Dillon 650 Caliber Changes Look Like a Big Deal

[dbarnhart]

I'm sitting here watching UltimateReloader.com's videos where he is changing a Dillon 650 from .45ACP to 357.

That looks like WAY too much work.

I can't imaging myself doing all that to change calibers for 500 rnds

 

[Claude Clay]

Sparky....with a 'tune-up' thats good time. the advantage of the 550 & 650 is the ability to do rifle also. for pistol only the Sq-deal and 12 minute caliber changes keeps me going. a lee 4 hole does rifle and small runs of pistol (32-2-, 38 S&W etc).
dbarn, with practice what looks like a lot of work is really just a bunch of steps that go easy once you have the correct tools laid out for use in the correct order. get some more primer pick up-tubes so that you can do 800 rounds between refills. after 800 rounds you will fell like a break anyways.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm sitting here watching UltimateReloader.com's videos where he is changing a Dillon 650 from .45ACP to 357.

That looks like WAY too much work.

I can't imaging myself doing all that to change calibers for 500 rnds

When I was researching progressives a couple years ago, cartridge change overs were not difficult or took much time. While I did not buy the Dillon 650 for other reasons, the cartridge change over was little different than the Hornady L-N-L I did buy.

But, setting up for a new cartridge can take a fair amount of time. Setting dies, adjusting the powder measure, and so forth. But once everything is set up, the cartridge change is quick and easy. I can do my Hornady in less than 10 minutes. You do need things like an extra tool head to keep the change over time to a minimum.

 

[jmorris]

I can't imaging myself doing all that to change calibers for 500 rnds

If I am loading <1000 I setup one of my old SD's to load with. I also have 2 650's that like the SD's, one is setup for large primers and the other for small. Using bullet feeders and swapping out the powder bar (so I use the same measure but with a different preset charge), as well as a preset powder check rod, 30 minutes and I am ready to load. I leave the dies for the PM and PC in each tool head, so there is nothing to adjust, just a bolt or to to swap from one to another.

 

[snuffy]

That looks like WAY too much work.

Look at my tagline , there's no such thing as a free lunch! IOW you get what you pay for, either through labor or sweat. Some kids want everything handed to them on a gold platter.

Yes, converting a 650 from one caliber to another takes some time, especially if you have to change primer sizes. The primer punch is hard to get to and difficult to tighten. But what you get when you're done is a smooth operating press that eats components so quickly, you wish you bought more!

Buying a complete caliber change means a complete powder measure than can be left set-up for your favorite load. Or, as Jmorris says, just a separate powder bar speeds things up.

 

[dbarnhart]

Here's the question maybe I should have thought to ask:

If you have a 650 what id your 'threshold', in other words you wouldn't consider doing the caliber change unless you have XXX rounds to reload.

what's your XXX number?

 

[ny32182]

I think the key is to not swap calibers every 500 rounds. I recently went through the research process and got a 650; one of the things I was told was that the 650 was better for speed, and the 550 was a little easier caliber swap. Since I want large quantities of the same load I went with the 650.

 

[RandyP]

Interesting thread. As always there is the right tool for every job. The 650 while a VERY fine machine is not the best choice for everyone. There are lots of options out there.

Matching my realistic needs and budget makes my Lee 4-hole Classic turret MY right tool for the job. I don't shoot enough of any one caliber to warrant the capabilities of a Dillon.

Caliber swaps cost little and are done VERY quickly on the Lee. My relaxed output is `150-175 rounds oer hour. More than enough for me, absolutely not good enough for many others.

 

[Cherokee]

Changing the 650 does not take long if you use another die head with the dies already set up. To me, it takes longer to change the powder measure than the rest of the stuff. Initially setting up the dies takes a while because of the fine tuning of the dies, after that, just swap heads and the other misc parts. If you get one, get the case feeder.

 

[cfullgraf]

Here's the question maybe I should have thought to ask:

If you have a 650 what id your 'threshold', in other words you wouldn't consider doing the caliber change unless you have XXX rounds to reload.

what's your XXX number?

I prefer to clean/polish my cases between resizing and reloading. So, i prime off the press then run the primed cases through the progressive for loading. Besides, the progressive press mounted priming systems and I do not get along.

About a minimum of 300 rounds has been my number but I would not lose any efficiency to load fewer. The 300 number was based mostly on time spent during the set up of new cartridges. Now that the dies and powder measure are set, changes take much less time.

I resize and bell the cases on the progressive before cleaning/polishing. I will do what I shot that day, frequently as low as 50. I will process at one sitting several different cartridges sometimes. Dies are set so the change in between is easy.

The powder measure probably takes the most time to set up, even with preset measuring inserts. I like to make sure the powder column has settled and the measure is throwing consistent charges.

With my hand priming tools, I do have one for large and one for small primers so no grade change there.

 

[amlevin]

Cherokee-

For my 650 I keep a tool head set up for each caliber I load. Each tool head also has a powder die that's adjusted for the correct "bell" if needed.

I also have a powder measure slide that's adjusted for the correct powder drop for each caliber.

Change tool head, move powder measure body to die, install slide, check powder drop, and commence loading.

Of course I change the shell holder first and this is others have said a great time to run a Q-tip around and clean any dirt or stray powder up.

Having the extra powder die and slide for each caliber saves a lot of adjusting time when changing without having to invest in a total powder measure.

 

[EddieNFL]

That looks like WAY too much work.

I can't imaging myself doing all that to change calibers for 500 rnds

Sounds as if your ammo consumption doesn't justify a 650. Maybe a turret?

 

[jmorris]

what's your XXX number?

The last "short run" I made was 2000 rounds, took 1 hr 36 min loading time. I don't like to spend more time loading that I do swapping stuff around.

 

[VonFatman]

I think EddieNFL hit the nail on the head.

But if you have quick changes for your calibers, it's a breeze. You can also buy the primer quick change...

I don't have an issue converting for a 500 round run since I'm prepared.

Bob

 

[Cop Bob]

I just bought a 650, I am still getting used to it....

I have owned a 550 since they came out.... if I am only doing short runs... 500 rds or less, I use the 550... that lack of a case feeder and the auto index slows the process down some, but caliber changes are a snap...

I too keep multiple tool heads and powder dispensers set up and ready to fly... for BOTH presses....

I try and plan my long runs out to where I am changing primer set ups as little as possible... lg vs sm.. I also stage some caliber runs to where a shell plate change is not needed, like .380 and .223 use the same shell plate...

Once your dies are set, swapping the shell plate is a 4 or 5 minute job, the cartridge drop tube bushings a couple of minutes. the most time spent is in adjusting powder charge...

Like all machines, it takes some getting used to, and it takes an investment in additional tool heads and powder measures... all are optional, but it saves a bunch of time and aggravation..

 

[mallc]

Yep...that is a short run

The last "short run" I made was 2000 rounds, took 1 hr 36 min loading time. I don't like to spend more time loading that I do swapping stuff around.

I load 6 calibers on 650s and I usually wait until I have several coffee cans of brass however, 1000 round is my minimum for changing over. I use LNL APs for anything less - including calibers I can load on the 650s.

Scott

 

[highlander 5]

I bought a 2nd 650 because the primer cup change was a PITA to deal with. All my dies are mounted to a tool head and I just need to change the tool head and shell plate. Not rich enough to have a powder measure for each conversion seeing as I load 12 pistol and 6 rifle calibers.

 

[UltimateReloader]

One thing to factor in is that case feeder changeover is pretty quick on the 650 due to the "drop in" parts that "just work".

But, the charge bar in the powder measure and priming system size change does take some time... For large volume loading shops, two XL-650s would make sense...

It's a very smooth reliable machine, and I'd say the case feeder is best-in-class.

There is no perfect machine- and no one company can patent every cool idea.

 

[JerryM]

To change the primer sizes is too much work so I got a 550 and keep it set up for small primers. My 650 is left with the Lg primer set up and for .45 ACP.

For that reason if I wanted to buy just one press and to load cartridges with both small and large primers I would buy the 550.
Jerry

 

[mallc]

Yep

But, the charge bar in the powder measure and priming system size change does take some time... For large volume loading shops, two XL-650s would make sense...

And two LNL-APs sure solves the large/small primer short run problem. Next thing here is tool heads for 1200 RT size/trimmers.

Scott