Dillion, which one?

[victorcharlie]

I'm starting to shoot my pistols more and an tired of spending so much time hand loading so I'm thinking about a progressive, possibly a Dillion 550b but haven't ruled out the 650.

Also, it seems there are a few "upgrades" to the basic Dillion so any comments on what's good to have appreciated.

What should I expect to spend to get either fully functional after upgrades?

Is Dillion the way to go in progressives?

I'll be loading mostly 45 acp, but also 44 mag and 38/357.  I load for a number of rifle cartridges also.

[Savage]

I have owned a 550. Good piece of equipment. The biggest failing I see, it that a progressive press should auto index! The 550 doesn't. IMO it should also have a case feeder. Currently Dillon offers a case feeder for the 550, but you have to go to the 650 to get the auto index. Looking at the current pricing from Dillon, it looks like the 650 can be had with a case feeder. Add the dies and other accessories needed for one caliber,  looks like it would be good to go in the $1000-$1200 range. The 550, maybe $150 or so less. No doubt in my mind, it I were buying a Dillon today, it would be the 650.
Savage

[victorcharlie]

So the add-ons double the price of the basic kit?

[Savage]

From the Blue Press:
XL650                    529.95
Casefeeder             209.95
45acp Dies               60.95
Strong Mount           42.95
Bullet Tray               37.95 
Total                      881.75     
Options:   
Low Pdr Sensor          40.95
Pdr check Stsstem      65.95
Alum Roller Handle       40.95
Total w/ accessories 1029.60
A little less than I had figured earlier. If you could do with the accessories you could save about $150.
Savage

[Troyboy]

you could load up a lot of 45acp with the extra money you would save buying a pro 1000. Mine works good once you get it figured out.JMO of course

[cwlongshot]

I like my 550, never let me down. The manual index is VERY SIMPLE and of little consern to me. I have loaded 10s of thousands of 45 ACP's and Long Colts on mine.

CW

[Badnews Bob]

The only accessories you listed that are really needed would be dies, the rest of that stuff can come later if and when you decide you need them. Around 439.00 you don't need to spend.

[Cheesehead]

I have a 550 and it is very adequate for me and at times I shoot alot. The 650 would be for high volume shooting, like loading 1000 rounds per sitting, or much more. imo.

Cheese

[myronman3]

i have a square deal, 550b, and had (and still use) a 650 that my brother currently owns.  i have used all of them extensively.  they are all excellent machines.
    if it is going to be your first press, i suggest the 550b.   you need to learn the system, and the 550 is alot of press which will do everything you could ever want it to do.  if you decide later that you want to go to a 650, the resale on these are excellent.   
   if i had to choose one, either a s.d., 550, or 650, it would be the 550. it offers the flexiblity in use of dies, and the 550 offers the maximum amount of control out of the 3. 

[Savage]

Dillons pretty much last forever. For my money I'd spend the small difference between the 550 and the 650 for the auto index feature alone. If one could try the two side by side, I think most others would too. I consider the strong mount, case feeder and roller handle "must haves" although sold as options. Guess it depends on how much money you want to spend. I've been reloading for 40yrs and it has become a task. I look for the quick and easy way to keep enough loaded ammo to feed my habit. If you decide on the 550 be sure and get the powder check system. Squibs and double charges are not unheard of with the 550. Operator error of course, but not that hard to do.
Savage

[myronman3]

i wouldnt say that the 550 is any more likely than the square deal or 650 to make squibs or doubles.   
   it boils down to one of the most important rules of reloading....pay attention, no distractions!

[Savage]

myronman3,
You're absolutely correct, pay attention, no distractions. Unfortunately, sooner or later it happens to all of us. The 550 is more likely to skip or double charge a case due to the lack of an auto indexing feature. I personally know two individuals who have survived no worse for wear, a double charge loaded on the 550. I have second hand knowledge of another, that occurred at my club. These shooters are serious reloaders, and do not take any shortcuts while loading. I am told that two of these cases were accidentally double charged while clearing a primer feed malfunction. If I loaded for only one pistol caliber, I'd choose the SD over the 550. No first hand experience with the SD, but those who own them seem to like them a lot. I'm not advocating that 550 owners should get rid of them. Just saying be careful! The Powder check system is good insurance.
Savage

[myronman3]

Just saying be careful! The Powder check system is good insurance.

i cant argue with that, although i dont have the powder check system.  the powder funnel is right in front of my face, and i dont try to hurry when i load.  even you you go slow and are taking your time with any one of the three dillon machines is still super fast compared to single stage loading. 

[Savage]

Just saying be careful! The Powder check system is good insurance.

i cant argue with that, although i dont have the powder check system.  the powder funnel is right in front of my face, and i dont try to hurry when i load.  even you you go slow and are taking your time with any one of the three dillon machines is still super fast compared to single stage loading. 

Absolutely !! We all have to remember the bad things can happen when we get distracted regardless of what equipment we're using.
Savage

Savage

[Lloyd Smale]

sure you can get a 650 but everything is more expensive. Especially if you set it up with a case feeder. If your loading now on a single stage you will be absolutely amazed at how much faster a 550 is, it can also be updated with a case feeder if you feel you need more speed. The caliber conversions are cheaper. its cheaper to buy and theres less thiings on it to break and believe me it will eventually break. Also the primer feed on the 650 is a different animal and needs to be kept very clean to run and i dont like the fact that it either primes or dumps out the primer. Primer tube detonation can occur with them if your not careful and it happened to a buddy of mine not once but twice and hes loaded more ammo then probably everyone on this fourm including me combined. There great presses and defineately faster then a 550 but need a little more care in operation. If you want fast and cheap buy a square deal. I can load just as fast on a square deal as i can on a 650 with a case feeder. Problem with them is caliber conversion are alot more expensive and harder to change. but if a guy is only loading one caliber there hard to beat. As to the safety of the 550 ill say this. Sure it is more likely you will get a double charge with a non indexing press but i think its more likely to happen to an experienced loader like me that cranks the crap out of a press then to a beginner who has to take his time and is more nervous. I have a small flashlight mounted on my press that shines down onto the bullet seating area so i can see in my cases. It not only reminds me to look but makes it easier to see. Without the light on i have a hard time mentaly remembering to look. Bottom line is if your sloppy enough of a loader to allow a double charge to sneak by its eventually going to bite you in the ass no matter what press your using. Ive even caught myself double loading on a square deal. When something goes wrong and you pull a case out for a reason and stick it back in its easy to forget where you were at. A lesson to learn that I could stand some teaching in myself is to slow down and smell the roses when your loading. Whether a guy gets 50 more rounds at the end of the night doesnt really mean much in the big picture.

[james25889]

imho i would get a 550 you can do alot with the 550 unless you just shoot an ungodly amount somone suggested a lee pro 1000 i would stay away from them the the two i had i had problems with the primer not feeding and not knowing it until it was a loaded round drove me crazy sold the two i had and bought a 550 couldnt be happier

[John R.]

I've had a 550B for years, one of the best investments I ever made.

[teddy12b]

The 550B is the way to go.  I can't see the big deal about auto indexing.  If manual indexing is too hard for you.... or not fast enough then I don't know what to tell yah.  I like the manual indexing just because I went from a single stage rock chucker to the 550B and it made the transition easier for me.  Manual indexing also allows you to catch any mistakes as they happen and not in the next stage.  I debated between the 550B and the Hornady L&L at the time I purchased mine and I couldn't be happier with my decision.  It's nice being able to pause the process.  I wouldn't part with my 550B unless I had to, and if I did have to sell it I could get most of my money back out of it on Ebay.

[victorcharlie]

Okay, now who's got the best price?

I've googled and not found alot of places selling online.

Maybe I'm searching wrong.

[cwlongshot]

Okay, now who's got the best price?

I've goggled and not found allot of places selling on-line.

Maybe I'm searching wrong.

 Unless they have changed Dillion sells Dillion. Others may carry it from time to time, but they generally they do not sell thru any middle man, you deal directly with them. it keeps costs to you lower and profits to them higher!

 CW

[myronman3]

if there is a scheels all sports near you, they carry dillon.  otherwise just order it straight from dillon. 

[Steve P]

I have (2) 550s and a SDB.  I purchased one of the 550s new.  Then I found out about Craigslist and EBay.  You can find lots of used reloading equipment for good prices if you shop.

Another vote for 550.

Steve