Xl650 ???

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hsiddall

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Here we go, I havent even gotten the box yet and I have ?'s. With caliber conversions, is it just faster (also more$$$) to get the conversions and quick change kit (totaling @175.00 or so)? I have the utility software but it seems to be a bit of a PITA to change all that back and forth...Please help...
 
It's your money vs your time & aggravation. Some users buy whole new presses to keep from changing calibers. But only after you try it will YOU know what it's worth to YOU.

Enjoy your new press!

Andy
 
The big turn off for me is Dillon$ ob$cene price$, one 650 owner put it "Dillon rapes you for accessories"

When you need a new plate for the conversion it requires:

650 Quick Changeover Kit (Toolhead, TH Stand and Powder Measure
$95 ea) and 650 Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate, locator buttons, powder funnel; $73) and that does not include the dies.

That's right, $168 without shipping. It is definitely faster with less hastle if you have more cents than sense.
 
The caliber changes are a little challenging in the begining, but it goes without hitch thereafter. I leave mine set up for 30-06, 25-06, 270, 243, and stuff like that. That way, I don't have to make conversion changes. You have to also consider the changes from large to small primers. That can also be a pita. Many people buy another primer system, therefore having one small and large.

That being said, the 650 is a ammo making factory. It can produce ammo so fast, that it's not even fun.
 
I have a 650 and a 550. The 650 I just use for 9mm since I shoot a lot of the stuff. The 550 caliber conversions are twice as cheap. It's nice because one could use small primers in the 650 and large primers in the 550. The 650 has a little larger learning curve. Call Dillon with problems until you get it running smoothly. All progressives, I don't care what brand, go through a period of getting the bugs out and getting you understanding how to properly adjust it. Good luck
 
Conversion Kits

I got the extra tool heads and quick change kits for the stuff I shoot load in coffee can volume. .223, 9mm, and 45 ACP. I bought a kit for 30-06 but never set it up because I only load 50 a setting and and I spend more time on those rounds.

The changover takes about 5 minute once you get used to it. I bought an extra primer feeder set up so I don't have to mess with switching the lower end.

I also switched to a micrometer Redding competion seating die and a Uniquetek micrometer powder adjustment on my .223 set-up for dial in flexibility.

Dillons crank out ton of ammo real fast but they're not as much fun as a classy single stage or turret.

Scott
 
I have the 650xl and love it. It's the Cadillac of the fleet for the home reloader. It does cost a few bucks more but then quality always does. Once you get used to working with it, it's no big deal to change over. If you can change the oil in your car you should have no problems. With as much as we shoot I figure it will have paid for it's self in about 3yrs or less. I had the SDB Dillon for 4yrs and sold it for more than I paid for it so it paid for the extra dies I had. They hold their value better than any out there that I know of. :D
 
Bought a 2nd 650 because I couldn't find an easy way to change the priming system. Cost to convert depends on caliber,if your going from 45acp to 30'06 you'll need a powder funnel and the appropriate parts for the case feed system and a tool head. The cost for those parts are minimal. if your going from 45 acp to 38 spl hold on to your wallet.
I shoot 45 acp out of a revolver using moo clips and someone asked why I didn't use 45 AutoRim told him nicely the cost of the brass and the cost of the shell plate for the 650.
 
That's right, $168 without shipping. It is definitely faster with less hastle if you have more cents than sense.
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I’ve spent more than that on fuel for a week. Did I make more money than my fuel cost that week? Sure. The one time cost for Dillon equipment will pay for itself many times over, as long as you keep shooting.
 
I am thinking about picking up a few addition powder bars so instead of buying the QC kits I can just swap in/out the pre set powder bars. The charge weight between my 9/40/45 is so minimal that I don't mind using the one small charge bar and adjusting it as I run enough of each to last a while...For .223 and .308 I want to get the charge bar set then never mess with it again so each of these will most likely have their own bar...

Yes its a little time consuming switching around but its a hobby so the more time it take the better!
 
I never cease to be amazed at someone gripping about changing the primer feeder from small to large!:rolleyes: It takes all of a couple of minutes, you normally have the shell plate out to change calibers anyway, so it's no big deal! Biggest problem is making sure you run it out of the one size/type primers BEFORE you tip it over to change the disc!:mad::cuss::banghead::fire: Hands and knees on the floor picking up primers!:what::eek:

As for that $168, it seldom costs that much. You don't need a stand. You don't need another powder measure.

Look in the back of the 650 instruction book. Each part required to load a particular caliber is spelled out. You can order ONLY the parts you need to change to another round. For instance; I already had a 40 S&W kit. I wanted to load 357 sig. All I needed was a powder funnel, tool head and dies! The shell plate was the same, since the 357 sig is based on the 40 case. The case feeder parts were also the same, as were the locator buttons, the bushing for the case feeder were the same, and the primer feed was the same,(small pistol).

The 650 loads so fast you'll need to buy a LOT more components. Buying 100 at a time is a thing of the past. One thing that makes the changeover worth it is loading a pile of ammo while it's set-up. Then changing over for the next caliber and loading a lot of it.
 
It is hard to believe that the 1050 is much faster than the 650. I can't shoot up ammo as fast as it can be made up on the 650. I have never been able to run that machine for more than a couple of hours, and thats because I usually run out of components.
 
40 rounds a minute... Great... That's almost faster than you can shoot it per minute.
 
I like my beer warm, cold or free. Not quite in that order though.
 
I got that one in “THR rifles for sale”, then made the crank to keep things interesting. FWIW I should have got one in .22lr, at least it's fun.
 
TH Stand and Powder Measure
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That's your bad for thinking you need them. I have one powder measure for all 4 tool heads, and I am short one tool stand so I lay it on the bench. Besides, you can always make a tool stand. Accessories are expensive, but if it is too much don't buy them. There are plenty of good deals on single stage presses.

I'm not trying to be a jackass or anything, but if it is too expensive, it must not be worthwhile. The whole purpose of a progressive press is to be more convenient. They get a premium price for an outstanding product that performs well and has a stellar warranty.
 
Well said Tarvis....
This whole thread was more or less to see what every one else's prefferances had been, not to bitch or start a war....
 
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That is insane.
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It is fast but you should see an Ammoload in action. That is fast.

I buy the accessories. Spending 5-10 minutes everytime I want to change something out isn't worth my time. Faster to pull the head, put it on its stand, slide in the other one, and roll. $150? Big deal, I'll save more in money in lost opportunity cost I avoid with the accessories over my life. Your time IS worth money!
 
Been using an XL 650 for 12 years or so...

I have spare tool heads, the switchover capability does not exist without them. I only had one measure, then found one used at a gun show and bought it. I have several powder slides and keep several for specific, often used loads.

I think it's great. However, I'm going to buy another so I can keep one for large primers and the other for small primers. Changing the primer system is not insurmountable, but it is the single biggest pain in the yarmoush in the whole affair.

I like it.
 
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