Or, you can go ahead and get a Rockchucker, or similar cast iron press. It will last a lifetime, and will give you something to load your rifle cases on.
But first, get a reloading manual. More than one. Preferably four or five. READ THEM, AND READ THEM WELL. Fully understand the methods and manner of reloading before you do your first round.
When the time comes, load your first rounds under the tutelage of an experienced reloader. Once again, read and heed the instructions, cautions and warnings in your reloading manuals They are there for a reason.
Good luck, start slow, and have fun!
deciple-of-keith
Member
I agree with Powderman here ! The Dillion is a fine Press ! But you really have to keep your wits about you with fuly progressive Presses ! When their working well their fantastic ! When they get out of zinc you've got more problems than a pregnant Nun ! The Lee Turret whist no where near as fast as a Progressive press is very simple & is a great learning tool !Top marks for reading the ABC of reloading ! Be sure to ask around other reloaders & see if you can sit in for a couple of sestions with differant types of Press . I've yet to meet a reloader who is'nt willing to teach some one new or even share ideas with other reloaders (that's the beauty of these sites the sharing of information )
Dave
Dave
550 is great but also you need a single stage!!!
I have a 550 and pretty much everybody agrees it is great. BUT:
If you really want to get into reloading you need A SINGLE STAGE!!!
For load develpment and all kinds of small jobs a single stage is vital as an accessory to any progessive in my opinion. I use it to pull bullets, do small runs of new stuff, try out new loads and do all my rifle ammo on it.
My recommendation for the single is a RCBS. Mine is probalby 20+ years old.
Good luck with it!
I have a 550 and pretty much everybody agrees it is great. BUT:
If you really want to get into reloading you need A SINGLE STAGE!!!
For load develpment and all kinds of small jobs a single stage is vital as an accessory to any progessive in my opinion. I use it to pull bullets, do small runs of new stuff, try out new loads and do all my rifle ammo on it.
My recommendation for the single is a RCBS. Mine is probalby 20+ years old.
Good luck with it!
loadedround
Member
Big Jake: I don't quite understand your post regarding the optional" blast shield "for Dillon press. FYI, this shield is an intregal part of the Dillon and is not an option unless you want it as a replacement part(not as if you would ever use it). The Dillon primer system is one of the safest and easiest to use around. Also why would you want to use the RCBS APS in a progressive press? That would just further complicate the ease of using a Dillon...why fix something that's not broke. And lastly,. I agree that it's not the easiest thing to teach a new loader on a progressive machine, but the design and operation of the 550B makes it very easy to learn it's operation. Yes I own two Dillons and so far I have taught six Club members to reload on mine and everone of them went ou tand bought their own. JMHO
BigJakeJ1s
Member
Loadedround,
Was that supposed to be directed at Spencerhut? He was the one suggesting getting the "optional" blast shield for Dillon or Hornady progressives.
I'm like you; a tube feeder like that on the 1050, 550, or LNL AP is just as safe or safer than APS strips, since the primer being seated is much farther away from other primers than with the APS, or the 650 tube system for that matter. Most of the tube detonations I have seen/heard of have been 650's, since the wheel that transfers primers from the tube to the priming station has several in it at a time, giving a "chain reaction" path from the priming station to the tube.
Except for the 650 (because of the primer feeding mechanism), most progressives can be used turret style while learning, one round/step at a time. Dillon even has (had?) the AT500, a stripped down 550 designed to be used as a turret press, that can be upgraded to a full-up 550.
That said, a single stage press, even a hand press, is still very handy to have in addition to a progressive press.
Andy
Was that supposed to be directed at Spencerhut? He was the one suggesting getting the "optional" blast shield for Dillon or Hornady progressives.
I'm like you; a tube feeder like that on the 1050, 550, or LNL AP is just as safe or safer than APS strips, since the primer being seated is much farther away from other primers than with the APS, or the 650 tube system for that matter. Most of the tube detonations I have seen/heard of have been 650's, since the wheel that transfers primers from the tube to the priming station has several in it at a time, giving a "chain reaction" path from the priming station to the tube.
Except for the 650 (because of the primer feeding mechanism), most progressives can be used turret style while learning, one round/step at a time. Dillon even has (had?) the AT500, a stripped down 550 designed to be used as a turret press, that can be upgraded to a full-up 550.
That said, a single stage press, even a hand press, is still very handy to have in addition to a progressive press.
Andy
.45man
Member
distra,
If you are serious about shooting, want to make quality ammo, and not spend all weekend doing it.....spring for the Dillion 650.
It makes high quality stuff, and it does so fast. I have had one for over 11 years seen here and it is the cats @$$!!!!
If you have a little patience getting started, willing to learn, ask a few questions, follow the video and call the help center (1-800-223-4570, how can you forget that number) they will keep you going when you have questions. You will be fine!!
Yea, it might be a little slow in the beggining (about as slow as a single stage), but after a month when you are pumping out 500 high quality rounds in about 90 minutes, you will be smiling with every shot in the 10-ring at the range!!!!
Email me directly if you want anytime!!!! I have corresponed with several members of this forum and the S&W forum regarding the 650.
If you are serious about shooting, want to make quality ammo, and not spend all weekend doing it.....spring for the Dillion 650.
It makes high quality stuff, and it does so fast. I have had one for over 11 years seen here and it is the cats @$$!!!!
If you have a little patience getting started, willing to learn, ask a few questions, follow the video and call the help center (1-800-223-4570, how can you forget that number) they will keep you going when you have questions. You will be fine!!
Yea, it might be a little slow in the beggining (about as slow as a single stage), but after a month when you are pumping out 500 high quality rounds in about 90 minutes, you will be smiling with every shot in the 10-ring at the range!!!!
Email me directly if you want anytime!!!! I have corresponed with several members of this forum and the S&W forum regarding the 650.
loadedround
Member
Big Jake: My error...din't read the complete post and jumped to a conclusion as usual. My apologiies to you. LR
Powderman
Member
If you mean the loading tubes, they are used for most progressive presses; even some single stage presses use them. The best bet is to handle the primers as little as possible to minimize the risk of contamination.
Another good use for the single stage press: Frequently, I engage in load development. It is very inconvenient to load a batch of rounds with different powder charges or bullets--or even primers--to take to the range with you. I usually take a complete reloading setup to the range with me, and set it up on a spare bench--press, scale, manual, hand primer (like the Lee Auto Prime), dies and shell holders.
This way, I can load ammunition in five round lots for testing.
Another good use for the single stage press: Frequently, I engage in load development. It is very inconvenient to load a batch of rounds with different powder charges or bullets--or even primers--to take to the range with you. I usually take a complete reloading setup to the range with me, and set it up on a spare bench--press, scale, manual, hand primer (like the Lee Auto Prime), dies and shell holders.
This way, I can load ammunition in five round lots for testing.
With primer tubes, you do not need to touch the primer at all. Empty the primers onto a flip tray, shake, flip, load primer tube, empty primer tube into press, then reload. It's that simple if you want it to be.
If you are going to stick with reloading and choose to start with a single stage, make it a good strong one.
If you are going to stick with reloading and choose to start with a single stage, make it a good strong one.
redneck2
Member
For a scale, I use a PACT electronic. It's fantastic. I had a balance beam and sold it. PACT is WAY faster and easier IMO.
If you get a 550, I'd suggest loading one round at a time until you get the first 50 or so done. I like the fact that the 550 is not auto advance. I load rifle one at a time and hand weigh when I'm doing load development. It's pretty easy to just slide in the case with powder, roll the shell holder to the right station, and seat a bullet. I see no practical difference between this and a single stage, but if I want, I can load pistol maybe 500 rounds per hour.
Get the spare parts kit, extra primer tubes, and cough up the bucks for quick change kits if you have multiple calibers.
I use a vibrator tumbler from Midway and it works great.
I can't see the APS thing. If you buy them pre-loaded, they're CCI's and I'm not a CCI fan. If you load them yourself, it's a LOT of messing around. I pour the primers in a flip tray, shake, and take maybe a minute or two to load the tube. YMMV
If you get a 550, I'd suggest loading one round at a time until you get the first 50 or so done. I like the fact that the 550 is not auto advance. I load rifle one at a time and hand weigh when I'm doing load development. It's pretty easy to just slide in the case with powder, roll the shell holder to the right station, and seat a bullet. I see no practical difference between this and a single stage, but if I want, I can load pistol maybe 500 rounds per hour.
Get the spare parts kit, extra primer tubes, and cough up the bucks for quick change kits if you have multiple calibers.
I use a vibrator tumbler from Midway and it works great.
I can't see the APS thing. If you buy them pre-loaded, they're CCI's and I'm not a CCI fan. If you load them yourself, it's a LOT of messing around. I pour the primers in a flip tray, shake, and take maybe a minute or two to load the tube. YMMV
spencerhut
Member
I am amazed at the APS bashing. :banghead: Everyone I know who has taken the time to use the APS strip loader would not make a comment about loading the strips being a PITA. My daughter can (and does) do it. It takes me less than 20 minutes to load 1000 primers into strips. I never touch them and can use any brand I care to. It's virtually impossible to mess up. I've watched my uncle (a gunsmith) fiddle with primers for 25 years. I've used every different priming method available (at least to hand loaders) and can say the APS system is the easiest and safest system out there hands down. I don't bash anything until I've spent the time to learn how to use it myself. Tube priming works just fine. 
Hand priming works just fine. APS priming is safer and easier to use in my opinion than anything else I've tried.
Spencer
It takes me less than 20 minutes to load 1000 primers into strips. I never touch them and can use any brand I care to. It's virtually impossible to mess up. I've watched my uncle (a gunsmith) fiddle with primers for 25 years. I've used every different priming method available (at least to hand loaders) and can say the APS system is the easiest and safest system out there hands down. I don't bash anything until I've spent the time to learn how to use it myself. Tube priming works just fine. Hand priming works just fine. APS priming is safer and easier to use in my opinion than anything else I've tried. Spencer
mc223
Member
Sure do like my RL-550B
- Status
Similar threads
