Dillon 750
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Nature Boy
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Maybe it would be good to start with a discussion of what your problems are. If we could figure out a solution you might not need to buy a new press and save you some money
jmorris
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I have had 650’s for around 20 years and other Dillon’s for more than 30 years, as well as progressives from RCBS, Hornady and Lee. The 650 has the most reliable primer feed system out of any press I have used.
The 750 uses a reciprocal style system that is almost identical to the one on the 550, a step backwards IMO.
I agree with “what problem” are you having and if you do get a 750, I’d hang on to the 650 until you know you are happier.
The 750 uses a reciprocal style system that is almost identical to the one on the 550, a step backwards IMO.
I agree with “what problem” are you having and if you do get a 750, I’d hang on to the 650 until you know you are happier.
whughett
Member
I essentially gave up on my 550’s primer system decades ago. I just could not get that single wire actuating rod to work correctly. I just got into the habit of pulling the primer slide back with my right hand. No more flipped or mis feed of the primers. The end of the slides, large and small are actually cross hatched like they were intended to be gripped with the fingers. Crazy l know but it works for me. May not apply to your 659.
A range buddy swears his 650 likes only Winchester primers, all others don’t work. I buy what’s available.
A range buddy swears his 650 likes only Winchester primers, all others don’t work. I buy what’s available.
frankmako
Member
the 750 has the 550 primer system. the 550 primer system either works or it always gives you some type of trouble. several years ago my 1982 model 550 started to have primer problems. it drove me mad trying to fix the problem. dillon send me many new parts and upgrade parts in a attemp to sove my primer problems. but nothing worked. even putting in a whole new primer system. then i found a fix on ebay. it is a primer track plate with a bearing on the side rear. this soved all my primer problems. this item keeps the primer slide stright. so there are got to be fixes for the 650.
rfwobbly
Member
Known issues with the primer shuttle system:
• The shuttle retraction wire has to be properly shaped to force the shuttle all the way into the load position
• The load position has a location set screw that needs to be adjusted correctly
• The shuttle needs to be centered under the hole in the shellplate
• The plastic fingers at the bottom of the primer column need to be renewed every so often
• The primer tube is keyed into the bottom of the primer column. That key can be damaged leading to misalignment of the primer drop.
• If the primer holding fingers are too strong, then weight might need to be added to the black primer rod
My theory is that the people who have wonderful results with the 550 and 750 are the same people who use only one primer size. That is to say, going back and forth between primer sizes on a 550 and now the 750 requires a delicate touch to properly install the primer tube without damaging the locating key. If the shuttle is properly adjusted at setup, the shuttles themselves seem to run for ages without issue. All the issues seem to be in the hand-off between the primer tube and the shuttle.
The 650 has no location key, hence it has zero issues at the bottom of the primer tube.
• The shuttle retraction wire has to be properly shaped to force the shuttle all the way into the load position
• The load position has a location set screw that needs to be adjusted correctly
• The shuttle needs to be centered under the hole in the shellplate
• The plastic fingers at the bottom of the primer column need to be renewed every so often
• The primer tube is keyed into the bottom of the primer column. That key can be damaged leading to misalignment of the primer drop.
• If the primer holding fingers are too strong, then weight might need to be added to the black primer rod
My theory is that the people who have wonderful results with the 550 and 750 are the same people who use only one primer size. That is to say, going back and forth between primer sizes on a 550 and now the 750 requires a delicate touch to properly install the primer tube without damaging the locating key. If the shuttle is properly adjusted at setup, the shuttles themselves seem to run for ages without issue. All the issues seem to be in the hand-off between the primer tube and the shuttle.
The 650 has no location key, hence it has zero issues at the bottom of the primer tube.
jmorris
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To the “known issues” list I would add that the knurled retainer at the top, if tightened can distort even a new plastic orifice tip, giving you fits. The tip on the 650 is metal.
I keep the ones on my Sd, 550 and 1050 presses so loose, the only thing that keeps them from backing further off is the low powder alarm.
The best thing about the design would be how fast one can convert primer sizes.
I keep the ones on my Sd, 550 and 1050 presses so loose, the only thing that keeps them from backing further off is the low powder alarm.
The best thing about the design would be how fast one can convert primer sizes.
Nature Boy
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I wish the OP would come back and tell us what primer issues he’s having with his 650. I bet we could help him.
I wish the OP would come back and tell us how much he thinks he can unload his obsolete piece of junk 650 for???... I might do him a favor and and give him a couple hundred for it.
I feel lucky if I have been able to seat 2 primers in a row on my 650 over the past 25 years that I have owned it. Why would anyone hold onto a 650 when they can upgrade to a 750???
LOL!!!!
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True, that is annoying when setting up a new head or dialing in a new charge. I put one of the after market primer advance disable kits on my 650 which solves the primer feed inconvenience without buying a new 750 press. I have never had a problem with the primer system on the 650... and I have even seated an occasional primer upside down.
My biggest complaint is that it takes me all of 3 minutes to swap from small to large primers on the 650... wah. I could probably get the swap over time to 1 minute if I bought a second primer feed kit for the 650.
If the 750 had independent cut off switches for primer advance, case feed and case plate advance... that would really peak my interest.
... OK, the worst part of the 650 primer system is definitely filling the fricken tubes!
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GW Staar
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The real question: If the primer system on the 650 is so wonderful......why did Dillon dump it?
The APS strip priming system was as close to perfect reliability and safety as anything IME.....what did RCBS do? They dumped it.....I've been asking why about that one too.....especially since their "new" tube priming system sucks in comparison.....I have both. Maybe making bad marketing decisions is catchy.
In Dillon's case, it probably has to do with exploding tubes.....and Dillon being tired of replacing the parts affected for free.
In RCBS's case, it had to do with weak Pro 2000 sales, and they thought a tube feeder was the answer......it wasn't....a flawless and safe tube feeder is yet to be invented.
Some think the Mark 7 has such a thing......but, I don't think there's enough experience with that one to tell yet.
The APS strip priming system was as close to perfect reliability and safety as anything IME.....what did RCBS do? They dumped it.....I've been asking why about that one too.....especially since their "new" tube priming system sucks in comparison.....I have both. Maybe making bad marketing decisions is catchy.
In Dillon's case, it probably has to do with exploding tubes.....and Dillon being tired of replacing the parts affected for free.
In RCBS's case, it had to do with weak Pro 2000 sales, and they thought a tube feeder was the answer......it wasn't....a flawless and safe tube feeder is yet to be invented.
Some think the Mark 7 has such a thing......but, I don't think there's enough experience with that one to tell yet.
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I have the roller slide on my 550 and works perfectly. the 650 works well when it works but if it gets dirty in any way it malfunctions. I'm not sure if when I advance the plate if when it snaps into the next slot if it is causing the primers to jump and turn sideways or just what. I got new parts from Dillon in case some were bent etc. but still does it but not as bad. I try and keep it as clean as possible but just frustrated with it. I love my 550 I might just sell the 650 and use the 550 not sure.
thanks for the reply.
Gary
Sounds like you've had the same issues I've had I have had my 650 for 2 years and It's been a pain in the back side nothing but frustration and multiple phone calls to Dillon, and yes they would retune it if I want to spend the money to send it back to them. I have friends that have the 650 and no issues I think I just got a lemon. I love my 550 and am seriously thinking of selling the 650 and buying the 750.
thanks for the post,
Gary
I have one on my 650 you need it with as many foulups as I've had on mine.
thanks for the reply,
Gary
I have the roller bearing system on mine but still have the primer problem and it only partially helps with the powder spillage.
thanks,
Gary
The cut off switch for primer advance you just lift the head part way and disengage the rod just like on the 550 works great and takes a second. as far as the case fee and case plate advance I don't have to worry about that cause i don't have one.
jmorris
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refuse2bafool
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Funny. The primers on my Pro 1000 flow like water.
NATO Reloading
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I have a 750. I would not buy one if you already have a 650. Few reasons why.
- You cannot run a powder check and auto bullet feeder with 750 without sever modification to your setup, that you will have to do yourself. The powder bar is directly inline with the bullet feeder tube on the 750. This is not an issue on the 650.
- The primers do not always load on my 750. And when one doesnt load, its a pain in the ass to reset the system.
- The new auto indexing being touted as smoother, is not what that great. Powder still spills/sprays out when it indexes, just like 650.
Erief0g
Member
I've been lucky. I usually swing the presses lever 3 times a month. Often 700 rounds a session. Between cleaning, sorting, reloading, etc. My press can go 5k rounds before I pull things down and do a deeper clean. I've never had any issue with the primer feed system. Still haven't purchased the switch tp stop the primer advance as I do see that as being handy but haven't spent the money yet.
If a couple live primers get dumped in the catch bottle I just wait until the end of my session and add then back in at the end.
I'll probably never get a second press as my discretionary income is tapped and has been for some time. That said the 650 has been a GREAT investment. Got it from Brian Enos back when he was selling and drop shipping then out.
If a couple live primers get dumped in the catch bottle I just wait until the end of my session and add then back in at the end.
I'll probably never get a second press as my discretionary income is tapped and has been for some time. That said the 650 has been a GREAT investment. Got it from Brian Enos back when he was selling and drop shipping then out.
Skeeter300
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I have the 550C and 750. I had to make a few adjustments on the primer bar on the 750 and now I do not have issues with the priming systems. I have loaded 4,000 round on the 750 so far. Sorry, I do not have any experience with the 650.
rfwobbly
Member
Gary, with all due respect sir, you have used a lot of ink complaining, without actually describing the exact issue. If you want to complain, that's fine. However, if you want a solution, then you need to describe a problem. Case in point is the title of this thread. It tells us nothing.
Reading between the lines, and applying it to my own 550 & 650 experience, it seems like your complaint is "primer flipping". Flipping is the result of the shell plate dragging on the sharp-edged primer cup just before or during the primer ram lift.
I know several reasons for this situation, and all are caused by Operator Error, which means the user is at fault. This is why Dillon has been unable to fix the issue.
But before I spend an hour of my time, please tell us if you are simply complaining, or asking for help, because I clearly cannot tell.
All the best. And happy new year.
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