Do any of you use the Dillon 650?

[SunnySlopes]

I've been using a Dillon Square Deal for reloading straight wall pistol cases since the 90s. But I'm looking at Dillon's video for the 650.

This automatically progresses with each pull of the handle? You load the cases, in bulk, in the case receptacle, and all you have to do is put the bullet in place, and pull the handle?

It looks like it comes with a single caliber of your choice. How much are additional calibers?

Compared to the Square Deal, how difficult is it to change calibers?

 

[sexybeast]

Oh my!
This could be a long answer. If you are thinking of getting a 650 thats great. Probably the best overall press. Dillon has videos on their site and you will probaboly find about a dozen or so on utube.
Dillon stuff is not cheap but you will only have to buy it once. [or cry once]
Best warranty and service hands down. I wish I could afford one. With a case feeder and everything you need look to spend at least $1k-$1100

 

[TBH]

I have thought about upgrading to a 650 several times, but to be set up for multiple calibers is pricy. So I will be sticking with the 550b.

 

[SunnySlopes]

With a case feeder and everything you need look to spend at least $1k-$1100

I currently load for five straight wall pistol calibers. How much are the conversions? And how difficult is it to change calibers?

On my Square Deal, changing isn't all that much trouble, until you go from a caliber with a small primer to a caliber with a large primer. Then it becomes a significant hassle.

I can't find the prices for the conversion kits on their website.

 

[jhop73]

here is a really helpful site for buying Dillon presses. price is the same as Dillon but you can get free shipping. really easy to order what you need.
http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.html

 

[SunnySlopes]

Thanx jhop. I didn't realize anyone other than Dillon retailed their products.

 

[rehorne]

Just call Brian and tell him what you want to load. He will go thru the options with you on caliber change over. He will give you the same price Dillon charges and usually ships for free on orders over $400.00. He has never done me wrong and I buy a lot thru his site. Also check out his shooting and reloading site.

 

[UpTheHill]

I have the 650 and load the 9mm, 40 s&w, 45 acp and 223 with it.
i bought a tool head, tool head stand along with the converion kit for all calibers.
it's more money, but a lot faster switching.

basically pull the 2 pins on the tool head, slide it out and put the new one in. replace the shellholder and 3 retaining pins, and 4 parts for the case feeder and the case feeder plate. IF you are going from small to large primer, you have to replace 3 parts for it also.

if not changing primer size, it takes me 5-10 minutes for a change, the primer change is another 5-10 minutes

 

[oldandslow]

ss, 11/23/13

I upgraded from my Dillon SDB press to the XL650 about a year ago. I have done 90,000 pistol reloads for the SDB in multiple calibers (9mm, .45acp, 38sp, .357 mag). I would have a crank-handle break about every 30-40,000 rounds and the crank link-arm break every 30,000 rounds mainly when resizing and reloading .45 as more leverage is needed. When I started reloading .44special and .223/556 rifle I figured I needed a more heavy-duty setup and thus the XL650. I like peace and quiet when reloading so I did not get the automatic case feeder.

For me it's easier to change calibers on the SDB than the 650. As "up the hill" says above it's easier to have a tool head for each caliber you reload in the 650 so you can just slide it in.

I still use my SDB for 9mm and 38sp and to resize and decap all my pistol rounds prior to tumbling with Stainless Steel media. So I am happy with both presses and each has its separate pro's and cons. Good luck.

best wishes-oldandslow

 

[cfullgraf]

I like peace and quiet when reloading so I did not get the automatic case feeder.

This I will agree with.

I load more on my progressives without a case or bullet feeder than I can shoot but if they float your boat, more power to ya and enjoy.

 

[luzyfuerza]

I have used my 650 to reload tons of 380acp, 9mm, 38/357, 40, 45acp, and 45 colt handgun ammo over the last 15 years. I recently began using the 650 to load for 30 carbine, 30-06/308, and 223.

The automatic case feeder is my favorite accessory...I think that it does more to increase my production than any other option. The powder checker runs a close second. You can never have too many primer tubes, and the spare parts kit has saved the day several times. Spare toolheads, toolhead stands, and powder feeders are nice, too.

Dillon gear just works, and their product support is second to none. I love to disappear into my shop and turn out a round with each pull of the 650's handle!

 

[jmorris]

I like peace and quiet when reloading so I did not get the automatic case feeder.

I don't mind the extra racket if it makes it that much faster. Kind of like a microwave makes popcorn faster than my fire place, not as relaxing but if all you want is the popcorn a microwave wins hands down.

They are not that loud, at the beginning of this video you can hear hear the noise they make compared to the low primer alarm and powder check die and then during operation vs. all the other normal racket with bullets dropping and such.


Click photo to play video

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have a 550 and a 650.

The 550 is easier to setup which makes it nice for short runs.

The 650 is an ammomaker extraordinaire with the case feeder, and about double the speed of the 550.

 

[sauer1911]

I started with a Lee classic turret. It was good. THEN I got a 650! Lee classic turret is 4 pulls=one .45acp. With the 650, after a small learning curve you make 4 pulls, THEN you get a finished piece every pull!

THAT IS AWESOME! I now use my Lee classic to correct my mistakes with the 650. redoing the primer removal, or setting a primer, so I can put them back into the assembly line. refilling powder, etc.

It seemed to be about $250 per caliber change, for the brass case feeder, and all the correct size parts for the assembly and dies.

be safe.

 

[Sweet Agony]

here is a really helpful site for buying Dillon presses. price is the same as Dillon but you can get free shipping. really easy to order what you need.
http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.html

Exactly what I was going to suggest, all of your questions can be answered in one place.

 

[sauer1911]

sent an email to dillon, my primer disc stopped advancing. Upon inspection the black plastic ramp seems to be worn down, not enough lift to advance the arm that grabs the next hole in the primer disc.

Am awaiting a reply, and possible adjustment of the arm?