Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Site Notices
Posted: 9/11/2020 8:21:40 PM EDT
I primarily reload .223 and will reload 9mm.

I am selling an upper and Optic to fund it so budget is tight.

Is the 750 worth the extra money?

UPDATE:

It was a challenging decision whether to pull the trigger and I appreciate all of the feedback.

We are in the middle of a special needs baby adoption (the kids awesome and beating all the odds by 10 fold so far) - so while alot of you more than likely were like WTH dude? man up! - it was a big and one time decision. Covid has added 5 months of added expense so far. Last 3 months work hours have been cut (back to normal for now) and I promised momma I'd put some of the money from selling an upper and optic in the bank to help. We are ok but this has added around 6k we hadn't planned for and we things unkown, Momma needed peace of mind.

So little dude is doing so well,  they're calling him a miracle baby. He will have some issues but it looks like there is an excellent chance he can pass this down to his kids.

So, with your alls help, I bought what I could and down the road will hopefully add the case feeder and another powder measure.

XL 750 in .223
2nd toolhead
Powder measure adapter
9mm conversion kit

Here is little dude (feeding him as I write this), Zion

Wanna feel young again? Have your daughter turn 18 and 2 months later pick up a 10 day old! I'm 45 Momma turns 44 tomorrow, feel like we're 20!

" />
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 8:24:26 PM EDT
[#1]
Buy once cry once.

It’s worth it for the extra station, let alone indexing.
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 8:29:47 PM EDT
[#2]
It's worth it for the brass prep.

Did you source components?  They are a bit tough to find right now.
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 8:41:52 PM EDT
[#3]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
It's worth it for the brass prep.

Did you source components?  They are a bit tough to find right now.
View Quote


I had srp, scored another 7k srp, 5k spp

Have plenty of .223 bullets... going to place a backorder for rmr 124gr 9mm

Have plenty of brass

Use a rockchucker know.

Struggling to sell the upper and get a dillon, its alot of cash or stick with the rockchucker
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 8:45:25 PM EDT
[#4]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I had srp, scored another 7k srp, 5k spp

Have plenty of .223 bullets... going to place a backorder for rmr 124gr 9mm

Have plenty of brass

Use a rockchucker know.

Struggling to sell the upper and get a dillon, its alot of cash or stick with the rockchucker
View Quote

Quit struggling it’s more than worth it!!  
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 8:49:49 PM EDT
[#5]
IMO, the 750 is only worth it if you get the casefeeder too.

Link Posted: 9/11/2020 8:54:45 PM EDT
[#6]
I recently had this same decision and bought a 750. I just loaded 500 rounds of 9mm and completely agree you also need the case feeder.

If your budget is tight, really just stick with the RC.

Link Posted: 9/11/2020 9:39:41 PM EDT
[#7]
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 9:39:46 PM EDT
[#8]
I had the same decision about 15 years ago. I don't understand why the 550 manually indexed. To me that was a liability and the chance for double changer or squib was higher. At that time I regularly shot 250 rounds a week. I also had two kid under the age of 5 so time was at a premium. I chose the 650 with a case feeder. It is a pleasure to run.
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 9:51:51 PM EDT
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
IMO, the 750 is only worth it if you get the casefeeder too.

View Quote


Case feeder is the most important feature of a Dillon press.
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 9:54:41 PM EDT
[#10]
I went with the 750 like others said the extra station makes it worth it.  If you are going to be reloading rifle I believe you can add the dillon brass trimmer to the extra hole.  That way other than dealing with crimped primers you won't have to remove the brass to trim adding more time.  You gain the extra cost back in the time you save.

ETA: did a little research that I should have already done.  The case trimmer is done separately from the reloading.  That being said.  With the 750 you can add a bullet feeder and powder check as your budget permits and turn it into a as fast as you can crank the handle and feed it more primers, cases,and bullets.  At least thats my plan.
Link Posted: 9/11/2020 11:54:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 12:10:19 AM EDT
[#12]
Two completely different presses.

1050 because who has the time?
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 10:40:05 AM EDT
[#13]
As the owner of a 550B for 4 years, then an XL 650 w/casefeeder for 14 years, and now an XL 750 w/casefeeder, I can state that the XL 750 w/casefeeder is a joy to use to load.  Especially necked rifle calibers where you have to run a case prep cycle to process your brass and then a 2nd reloading cycle to load it.  In fact, the reason I got my 650 w/casefeeder was that I got tired of processing .223/5.56 calibers on the 550B where I had to hand insert every single case every time.

The auto indexing feature on the 750 is nice but not a driver in getting one.  The real drivers of the 750 are 1st, the casefeeder and 2nd, the 5th station. In fact, buying a 750 without a casefeeder is sort of pointless. Yes, you can use it by dropping in the brass in the feed tube that comes as part of the basic 750 kit but it's the casefeeder that gives you the smoothness and speed for higher volume runs.

That said, the 550C is an excellent press and if money is an issue and your volume isn't high per month, then the 550 will suit you very well. I used my 550B for 4 years and 70,000rds and it's a very good press. Yes, you can add a casefeeder to your 550C, however, it's mechanism was added to the design years later, not included in it from the start as the 650 and 750 were, so the 550 casefeed mechanism can only handle the pistol calibers and as such it can not be used with .223/5.56.

That means that you have to accept that you are using the machine without a casefeeder on all rifle calibers you may decide to handload later.  So, before you buy one, you need to consider that you may later decide you want a casefeeder for rifle calibers.  It you do, you'll have to sell your press and most of your accessories and purchase a 750 and it's accessories.

That's what happened to me. The separate brass prep cycle for necked calibers added a lot to the hand setting the brass process it got old really fast for me.  I decided that the rate I was reloading lended itself to a press with a casefeeder so I stepped up to the 650. In addition, there's the fact that I started with 2 pistol calibers but now load 7 pistol and 9 rifle calibers and that's plenty enough to convince me to move up to a press with a casefeeder capable of handling my rifle calibers.

However, the initial cost difference of 550C at $510 vs the XL 750 w/casefeeder at $650 + $300 for a single caliber may be daunting so there is that consideration. The extra $440 initially seems like a lot but once spent, it's over and FWIW, caliber conversions, strongmounts, roller handle, etc., between the two machines are the same price.

In the end, it's your money and your decision.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 11:01:45 AM EDT
[#14]
Between those two the 750 hands down.  If you're on a budget and looking to save some money the Hornady Lock n Load is an option that's gets you indexing, a fifth station, and is cheaper than the 750.  I have two and have never found myself wanting a 650 or 750.  Now the 1050 or 1100 is a different story
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 11:13:22 AM EDT
[#15]
I have a 550B and a 650.  Honestly like them both equally.

The 650 is great for volume production but more of a pain to do a caliber conversion.  Even though I have conversion kits for 223 and 45ACP for it, it's pretty much a dedicated 9mm machine.

For the 550B I have conversions for 380, 9mm, 38/357, 40/10mm, 44 mag, 45 LC, 45 ACP, 223, 308, 30 carbine, and 762x39
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 11:32:58 AM EDT
[#16]
How many rounds of each are you loading in a month? Staying with small primers will make it much easier to swap.

I went from a RC to a 550 and it’s fast enough for me to rip out 200-300 rds in under an hour even when learning the machine. Should have gotten it long ago.

If you’re loading more than 500 rds per session or even per week go with the 750. That was my decision point with family and working on this land don’t have time for much more than that.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 12:09:28 PM EDT
[#17]
Will not be able to afford the case feeder. 500 rounds a week would be alot right now.

I will look at the Hornady but have heard nightmares.

I use the lnl bushings in my rock chucker.

So it's 750 no case feeder

550c

Hornady to consider.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 12:27:49 PM EDT
[#18]
No matter what you may be lead to believe..
I would keep the 223 sizing on your RC Supreme thus keeping either of the progressives you are looking into cleaner
When you take clean prepped brass to say a 550 and using a good ball powder ie TAC you can put out 400 rds an hour easy!

Here is a thought.  
Get the 550C as you can churn out 400 rounds an hour of 9MM easily and without a case feeder a XL750 is not much faster as you have to manually load the case feed tube.
Dillon stuff retains it's value pretty good most people can get 80 cents on the dollar selling it used.  Some people have had presses for a long time and actually sell a used press
for more than the paid new for it.  
750 Conversions get to be expensive quick and the 550 is much more easy to mix and match conversion parts to come up with a new caliber.  If you have the 223 conversion and the 9MM 550 conversion
you can load 380's with the parts at hand.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 2:06:36 PM EDT
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Will not be able to afford the case feeder. 500 rounds a week would be alot right now.

I will look at the Hornady but have heard nightmares.

I use the lnl bushings in my rock chucker.

So it's 750 no case feeder

550c

Hornady to consider.
View Quote


I have the Hornady AP, 650 and a 550c. My 550 doesn't get touched at all. The AP is a great press, there are some things I like on it more than the 650, powder measure, spring retention but it hasn't given me any major issues. It's a good press for the price.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 4:38:41 PM EDT
[#20]
With a tight budget and not needing to load thousands a week.  550.  

550 now loads 300blk, .40, .9mm, and will start loading reg 308 on it.  T7 will be precision 300WM and 308 now.

I like the interaction loading and don't look at it like it's a job.

I have a 1050 w/autodrive, manually load .45 with it, (GSI toolhead is too finicky for autodrive), and it just gets the job done quick, sorta boring just pulling lever.
Starting to load 223 now with it, gonna see how autodrive does.


Link Posted: 9/12/2020 5:51:38 PM EDT
[#21]
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 7:11:28 PM EDT
[#22]
To the OP, how much do you shoot every month? I know guys that shoot 400-500 rds 9mm and 223 a month and load on a 550. They don’t even have the case feeder on their 550’s. Other place a 550 shines is the conversion kits are pretty reasonable to add other calibers.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 7:25:58 PM EDT
[#23]
I own the 550 and the XL650, I would say if you can afford it get the 750. It is a wonderful machine....
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 7:46:25 PM EDT
[#24]
did they discontinue the 650?
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 8:07:12 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
did they discontinue the 650?
View Quote

yes but they'll continue to make parts for it
https://www.dillonprecision.com/is-my-new-xl650-now-a-limited-edition_350_11_4199.htm
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 8:15:58 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
did they discontinue the 650?
View Quote

They replaced it with the 750.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 10:09:15 PM EDT
[#27]
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 10:40:29 PM EDT
[#28]
Get the 550 and have your rifle brass prepped. You can have a lot of brass prepped for the cost of the stuff to do it yourself with any semblance of efficiency.
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 10:46:39 PM EDT
[#29]
I plan on prepping my rifle brass in my rockchucker.

Learning toward 550c or selling a kidney
Link Posted: 9/12/2020 10:48:27 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I plan on prepping my rifle brass in my rockchucker.

Learning toward 550c or selling a kidney
View Quote

Why not buy the 750 and a case feeder down the road?

Link Posted: 9/13/2020 1:10:03 AM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:

Why not buy the 750 and a case feeder down the road?

View Quote




Depends what I get selling tge upper, mount and optic
Link Posted: 9/13/2020 3:56:13 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Why not buy the 750 and a case feeder down the road?

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I plan on prepping my rifle brass in my rockchucker.

Learning toward 550c or selling a kidney

Why not buy the 750 and a case feeder down the road?



This. When I first got my 650, I went without a case feeder for a while... it's plenty doable. In fact, on the prep side of things, it's possible to go just about as fast without a case feeder--it's just more work keeping the tube fed with your off-hand. Loading is certainly more pleasant with a case feeder because you can focus entirely on the process and not have to worry about refilling the tube, but it's not the end of the world.

Even without a case feeder the 650/750 is still a more efficient machine than the 550 and you have lots of options for upgrading down the road.
Link Posted: 9/13/2020 5:42:36 PM EDT
[#33]
Maybe look around a while for a reasonably priced and used 650 from folks who are looking to upgrade to a 750.
Link Posted: 9/13/2020 6:05:11 PM EDT
[#34]
Link Posted: 9/15/2020 12:49:29 PM EDT
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
To the OP, how much do you shoot every month? I know guys that shoot 400-500 rds 9mm and 223 a month and load on a 550. They don’t even have the case feeder on their 550’s. Other place a 550 shines is the conversion kits are pretty reasonable to add other calibers.
View Quote

With all due respect to your friends, reloading bulk 9mm and 223 is a game where cutting the time cost produces huge returns, and skimping on equipment that's gonna last for years and years is not a great idea.

The case feeder makes a massive difference in how fast you can run your press. It is worthy EVERY PENNY of the three hundred bucks Dillon wants for it over the long run. In fact, if you're handy, you can rig up a smaller 3D printed case feeder for like a hundred bucks of parts (maybe less?) and whatever time it takes you to wire it, and it'll still vastly improve your output.
Link Posted: 9/15/2020 12:59:34 PM EDT
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

With all due respect to your friends, reloading bulk 9mm and 223 is a game where cutting the time cost produces huge returns, and skimping on equipment that's gonna last for years and years is not a great idea.

The case feeder makes a massive difference in how fast you can run your press. It is worthy EVERY PENNY of the three hundred bucks Dillon wants for it over the long run. In fact, if you're handy, you can rig up a smaller 3D printed case feeder for like a hundred bucks of parts (maybe less?) and whatever time it takes you to wire it, and it'll still vastly improve your output.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
To the OP, how much do you shoot every month? I know guys that shoot 400-500 rds 9mm and 223 a month and load on a 550. They don’t even have the case feeder on their 550’s. Other place a 550 shines is the conversion kits are pretty reasonable to add other calibers.

With all due respect to your friends, reloading bulk 9mm and 223 is a game where cutting the time cost produces huge returns, and skimping on equipment that's gonna last for years and years is not a great idea.

The case feeder makes a massive difference in how fast you can run your press. It is worthy EVERY PENNY of the three hundred bucks Dillon wants for it over the long run. In fact, if you're handy, you can rig up a smaller 3D printed case feeder for like a hundred bucks of parts (maybe less?) and whatever time it takes you to wire it, and it'll still vastly improve your output.


I load all my bulk ammo on a 650 with not only a case feeder, but also a Mr. Bulletfeeder for 9 mm. I have loaded 1,000 rds. of 9 since last Thursday and just got another 1,000 bullets yesterday. I keep a stock of 10,000 rds of 9mm at all times plus my stock of 40 and 223.

I still keep a 550 for 45ACP and other ammo I don’t shoot a lot. I toy with selling it but why? I traded some work on a guy’s car for the 550 and a bunch of other Dillon items over 20 years ago.
Link Posted: 9/15/2020 1:11:53 PM EDT
[#37]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I load all my bulk ammo on a 650 with not only a case feeder, but also a Mr. Bulletfeeder for 9 mm. I have loaded 1,000 rds. of 9 since last Thursday and just got another 1,000 bullets yesterday. I keep a stock of 10,000 rds of 9mm at all times plus my stock of 40 and 223.
View Quote

I'm with you. You can do a realistic sustained 500-600 an hour with the CF, BF, and a primer tube filler. It's a complete game changer. I am still tweaking my bullet feeder slightly to totally minimize base up bullets, but it's looking pretty good right now.

I cannot really think of a circumstance where I would recommend a 550 over a 750 if you're doing bulk loading.
Link Posted: 9/15/2020 1:14:23 PM EDT
[#38]
650 owner here for approx 16yr..  I still do not have case feeder..  

I use tubes to feed mine,, you can buy 10ft piece of tube from Menards for $2.99,, cut to clear ceiling. and have somebody machine end to fit adapter

Mine hold 67-70 pieces of 9mm, add 5 piece preloaded to press,, I have 7 tubes that I can pre-load and swap when last case pass the view port

Attachment Attached File


Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 9/15/2020 2:43:51 PM EDT
[#39]
I bought a 750 XL, but I’ve no experience with a 550. I’m going from a RockChucker Supreme to a Dillon.
Link Posted: 9/15/2020 6:23:55 PM EDT
[#40]
I'm halfway there.

Someone buy one of my uppers so I can order a Dillon!

Link Posted: 9/15/2020 9:15:16 PM EDT
[#41]
I purchased a dillon 750 back in Feb. I haven't set it up yet though.

That said, I use my current lee set up.

Right now, unless you have components to include powder, primers, projectiles and brass it isn't worth it for 9mm.

Get your press, read up on reloading basics, I recommend ABC's of reloading and purchase a reloading manual.

As prices for components start to come down, stock pile the shit out them.

Not to gloat,  but over the last 12 years I've accumulated enough components to reload. 45acp,  .357, .223 and 9mm for a lifetime.
Link Posted: 9/16/2020 12:29:32 AM EDT
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I purchased a dillon 750 back in Feb. I haven't set it up yet though.

That said, I use my current lee set up.

Right now, unless you have components to include powder, primers, projectiles and brass it isn't worth it for 9mm.

Get your press, read up on reloading basics, I recommend ABC's of reloading and purchase a reloading manual.

As prices for components start to come down, stock pile the shit out them.

Not to gloat,  but over the last 12 years I've accumulated enough components to reload. 45acp,  .357, .223 and 9mm for a lifetime.
View Quote


I have had a rockchucker for 2 years.

I have components...just need a faster yet accurate press.
Link Posted: 9/17/2020 2:50:12 AM EDT
[#43]
You have a new kid (congratulations!!!) and expenses, and a wife. Wives don't like hearing things like " I bought this 550 and now realize I should have bought a 750".

I used a 650 for several years without a casefeeder- the auto index and 5th die station are an immediate advantage over a 550.

The casefeed system for the 550 is an afterthought. If you buy a 550 then add the case feeder, you will end up within about $50 of what the 750 setup would have run, and the 550 case feeder does not work with 223 unless modified.

For the 750 You can make tubes to preload brass into like SBR indicated. Loading 10 or 20 pieces of brass then operating the press is still better than feeding them in one at-a-time.

On a 550- right hand inserts brass, pulls handle. Left hand inserts bullet and indexes shellplate. On a 650/750 you preload brass, then right hand pulls handle, left hand inserts bullets (Unless you add bullet feet die...).

Which of those sequences is simpler?

The auto index on a 750 helps prevent double charges, and the 5th die station allows you to run a 4 die pistol set and also a powder check die. Try that on a 550.

I am using Hornady pistol dies with their pistol bullet feed dies on Dillon 1050's. I have a piece of PEX tubing on the bullet feed dies to feed bullets and it works nicely. I load 25 bullets, pull the handle 25 times. Repeat until 100 are loaded, then top off primers and bullets. Once set up 25 rounds takes 1 minute...
Link Posted: 9/17/2020 6:08:09 AM EDT
[#44]
Congratulations on the baby and the press.  Just set mine up Tuesday night, and got it going.  Don't have the case feeder yet myself but once you get her dialed in, its wonderful.  Here's the video that helped me out big time seting it up.
Dillon Precision XL750: Unboxing & Step by Step Setup
It goes into better detail about some things, along with a couple little things I didn't find in the booklet.  Its a Dillon video so it can't be to bad of advice.
Link Posted: 9/17/2020 12:23:17 PM EDT
[#45]
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top